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Magic Our Way Disney Fan Podcast

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The Magic Our Way podcast is a New Orleans-based Disney fan podcast that has been in production since November 2012. Danny, Kevin, Eli, and Rachel discuss all things, Disney, from theme parks to movies and much more. We allow all opinions (and not just the sugary, fluffy ones) to be voiced on the podcast, and we always look at both sides of a topic. The "Pleasure Island of Disney fan podcasts" is good for your morning and afternoon commute and all times in between, but not at bedtime because ...
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Idiot's Guide to Imagineering

The Idiots: Stephen, Kaity, Marissa, Jenny, and Amanda

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Welcome to Idiot’s Guide to Imagineering, the podcast where big ideas, thoughtful conversations, and a little bit of chaos come together to explore the past, present, and future of Disney Parks. Hosted by a team of former Cast Members, lifelong Disney fans, and self-proclaimed "Idiots" (a title we wear proudly), we reimagine Disney Parks with original concepts that blend creativity, storytelling, and real-world practicality. From rides and resorts to restaurants and entire lands, each episod ...
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Rewind time, and this week we’re stepping back into the eerie glow of the Hollywood Tower Hotel. We’re revisiting Season 2, Episode 18: The Twilight Zone Bar & Lounge, where Kaity imagined a moody, atmospheric space that extended the Tower of Terror story into a place you could sit down, sip a cocktail, and soak in that haunting Hollywood vibe. Kai…
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In this episode, we present the T-Rex monster and a real-life Black Manta. It’s another edition of Bad Behavior in the Disney Parks. Bad Behavior is a series of shows in which we uncover the shocking, silly, and downright unbelievable stories of bad behavior on Disney property. From line cutters to full-blown brawls and drunks, of course, we dive i…
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This week, the Idiots are taking a break from rides and characters to focus on something truly meaningful. We’re supporting New Hope for Kids, a Central Florida nonprofit dedicated to helping children facing grief or life-threatening conditions and their families through programs like The Center for Grieving Children and Wishes for Kids. We talk ab…
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In this episode, we discuss some tough issues related to the world in which we podcast. We discuss the situation in which a human lost their life on Stardust Racers at Universal Epic Universe; stayed to the end of that conversation to hear how you can help the family. Then, we discuss the Jimmy Kimmel situation that divided a wide population of hum…
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Off-season rewind time, and this week we’re heading back to one of our first few ideas. We’re revisiting Season 1, Episode 9: Re-Animating the Courtyard, where Jenny and Amanda reimagined Animation Courtyard at Disney’s Hollywood Studios as a vibrant, interactive space celebrating the legacy of Disney animation. Jenny opens with a thoughtful reflec…
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Summer 2025 was a great moment in time for Walt Disney World trips for the Magic Our Way family. In this episode, Danny and Rachel share lessons learned from each of their respective trips that may help you in the future. Hear about the Hall of Presidents, the Electrical Water Pageant, Uber, and the Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bung…
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The Idiots proudly present the very first State of the Kingdom. In this quarterly address, we step back from our regular content to bring you the big picture: the progress, challenges, and future of Disney Parks and Imagineering. This quarter, we touch on key announcements from Destination D23, major construction updates across the parks including …
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Rachel recently traveled down to Walt Disney World with her family over Labor Day Weekend 2025 and had several new experiences. We are joined by long-time MOWican and Rachel’s other half, Josh, to discuss The Beak and Barrel, the NEW Test Track, Orlando International Airport’s Terminal C, and much, much more! What are your thoughts on anything we d…
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Ever wonder how Disney parades make their music feel perfectly timed no matter where you stand? In this Micro Magic episode, Stephen dives into the ingenious systems Imagineers use to synchronize floats, speakers, lighting, and effects. The result is a seamless, magical soundtrack that seems to appear out of nowhere. From classic parades to the new…
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The 2025 Destination D23 event took place in Orlando, Florida over Labor Day weekend. In this episode, we discuss some of the notable announcements that caught our attention. Hear our thoughts on the Walt animatronic coming to The Carousel of Progress, the Tron: Ares overlay, the new Cinderella Castle color scheme, Dr. Facilier, and Disneyland: Han…
