Cartoons to Castles: The History Behind the Mouse and Magic

Latest Episodes:

25. Walt Disney World Grand Opening - October 1971 Sep 29, 2021

Travel back in time to 1971 for the opening of Walt Disney World! The Most Magical Place on Earth is celebrating its 50th anniversary this month, so Jessica and Melanie thought it was the perfect time to dive into the park's early days. If you love classic Walt Disney World, this episode is a must-listen!
Be sure to SUBSCRIBE to stay up to date. And if you enjoy the podcast, we'd love it if you'd RATE or REVIEW. Thanks for listening!
For bonus content, visit us at https://www.instagram.com/cartoonstocastles/ and https://twitter.com/CartoonsCastles.
Starting at just $3 a month, you can join our Patreon and get access to monthly bonus episodes, our private Facebook group, e-newsletter, and more. Check it out at https://www.patreon.com/cartoonstocastles.
Podcast logo designed by Ashley Taylor - https://loveashleydesigns.tumblr.com/.

SOURCES:
https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2011/09/vintage-walt-disney-world-a-dedication-with-style-at-magic-kingdom-park/#:~:text=The%20dedication%20plaque%20was%20read,and%20play%20and%20learn%20together.%E2%80%9D
https://www.forbes.com/sites/megandubois/2021/09/23/looking-back-at-50-years-of-walt-disney-world-history-and-business-strategy/?sh=5a816d83ff20
https://knowledgestew.com/how-walt-disney-secretly-bought-the-land-for-walt-disney-world/
https://mickeyblog.com/2020/12/04/walt-disney-world-in-1971-facts-and-figures/
https://themouselets.com/opening-day-attractions-at-walt-disney-world
https://www.mouseplanet.com/9562/The_Forgotten_Brother_Who_Built_a_Magic_Kingdom
https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=SsEzAAAAIBAJ&sjid=izIHAAAAIBAJ&pg=7198%2C139625
https://www.nytimes.com/1971/10/02/archives/disney-world-opens-without-expected-crush-disney-world-opens.html
http://www.thisdayindisneyhistory.com/disneyworldgrandopening.html
https://touringplans.com/magic-kingdom/attractions/opening-dates
"What Would Walt Do?" The Imagineering Story. Disney+, 15 Nov. 2019.
https://www.wdwmagic.com/walt-disney-world-history.htm
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EPCOT_(concept)
https://youtu.be/-R_ugeGwa00
https://youtu.be/ojH7KdICUf0
https://youtu.be/sLCHg9mUBag

24. The 1st Anniversary Clip Show! Sep 15, 2021

Take a stroll down memory lane with some of the funniest moments from the first year of the podcast! Jessica and Melanie unbox VHS tapes of Disneytoon movies, discuss "The Little Mermaid" fish nuggets, laugh at IMDB reviews of Disney Channel Original Movies, discuss "The Three Caballeros" with Jessica's daughter, break down Walt Disney World's 25th anniversary special, and more. We hope you enjoy this shenanigans-filled episode!
Summer is coming to a close, so brand new episodes of "Cartoons to Castles" are on the way starting this month! Be sure to SUBSCRIBE to stay up to date. And if you enjoy the podcast, we'd love it if you'd RATE or REVIEW. Thanks for listening!
Our new TeePublic shop is OPEN! Check it out here: https://www.teepublic.com/user/cartoons-to-castles.
For bonus content, visit us at https://www.instagram.com/cartoonstocastles/ and https://twitter.com/CartoonsCastles.
Starting at just $3 a month, you can join our Patreon and get access to monthly bonus episodes, our private Facebook group, e-newsletter, and more. Check out the benefits and tiers at https://www.patreon.com/cartoonstocastles.
Podcast logo designed by Ashley Taylor - https://loveashleydesigns.tumblr.com/. Theme music: “Taste of the French Quarter” by Rob Khurana via Storyblocks.com

23. 1st Anniversary Special with Tiff Mink, Sarah Sterling, Erika Kurzawa, and Tiffany Lanae Sutton! Jul 16, 2021

It's the one-year anniversary of "Cartoons to Castles" and we're having a party! Special guests Tiff Mink, Sarah Sterling, Erika Kurzawa, and Tiffany Lanae Sutton join the fun for this 2-hour extravaganza!
In the first hour of the episode, Tiff and Sarah dish with Jessica and Melanie about rare characters found in Disney Parks all over the world. Tune in to hear about the wacky and wonderfully weird characters that have been featured at the parks throughout their history, as well as the ladies' ultimate dream meet-and-greets.
During hour two, Melanie and Erika talk about the spooktacular history of Halloween Time decor and events at Disneyland, plus share some fun facts about the Haunted Mansion Holiday ride overlay. Then Jessica and Tiffany celebrate Christmas in July by chatting about the history of Disneyland's holiday celebrations, from the first parades in the 1950s up to the recent Festival of Holidays.
NOTE FROM THE CO-HOSTS: Wow, did we encounter a lot of technical issues this time around! We apologize for the occasional dip in sound quality in portions of the episode. We were also planning to include a video of our recording session to post on YouTube, but we've run into more issues with this than we can count, so TBD on if/when the video will be available. If we can make it work, it will be posted on our new YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOrYg894HuNuy2A0BOsL-VQ.
We'll post updates about the video status on our social channels at https://www.instagram.com/cartoonstocastles/ and https://twitter.com/CartoonsCastles!
Be sure to SUBSCRIBE to stay up to date. And if you enjoy the podcast, we'd love it if you'd RATE or REVIEW. Thanks for listening!
Our TeePublic shop is OPEN! Check out our brand new "Shenanigans" shirt here: https://www.teepublic.com/user/cartoons-to-castles.
Starting at just $3 a month, you can join our Patreon and get access to monthly bonus episodes, our private Facebook group, e-newsletter, and more. Check out the benefits and tiers at https://www.patreon.com/cartoonstocastles.
Podcast logo designed by Ashley Taylor - https://loveashleydesigns.tumblr.com/.
Theme music is “Taste of the French Quarter” by Rob Khurana via Storyblocks.com.
Select SOURCES for this episode:
http://www.charactercentral.net/
https://www.history.com/topics/halloween/history-of-halloween
https://mickeyblog.com/2019/10/26/a-history-of-halloween-at-the-disney-theme-parks/
https://www.mouseplanet.com/12784/History_of_Disneyland_Halloween
https://tdrplans.com/tdl/characters
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XFa_n3k3N2Y
https://youtu.be/IXem0PBMTb0
https://youtu.be/Flt-fyTi2yc
https://youtu.be/6QRVMTEhIL4
https://youtu.be/TMVdO46906I
https://youtu.be/omkX2BVjpKo

22. Lilo & Stitch Jun 23, 2021

Go on a Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride as we explore the history of the 2002 Disney animated film "Lilo and Stitch." Melanie shares stories and insights about the making of this unique movie, which started out as a children's book pitch and became one of Walt Disney Animation's biggest surprise hits. Jessica talks about the film's three (!) premieres, gives a dramatic reading of Roger Ebert's review, and reveals the places you can find Stitch in Disney's theme parks worldwide. There's so much to discuss when it comes to one of our all-time favorite Disney movies, and we invite you to join our podcast Ohana and check out this episode, just in time for 626 Day!
Be sure to SUBSCRIBE to stay up to date. And if you enjoy the podcast, we'd love it if you'd RATE or REVIEW. Thanks for listening!
For bonus content, visit us at https://www.instagram.com/cartoonstocastles/ and https://twitter.com/CartoonsCastles.
Starting at just $3 a month, you can join our Patreon and get access to monthly bonus episodes, our private Facebook group, e-newsletter, and more. Check out the benefits and tiers at https://www.patreon.com/cartoonstocastles.
Podcast logo designed by Ashley Taylor - https://loveashleydesigns.tumblr.com/
Theme music: “Taste of the French Quarter” by Rob Khurana via Storyblocks.com
SOURCES for the episode:
https://www.boxofficemojo.com/release/rl3898508801/
https://thedisinsider.com/2021/05/29/upcoming-disney-live-action-remakes-adaptations/
https://www.ign.com/articles/2002/06/19/a-look-inside-the-creation-of-lilo-and-stitch
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0275847/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0
https://www.mynews13.com/fl/orlando/attractions/2018/10/10/leaked-images-reportedly-show-dismantled-animatronics-from-stitch-s-great-escape-
https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/lilo-and-stitch-2002
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lilo_%26_Stitch
“The Enchanted Tiki Room: Stitch Presents Aloha E Komo Mai at Tokyo Disneyland”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TIxe_85hNSg
“How 9/11 changed Disney’s Lilo & Stitch”
https://youtu.be/F2uJvwiSZAQ
“Lilo & Stitch Intro/Theme [HQ]”
https://youtu.be/WREobnmYO4M
“The Story Room: The Making of Lilo and Stitch (Full Documentary)”
https://youtu.be/4YKrFytA4Zg
”Yesterworld: The Tragic Fate of Stitch’s Great Escape - Disney’s Most Divisive Attraction"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q6wB6r9LBwo

