Disney History Institute Podcast

An important update for the time and location of the DHI / Disneyana event in Orlando on December 13, 2025. Link to new location and time: www.eventbrite.com/e/disney-history-author-meet-and-greet-todd-james-pierce-tickets-1976246325960  

Transcribed - Published: 12 December 2025

Our monthly exploration of news inside the Disney Company. In this episode: - Zootopia 2 and the Changing Cultural Landscape of Disney Films - The Difficulties of Planning for America's 250th Inside a Theme Park - A Wave of Opening Date and Timeline Announcements for Disney World - And More   Bandcamp subscriptions: dhipodcast.bandcamp.com   Links to live events: Books and Books - Coral Gables (Miami) - Dec 7. https://shop.booksandbooks.com/event/2025-12-07/making-mary-poppins-evening-todd-james-pierce Orlando - December 13.  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/meet-todd-james-pierce-tickets-1976246325960

Transcribed - Published: 8 December 2025

The story of Disneyland's first Christmas in 1955. Link to Disneyland's First Christmas video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=VLt3XdZ_LTs Bandcamp subscriptions: dhipodcast.bandcamp.com

Transcribed - Published: 5 December 2025

Our monthly exploration of news inside the Disney Company.  In this episode: -              * Rapunzel edges into the space once occupied by Snow White -              * A surprise appearance of Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln -              * Avenger's Campus absorbs lessons from Galaxy's Edge -              * The future of Disney animatronics with AI   >> Upcoming In-Person Events << Book Soup - Los Angeles - Dec 1.  https://booksoup.com/event/2025-12-01/todd-james-pierce Books and Books - Coral Gables (Miami) - Dec 7.  https://shop.booksandbooks.com/event/2025-12-07/making-mary-poppins-evening-todd-james-pierce Orlando - December 13.   https://www.eventbrite.com/e/meet-todd-james-pierce-tickets-1976246325960   >> Order Making Mary Poppins << Amazon: https://amzn.to/4mhHUaU Independent Booksellers: shorturl.at/qTosR   >> Bandcamp Subscriptions << Support the podcast and get access to hundreds of episodes: dhipodcast.bandcamp.com

Transcribed - Published: 1 December 2025

A set of Thanksgiving stories that we've written and recorded over years past, from balloons in the sky to turkeys on Main Street.  2025.   Bandcamp subscriptions: dhipodcast.bandcamp.com

Transcribed - Published: 27 November 2025

Our monthly news and analysis episode.  In this Update: - Possible changes to the Tiki Room - Surge pricing on tickets - An unusual new store at Disney Springs - A new attraction opens at Animal Kingdom - and more   Bandcamp subscriptions: dhipodcast.bandcamp.com Making Mary Poppins (book): Amazon: amzn.to/4mhHUaU Independent Booksellers: shorturl.at/qTosR Event Links: December 1 - Los Angeles – Book Soup – Link: booksoup.com/events/2025/12 December 7 – Miami – Books and Books - shop.booksandbooks.com/event/2025-12-07/making-mary-poppins-evening-todd-james-pierce

Transcribed - Published: 24 November 2025

The story of Mary Blair, the person who is often described as Walt Disney's favorite artist. Part Twenty-Two.   Bandcamp subscriptions: dhipodcast.bandcamp.com   Making Mary Poppins (book): Amazon: amzn.to/4mhHUaU Independent Booksellers: shorturl.at/qTosR   Event Links: Nov 23 – Tampa – Oxford Exchange – Line: www.eventbrite.com/e/todd-james-pierce-making-mary-poppins-tickets-1804363683349 December 1 - Los Angeles – Book Soup – Link: booksoup.com/events/2025/12 December 7 – Miami – Books and Books - shop.booksandbooks.com/event/2025-12-07/making-mary-poppins-evening-todd-james-pierce December 18 – Burbank – Burbank Public Library – Link: burbank.libnet.info/event/14864592

