Inside the Magic

We’re celebrating Show 400 with a contest giving away copies of Epic Mickey 2 and Oswald ear hats! Then we enter the futuristic computer world of the new Test Track at Epcot including a full binaural ride as well as descriptions and opinions of the whole experience, from pre-show to designing vehicles to the ride itself. Read More

This week we take an in-depth look at the new Be Our Guest restaurant in New Fantasyland at the Magic Kingdom featuring interviews with Imagineer and creative director Chris Beatty about its design and Chef Michael Deardorff about its menu. Also, Ricky offers a complete review of the experience, from the decor to the dinner menu all the way through its exquisite desserts. Read More

News of upcoming Disney Parks projects includes New Fantasyland, Test Track, Starbucks on Main Street, and a trip to Oz. Then we explore the high seas in The Legend of Captain Jack Sparrow, the newly opened multi-sensory experience at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, followed by the new Cinderella Castle projection show called Celebrate the Magic. Ricky also speaks with Brian Morrow, creative director at SeaWorld Orlando, about the newly-revealed trackless ride system for Empire of the Penguin, their upcoming Antarctica attraction. Read More

Starbucks comes to Main Street, more Pirates of the Caribbean will soon open at Walt Disney World, and Walt Disney returns to Disneyland via movie magic, all part of this week’s news. Then we are treated to a jazzy rendition of I See the Light from ITM listener and singer Chris Williams. Finally, we explore how the Epic Mickey franchise is more than just a video game, discussing its impact on Disney history with the game’s creator Warren Spector and others, plus a walk around the Magic Kingdom and Disneyland including a tour of Walt’s private apartment. Read More

This week’s HUGE news features Disney’s purchase of Lucasfilm and all its properties, along with the announcement of more Star Wars films to come. We explore this topic and how it will affect theme parks, television, movies, and more, including thoughts from Disney CEO Bob Iger and Star Wars creator George Lucas. Then we head to Universal Orlando as they announce Transformers: The Ride 3D to open in Summer 2013, including an interview with the ride’s executive creative director Thierry Coup. Finally, we chat with the Daws brothers about the creation of their latest short film Missing in the Mansion, set inside Disneyland. Read More

Our annual Halloween episode takes on a twist this year as we’re joined by two special guests to talk terrifying topics. Beyond the news and before listener feedback, Ricky chats with veteran actor John Kassir most notably known for being the voice of Cryptkeeper in Tales from the Crypt. Then we explore the topic of what it takes to create your own haunted attraction with Scott Simmons, creative director and co-founder of ScareHouse in Pittsburgh, PA. Then we conclude with our annual trip through a few Halloween Horror Nights haunted houses via binaural audio. Read More

This week’s show includes discussion of the newly-announced Limited Time Magic promotion that will bring 52 different experiences to Disney theme parks in 2013. Then Ricky reviews Wreck-It Ralph along with a report from the Disney Parks Blog meet-up. Plus, get the run-down of Halloween events at Disneyland, Universal Studios Hollywood, and more in California. Read More

New Fantasyland has been revealed! This week Ricky takes you on a journey through the new lands of Beauty and the Beast and The Little Mermaid as Walt Disney World began its dress rehearsals of the Magic Kingdom expansion. Topics include the Be Our Guest restaurant, Gaston’s Tavern, Journey of the Little Mermaid ride, and even conversations with Gaston and Ariel. Plus, find out how and when New Fantasyland previews will be continue to be available before its December grand opening. Read More

As New Fantasyland previews approach, Walt Disney World wraps up Storybook Circus. After the news, Ricky reviews Frankenweenie, Tim Burton’s best film since the ’90s. Our coverage of Epcot’s 30th anniversary continues with a summary of this week’s park events as well as a song from Voices of Liberty. Read More

News this week includes Frankenweenie Weekend at Downtown Disney with a first-ever appearance by Jack and Sally from The Nightmare Before Christmas. Then we help celebrate the 30th anniversary of Epcot with a report from D23’s special event followed by interviews with Disney Legends and luminaries Howard Roland, Tom Nabbe, and Jim McCaskel, each of whom contributed uniquely to the creation of EPCOT Center. Read More

Halloween season has begun! Ricky reviews the most major theme park events including Halloween Horror Nights 22 at Universal Orlando, Howl-O-Scream 13 at Busch Gardens Tampa, and Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Walt Disney World, including rankings of haunted houses, scares, shows, and much more. Read More

Surprising news this week includes the Magic Kingdom set to serve alcohol for the first time and Oswald rabbit ears making their way to the parks soon. Then Ricky takes you on a sneak preview of the full New Fantasyland experience called Enchanted Tales with Belle, adding comments on the good and the bad of this unique attraction. Read More

New Fantasyland progress continues with exciting new details, while carefully-themed Buena Vista Street window displays become unfortunately ordinary. Then we ease into the Halloween season with a behind-the-scenes look at the makeup of Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood with creative director John Murdy and artist Larry Bones. Plus, Ricky answers many more of your questions and comments. Read More

Big news leads off the show from New Fantasyland previews to Halloween season approaching. Then Ricky presents a Blu-ray review roundup of recent releases from the Disney animated feature film catalog. Finally, we dive into responses from last week’s Listener Feedback extravaganza and answer plenty of new questions too. Read More

It’s a listener feedback extravaganza! Following the news, Ricky answers all your questions, comments, and concerns about Disney theme parks, movies, television, and beyond. Topics include trip planning, Disney decline, Halloween, Christmas, Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, and much more. Read More