21. Matterhorn Bobsleds Jun 07, 2021

Disneyland’s Matterhorn Bobsleds attraction turns 62 years old this month, and co-hosts Jessica and Melanie set out to uncover the history of this one-of-a-kind, iconic roller coaster. From its early beginnings as a wild idea inspired by Walt Disney’s trip to Switzerland, to the current updates required to keep this groundbreaking feat of Imagineering running, the story of the Matterhorn is as full of twists and turns as the ride itself. Don’t miss this episode if you love classic Disneyland attractions!
Be sure to SUBSCRIBE to stay up to date. And if you enjoy the podcast, we'd love it if you'd RATE or REVIEW. Thanks for listening!
For bonus content, visit us at https://www.instagram.com/cartoonstocastles/ and https://twitter.com/CartoonsCastles.
Starting at just $3 a month, you can join our Patreon and get access to monthly bonus episodes, our private Facebook group, e-newsletter, and more. Check out the benefits and tiers at https://www.patreon.com/cartoonstocastles.
Podcast logo designed by Ashley Taylor - https://loveashleydesigns.tumblr.com/. Theme music: “Taste of the French Quarter” by Rob Khurana via Storyblocks.com
SOURCES for this episode:
https://davelandblog.blogspot.com/2012/11/whatever-happened-to-xmas-star.html
https://thedisinsider.com/2021/04/22/exclusive-disney-developing-matterhorn-bobsleds-based-feature-film-for-disney/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=exclusive-disney-developing-matterhorn-bobsleds-based-feature-film-for-disney
https://disney.fandom.com/wiki/Matterhorn_Bobsleds
"The Happiest Place on Earth." The Imagineering Story, season 1, episode 1, 12 Nov 2019, Disney Plus.
No Doubt. "Tragic Kingdom." Tragic Kingdom, Trauma Records, Interscope Records, 1995. Apple Music, https://music.apple.com/us/album/tragic-kingdom/1440845400?i=1440845596
https://www.sfgate.com/disneyland/article/Disneyland-repair-crumbling-Matterhorn-16194831.php
Snow, Richard. Disney's Land: Walt Disney and the Invention of the Amusement Park That Changed the World. Scribner, 2019.
https://www.waltdisney.org/blog/new-heights-matterhorn-anaheim-alps
https://www.yesterland.com/oldmatterhorn.html
"Goofy Scream - The Art of Skiing"
https://youtu.be/bJGFfd6P-pk
"Kodak Presents Disneyland '59 - DisneyAvenue.com"
https://youtu.be/Xu7xDIA0zeU
"Matterhorn Bobsleds - Safety Spiel"
https://youtu.be/yGZ9JrbFY7k

"The Theme Park History of the Matterhorn Bobsleds (Disneyland)"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q-lScMcgwwg
“Toy Story 2 - Tour guide Barbie”
https://youtu.be/kX4ABefuIQ

20. Disney-MGM Studios with Tiffany Lanae Sutton May 26, 2021

What do the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Bette Midler, defunct tram tours, Michael Eisner, "Ernest Saves Christmas," Robin Williams, motorcades, and Dorothy's ruby slippers all have in common? Walt Disney World's Disney-MGM Studios! Special guest Tiffany Lanae Sutton, a Disney-MGM superfan, takes co-hosts Jessica and Melanie on a trip down memory lane to visit her favorite Disney park during its heyday when it was both a working film and animation studio AND a theme park. Known today as Disney's Hollywood Studios, it's now home to several new lands and attractions, including Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway, Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, and Toy Story Land. But will Tiffany ever return to the park that broke her heart? Listen to find out, and stay for the 90s shenanigans!
Be sure to SUBSCRIBE to stay up to date. And if you enjoy the podcast, we'd love it if you'd RATE or REVIEW. Thanks for listening!
For bonus content, visit us at https://www.instagram.com/cartoonstocastles/ and https://twitter.com/CartoonsCastles.
Starting at just $3 a month, you can join our Patreon and get access to monthly bonus episodes, our private Facebook group, e-newsletter, and more. Check out the benefits and tiers at https://www.patreon.com/cartoonstocastles.
Follow Tiffany at https://www.instagram.com/followtheyellowbrickgirl/.
Podcast logo designed by Ashley Taylor - https://loveashleydesigns.tumblr.com/
Theme music: “Taste of the French Quarter” by Rob Khurana via Storyblocks.com

SOURCES for the episode:
https://allears.net/2020/04/05/the-history-of-disneys-most-changed-park-hollywood-studios/
https://disney.fandom.com/wiki/Disney%27s_Hollywood_Studios#Former_Attractions_and_Entertainment
https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/disney-mgm-studios-becomes-disneys-hollywood-studios
https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/style/1989/05/14/whose-idea-was-it-anyway/57f52ce1-de8e-418c-9df1-2550983ca887/?utm_term=.04d435e8acb5&noredirect=on
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qaOha3o5l3c&list=PLo04SYdextI36ohI8eL_p2r0v3Ixlit1T&index=8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sL8tP5TYeuQ
https://youtu.be/pR6FUGuosQI
https://youtu.be/0TXOUAeWUrY
https://youtu.be/4WZ9jEi4c_w
https://youtu.be/8S9x9JT34-4

https://youtu.be/xyvtBJCwaJc
https://youtu.be/rRSuDjC8i9s
https://youtu.be/MdKHrnY7Cyk
https://youtu.be/5SAKnPpREU0

https://youtu.be/ji5jqwsnkGY

19. Disney Cruise Line May 12, 2021

Set sail on a voyage into the history of Disney Cruise Line, which is celebrating its 26th anniversary this month! To mark the occasion, co-hosts Jessica and Melanie discuss the origins of DCL, compare the four current ships, and share their thoughts on the recent Disney Cruise Line announcements for 2022 and beyond. If you love Disney cruises, or have ever daydreamed about going on one, this is the episode for you!
Be sure to SUBSCRIBE to stay up to date. And if you enjoy the podcast, we'd love it if you'd RATE or REVIEW. Thanks for listening!
For bonus content, visit us at https://www.instagram.com/cartoonstocastles/ and https://twitter.com/CartoonsCastles.
Starting at just $3 a month, you can join our Patreon and get access to monthly bonus episodes, our private Facebook group, e-newsletter, and more. Check out the benefits and tiers at https://www.patreon.com/cartoonstocastles.
Podcast logo designed by Ashley Taylor - https://loveashleydesigns.tumblr.com/
Theme music: “Taste of the French Quarter” by Rob Khurana via Storyblocks.com
Select sources for this episode:
https://disneycruise.disney.go.com/ships/
https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2011/01/godmother-jennifer-hudson-christens-new-cruise-ship-with-disney-dreams-in-spectacular-ceremony/
https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2017/07/disney-planning-not-two-but-three-new-ships/
https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2019/08/disney-cruise-line-new-island-destination-will-celebrate-the-culture-of-the-bahamas/
"Hit or Miss." The Imagineering Story, created by Leslie Iwerks, season 1, episode 4, Iwerks & Co., 2019.
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/disney-fantasy-christening_n_1314323
https://lighthousepointbahamas.com/
https://traveltips.usatoday.com/disney-cruises-started-17319.html
https://web.archive.org/web/20140129072351/http://www.nytimes.com/1997/01/16/garden/now-it-s-heigh-ho-off-to-sea-we-go.html?pagewanted=2&src=pm

https://web.archive.org/web/20140124131918/http://www.nytimes.com/1998/10/04/travel/fall-and-winter-cruises-a-family-size-mouseboat.html
https://web.archive.org/web/20070928112020/http://www.dclnews.com/PressReleaseDetail.aspx?PressReleaseID=106126

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZpXJJQe1HQo
https://youtu.be/JJ0CEN-hoj0
https://youtu.be/aQDGG51Qq3I

