Distory with Kate & Kirk
Exploring the history of the Disney Parks (with a dash of the ridiculous!), Distory with Kate and Kirk is an adventure into the fascinatingly obscure details that have made the Disney parks what they are today.
209. We Wants the Redhead! The Wild History of Pirates of the Caribbean’s Auction Scene - Pirates of the Caribbean Part 13
“We wants the redhead!” is one of the most recognizable lines from the original Pirates of the Caribbean attraction, but how much do you really know about the history of this infamous auction scene?
In this episode of Distory, we’re buckling our swashes and continuing our journey through Disneyland’s Pirates of the Caribbean with a deep dive into one of its most memorable (and controversial!) scenes. Along the way, we will uncover some truly surprising stories about the Imagineers who brought this attraction to life.
What did Walt Disney really think about the idea of...
208: Figment, Dreamfinder & the EPCOT Center That Almost Was: Rare Imagineering Stories from Wayback WED Part 2 | Distory Nite Shift
Who was Figment before he was Figment? And what two other characters was Dreamfinder before he became the imaginative fellow we know and love?
Before Figment became EPCOT Center’s beloved purple dragon, he was just a little spark of an idea in the minds of the Imagineers. But the story of how he and Dreamfinder came to life is full of unexpected twists, fascinating creative decisions, and a few surprises that even the biggest Figment fans may not know.
In this episode of Distory Nite Shift, Kate, the Disney Cicerone, and fellow Disney historian Jo...
207. Dunking Carlos: The Disappearing Details of Pirates of the Caribbean’s Well Scene - Pirates of the Caribbean Part 12
In this episode of Distory, we’re floating by the iconic Well Scene of Disneyland’s Pirates of the Caribbean and finding some lost history along the way. While everyone knows Carlos (and his wife in the upper window), there’s much more storytelling in this scene than meets the eye… and even more that’s been lost since 1967.
From fascinating details in Marc Davis’s original concept art to clever storytelling hidden among the props, costumes, and scenery, we’re taking a closer look at a scene that most guests have likely passed hundreds of ti...
206. Disney History You've Never Seen: Disney’s America, Lost Attractions & Rare Imagineering Treasures (Wayback WED Recap Part 1) - Distory Nite Shift
Some of the most fascinating Disney history comes from the things that almost happened, and the lessons the Imagineers learned along the way.
What if Disney had built an entirely different kind of theme park? What if one of Magic Kingdom’s most iconic attractions had been replaced? And what can a few boxes of old papers, photographs, and sketches tell us about the Imagineers who helped shape the Disney parks?
In this episode of Distory Nite Shift, we share some of the incredible stories and rare historical treasures we encountered at Wayback WED, including ar...
205. You’re Going to Be OK: How Imagineers Manipulate Your Feelings in the Disney Parks - Distory Nite Shift
From the moment you enter a Disney park, the Imagineers are intentionally manipulating your feelings and perspective.
They compress spaces before revealing enormous vistas, control what you can and can’t see, carefully transition you from one environment into another, alter architectural scale, and use visual order to influence how you experience the world around you.
Tonight on Distory Nite Shift, Kate and Joshua explore the psychology and perspective tricks hiding throughout the Disney parks through the ideas of Imagineers including Claude Coats, Joe Rohde, and John Hench.
We’ll explore Disney’s famous...
204. Bombarding the Fort: Blackbeard, The Wicked Wench, & the Battle that Imagineers Commandeered - Pirates of the Caribbean Part 11
It’s one of the most breathtaking and iconic scenes of any Disney attraction. But how did the Imagineers ACTUALLY come up with the idea for bombarding the fort in Pirates of the Caribbean?
In this episode of Distory with Kate & Kirk, we buckle our swashes and explore the history, design, technology, and possible inspirations behind Disneyland’s famous Bombarding the Fort scene.
We’ll trace the battle from early Marc Davis, Claude Coats, Bruce Bushman, and Colin Campbell artwork through models, construction photographs, rare footage, and the finished 1967 attraction. Along the way, we’ll investiga...
203. Do We Really Go Back in Time on Pirates of the Caribbean? + Disney's Fictional Maps - Distory Nite Shift
Do we actually travel back in time on Pirates of the Caribbean?
Tonight on Distory Nite Shift, Kate and Joshua head back to Disneyland’s Pirates of the Caribbean to investigate the Captain and Crew’s Quarters, search for more possible real pirates hiding in the attraction, and follow a few very Disney history rabbit trails along the way.
After recently uncovering evidence that some real-life pirates may be represented among the pirates of Dead Man’s Cove, we’re asking an even bigger question: Did Marc Davis really abandon...
202. Pirates of the Caribbean’s Treasure Cache: Lost Concepts, Cursed Gold & Hidden History - Pirates of the Caribbean Part 10
The REAL treasures in Pirates of the Caribbean’s treasure cache are easy to miss… unless you know where to look.
