If you believe Disney isn’t just for kids—you’ve found your people. We’re a Disney-obsessed couple who dive into everything from Walt Disney World and Disneyland trip planning to the movies that defined our childhoods.
Every Monday, we bring you lively conversations on the best countries in EPCOT, the latest Disney news, hidden gems, and even which rides and restaurants are overrated. Our mix of park tips, debates, and Disney history is made for Disney adults who crave both magic and nostalgia.
We also welcome special guests—including Disney Legends, Imagineers, former animators, and directors—who share behind-the-scenes stories about creating the attractions, films, and music that shaped generations.
Whether you’re planning your next Disney trip, reminiscing about classic movies, or just love talking Mickey shaped food, Enchanted Ears is your weekly dose of pixie dust.
Episodes
Monday Jan 13, 2025
Monday Jan 13, 2025
Hello and welcome to the Enchanted Ears Podcast, where we discuss anything and everything Disney.
Disney’s Wild Animal Kingdom was a big gamble for the Company. A theme park focused more on live animals and conversation than Disney IP was something Disney had not really tried before.
But with the growing success of Disney World as a vacation destination, the time seemed right to build a 4th park.
Luckily for us, Disney’s Animal Kingdom (as it would come to be known) was placed in the hands of legendary Imagineer Joe Rohde, who traveled the globe to make sure the park was authentic as possible.
But that didn’t mean it was all smooth sailing.
As is common with Disney, the park went over budget, lands were cut and when it opened there weren’t many attractions for guests to enjoy.
So join us this week as we take a look back at one of our favorite Disney parks, to see what it was like on opening day.
Submit a question/topic for us to discuss on a future episode.
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Timestamps
00:00 Welcome
01:44 Listener Questions
10:40 Animal Kingdom Stats
13:57 Animal Kingdom’s Impact on Other Zoos
16:20 The Parks Ties to Walt
16:46 The Origins of Wild Animal Kingdom
20:29 Of Course There’s a Universal Park Too
21:40 The Legend of Joe Rohde
27:03 The Original Idea for Animal Kingdom
32:08 Protests About the Park
35:40 Opening Day Attractions
50:18 Looking Back at Opening Day
55:40 See You Next Monday!
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