18. Kathryn Beaumont Apr 21, 2021

Disney Legend Kathryn Beaumont had the honor of voicing not one, but TWO iconic characters in Walt Disney Animation classics: the title role in "Alice in Wonderland" and Wendy Darling in "Peter Pan." Jessica and Melanie explore Kathryn's legacy and her childhood experiences working with Walt Disney himself, as well as behind-the-scenes stories from her time playing the live action versions of Alice and Wendy on television and in the reference films made for the animators. Jessica also talks about the day she got to interview Kathryn Beaumont in person! Enhanced with audio clips of Kathryn's work, this episode will be a trip down memory lane for listeners who grew up loving these classic Disney animated films.
Be sure to SUBSCRIBE to stay up to date. And if you enjoy the podcast, we'd love it if you'd RATE or REVIEW. Thanks for listening!
For bonus content, visit us at https://www.instagram.com/cartoonstocastles/ and https://twitter.com/CartoonsCastles.
Starting at just $3 a month, you can join our Patreon and get access to monthly bonus episodes, our private Facebook group, e-newsletter, and more. Check out the benefits and tiers at https://www.patreon.com/cartoonstocastles.
Podcast logo designed by Ashley Taylor - https://loveashleydesigns.tumblr.com/
Theme music: “Taste of the French Quarter” by Rob Khurana via Storyblocks.com
SOURCES for this episode:

https://animatedviews.com/2007/beaumont-and-kerry-leading-ladies/
https://d23.com/walt-disney-legend/kathryn-beaumont/
http://www.filmreference.com/film/48/Kathryn-Beaumont.html
http://thehealthymouse.com/walt-disneys-office/
Kothenschulte, Daniel. "The Walt Disney Film Archives: The Animated Movies 1921-1968." Taschen, 2020.
https://news.disney.com/kathryn-beaumont-interview
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Di9tYGToHR0&t=101s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X8iV6r9ujqQ
https://youtu.be/B2RSOWlHmsk
https://youtu.be/RMcVfqRCNNc
https://youtu.be/UHpJRSXbEU8
https://youtu.be/5O7CyopIPD0
https://youtu.be/hS_AdC3APac
https://youtu.be/_idexXEht4s
https://youtu.be/8JZmU5jwPIk

17. Disney Pin Trading with Sarah Sterling Mar 24, 2021

Pin pals Jessica and Melanie geek out about all things Disney Pin Trading with their special guest: vlogger and Disney superfan Sarah Sterling! Not only is Sarah a pin trading aficionado, but as a former Disneyland Resort Cast Member she had an insider look at pin trading at the parks. She shares her insights on trading etiquette, rare pins, how to spot fakes, where to find Disney pins outside of the theme parks, and more. Jess and Mel also discuss the origins of Disney Pin Trading and the expansion of the phenomenon across the globe over the program's 20-year history. Plus, why was pin trading banned at Tokyo Disney Resort? Listen to find out!
Be sure to SUBSCRIBE to stay up to date. And if you enjoy the podcast, we'd love it if you'd RATE or REVIEW. Thanks for listening!
For bonus content, visit us at https://www.instagram.com/cartoonstocastles/ and https://twitter.com/CartoonsCastles.
Starting at just $3 a month, you can join our Patreon and get access to monthly bonus episodes, our private Facebook group, e-newsletter, and more. Check out the benefits and tiers at https://www.patreon.com/cartoonstocastles.
Check out Sarah Sterling's Disney history vlog, "Down to Disness," here.
You can follow Sarah on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/sarahsterling/ and on Twitter at https://twitter.com/SarahSterling_.
Podcast logo designed by Ashley Taylor - https://loveashleydesigns.tumblr.com/
Theme music: “Taste of the French Quarter” by Rob Khurana via Storyblocks.com
SOURCES for this episode:
https://www.disboards.com/threads/pin-trading-to-end-in-tokyo-feb-28th.157742/
https://disney.fandom.com/wiki/Disney_Pin_Trading
https://disney.go.com/eventservices/whatispintrading.html
https://disneynerds.com/2019/06/29/places-to-trade-and-collect-pins/
https://disneynerds.com/2017/07/25/pin-trading-201-aloha-aulani-with-pins/
https://disneypinsblog.com/pin-trading-fun-day-2020-pin-releases-at-shanghai-disneyland/
https://www.disneytouristblog.com/pin-trading/comment-page-5/
https://medium.com/@chipanddalepins/disney-pin-trading-in-tokyo-4f962c1b19a
https://www.pintrader.club/articles/8-tips-for-pin-trading-at-disneyland-paris/#:~:text=You%20can%20trade%20pins%20with,offering%20is%20very%20obviously%20fake
http://onceuponacruise.net/7-pin-trading-tips-disney-cruise-line/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eKvPEeXlew8

16. Disneyland's Pirates of the Caribbean Mar 10, 2021

"Mark well me words, mateys: Dead...men...tell...no...tales!”
Hosts Jessica and Melanie set out on the high seas of Disney history by taking on one of the most beloved theme park attractions of all time: Pirates of the Caribbean! This episode focuses on the conception, construction, opening, and updates of Disneyland's Pirates of the Caribbean, with quotes and anecdotes from Walt Disney, Imagineers, and the opening day press. The hosts also give their personal takes on the changes the ride has gone through since it first opened on March 18, 1967, and explore some urban legends about the ride. Can't get enough of those swashbuckling buccaneers? Then this is the episode for you!
Be sure to SUBSCRIBE to stay up to date. And if you enjoy the podcast, we'd love it if you'd RATE or REVIEW. Thanks for listening!
For bonus content, visit us at https://www.instagram.com/cartoonstocastles/ and https://twitter.com/CartoonsCastles.
Starting at just $3 a month, you can join our Patreon and get access to monthly bonus episodes, our private Facebook group, e-newsletter, and more. Check out the benefits and tiers at https://www.patreon.com/cartoonstocastles.
Podcast logo designed by Ashley Taylor - https://loveashleydesigns.tumblr.com/
Theme music: “Taste of the French Quarter” by Rob Khurana via Storyblocks.com
Select SOURCES for this episode:
https://d23.com/walt-disney-legend/x-atencio/
https://www.disneyparkscripts.com/pirates-of-the-caribbean-disneyland/
https://justdisney.co/jean-lafitte-pirates-catacombs-and-a-legend/
https://www.mouseplanet.com/11700/Disneyland_1967_Part_One_Pirates_of_the_Caribbean
http://musicbehindthescreen.blogspot.com/2019/07/music-behind-ride-pirates-of-caribbean.html
https://www.ocregister.com/2017/07/14/5-behind-the-scenes-stories-youve-probably-never-heard-about-the-pirates-of-the-caribbean-ride-at-disneyland/
Surrell, Jason. Pirates of the Caribbean: From the Magic Kingdom to the Movies. Disney Editions, November 2005.
https://www.waltdisney.org/blog/early-days-audio-animatronics
https://www.waltdisney.org/blog/marty-sklar-x-atencio-and-bob-gurr-talk-pirates
https://www.waltdisney.org/blog/walts-last-adventure-50th-anniversary-pirates-caribbean
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/comic-riffs/wp/2017/09/12/x-atencio-the-disney-legend-behind-pirates-and-haunted-mansion-attractions-dies-at-98/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-pT36SYP5T4

15. The Lion King Musical with Carla Renata Feb 24, 2021

Be prepared (haha) for a great episode all about the first Los Angeles production of "The Lion King" from one of the cast members herself: Carla Renata! You may know Carla as Janet from the NBC sitcom "Superstore," or from her YouTube channel "The Curvy Critic aka Carla Renata," but from 2000 to 2003 she also had the unique experience of playing Shenzi in the long-running hit show "The Lion King" at the Hollywood Pantages Theatre. Jessica and Melanie have a heartfelt, frank, and funny discussion with Carla about auditioning for the production, rehearsing at the El Capitan Theatre, the star-studded opening night, and her favorite moments as part of the original L.A. cast. Jessica also discusses the impact that "The Lion King" had on Broadway and the show's journey to becoming an international sensation, while Melanie shares details about the extensive remodel of the historic Pantages that was done to accommodate the production and bring the theatre back to its former glory.
To listen to Carla's interview with Florence Kasumba, who played Shenzi in Disney's live action film "The Lion King," go to https://youtu.be/A-gIX67lMBw.
To find out more about Carla's work as The Curvy Film Critic, visit https://thecurvyfilmcritic.com/about-carla-renata/.
Watch the one-hour series finale of NBC's "Superstore" on March 25th at 8PM.
Carla is @TheCurvyCritic on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
Be sure to SUBSCRIBE to stay up to date, and if you enjoy the podcast, we'd love it if you'd RATE or REVIEW. Thanks for listening!
For bonus content, visit us at https://www.instagram.com/cartoonstocastles/ and https://twitter.com/CartoonsCastles.
Starting at just $3 a month, you can join our Patreon and get access to monthly bonus episodes, our private Facebook group, e-newsletter, and more. Check out the benefits and tiers at https://www.patreon.com/cartoonstocastles.
Podcast logo designed by Ashley Taylor - https://loveashleydesigns.tumblr.com/
Theme music: “Taste of the French Quarter” by Rob Khurana via Storyblocks.com
SOURCES for this episode:
https://www.broadwayinhollywood.com/visit/hollywoodpantagestheatre/aboutpantagestheatre
https://www.forbes.com/sites/leeseymour/2017/12/18/the-lion-king-is-making-more-money-for-disney-than-star-wars/?sh=3faa0c311ff0
https://losangelestheatres.blogspot.com/2017/02/pantages-theatre-overview.html
https://www.playbill.com
https://thespaces.com/oscar-venues-through-the-ages/12/
https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2020/10/how-the-lion-king-became-a-dollar9-billion-broadway-smash

14. Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings with Mindy Marzec Feb 10, 2021

This week Jessica and Melanie talk Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings with blogger, podcaster, and Disney weddings expert Mindy Marzec! Jessica takes you through the origins of Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings program, and Melanie discusses the additions of Disney Cruise Line and Aulani weddings to the roster, as well as the inclusion of LGBTQ ceremonies. Mindy lends her expertise to the conversation, shares details from her own Disneyland Resort wedding, and makes her predictions for the future of Disney weddings post-pandemic. And, of course, they talk Disney wedding gowns and daydream about their ideal Disney vow renewal or anniversary party locations.
Be sure to SUBSCRIBE to stay up to date. And if you enjoy the podcast, we'd love it if you'd RATE or REVIEW. Thanks for listening!
Starting at just $3 a month, you can join our Patreon and get access to monthly bonus episodes, our private Facebook group, e-newsletter, and more. Check out the benefits and tiers at https://www.patreon.com/cartoonstocastles.
For bonus content, visit us at https://www.instagram.com/cartoonstocastles/ and https://twitter.com/CartoonsCastles.

You can learn more about Disney weddings, plus Disney theme parks, travel, style, food, cocktails, and much more, on Mindy’s blog at https://thisfairytalelife.com/.
Get your copy of Mindy’s FREE e-book all about Disneyland inspired cocktails here: https://thisfairytalelife.com/disneyland-cocktail-recipes.
You can follow Mindy on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/fairytalemindy/, and follow her Disney weddings account at https://www.instagram.com/welovedisneyweddings/.
Listen to Mindy's podcast, Influencer Education, here: https://fairytalesocial.com/influencereducation/.
Cartoons to Castles logo designed by Ashley Taylor - https://loveashleydesigns.tumblr.com/
Theme music: “Taste of the French Quarter” by Rob Khurana via Storyblocks.com
Select sources for this episode:
https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2013/07/vintage-walt-disney-world-disneys-fairy-tale-weddings-launches/
https://www.disneyweddings.com/
https://thisfairytalelife.com/same-sex-weddings-disney/
https://people.com/celebrity/celebrity-couples-engaged-disney/
https://www.popsugar.com/love/photo-gallery/44750886/image/44754273/Disney-Moana-inspired-engagement-photos
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-disney-gaywedding/disney-opens-fairy-tale-weddings-to-gay-couples-idUSN0545360920070405

TEASER - Episode 14 Topic & Guest Reveal + Mini Ep. Feb 03, 2021

Get a sneak peek of episode 14, available February 10th!
Plus, Jessica and Melanie discuss their recent experience (virtually) attending a complimentary preview of The Walt Disney Family Museum’s Virtual Escape Room. The ladies teamed up with other Disney podcasters and content creators over Zoom to solve riddles and clues related to the museum’s exhibits! You can learn more about how to have your own Walt Disney Family Museum Virtual Escape Room event here: https://www.waltdisney.org/virtual-experiences/virtual-group-experiences.
Jessica also provides a round-up of other virtual Disney experiences, which she details here in her own blog post: http://thehealthymouse.com/experience-disney-history-from-home/.
For even more Disney fun at home, the ladies share some of their favorite recent Disney history book finds:
“The Disney Monorail: Imagineering a Highway in the Sky” by Jeff Kurtti, Paul Wolski, and Vanessa Hunt
https://books.disney.com/book/the-disney-monorail/
“Travels with Walt Disney: A Photographic Voyage Around the World” by Jeff Kurtti
https://books.disney.com/book/travels-with-walt-disney/
“3D Disneyland: Like You’ve Never Seen It Before” by David A. Bossert
https://www.shopthelastbookstore.com/book/9781732602045
“The Ride of a Lifetime: Lessons Learned from 15 Years as CEO of the Walt Disney Company” by Robert Iger
https://www.shopthelastbookstore.com/book/9780399592096
Be sure to SUBSCRIBE to stay up to date. And if you enjoy the podcast, we'd love it if you'd RATE or REVIEW. Thanks for listening!
Starting at just $3 a month, you can join our Patreon and get access to monthly bonus episodes, our private Facebook group, e-newsletter, and more. Check out the benefits and tiers at https://www.patreon.com/cartoonstocastles.
For bonus content, visit us at https://www.instagram.com/cartoonstocastles/ and https://twitter.com/CartoonsCastles.
Podcast logo designed by Ashley Taylor - https://loveashleydesigns.tumblr.com/
Theme music: “Taste of the French Quarter” by Rob Khurana via Storyblocks.com

13. Society of Explorers & Adventurers (S.E.A.) with Tiff Mink Jan 27, 2021

“Exploratio Continua!” - Society of Explorers & Adventurers motto
On this week's episode, Disney superfan and vlogger Tiff Mink leads Jessica and Melanie on an expedition into the fun, fascinating world of the S.E.A. Never heard of the Society of Explorers & Adventurers? Neither had the co-hosts until their guest brought the topic to their attention! With influences clearly drawn from the Indiana Jones movies, steampunk, aviation history, the Old West, and more, this fictional organization was dreamt up by Walt Disney Imagineers and brings original Disney theme park characters together from all over the world (and across time) to create an interconnected web of stories that supports attractions in nearly every international Disney theme park.
Be sure to SUBSCRIBE to stay up to date. And if you enjoy the podcast, we'd love it if you'd RATE or REVIEW. Thanks for listening!
For bonus content, visit us at https://www.instagram.com/cartoonstocastles/ and https://twitter.com/CartoonsCastles.
Starting at just $3 a month, you can join our Patreon and get access to monthly bonus episodes, our private Facebook group, e-newsletter, and more. Check out the benefits and tiers at https://www.patreon.com/cartoonstocastles.
Though we can't visit Disneyland right now, we CAN get a taste of the magic with Golden Malted Waffle and Pancake Flour...the same mix used to create the Mickey Mouse waffles served in Disney Parks and hotels! Golden Malted's patented ingredients and natural flavorings make the perfect crispy waffles, and they even have an entire line of syrups, mixes, and appliances so you can make Disney Parks quality waffles at home. Visit https://shop.goldenmalted.com/ and use code MOUSE20 for 20% off your order, plus free shipping for orders over $49. Thanks to Golden Malted for sponsoring this episode!
Podcast logo designed by Ashley Taylor - https://loveashleydesigns.tumblr.com/
Theme music: “Taste of the French Quarter” by Rob Khurana via Storyblocks.com

Teaser - Episode 13 Topic & Guest Revel + Bonus Ep. 3 Preview Jan 20, 2021

Get a sneak peek of episode 13, available January 27th!
Plus, listen to a preview of our third Patreon-exclusive bonus episode, all about Disney Parks birthday celebrations! On this episode exclusively for "Cartoons to Castles" Patreon subscribers, Jessica and Melanie discuss Mickey's Birthdayland, Disneyland's 35th anniversary, Walt Disney World's 25th anniversary, and the 100 Years of Magic celebration in honor of the 100th anniversary of Walt Disney's birth.
Starting at just $3 a month, you can join our Patreon and get access to monthly bonus episodes, our private Facebook group, e-newsletter, and more. Check out the benefits and tiers at https://www.patreon.com/cartoonstocastles.
Be sure to SUBSCRIBE to stay up to date. And if you enjoy the podcast, we'd love it if you'd RATE or REVIEW. Thanks for listening!
For bonus content, visit us at https://www.instagram.com/cartoonstocastles/ and https://twitter.com/CartoonsCastles.
Podcast logo designed by Ashley Taylor - https://loveashleydesigns.tumblr.com/
Theme music: “Taste of the French Quarter” by Rob Khurana via Storyblocks.com