Transcribed - Published: 17 November 2025

The story of Mary Blair, the person who is often described as Walt Disney's favorite artist. Part Twenty-One.   Bandcamp subscriptions: dhipodcast.bandcamp.com   Making Mary Poppins (book): Amazon: amzn.to/4mhHUaU Independent Booksellers: shorturl.at/qTosR   Event Links: Nov 23 – Tampa – Oxford Exchange – Line: www.eventbrite.com/e/todd-james-pierce-making-mary-poppins-tickets-1804363683349 December 1 - Los Angeles – Book Soup – Link: booksoup.com/events/2025/12 December 7 – Miami – Books and Books - shop.booksandbooks.com/event/2025-12-07/making-mary-poppins-evening-todd-james-pierce December 18 – Burbank – Burbank Public Library – Link: burbank.libnet.info/event/14864592

Transcribed - Published: 10 November 2025

The story of Mary Blair, the person who is often described as Walt Disney's favorite artist. Part Twenty.   Bandcamp subscriptions: dhipodcast.bandcamp.com   Making Mary Poppins (book): Amazon: amzn.to/4mhHUaU Independent Booksellers: shorturl.at/qTosR   Event Links:  Nov 23 – Tampa – Oxford Exchange – Line: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/todd-james-pierce-making-mary-poppins-tickets-1804363683349  December 1 - Los Angeles – Book Soup – Link: https://booksoup.com/events/2025/12 December 7 – Miami – Books and Books - https://shop.booksandbooks.com/event/2025-12-07/making-mary-poppins-evening-todd-james-pierce  December 18 – Burbank – Burbank Public Library – Link: https://burbank.libnet.info/event/14864592 

Transcribed - Published: 3 November 2025

Tyrus Wong was the artist who shaped the environmental presentation of Bambi, relying on the influence of Chinese traditions in painting.  A reading from a biography of his life, Background Artist, and a discussion with its author, Karen Fang Link to Karen Fang's book on Tyrus Wong: https://amzn.to/4qp2wjX Bandcamp subscriptions: dhipodcast.bandcamp.com  

Transcribed - Published: 27 October 2025

The story of how Disney changed Halloween and how Halloween changed Disney. Bandcamp: dhipodcast.bandcamp.com

Transcribed - Published: 24 October 2025

In the late 1960s, those who worked with Walt wrote down memories of their time with him--memories that were mostly forgotten until now. Volume Three. Bandcamp Subscriptions: dhipodcast.bandcamp.com Making Mary Poppins (pre-order book): Amazon: amzn.to/4mhHUaU Independent Booksellers: shorturl.at/qTosR

Transcribed - Published: 20 October 2025

Our monthly news magazine focused on the Disney Company. In this episode: - Updates to Frozen Ever After at EPCOT - Opening Timeline for Rock 'n' Roller Coaster with The Muppets - Updates on Rivers of America Construction - Updates on Zootopia: Better Zoogether - Permit Updates for Disneyland Forward - Price Increases at the Parks (and Ways to Save) - And More Bandcamp subscription: dhipodcast.bandcamp.com

Transcribed - Published: 13 October 2025

Our monthly news magazine focused on the Disney Company.  In this episode: - Unusual trademark battles over Mickey Mouse - How the Jimmy Kimmel Live issue changed the near future of the Disney Company - Disney food programs to help those in need Bandcamp Subscriptions: dhipodcast.bandcamp.com

Transcribed - Published: 6 October 2025

The story of Mary Blair, the person who is often described as Walt Disney's favorite artist. Part Nineteen. Bandcamp Subscriptions: dhipodcast.bandcamp.com The new book - Making Mary Poppins (out Nov. 11): Amazon: amzn.to/4mhHUaU Independent Booksellers: shorturl.at/qTosR

Transcribed - Published: 29 September 2025

The story of Mary Blair, the person who is often described as Walt Disney's favorite artist. Part Eighteen. Bandcamp Subscriptions: dhipodcast.bandcamp.com The new book - Making Mary Poppins (out Nov. 11): Amazon: amzn.to/4mhHUaU Independent Booksellers: shorturl.at/qTosR