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Off-season continues, and this week we’re rewinding to one that hits especially close to home. We’re heading back to Season 2, Episode 13: Canceled: Muppet Studios, a fan favorite from our Canceled series. In this episode, Kaity and Marissa reimagined a full Muppets land for Hollywood Studios, filled with joy, heart, and the kind of humor only the …
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All of us visited Central Florida in the Summer of 2025 to enjoy Walt Disney World and Epic Universe. On this episode, we discuss our thoughts on Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and Rachel’s experience at the Cake Bake Shop. What do you think of our discussion? Please let us know at [email protected] or call 815-669-4226, or slide into our social media …
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It’s almost Destination D23 weekend, but this year something’s missing. For the first time in recent memory, there’s no big Disney Parks panel and that changes everything. Normally this is the moment Disney fans gather for announcements and future park teases. Instead, we’re left with a few scattered panels, a lot of questions, and just maybe a gli…
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In July 2025, Rachel visited Walt Disney World and enjoyed some new experiences. We discuss our thoughts on Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away, the new nighttime parade currently running in the Magic Kingdom. Also, we discuss Rachel’s experiences with GEO 82, Luminous: The Symphony of Us, and booking The Beak and Barrel. What do you think of Di…
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Stephen uncovers the unusual story of a theme park in Malaysia tied to big-name movies and a massive legal battle. It’s a park that’s connected to Disney’s world but isn’t quite Disney, and it’s sitting right next to a casino... This quick Micro Magic episode dives into a strange chapter of theme park history you probably haven’t heard before. Don'…
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In Early August 2025, Disney released the menu and complete details for a new watering hole coming to Walt Disney World. The Beak and Barrel opens in the Magic Kingdom on August 29, 2025. We discuss the menu and the restrictions, and give our initial thoughts on this latest park offering. Will our feelings change once we have experienced it? We’ll …
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Season 3 has wrapped, but you didn’t think we’d leave you hanging, did you? This week, we’re rewinding to Season 1, Episode 17: North America Land, a personal favorite of Stephen’s and one of our most ambitious early projects. In this episode, he and Jenny dream up a brand-new land for Disney’s Animal Kingdom inspired by the landscapes, cultures, a…
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In this episode, we present two new experiences from some recent trips to Walt Disney World. Kevin discusses his first experience at Woody’s Roundup Rodeo BBQ in Hollywood Studios, and both Rachel and Kevin discuss their experience using the Standby Skipper app to help book Lightning Lane passes. Please note, this Magic Our Way podcast, Magic Our W…
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After seven months of chaotic brainstorming, feral laughter, and over two dozen wildly ambitious blue-sky projects, Season 3 of Idiot’s Guide to Imagineering wraps with a high-stakes showdown between Marissa and Stephen for the title of Idiot Imagineer of the Year. In this season finale, the Idiots bring all the imagination, storytelling, and unhin…
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In this episode, we present our thoughts and opinions on The Fantastic Four: First Steps, the next installment of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, which was released in the United States on Friday, July 25, 2025. The first half-hour is a non-spoiler discussion, and the second half-hour is a spoiler-filled discussion. What did you think of the latest …
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Do you really need animals for something to make sense in Disney’s Animal Kingdom? This week, Stephen explores that question with a proposal inspired by a Pixar movie you might have skipped. While it did not make a huge cultural splash, Elemental has more in common with Animal Kingdom than you might think, thanks to its themes of nature, balance, a…
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This episode continues a series of shows retelling stories from our June 2025 podcast trip. Danny, Eli, and Kevin traveled down to Central Florida to say goodbye to MuppetVision 3D, have an Epic day, and enjoy new Disney experiences like Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and the Country Bear Musical Jamboree. This episode is Part 3 of our Universal Epic Univ…
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This week, we return to Magic Kingdom carefully. It’s a park we rarely touch out of respect and a healthy fear of Disney purists, but this week, we’re not taking anything away; we’re only adding. Tucked behind Storybook Circus lies a triangular patch of unused land, and today we’re turning it into the Sherwood Renaissance Faire, a playful, tongue-i…
