Magical Movie Marathon

Disney Animated Canon #29: The Rescuers Down Under

Last time we went "under the sea," but now it's time to go "Down Under" with our favorite brave mouse duo, Bernard and Miss Bianca. Why does this gem of a film get forgotten about? And what country would you want to visit for a rescue mission?

SHOW NOTES

Disney Animated Canon #28: The Little Mermaid

At long last, we kick of the Disney 90's Renaissance era by going "under the sea." Join us to hear about when Disney first thought about adapting "The Little Mermaid" for the screen and discussing our various collections. We promise...you won't be a "poor, unfortunate soul."

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Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

Grab your Time Turner, because we're headed back to Hogwarts to celebrate the New Year with our favorite boy wizard. What assignment did director Alfonso Cuarón give to the three lead actors? What animal would you transform into if you could? And how can you get into the Wizarding World at Universal Studios early?

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Holiday Special: The Santa Clause

Up on the rooftop...and then down from the rooftop, it's time to talk about our favorite Santa. If you found out you were the new Santa Claus, what piece of safety equipment would you want? And does Santa ever drop by any Disney destinations?

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Holiday Special: The Muppet Christmas Carol

Make sure to bring some cheeses for the meeces as we revisit the redemption of Ebenezer Scrooge...Muppets style. Plus...Which Christmas past would you most like to revisit? And where can you catch Kermit and Miss Piggy spreading some holiday cheer?

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Holiday Special #1: The Nightmare Before Christmas

What's this? What's this? A replay of our first ever holiday special, featuring the Pumpkin King, Oogie Boogie, and good ol' Sandy Claws. What kind of spooky creature would you be? And make sure you listen for a brand new Dad Tip about the park calendar in this replay.

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In honor of Dia de los Muertos, we're spending some time with one of our favorite Pixar families...both the living and the dead ones! Did you know that "coco" has a double meaning? What would you want put on your family's ofrenda? And what's the best way to capture some memories at the Disney parks? Find out as we talk about Coco!

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It's no secret how excited we are to return to Hogwarts with Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. Who's your favorite new character to join the Wizarding World? Would you rather face off with a giant spider or a giant snake? Come join the fun...no Polyjuice Potion required.

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Did you know parts of Hocus Pocus were filmed in the real-life Salem? Which of the three Sanderson sisters is actually related to someone from the Salem Witch Trials? And what's your favorite classic Halloween costume?

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In this special episode, we're closing out the Pop Era of the Disney Animated Canon by discussing our favorites. From One Hundred and One Dalmatians in 1961 to Oliver & Company in 1988...we've got some iconic Disney animals and don't-miss-it park experiences. Bring your Mickey ears to hear all about it.

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Disney Animated Canon #27: Oliver & Company

Did you know Oliver & Company originally started out as a sequel to another animated movie? Who's your favorite character in the Company and explain to us why it's Tito? And what's your hidden talent?

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Disney Animated Canon #26: The Great Mouse Detective

Did you remember this movie is part of the Disney animated canon? How did the filmmakers feel about the executive's decision to retitle the movie? And what would be your detective disguise?

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Disney Animated Canon #25: The Black Cauldron

Why is this movie sometimes nicknamed "The movie Disney tried to bury"? What magical farm animal would you want to have? And what should you NOT do on your Disney vacation?

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Disney Animated Canon #24: The Fox and the Hound

Do you know what behind-the-scenes drama delayed The Fox and the Hound? What two animals would you like to see as friends? And what would it look like to go on a Disney trip as "the best of friends"?

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The Wizarding World: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

Grab your wand, robes, and broomstick...it's time to head to Hogwarts in honor of Harry Potter's birthday. Do you know how Rupert Grint auditioned for the part of Ron Weasley? What would be your favorite class at Hogwarts? And where can you get your own magical wand?

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Disney Animated Canon #23: The Rescuers

Did you knowThe Rescuers almost featured a previous Disney villain? What item would you bring along on a rescue mission? And what are some boats you can ride at the parks?

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Disney Animated Canon #22: The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh

Did you know The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh is technically a package feature? How would you get Pooh bear unstuck from your doorway? And where can you find everyone's favorite honey bear catching butterflies?