12. Star Tours/RX-24 with Chris Runco Jan 13, 2021

"Welcome aboard! This is Captain Rex from the cockpit. I know this is probably your first flight, and it's...mine, too! Haha!"
On their first episode of 2021, Jessica and Melanie are joined by retired Imagineer Chris Runco, who created Captain RX-24, the rookie pilot droid that took guests on a wild ride aboard the Star Speeder 3000 in the original version of Star Tours at Disney Parks. In addition to his work on Star Tours, Chris was a key player in the development of attractions for Disney California Adventure, Walt Disney World, Tokyo Disneyland, and Shanghai Disneyland during his time with Walt Disney Imagineering, where he worked as a principal concept designer. But the star subject of this episode is RX-24, a.k.a. Rex. Chris shares behind-the-scenes stories about the development of Star Tours, designing RX-24, and his reaction when he found out Rex was changing careers and being transformed into DJ R3X for Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge!
Be sure to SUBSCRIBE to stay up to date. And if you enjoy the podcast, we'd love it if you'd RATE or REVIEW. Thanks for listening!
For bonus content, visit us at https://www.instagram.com/cartoonstocastles/ and https://twitter.com/CartoonsCastles.
Starting at just $3 a month, you can join our Patreon and get access to monthly bonus episodes, our private Facebook group, e-newsletter, and more. Check out the benefits and tiers at https://www.patreon.com/cartoonstocastles.
Podcast logo designed by Ashley Taylor - https://loveashleydesigns.tumblr.com/
Theme music: “Taste of the French Quarter” by Rob Khurana via Storyblocks.com

11. The Muppet Christmas Carol Dec 16, 2020

For the last episode of 2020, Jessica and Melanie take a festive look at the making of the beloved holiday movie "The Muppet Christmas Carol." The 1992 film tells the tale of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" in a uniquely Muppet fashion, with Academy Award winner Michael Caine as Ebenezer Scrooge. Jessica and Melanie reveal behind-the-scenes secrets, insightful backstories, and fun trivia about the movie, as well as share personal stories from listeners about what this classic family film has meant to them over the years. A must listen for any Muppet fan!
Be sure to SUBSCRIBE to stay up to date. And if you enjoy the podcast, we'd love it if you'd RATE or REVIEW. Thanks for listening!
For bonus content, visit us at https://www.instagram.com/cartoonstocastles/ and https://twitter.com/CartoonsCastles.
Starting at just $3 a month, you can join our Patreon and get access to monthly bonus episodes, our private Facebook group, e-newsletter, and more. Check out the benefits and tiers at https://www.patreon.com/cartoonstocastles.
Though we can't visit Disneyland right now, we CAN get a taste of the magic with Golden Malted Waffle and Pancake Flour...the same mix used to create the Mickey Mouse waffles served in Disney Parks and hotels! Golden Malted's patented ingredients and natural flavorings make the perfect crispy waffles, and they even have an entire line of syrups, mixes, and appliances so you can make Disney Parks-quality waffles at home. Visit https://shop.goldenmalted.com/ and use code MOUSE20 for 20% off your order, plus free shipping for orders over $49. Thanks to Golden Malted for sponsoring this episode!
Podcast logo designed by Ashley Taylor - https://loveashleydesigns.tumblr.com/
Theme music: “Taste of the French Quarter” by Rob Khurana via Storyblocks.com
SOURCES for this episode:

https://ew.com/movies/the-muppet-christmas-carol-when-love-is-gone/
https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2015/dec/21/how-we-made-the-muppet-christmas-carol

https://www.theguardian.com/film/2015/dec/19/christmas-carol-renewal-redemption-scrooge-michael-newton
https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/features/muppet-christmas-carol-film-charles-dickens-bbc-watch-release-date-a9253626.html
https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/71757/14-things-you-might-not-know-about-muppet-christmas-carol
"The Muppet Christmas Carol" DVD commentary by Brian Henson
http://stylemagazine.com/news/2014/dec/12/why-muppet-christmas-carols-deleted-song-was-cut-r/
https://uproxx.com/hidden/the-muppet-christmas-carol-fascinating-facts/
https://www.vulture.com/2017/12/the-story-behind-the-music-of-the-muppet-christmas-carol.html

TEASER - Episode 11 Topic Reveal + Bonus Ep. 2 Preview Dec 09, 2020

Get a sneak peek of episode 11, available December 16! Plus, listen to a preview of our second Patreon-exclusive bonus episode, all about the "Star Wars Holiday Special"! You can access this and other bonus episodes and benefits by joining our Patreon for only $3 a month. Check out the tiers and perks at https://www.patreon.com/cartoonstocastles.
Be sure to SUBSCRIBE to stay up to date. And if you enjoy the podcast, we'd love it if you'd RATE or REVIEW. Thanks for listening!
For bonus content, visit us at https://www.instagram.com/cartoonstocastles/ and https://twitter.com/CartoonsCastles.
Podcast logo designed by Ashley Taylor - https://loveashleydesigns.tumblr.com/
Theme music: “Taste of the French Quarter” by Rob Khurana via Storyblocks.com

10. The Disney Monorail with Jeff Kurtti Dec 02, 2020

Jessica and Melanie are joined this week by Disney expert Jeff Kurtti, author of The Disney Monorail: Imagineering a Highway in the Sky. Jeff discusses the history behind the monorails at Disney's theme parks, but he focuses largely on the process of collaborating on the book with co-authors Vanessa Hunt and Paul Wolski, which involved delving into the Walt Disney Archives and talking to some of the Disney legends who worked with Walt Disney himself. Jessica and Melanie also share some personal memories about the Disneyland Monorail. Get ready for a fascinating conversation about the stories and inspirations behind one of Disney's most innovative and beloved attractions.
You can find The Disney Monorail: Imagineering a Highway in the Sky and more Disney books by Jeff Kurtti at https://books.disney.com/book-author/jeff-kurtti/.
Be sure to SUBSCRIBE to stay up to date. And if you enjoy the podcast, we'd love it if you'd RATE or REVIEW. Thanks for listening!
For bonus content, visit us at https://www.instagram.com/cartoonstocastles/ and https://twitter.com/CartoonsCastles.
Starting at just $3 a month, you can join our Patreon and get access to monthly bonus episodes, our private Facebook group, e-newsletter, and more. Check out the benefits and tiers at https://www.patreon.com/cartoonstocastles.
Podcast logo designed by Ashley Taylor - https://loveashleydesigns.tumblr.com/
Theme music: “Taste of the French Quarter” by Rob Khurana via Storyblocks.com

TEASER - Episode 10 Topic & Guest Reveal + Thanksgiving Message Nov 25, 2020

Get a sneak peek of episode 10, available December 2nd! Then stick around for a special Thanksgiving message from co-hosts Jessica and Melanie.
Be sure to SUBSCRIBE to stay up to date. And if you enjoy the podcast, we'd love it if you'd RATE or REVIEW. Thanks for listening!
For bonus content, visit us at https://www.instagram.com/cartoonstocastles/ and https://twitter.com/CartoonsCastles.
Starting at just $3 a month, you can join our Patreon and get access to monthly bonus episodes, a private Facebook group, e-newsletter, and more. Check out the benefits and tiers at https://www.patreon.com/cartoonstocastles.
Logo designed by Ashley Taylor - https://loveashleydesigns.tumblr.com/
Theme music: “Taste of the French Quarter” by Rob Khurana via Storyblocks.com

9. The Sherman Brothers with Randy Thornton Nov 18, 2020

Disney Music Group's supervising producer and musical historian Randy Thornton joins Jessica and Melanie to talk about the Sherman Brothers, the Academy Award-winning songwriting duo behind some of Disney's greatest film and theme park hits, including "Let's Get Together," "A Spoonful of Sugar," "It's a Small World (After All)," "The Tiki Tiki Tiki Room," and much more. As a producer at Walt Disney Records, Randy worked personally with Robert and Richard Sherman and shares some of the history behind their music, their working relationship with Walt Disney, and their lives as war veterans, artists, and family men.
Randy Thornton's work can be found on https://www.disneymusicemporium.com.
Be sure to SUBSCRIBE to stay up to date. And if you enjoyed this episode, we'd love it if you'd RATE or REVIEW. Thanks for listening!

For bonus content, visit us at https://www.instagram.com/cartoonstocastles/ and https://twitter.com/CartoonsCastles.

