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201. D23 Through the Eyes of Disney Historians: Rare History, Hidden Gems & the Future of the Parks - Distory Nite Shift
Description
D23 looks a little different when you’re a Disney historian.
On this episode of Distory Nite Shift, Kate and Joshua take you on a historian’s walking tour through D23 2026, sharing the rare artifacts, hidden details, incredible stories, and historical moments that made their historian hearts happy. From Walt Disney’s homes and Carolwood Pacific Railroad to Haunted Mansion history, forgotten edutainment, rare Archives finds, and firsthand memories of Walt, we’re exploring some of the corners of D23 you may have missed.
Along the way, we hear stories from Disney Legends Floyd Norman and Bob Gurr, explore Imagineer Tania Norris’s memories of creating the Haunted Mansion wallpaper, tour the homes Walt built, and hear Joe Rohde discuss creativity, leadership, and the Imagineering culture fostered by Marty Sklar. We also uncover treasures from the Walt Disney Archives, revisit pieces of Disneyland railroad history, and reflect on Alan Menken’s emotional stories about Howard Ashman, The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, and continuing forward when life doesn’t follow the path you expected.
Then we turn from Disney’s past to its future as we discuss the announcements from the Disney Experiences showcase, including Tropical Americas, Piston Peak, Carousel of Progress, Villains Land, Disneyland’s Tomorrowland, Spaceship Earth, Dreamfinder, and more. Along the way, we ask a bigger question: Are we beginning to see a return to the roots of Imagineering?
Clock in with us for a special post-D23 Nite Shift filled with Disney history, rare finds, rabbit trails, and plenty of opinions about where the parks have been and where they may be going next.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Donald in Mathmagicland on E82 https://www.epcotlegacy.com/chronology/1959mathmagicland
Book - Who the Mirror Reflects by Kate Grasso
https://payhip.com/b/4hjJr
Music - Marco Palos & the Phat Cat Swingers
https://marcopalos.com/
Join us LIVE on YouTube every week for Distory! Be notified by subscribing to Kate’s YouTube: @disneycicerone
You can also find us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter X, and also at disneycicerone.com & epcotlegacy.com
View full video versions of each episode at Disney Cicerone's YouTube channel HERE OR on the Spotify version of our podcast.
Joshua’s resources:
Kate’s resources:
Show Merch
Kirk’s app