Transcribed - Published: 22 September 2025

The story of Mary Blair, the person who is often described as Walt Disney's favorite artist. Part Seventeen. Bandcamp Subscriptions: dhipodcast.bandcamp.com The new book - Making Mary Poppins (out Nov. 11): Amazon: amzn.to/4mhHUaU Independent Booksellers: shorturl.at/qTosR

Transcribed - Published: 15 September 2025

Looking to add something new to your next trip to Disney World?  We explore a trio of unique experiences now available at the Florida resort. Bandcamp Subscriptions: dhipodcast.bandcamp.com The new book - Making Mary Poppins (out Nov. 11): Amazon: amzn.to/4mhHUaU Independent Booksellers: shorturl.at/qTosR

Transcribed - Published: 8 September 2025

The news from Destination D.  And what it means for the future of the Disney Company.   Bandcamp Subscriptions: dhipodcast.bandcamp.com   The new book - Making Mary Poppins (out Nov. 11): Amazon: amzn.to/4mhHUaU Independent Booksellers: shorturl.at/qTosR  

Transcribed - Published: 1 September 2025

In the late 1960s, those who worked with Walt wrote down memories of their time with him--memories that were mostly forgotten until now.  Volume Two. Bandcamp Subscriptions: dhipodcast.bandcamp.com Making Mary Poppins (pre-order book): Amazon: amzn.to/4mhHUaU Independent Booksellers: shorturl.at/qTosR

Transcribed - Published: 25 August 2025

Episode Description: The story of Mary Blair, the person who is often described as Walt Disney's favorite artist. Part Sixteen. Bandcamp subscriptions: dhipodcast.bandcamp.com Links to the book, Making Mary Poppins Amazon: amzn.to/4mhHUaU Independent Booksellers: shorturl.at/qTosR

Transcribed - Published: 17 August 2025

The story of Mary Blair, the person who is often described as Walt Disney's favorite artist. Part Fifteen. Bandcamp subscriptions: dhipodcast.bandcamp.com Making Mary Poppins on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4mhHUaU

Transcribed - Published: 11 August 2025

Our monthly news update. In this episode: - Going to school at Disney World - Trouble at Disney+ - More on Starlight at the Magic Kingdom - Nostalgia design at Disney World - Test Track 3.0 - Geo-82 - And More Bandcamp subscriptions: dhipodcast.bandcamp.com

Transcribed - Published: 4 August 2025

Our monthly news update continues.  In this episode: - Starlight premieres at the Magic Kingdom - Animation Tour returns to Hollywood Studios - Battle over the Mickey Mouse trademark - The closing of Rivers of America - Trouble for theatrical releases - Disney turns to nostalgia to sell the Florida Resort - And More Bandcamp subscriptions: dhipodcast.bandcamp.com

Transcribed - Published: 28 July 2025

Walt, as an animatronic, comes to Disneyland. Bandcamp subscriptions: dhipodcast.bandcamp.com

Transcribed - Published: 21 July 2025

A discussion with Stan Freese about his memoir: Music, Mayhem and the Mouse.    

Transcribed - Published: 14 July 2025

The story of Mary Blair, the person who is often described as Walt Disney's favorite artist. Part Fourteen. Bandcamp subscriptions: dhipodcast.bandcamp.com

Transcribed - Published: 7 July 2025

The story of Mary Blair, the person who is often described as Walt Disney's favorite artist. Part Thirteen. Bandcamp subscriptions: dhipodcast.bandcamp.com

Transcribed - Published: 30 June 2025

In the late 1960s, those who worked with Walt wrote down memories of their time with him--memories that were mostly forgotten until now. Bandcamp subscriptions - dhipodcast.bandcamp.com

Transcribed - Published: 23 June 2025

How does Walt Disney Productions move forward after the death of Walt?  A reading from After Disney by Neil O'Brien, and a discussion with the author. Link to After Disney on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3SUqrbn Bandcamp subscriptions: dhipodcast.bandcamp.com

Transcribed - Published: 16 June 2025

Updates on construction projects at the Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, and Disney's California Adventure. Bandcamp subscriptions - dhipodcast.bandcamp.com