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This episode continues a series of shows retelling stories from our June 2025 podcast trip. Danny, Eli, and Kevin traveled down to Central Florida to say goodbye to MuppetVision 3D, have an Epic day, and enjoy new Disney experiences like Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and the Country Bear Musical Jamboree. This episode is Part 2 of our Universal Epic Univ…
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To celebrate Disneyland’s 70th anniversary, Stephen, Kaity, and Disneyland expert Kim Millspaugh (@disney.sme) take a deep dive into the world of live shows at the park. From beloved classics to recent closures, we explore the surprising decline in stage entertainment and what it means for Disneyland’s storytelling future. Why are so many theaters …
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This episode continues a series of shows retelling stories from our June 2025 podcast trip. Danny, Eli, and Kevin traveled down to Central Florida to say goodbye to MuppetVision 3D, have an Epic day, and enjoy new Disney experiences like Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and the Country Bear Musical Jamboree. This episode is Part 1 of our Universal Epic Univ…
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We made it to 100, ImaginIdiots! This episode is a full-blown celebration of everything we’ve dreamed up, laughed through, and created together over three wild seasons. From day one, we never imagined we’d make it this far, but thanks to you, here we are: triple digits, baby! To mark the occasion, we’re doing things a little differently. Instead of…
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This episode continues a series of shows retelling stories from our June 2025 podcast trip. Danny, Eli, and Kevin traveled down to Central Florida to say goodbye to MuppetVision 3D, have an Epic day, and enjoy new Disney experiences like Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and the Country Bear Musical Jamboree. On this episode, we discuss all that we learned d…
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We just spent a whirlwind day exploring Epic Universe—and we’re here to give you our honest first impressions. From checking in at one of the brand-new hotels to navigating early entry, portal strategy, and ride experiences, we’re breaking down what surprised us, what impressed us, and what we think still needs a little fine-tuning. Stephen, Kaity,…
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This episode marks the beginning of a series of shows retelling stories from our June 2025 podcast trip. Danny, Eli, and Kevin traveled down to Central Florida to say goodbye to MuppetVision 3D, have an Epic day, and have new Disney experiences like Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and the Country Bear Musical Jamboree. On this episode, we discuss all that …
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Summer’s heating up—and so is Epcot! This week, Project Manager Kaity leads the charge as the Idiots head to South America to dream up a long-awaited addition to World Showcase: a brand-new Brazil pavilion! Complete with Baroque-inspired architecture, vibrant street markets, a churrascaria with sunset views, and an interactive attraction starring a…
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We present another episode of Dis or Dat! Otherwise known as This or That, or Would You Rather. It has been a while since we have done this show, and Eli has brought it back with a vengeance, presenting a slew of interesting topics and even tougher choices. Which of our pairings do you choose? Let us know at [email protected] or call at 815-669-…
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This week, the Idiots tackle the heat—and the lack of hydration—at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. As the only Florida Disney park without a water ride, the team agrees it’s time to make a splash. Stephen steps into the project manager role with a bold proposal: bring The Incredibles into the spotlight with a high-energy, super-soaked attraction that b…
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We present another episode of “Am I The Bad Guy?” WHICH, as you might tell, is similar in nature to the various posts labeled AITA (look it up). However, since this is a Disney-fan podcast, we are focusing on Disney stories and posts that ask, 'AITA' or 'AITBD,' in our case. On this episode, we explore the plight of a man married to a Disney adult,…
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With the announcement of Disney’s first-ever theme park in the Middle East, Imagineering faces a rare opportunity: building a brand-new Disney destination from the ground up. But what does it really mean to design a park for an entirely new audience—one shaped by different cultural norms, expectations, and stories? In this episode, Stephen takes th…
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In this episode, we discuss Disney Watersports! It’s time to remember the magic as we look back at three defunct aquatic adventures that Disney used to offer its resort guests: fishing off of Tom Sawyer Island, speedboating around the Walt Disney World waterways, and snorkeling with sharks over at Typhoon Lagoon. Have you partaken in any of these a…