We also have a new Patreon page! For less than the cost of a latte, we give our patrons exclusive monthly bonus episodes and e-newsletters, plus membership to our private Facebook group, where we have episode discussions and share behind-the-scenes stories, sneak peeks, and more. At the upper tiers we offer additional perks, including show merch that you can't get anywhere else. Come check it out at https://www.patreon.com/cartoonstocastles.
Logo designed by Ashley Taylor - https://loveashleydesigns.tumblr.com/
Theme music: “Taste of the French Quarter” by Rob Khurana via Storyblocks.com

TEASER - Episode 9 Topic & Guest Reveal + Bonus Ep. Preview Nov 11, 2020

Get a sneak peek of episode 9, available November 18! Also, instead of a mini episode this week, you'll get a preview of our very first BONUS EPISODE, which will be available today only to subscribers to our brand new Patreon! Starting at only $3 a month, you can join our Patreon and get access to monthly bonus episodes, a private Facebook group, e-newsletter, and more. You can check out the benefits and tiers at https://www.patreon.com/cartoonstocastles.
Be sure to SUBSCRIBE to stay up to date. And if you enjoyed this episode, we'd love it if you'd RATE or REVIEW. Thanks for listening!
For bonus content, visit us at https://www.instagram.com/cartoonstocastles/ and https://twitter.com/CartoonsCastles.
Logo designed by Ashley Taylor - https://loveashleydesigns.tumblr.com/
Theme music: “Taste of the French Quarter” by Rob Khurana via Storyblocks.com

8. The Haunted Mansion Oct 21, 2020

"Wizards and witches, wherever you dwell...Give us a hint…by ringing a bell!"
Join your "ghost hosts" Jessica and Melanie for a delightful and frightful journey into the history of Disneyland's Haunted Mansion. Hear the tales behind the inspiration and creation of the classic spooky attraction, as well some of the urban legends surrounding the haunts and their happy home.
Be sure to SUBSCRIBE to stay up to date. And if you enjoyed this episode, we'd love it if you'd RATE or REVIEW. Thank you for listening!
For bonus content, visit us at https://www.instagram.com/cartoonstocastles/ and https://twitter.com/CartoonsCastles.
Logo designed by Ashley Taylor - https://loveashleydesigns.tumblr.com/
Theme music: “Taste of the French Quarter” by Rob Khurana via Storyblocks.com
SOURCES for this episode:
D23: The Official Disney Fan Club
https://d23.com/this-day/the-skeleton-dance-premieres/
https://d23.com/a-to-z/davis-marc/
https://d23.com/featured-photo/rolly-crump-julie-reihm-walt/
San Diego Tribune
https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/communities/north-county/story/2019-08-08/last-surviving-haunted-mansion-designer-looks-back-on-disney-rides-50th-anniversary
Surrell, Jason. “The Haunted Mansion: Imagineering a Disney Classic.” Disney Editions, 2015.
Theme Park Tourist
https://www.themeparktourist.com/features/20150808/30470/ghoulish-history-disneylands-turbulent-haunted-mansion?page=2
YouTube
https://youtu.be/ZKe5FCckruk
https://youtu.be/xYe0fqPBNvU
https://youtu.be/NgsA3v56gGg

TEASER - Episode 8 Topic Reveal + Q&A Mini Ep. Oct 14, 2020

Get a spooky sneak peek of episode 8, available October 21st! (Apologies in advance from the "ghost hosts" for being unable to get through the promo without laughing.) And on this week's mini episode, Jessica and Melanie answer listener questions about their favorite Disney Parks attractions, most magical Disney moments, best research sources, and more! Plus, who are Peter Pan Lady and Hat Man? Listen to find out!
Be sure to SUBSCRIBE to stay up to date. And if you enjoyed the podcast, we'd love it if you'd RATE or REVIEW. Thanks for listening!
For bonus content, visit us at https://www.instagram.com/cartoonstocastles/ and https://twitter.com/CartoonsCastles.
Logo designed by Ashley Taylor - https://loveashleydesigns.tumblr.com/
Theme music: “Taste of the French Quarter” by Rob Khurana via Storyblocks.com
As many of you know, The Walt Disney Company has recently been making mass layoffs of Cast Members due to budget cuts. On this episode we mention a few ways to help, and here are the links:
DONATE to The Cast Member Pantry:
- More info at https://www.facebook.com/castmemberpantry/.
- The quickest way to donate is via Amazon with this Amazon Wish List.
- Monetary donations can be made to The Cast Member Pantry via Venmo at @castmemberpantry.
DONATE to SoCal and Florida Food Banks:
- Donate to the Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County here.
- Donate to the Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida here.
SUPPORT Cast Members' Small Businesses:
- Access Tiffany Mink's "Laid-Off & Furloughed CM Support Sheet" here.

7. Mary Blair with Ashley Taylor Oct 07, 2020

Artist Ashley Taylor (Disney Parks Blog, Disney Parks Merchandise, Wonderground Gallery, Her Universe) joins Jessica and Melanie this week to discuss Disney Legend Mary Blair! A unique, talented artist who left an indelible print on The Walt Disney Company, Blair is perhaps best known for designing the Disneyland attraction "it's a small world," as well as for her concept art for Disney animated films "Cinderella," "Alice in Wonderland, "Peter Pan," and more. The ladies share some of the backstories behind her work, as well as internet theories about five-legged goats. And what do "Mommie Dearest" and Pepsi have in common? You'll have to listen to find out!
Be sure to SUBSCRIBE to stay up to date. And if you enjoyed this episode, we'd love it if you'd RATE and REVIEW. Thanks for listening!
For bonus content, visit us at https://www.instagram.com/cartoonstocastles/ and https://twitter.com/CartoonsCastles.
Logo designed by Ashley Taylor - https://loveashleydesigns.tumblr.com/
Theme music: “Taste of the French Quarter” by Rob Khurana via Storyblocks.com
SOURCES for this episode:
Canemaker, John. "The Art and Flair of Mary Blair: An Appreciation." Disney Editions, 2014.
D23: The Official Disney Fan Club
https://d23.com/walt-disney-legend/mary-blair/
Hahn, Don. "Yesterday's Tomorrow: Disney's Magical Mid-Century." Disney Editions, 2017.
Illustration History
https://www.illustrationhistory.org/artists/mary-blair
Magic of Mary Blair
http://magicofmaryblair.com/about-mary/
The Mercury News
http://www.mercurynews.com/entertainment/ci_25313193/walt-disney-museum-exhibit-focuses-bold-colorful-world
Refinery29
https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/2019/11/8855966/disney-women-animators-jennifer-lee-mary-blair
Walt Disney Family Museum
https://www.waltdisney.org/blog/painting-dreams-mary-blair
https://www.waltdisney.org/blog/spotlight-talk-recap-mary-blair-movies
Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_Blair
YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5xP0a4gHX9k

TEASER - Episode 7 Topic & Guest Reveal + Mini Ep. Sep 30, 2020

Get a sneak peek of episode 7, available October 7th! And on this week's mini episode the ladies discuss "Mickey Mouse Disco," then Melanie sits down for a candid interview about "Duck Tales," "The Three Caballeros," and ride breakdowns with Jessica's five-year-old daughter Amelia! (Spoiler alert: It's adorable.)
Be sure to SUBSCRIBE to stay up to date. And if you enjoyed this episode, we'd love it if you'd RATE or REVIEW. Thanks for listening!
For bonus content, visit us at https://www.instagram.com/cartoonstocastles/ and https://twitter.com/CartoonsCastles.
Logo designed by Ashley Taylor - https://loveashleydesigns.tumblr.com/
Theme music: “Taste of the French Quarter” by Rob Khurana via Storyblocks.com

6. The Three Caballeros with Bernardo De Paula Sep 23, 2020

Joining Jessica and Melanie for this week's episode is José "Zé" Carioca himself, "Duck Tales" actor Bernardo De Paula! The trio talk all things "The Three Caballeros," including the making of the original 1944 film, Zé's iconic status in Brazil, the Caballeros on the small screen, Disney Parks meet-and-greets, malfunctioning animatronics, and more.
Be sure to SUBSCRIBE to stay up to date. And if you enjoyed this episode, we'd love it if you'd RATE or REVIEW to help expand our audience. Thanks for listening!
For bonus content, visit us at https://www.instagram.com/cartoonstocastles/ and https://twitter.com/CartoonsCastles.

Follow Bernardo De Paula at https://twitter.com/Bdpsnuts and https://www.instagram.com/bernardodepaula1976/.
SOURCES for this episode:
Cartoon Brew
https://www.cartoonbrew.com/internet-television/disney-made-a-three-caballeros-tv-series-but-most-people-cant-see-it-161096.html
D23
https://d23.com/a-to-z/three-caballeros-the-film/
https://d23.com/this-day/the-three-caballeros-is-released-in-usa/
Disney Lists
https://www.disneylists.com/2020/07/7-facts-secrets-gran-fiesta-tour-starring-three-caballeros-disneys-ecpot-2/
The Disney Wiki
https://disney.fandom.com/wiki/Legend_of_the_Three_Caballeros
IMDB
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8611524/?ref_=ttmc_mc_tt
Kaufman, J.B. South of the Border with Disney: Walt Disney and the Good Neighbor Program, 1941-1948. Disney Editions, 2009.
Walt Disney Family Museum
https://www.waltdisney.org/blog/walt-and-goodwill-tour#:~:text=The%20films%20that%20resulted%20from,El%20Grupo%20had%20done%20it.
Walt Disney World Attractions
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/attractions/epcot/gran-fiesta-tour-starring-three-caballeros/
Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/It%27s_a_Small_World
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Legend_of_the_Three_Caballeros
YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bEeVxUHaxZ4
https://youtu.be/CdjwTlGHn5I
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tt_X1YV1SS4
https://youtu.be/qp3XIXF6gxA
https://youtu.be/wQDTPk21CIg
https://youtu.be/4OPmHIqk4_Y
https://youtu.be/m6TIytPo-Kc
https://youtu.be/BU0X2k2YMmY
https://youtu.be/V0dzhbFlQiw