Transcribed - Published: 9 June 2025

This week we have a set of stories focused on the battle between Disney and Universal in Florida: - Opening Crowds at Epic Universe - Two new shows at Disney's Hollywood Studios - Two new shows at Epic Universe - And More Bandcamp Subscriptions: dhipodcast.bandcamp.com

Transcribed - Published: 2 June 2025

The story of Mary Blair, the person who is often described as Walt Disney's favorite artist. Part Twelve. Bandcamp Subscriptions: dhipodcast.bandcamp.com

Transcribed - Published: 26 May 2025

The story of Mary Blair, the person who is often described as Walt Disney's favorite artist. Part Eleven. Bandcamp subscriptions: dhipodcast.bandcamp.com

Transcribed - Published: 19 May 2025

What works well at Epic, what needs work, and how this park changes the power dynamic between Disney and Universal in Florida?  Part Two Bandcamp subscriptions: dhipodcast.bandcamp.com

Transcribed - Published: 12 May 2025

Disney plans to open a park in Abu Dhabi. Bandcamp subscriptions: dhipodcast.bandcamp.com

Transcribed - Published: 7 May 2025

What works well at Epic, what needs work, and how this park changes the power dynamic between Disney and Universal in Florida? Bandcamp subscriptions: dhipodcast.bandcamp.com

Transcribed - Published: 5 May 2025

This week we have a half dozen stories about the Disney parks, films, streaming and more, including: -    The State of the Company -    Bob Iger’s Vision for Disney+ -    New Attractions – And Delays -    Discounting the Magic Kingdom -    Disney Films – What’s Working and What’s Not -    And More Bandcamp subscriptions: dhipodcast.bandcamp.com

Transcribed - Published: 28 April 2025

The competition between Disney and Universal heats up again. Bandcamp subscriptions: dhipodcast.bandcamp.com

Transcribed - Published: 21 April 2025

The story of mini-parks that Disney once designed but never built. Part Six.

Transcribed - Published: 14 April 2025

The story of mini-parks that Disney once designed but never built. Part Five. Bandcamp subscriptions: dhipodcast.bandcamp.com

Transcribed - Published: 7 April 2025

The story of mini-parks that Disney once designed but never built. Part Four. Bandcamp subscriptions: dhipodcast.bandcamp.com

Transcribed - Published: 31 March 2025

The story of mini-parks that Disney once designed but never built. Part Three. Bandcamp subscriptions - dhipodcast.bandcamp.com

Transcribed - Published: 26 March 2025

The story of mini-parks that Disney once designed but never built. Part Two. Bandcamp subscriptions: dhipodcast.bandcamp.com

Transcribed - Published: 24 March 2025

In this update, we cover: New details about the Cars attraction at Magic Kingdom Big reveals about the Door Coaster and more at Hollywood Studios Problems with new theatrical films And more Bandcamp subscriptions: dhipodcast.bandcamp.com

Transcribed - Published: 17 March 2025

The story of mini-parks that Disney once designed but never built.  Part One. Bandcamp Subscriptions: dhipodcast.bandcamp.com

Transcribed - Published: 10 March 2025

The story of Mary Blair, the person who is often described as Walt Disney's favorite artist. Part Ten. Bandcamp subscriptions: dhipodcast.bandcamp.com

Transcribed - Published: 3 March 2025

The story of Mary Blair, the person who is often described as Walt Disney's favorite artist. Part Nine. Bandcamp subscriptions: dhipodcast.bandcamp.com

Transcribed - Published: 24 February 2025

After months of delay, Disney has state approval to fill in Rivers of America at the Magic Kingdom. Bandcamp subscriptions: dhipodcast.bandcamp.com

Transcribed - Published: 19 February 2025

An in-depth look at what is working, what needs to be fixed, and where the Disney Company is going in the near future: from streaming to theatrical releases to the cruise line to the parks. Bandcamp subscriptions: dhipodcast.bandcamp.com

Transcribed - Published: 17 February 2025