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Disney Animated Canon #21: Robin Hood

Did you know "Robin Hood" was almost set in the Old West instead of England? Which of Robin Hood's disguises do you think you could pull off? And where can you go "on the run" at the Disney parks?

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Disney Animated Canon #20: The Aristocats

Did you know The Aristocats was the last animated movie to get the "green light" from Walt Disney? What talent would you teach to your pet? And where can you go to feel like a Parisian Aristocat?

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Holiday Special: Finding Nemo

When it's time for Father's Day, you know what you gotta do? Just keep swimming, just keep swimming... Join us as we dive into the big blue world of Pixar masterpiece Finding Nemo. What sea creature language would you want to learn to speak? And where can you find Nemo at the Disney parks?

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Disney Animated Canon #19: The Jungle Book

Did you know The Jungle Book is the last movie in the Disney Animated Canon with Walt's personal touch? What's the correct pronunciation of Mowgli? And where can you go to find a tiger at the Disney parks?

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Special Episode: Mary Poppins Returns

Why did it take so long for Mary Poppins to return when the first film was such a hit? Are you more likely to hitch a ride with a balloon, kite, or umbrella? And what Mary Poppins character would you like to see return?

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Special Episode: Saving Mr. Banks

In honor of Christa's birthday, we're bringing you a Mary Poppins-themed month, which means we need to save Mr. Banks! We're going behind the silver screen to see how difficult it was for Walt Disney (Tom Hanks) to get the book rights from author PL Travers (Emma Thompson) whose own life was filled with cinematic drama. What fun Mary Poppins references can you spot throughout the movie? What ride would you go on with Walt Disney himself? And how can you visit Walt Disney Studios in person?

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Holiday Special #3: Brave

In honor of Mother's Day, we're bringing you our first ever Pixar discussion...with 2012's Brave. How many "firsts" does Princess Merida score? What animal would you transform into if you ate an enchanted treat? And how can you experience Scotland with the magical touch of Disney? Whether you are a "mama bear" or you have one in your life, this one's for you.

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Special Episode: Mary Poppins

In honor of Christa's birthday, we're bringing you a Mary Poppins-themed month, starting with the practically perfect in every way original movie. How long did it take for Walt Disney to get the rights to the book which inspired the film? What would you do on a "Jolly Holiday"? Which of Bert's many jobs would you see yourself doing? And where can you meet everyone's favorite magical nanny?

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Disney Animated Canon #18: The Sword in the Stone

Did you know "The Sword in the Stone" was the last animated film Walt Disney (the man) produced? Would you rather be a fish, a squirrel, or a bird? And what destination would you magically whisk yourself away to when you need to cool off? Revisit everyone's favorite wizard in this forgotten classic.

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Disney Animated Canon #17: One Hundred and One Dalmatians

We kick off Disney's Pop Era with one hundred and one reasons we love this movie. Plus, one of the all-time great Disney villains. Can you count all the spots in this movie? Or name all the puppies? And speaking of spots, where are your favorite "spots" to take photos in the Disney parks?

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In this special episode, we're giving you our favorites from the sixteen films which make up Disney's classical era. From Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs in 1937 to Sleeping Beauty in 1959...can you even pick a favorite? Do we agree on the best package feature? And what's the best experience at the parks based on the classical era? Bring your Mickey ears to hear all about it.

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Disney Animated Canon #16: Sleeping Beauty

What came first: "Sleeping Beauty" or Sleeping Beauty's castle? Where can you meet Princess Aurora (while she's awake)? And are you on Team Pink...or Team Blue? All this and more as we discuss the final film from Disney's classical era.

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Disney Animated Canon #15: Lady and the Tramp

Who is just about the cutest Disney couple ever? Lady and the Tramp, of course. Plus... What's your perfect date night? And what is there for couples/adults to do at Disney sans children?

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Disney Animated Canon #14: Peter Pan 

Did you know Walt Disney once played the part of Peter Pan? What is your happy thought for flying? And speaking of, how can you catch a flight with Peter and Tink? 

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Disney Animated Canon #13: Alice in Wonderland

What exactly is the White Rabbit running late for? What game would you play against the Queen of Hearts? And where can you have your own Unbirthday Party?