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For the first time ever, the Idiots are stepping aside and handing the mic to a special guest. This week, Stephen welcomes multi-talented creative and Broadway star Tyler Davis for a guest-led episode that flips our usual format on its head. Instead of pitching our own idea, we’re reacting to a fully imagined, fully epic attraction inspired by Marv…
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On this show, we review Lilo & Stitch, the 2025 live-action remake of their 2002 animated film. This is Walt Disney Pictures’ latest offering for the 2025 summer blockbuster movie season, whose official date of release in the United States was on Friday, May 23, 2025. We present our review in two parts: non-spoiler and spoiler-filled, and give you …
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What if you could relive the magic of all four Walt Disney World parks—without a park ticket, without standing in line, and yes, without leaving your dinner table? This week, Stephen is pitching a dazzling new experience that’s part dinner show, part skating spectacular, and all Disney magic. Think parade floats gliding across ice, a cameo from the…
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Rachel had the opportunity to visit Universal Epic Universe with her family during the travel agent previews at the end of April 2025. This is part 3 of 3 episodes discussing her first-hand experience in Universal’s new park. In this episode, we discuss the Ministry of Magic, Isle of Berk, and Celestial Park! Check out show #575 to hear about Super…
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It’s opening week at Epic Universe, and the buzz is palpable! The park is finally here, and fans are flooding in to experience all that Epic has to offer. But before you get lost in the crowds, we’ve got something else exciting—an original concept that could take Epic Universe to the next level! This week, Stephen steps outside the Disney bubble to…
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Rachel had the opportunity to visit Universal Epic Universe with her family during the travel agent previews at the end of April 2025. This is part 2 of 3 episodes discussing her first-hand experience in Universal’s new park. In this episode, we discuss the world of Dark Universe! Check out show #575 to hear about Super Nintendo World and show #577…
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Stephen is back from Japan and sharing his full experience at Tokyo Disney Resort. From the sleek nostalgia of the Disney Ambassador Hotel to the stunning new Fantasy Springs Hotel, plus days spent at both Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea—this episode unpacks the details, the atmosphere, and what makes this resort feel completely different from anywh…
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Rachel had the opportunity to visit Universal Epic Universe with her family during the travel agent previews at the end of April 2025. This is part 1 of 3 episodes discussing her first-hand experience in Universal’s new park. In this episode, we discuss the unfortunate state of the older Universal Florida parks, the logistics to consider when going…
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This week, Stephen dives into an exciting and culturally vibrant concept for reimagining Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort. Inspired by the magical world of Coco, this proposal brings the colorful and musical heart of Santa Cecilia to life in a way that only Disney can. We explore how the film’s themes of family, tradition, and music could be seamle…
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It’s time for another episode about bad behavior in the Disney Parks. We were planning to discuss any Disney news that might have taken place in the past couple of weeks during which we covered Universal Epic Universe, but there was absolutely nothing of significance to report…outside of these stories of people being bad in the most magical and the…
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Buon Giorno! This week, Kaity takes the lead on reimagining a new adventure ride for Epcot’s Italy Pavilion, Portorosso Rush! Inspired by the animated film Luca, this high-energy ride lets guests race through the picturesque coastal town of Portorosso, chasing down the thrills of a triathlon while avoiding the watchful eyes of the locals. With sea …
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Well, it is confirmed: the Magic Our Way podcast will be traveling to Florida at the end of April and the beginning of June. In both cases, we have the opportunity to visit Universal Epic Universe for the first time. Last week (Show #572), we conducted some initial planning to determine what we wanted to see. On this episode, we discuss our favorit…
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Animal Kingdom was meant to be a kingdom of more than just real-world creatures—it was supposed to be a land of legends, where dragons soared, unicorns roamed, and myths came to life. But somewhere along the way, those grand plans disappeared. This week, we’re diving into the lost dreams of Beastly Kingdom and the mythical creatures that never got …
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