TEASER - Episode 6 Topic & Guest Reveal + Mini Ep. Sep 16, 2020

Get a sneak peek of episode 6, available September 23rd! Then, during the latest mini episode, Jessica and Melanie discuss which Disney Channel Original Movies are turning 20 this year. Where has the time gone? Also, WHO'S DUFFY? (You'll have to listen to find out.)
Be sure to SUBSCRIBE to stay up to date and get immediate access to new episodes once they're live. And if you enjoyed this episode, we'd love it if you'd RATE or REVIEW to help expand our audience. You might even get a shoutout on a future episode! Thanks for listening!
For bonus content, visit us at https://www.instagram.com/cartoonstocastles/ and https://twitter.com/CartoonsCastles.
Logo designed by Ashley Taylor - https://loveashleydesigns.tumblr.com/
Theme music: “Taste of the French Quarter” by Rob Khurana via Storyblocks.com
SOURCES for this episode:
IMDb
https://www.imdb.com/
Screenrant - "12 Disney Channel Original Movies Turning 20 in 2020, Ranked According to Rotten Tomatoes"
https://screenrant.com/disney-channel-original-movies-20-2020-rotten-tomatoes/
Wikipedia - "List of Disney Channel Original Films"
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Disney_Channel_original_films

5. Disney Channel Original Movies with Tiffany Lanae Sutton Sep 09, 2020

For this episode, Jessica and Melanie are joined by actress, Disneybounder extraordinaire, and unofficial queen of Disney Channel Original Movie knowledge, Tiffany Lanae Sutton. Join the ladies on a journey through "DCOM" history, from the early tearjerkers to the latest tween musicals. Peppered with strange IMDB reviews, behind-the-scenes stories, personal movie rankings, trivia, Cheetah Girl obsessions, and more, this episode is packed with fun.
Be sure to SUBSCRIBE to stay up to date. And if you enjoyed this episode, we'd love it if you'd RATE or REVIEW to help expand our audience. Thanks for listening!
For bonus content, visit us at https://www.instagram.com/cartoonstocastles/ and https://twitter.com/CartoonsCastles.
Logo designed by Ashley Taylor - https://loveashleydesigns.tumblr.com/
Theme music: “Taste of the French Quarter” by Rob Khurana via Storyblocks.com
SOURCES for this episode:
Billboard - "'Descendants' Soundtrack Debuts at No. 1 on Billboard 200 Albums Chart"
https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/6656768/descendants-soundtrack-debuts-at-no-1-on-billboard-200-albums-chart
Billboard - "Disney Channel's 'Descendants 2' Soundtrack Strikes a New Wicked Chord After Original Hit"
https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/7882391/disney-channel-descendants-2-soundtrack-dove-cameron-interview
D23 - "Disney Channel Original Movies"
https://d23.com/a-to-z/disney-channel-original-movies/
D23 - "Disney Channel Premiere Films"
https://d23.com/a-to-z/disney-channel-premiere-films/
Entertainment Weekly - "Disney Channel Original Movies: 12 little-known stories"
https://ew.com/article/2016/06/22/disney-channel-original-movie-stories/
IMDB
https://www.imdb.com/
List Challenges - “Disney Channel Premiere Films (1983-1997)”
https://www.listchallenges.com/disney-channel-premiere-films-1983-1997
MTV News - “14 Films Everyone Mistakes for Disney Channel Original Movies”
http://www.mtv.com/news/2752917/movies-that-are-not-disney-channel-original-movies-dcoms/
New York Times - "Premiere of 'High School Musical 2' Breaks Ratings Record"
https://www.nytimes.com/2007/08/18/arts/television/18cnd-disney.html
Screenrant - “Disney+: 10 Disney Channel Premiere Films Subscribers Need"
https://screenrant.com/disney-plus-best-channel-premiere-films/
Wikipedia - “History of Disney Channel”
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Disney_Channel
Wikipedia - "List of Disney Channel Original Films"
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Disney_Channel_original_films

TEASER - Episode 5 Topic & Guest Reveal + Mini Ep. Sep 02, 2020

Get a sneak peek of episode 5, available September 9th! Then, this week's special guest sticks around to discuss Michael Eisner, Goofy imposters, John Ritter, Camp Inch, and more fun trivia about "The Parent Trap" with Jessica and Melanie.
Be sure to SUBSCRIBE to stay up to date and get immediate access to new episodes once they're live. And if you enjoyed this episode, we'd love it if you'd RATE or REVIEW to help expand our audience. You might even get a shoutout on a future episode! Thanks for listening!
For bonus content, visit us at https://www.instagram.com/cartoonstocastles/ and https://twitter.com/CartoonsCastles.
Logo designed by Ashley Taylor - https://loveashleydesigns.tumblr.com/
Theme music: “Taste of the French Quarter” by Rob Khurana via Storyblocks.com
LINKS for this episode:
Art of the Title - "The Parent Trap (1961)"
https://www.artofthetitle.com/title/the-parent-trap/
YouTube - "Disney Sunday Movie intro - 'The Parent Trap,' April 5, 1987"
https://youtu.be/PCPS9XoU_WY
YouTube - "The Disney-MGM Studios Theme Park Grand Opening (1989)"
https://youtu.be/TG_rMISm0d8

4. The Parent Trap with Pernell Langhorne III Aug 26, 2020

"So to make 'em dig, first you gotta rig. Whaddya gotta rig? The Parent Trap!"
Join Jessica and Melanie as they discuss The Parent Trap with special guest Pernell Langhorne III. Melanie shares behind-the-scenes stories from the original 1961 film starring Hayley Mills (and Hayley Mills!) as twins Susan and Sharon, who try to get their divorced parents back together. Jessica talks about the wacky made-for-T.V. sequels, which include real-life triplets and a Hawaiian honeymoon! Pernell walks us through his favorite moments from the 1998 remake of The Parent Trap, starring Lindsay Lohan (and Lindsay Lohan!), as well as some interesting cameo appearances and trivia.
Be sure to SUBSCRIBE to stay up to date. And if you enjoyed this episode, we'd love it if you'd RATE or REVIEW to help expand our audience. Thanks for listening!
For bonus content, visit us at https://www.instagram.com/cartoonstocastles/ and https://twitter.com/CartoonsCastles.
Logo designed by Ashley Taylor - https://loveashleydesigns.tumblr.com/
Theme music: “Taste of the French Quarter” by Rob Khurana via Storyblocks.com
SOURCES for this episode:
D23: The Official Disney Fan Club - "Disney A to Z: Parent Trap Hawaiian Honeymoon (Television)"
https://d23.com/a-to-z/parent-trap-hawaiian-honeymoon-television/
Hooked on Houses - “The Original ‘Parent Trap’: Two Sisters, Two Houses”
https://hookedonhouses.net/2010/01/31/the-original-parent-trap-two-sisters-two-houses/
IMDB - "The Parent Trap II (TV Movie 1986)"
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0091721/
IMDB - "Parent Trap III (TV Movie 1989)"
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0098066/
Los Angeles Times - "These Triplets Are Individuals Despite Their Casting in Disney's TV Movie 'Parent Trap III'"
https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1989-04-28-li-1891-story.html
Los Angeles Times - "A Grown-Up Hayley Mills Finds Parenting No 'Trap'"
https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1986-02-22-ca-10788-story.html
Rotten Tomatoes - "The Parent Trap (1961)"
https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/1015944-parent_trap
Turner Classic Movies - “The Parent Trap (1961)"
http://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title/24419/The-Parent-Trap/articles.html
Wikipedia:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Parent_Trap_(1961_film)?wprov=sfti1
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Parent_Trap_II
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parent_Trap_III
YouTube:
https://youtu.be/TPDCnTucLK0
https://youtu.be/PfP-S4uNgik
https://youtu.be/JohyqWfbirU
https://youtu.be/ryB44kINu2s
https://youtu.be/ACtlQ7XrcNM
https://youtu

TEASER - Episode 4 Topic & Guest Reveal + Mini Ep. Aug 19, 2020

Get a sneak peek of episode 4, available August 26th. Plus, things get a bit...fishy...when Jessica and Melanie do a deep dive into some Disney products from the past.
Be sure to SUBSCRIBE to stay up to date. And if you enjoyed this episode, we'd love it if you'd RATE or REVIEW to help expand our audience. You might even get a shoutout on a future episode! Thanks for listening!
For bonus content, visit us at https://www.instagram.com/cartoonstocastles/ and https://twitter.com/CartoonsCastles.
Logo designed by Ashley Taylor - https://loveashleydesigns.tumblr.com/
Theme music: “Taste of the French Quarter” by Rob Khurana via Storyblocks.com