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Disney Animated Canon #12: Cinderella

Did you know Cinderella helped save Walt Disney Studios? Where can you meet everyone's favorite wicked stepsisters? And what item are you always leaving behind?

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Disney Animated Canon #11: The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad

Disney's slate of package features ends on a high note with the wild ride of Mr. Toad and a spooky encounter for foodie Ichabod Crane. But what would Mr. Toad's favorite Disney ride be? And is the Headless Horseman a real ghost...or something else?

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Disney Animated Canon #10: Melody Time

From Johnny Appleseed to Donald Duck dancing the samba, Melody Time is an animated musical potluck in a similar style to Make Mine Music. But which one do you think is better? And where can you get a taste of the frontier on your next Disney trip?

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Disney Animated Canon #9: Fun and Fancy Free

What's more fun than Mickey, Donald, and Goofy teaming up for a giant-sized adventure? What musical instrument would you pick to come to life? And where can you go in the Disney parks if you're feeling some Bongo the Bear vibes?

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Disney Animated Canon #8: Make Mine Music

Have you ever heard of this movie? Don't feel bad. Neither had we. But why was a whole segment dropped from the DVD for Make Mine Music? What kind of hats would your loved ones be? And where can you get a "taste" of this movie on your next vacation?

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Holiday Special #2: How The Grinch Stole Christmas

Would you touch this episode with a 39-and-a-half-foot pole? Who would you nominate for the Who-ville Holiday Cheer-meister? And how (and where) can you meet the Grinch?

SHOW NOTES

Disney Animated Canon #7: The Three Caballeros

Time to celebrate Donald Duck's birthday in "The Three Caballeros," the first sequel in the Disney Animated Canon. What does this movie have to do with Christmas? And if you could be magically whisked away to another country on your birthday, where would you choose to go? 

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Disney Animated Canon #6: Saludos Amigos

How did Walt Disney and his team help the US government improve relations with Latin America during World War 2? (Answer: this movie!) Also, can you ride a llama better than Donald Duck? And how can you have an authentic Argentinian cowboy experience like Gaucho Goofy?

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Disney Animated Canon #5: Bambi 

Did you know Bambi was Walt Disney's personal favorite animated film? Have you ever experienced "the Bambi effect"? And what forest animal would each of your family members be? Time to rediscover this sweet gem of a film - and which Disney park and resort is best for you if you're an "outdoorsy" type.

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Disney Animated Canon #4: Dumbo

How did "Dumbo" save Walt Disney Animation? What non-flying animal would you choose to fly? And have you really had a Disney experience if you haven't ridden the Dumbo ride???

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Holiday Special #1: The Nightmare Before Christmas

What's this? What's this? Our first ever holiday special, featuring the Pumpkin King, Oogie Boogie, and good ol' Sandy Claws. What kind of spooky creature would you be? And how (and when) can you experience the cheerful spookiness of The Nightmare Before Christmas?

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Disney Animated Canon #3: Fantasia 

What do Mickey Mouse, Pegasus babies, and dancing hippos have in common? Why did Walt Disney want to make a movie people could see, hear, and smell? And which classic Disney character deserves their own segment in the next Fantasia movie?

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Disney Animated Canon #2: Pinocchio 

How did the timeless tale of Pinocchio end up as the second movie in the DAC? What beverage design inspired the iconic look of Jiminy Cricket? What insect would be your conscience? And how can you personally experience the magic of Pinocchio? 

Show Notes 

Disney Animated Canon #1: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs 

Why was Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs such a big deal when it was first released in 1937? Why do we still love it so much today? What would be your Dwarf name? And how can you personally experience the magic of Snow White? 

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If most of your movie-watching starts out with a castle, you find yourself practicing your favorite spells, or you count down the days to your next movie theme park vacation...you're in the right place. This show is dedicated to connecting magical movies (Disney, Harry Potter, and other family favorites) to the real-life experiences you can share. We invite you to join us on our journey through the Disney Animated Canon, filled with movie trivia and travel tips.

In this premiere episode of the Magical Movie Marathon, hosts Christa and Jonathan take a moment to introduce themselves, discuss their love for all things Disney and magical, explain the show format, and share their answers to some personal Disney-themed trivia questions - with a couple of very special guests. 

Show Notes