3. Disney Memorabilia with Caitlin McHugh Stamos Aug 12, 2020

Actress and model Caitlin McHugh Stamos joins Jessica and Melanie this week to discuss Disney memorabilia! Caitlin shares stories about the incredible Disney treasures she and her husband John have collected over the years, while Jessica and Melanie highlight the rarest, weirdest, and most valuable Disney collectibles in the world, along with the surprising history behind the objects.
Be sure to SUBSCRIBE to stay up to date. And if you enjoyed this episode, we'd love it if you'd RATE or REVIEW to help expand our audience. Thanks for listening!
For bonus content, visit us at https://www.instagram.com/cartoonstocastles/ and https://twitter.com/CartoonsCastles.
Logo designed by Ashley Taylor - https://loveashleydesigns.tumblr.com/
Theme music: “Taste of the French Quarter” by Rob Khurana via Storyblocks.com
SOURCES for this episode:
Cata Wiki - “The most valuable Mickey Mouse memorabilia ever sold"
https://www.catawiki.com/stories/4821-the-most-valuable-mickey-mouse-memorabilia-ever-sold
Ebay - “Vintage Disney Collectibles” search
https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_nkw=vintage+disney+collectibles&_sacat=137&LH_TitleDesc=0&_sop=16
The Gamer - “11 Disney Collectibles That Are Worth A Fortune (And 11 That Are Too Embarrassing)”
https://www.thegamer.com/disney-collectibles-worth-fortune-some-not/
The Gamer - “The 29 Rarest Disney Collectibles (And What They’re Worth)"
https://www.thegamer.com/29-rarest-disney-collectibles-theyre-worth/
Heide, Robert and John Gilman. The Mickey Mouse Watch: From the Beginning of Time. Hyperion, 1997.
Luxury Launches - “Check out the ultra rare items from a record-shattering Disney memorabilia auction”
https://luxurylaunches.com/auctions/check-out-the-ultra-rare-items-from-a-record-shattering-disney-memorabilia-auction.php
National Public Radio. "Kraftland." Invisibilia, Apple Podcasts, 23 Aug 2019, https://www.npr.org/2019/08/23/753371004/kraftland
The Orange County Register - “The 9 most expensive Disneyland items sold at auction featuring 1,500 theme park collectibles”
https://www.ocregister.com/2019/12/11/the-9-most-expensive-disneyland-items-sold-at-auction-featuring-1500-theme-park-collectibles/
Van Eaton Galleries - “That’s from Disneyland” Auction and Exhibition page
https://vegalleries.com/thatsfromdisneyland

TEASER - Episode 3 Topic & Guest Reveal + NEW Segment! Aug 05, 2020

Get a sneak peek of episode 3, available August 12th! Plus, check out the new segment "Corrections & Clarifications," where Jessica and Melanie expand on a few details and questions from episode 2.
Be sure to SUBSCRIBE to stay up to date. And if you enjoyed this episode, we'd love it if you'd RATE or REVIEW to help expand our audience. Thanks for listening!
For bonus content, visit us at https://www.instagram.com/cartoonstocastles/ and https://twitter.com/CartoonsCastles.
Logo designed by Ashley Taylor - https://loveashleydesigns.tumblr.com/
Theme music: “Taste of the French Quarter” by Rob Khurana via Storyblocks.com.

2. Disneytoon Studios with Erika Kurzawa Jul 29, 2020

Jessica and Melanie discuss the rise, heyday, and fall of Disneytoon Studios with special guest Erika Kurzawa (CastleCravings.com, "Disney Family Sundays"). Disneytoon Studios, under its various names, produced 47 feature films from 1990 to 2015, but even hardcore Disney fans are often unaware that the studio was a separate entity from Walt Disney Feature Animation. Check out this episode for behind-the-scenes stories, scrapped movie ideas, dramatic readings of VHS cover descriptions, and more!
Be sure to SUBSCRIBE to stay up to date. And if you enjoyed this episode, we'd love it if you'd RATE or REVIEW to help expand our audience. Thanks for listening!

For bonus content, visit us at https://www.instagram.com/cartoonstocastles/ and https://twitter.com/CartoonsCastles.

Logo designed by Ashley Taylor - https://loveashleydesigns.tumblr.com/

Theme music: “Taste of the French Quarter” by Rob Khurana via Storyblocks.com

SOURCES:
D23: The Official Disney Fan Club - "Disney A to Z: Disneytoon Studios"
https://d23.com/a-to-z/disneytoon-studios/
Disney Wiki - "Disneytoon Studios"
https://disney.fandom.com/wiki/Disneytoon_Studios
The Hollywood Reporter - "Disney Shuts Down Animation House Disneytoon Studios"
https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/disney-shuts-down-animation-house-disneytoon-studios-1124168
Indie Wire - "Disney Shuts Down Disneytoon Studios in Glendale: Exclusive"
https://www.indiewire.com/2018/06/disneytoon-studios-shuts-down-disney-glendale-1201979736/
Los Angeles Times - "Direct-to-Video Family Films Are Hitting Home"
https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1997-04-16-fi-49283-story.html
Los Angeles Times - "Disney is shutting down Disneytoon animation studios in Glendale"
https://www.latimes.com/business/hollywood/la-fi-ct-disneytoon-20180628-story.html
Stewart, James B. DisneyWar. Simon & Schuster, 2006.

Variety - "Layoffs Hit 'Planes' Producer DisneyToon Studios"
https://variety.com/2014/biz/news/layoffs-hit-planes-producer-disneytoon-studios-1201280347/
Wikipedia - "Disneytoon Studios"
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Disneytoon_Studios
Wikipedia - "List of animation studios owned by The Walt Disney Company"
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_animation_studios_owned_by_The_Walt_Disney_Company
YouTube - "The History of Disney Sequels: A Direct-to-Video Story"
https://youtu.be/plm30pT8B7U
YouTube - "The Rise and Fall of DisneyToon Studios"
https://youtu.be/Ncm3Vp3Uq1I
YouTube - "Yesterworld: The Rise & Fall of DisneyToon Studios
https://youtu.be/Tg73Mj4QX8E

TEASER - Episode 2 Topic & Guest Reveal Jul 22, 2020

Get a sneak peek of episode 2, available July 29th!
Be sure to SUBSCRIBE to stay up to date. And if you enjoyed this episode, we'd love it if you'd RATE or REVIEW to help expand our audience. Thanks for listening!
For bonus content, visit us at https://www.instagram.com/cartoonstocastles/ and https://twitter.com/CartoonsCastles.
Logo designed by Ashley Taylor - https://loveashleydesigns.tumblr.com/
Theme music: “Taste of the French Quarter” by Rob Khurana via Storyblocks.com.

1. Disneyland's Opening Day - July 17, 1955 Jul 10, 2020

The very first episode of “Cartoons to Castles” dives into the events surrounding the opening of Disneyland in Anaheim, California on July 17, 1955. Jessica and Melanie share the sweet, shocking, and hilarious stories from their research, covering everything from Walt & Lillian Disney’s 30th anniversary party in Frontierland (just days before the park opened), to the rough live opening day broadcast of “Dateline: Disneyland.”
If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to SUBSCRIBE to stay updated!

For bonus content, visit us at https://www.instagram.com/cartoonstocastles/ and https://twitter.com/CartoonsCastles.

Logo designed by Ashley Taylor - https://loveashleydesigns.tumblr.com/

Theme music: “Taste of the French Quarter” by Rob Khurana via Storyblocks.com

SOURCES for this episode:

@theafrodisniac. “Quaker Oats announced today that they would be retiring the Aunt Jemima brand.” Instagram, 17 June 2020, https://www.instagram.com/p/CBjc2sIDXow/?igshid=kh1kuza317qh

D23: The Official Disney Fan Club - www.D23.com

“Disneyland Opening Day [Complete ABC Broadcast].” YouTube uploaded by Marcio Disney, 17 July 2011, www.youtube.com/watch?v=JuzrZET-3Ew&t=2s

“The Happiest Place on Earth.” The Imagineering Story, season 1, episode 1, Disney+, 12 Nov. 2019

LAist - www.laist.com

Orange County Register - www.ocregister.com

New York Daily News - www.nydailynews.com

Snow, Richard. Disney’s Land: Walt Disney and the Invention of the Amusement Park That Changed the World. Simon & Schuster, 2019.

Taylor, Alan. “Opening Day at Disneyland: Photos from 1955.” The Atlantic, 24 July 2019, https://www.theatlantic.com/photo/2019/07/opening-day-disneyland-photos-1955/594655/.

Walt Disney Family Museum- www.waltdisney.org

Wikipedia - www.wikipedia.org

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