On this episode of Distory with Kate & Kirk, we continue our journey through Pirates of the Caribbean by digging into the history, details, and changing story of the attraction’s legendary treasure room. Starting with a 1963 continuity script as well as early Marc Davis concepts, we uncover a version of the scene featuring chained alligators and an enterprising pirate salesman, plus deleted Paul Frees narration warning guests that the glittering hoard might not be quite as harmle...
201. D23 Through the Eyes of Disney Historians: Rare History, Hidden Gems & the Future of the Parks - Distory Nite Shift
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...
200. Answering Your Obscure Disney History Questions - Distory w/ Kate & Kirk 200th Episode Celebration!
We made it to 200 episodes of Distory 🎉 and we are celebrating by answering YOUR obscure Disney history questions!
On this very special episode of Distory with Kate & Kirk, we’re celebrating five years of Disney history rabbit holes by turning the show over to all of you. Listeners from around the world sent us their biggest Disney history questions, and we’re digging into everything from forgotten attractions and persistent Disney myths to lost concepts, Imagineering details, favorite ride vehicles, Disney soundscapes, and the eternal question of how much the parks should change while preserv...
199. The Evolution of Walt Disney World's Haunted Mansion Facade: A Return to 1971? - Distory Nite Shift
Did Imagineering really bring the Haunted Mansion back to its 1971 roots… or is there more to the story?
On this episode of Distory Nite Shift, we hop in our doom buggy and head to Walt Disney World’s Haunted Mansion to trace the fascinating evolution of its architecture, landscaping, and changing appearance from the earliest concept art through today. Along the way, we explore rare Imagineering artwork, Victorian design influences, historic photographs, and forgotten architectural inspirations to answer one question that Disney history fans have been debating ever since the mansion received its latest make...
198. Secrets of the Captain & Crew’s Quarters - Pirates of the Caribbean Part 9
The captain and crew of Pirates of the Caribbean have some secrets… but you have to know where to look to find them.
On this episode of Distory with Kate & Kirk, we explore the incredible details of the Crew & Captain’s quarters of Disneyland’s Pirates of the Caribbean. Along the way we dig up some historic recordings, concept art, and Imagineering documents that tell a bigger story than most people know about who these skeletons are and the life they led.
After unearthing the origin of the Redhead portrait...
197. The Disney Ideas That Refused to Die & The Importance of Atmosphere - Distory Nite Shift
A good idea never goes to waste at Imagineering, even if it takes years to implement it in the Disney parks.
On this episode of Distory Nite Shift, we explore some rare Disney concepts that evolved into pieces of the parks we know and love today.
After giving our thoughts about the musical score in the caverns, we explore some hidden remnants of Disney history that are still found in the parks today. Following the evolution of park elements like Journey Into Imagination, Cinderella Castle, and the World of Tomorrow, we explore just a few...
196. Solving The Mystery of Pirates of the Caribbean's Dead Man’s Cove - Pirates of the Caribbean Part 8
This beach is a crime scene… but thanks to Marc Davis, we have enough evidence to solve the crime.
On this episode of Distory with Kate & Kirk, we slide down into the ghostly grotto to explore Dead Man's Cove and Hurricane scenes in depth. Along the way, we take the microscope to the history of this iconic scene to explain what actually happened to the pirates, identify some sea critters and plant life, and explore the creative process that brought us to the final version using rare Imagineering documents, concept art, and never-used (but rec...
195. Disney History Everyone Gets Wrong - Distory Nite Shift
Disney people are storytellers… but sometimes they get the story wrong.
On this episode of Distory Nite Shift, we walk through some popular myths in Disney history, including what Walt actually said about Disneyland’s museum status, the origins of Walt Disney World’s (theoretical) weather-controlling dome, and a resident of the Haunted Mansion who isn’t who everyone thinks he is. We also discuss the new addition to the Pirates of the Caribbean treasure room, some oddities in the bayou, and speculate about what is happening with Disney World’s transportation.
We...
194. Mysteries of the Pirates of the Caribbean Bayou: The Stories Everyone Misses - Pirates of the Caribbean Part 7
What happened to the fireflies in Pirates of the Caribbean? Has the old man always lived in the bayou? And who is Charles T., anyway?
On this episode of Distory with Kate & Kirk, we enter the doors of Disneyland’s Pirates of the Caribbean and head into the bayou to find some lost history of this iconic attraction.
Along the way, we discover the origins (and changes) of the buried treasure tableaux, examine the details and history of the load area, and find some unsolved mysteries as we float dee...
193. Which shaped Disney history more: Pirates of the Caribbean or the Haunted Mansion? - Distory Nite Shift
Which Disney attraction had the greatest impact over time, Pirates of the Caribbean or the Haunted Mansion?
On this week’s episode of Distory Nite Shift, we meet our newest addition to our Distory co-host team before diving into the design philosophy and creation of Pirates of the Caribbean and New Orleans Square, all leading to a question that has sparked debate among Disney history fans for decades:
Which attraction has had the greater influence on Disney history: Pirates of the Caribbean or Haunted Mansion?
...
192. Secrets of Disneyland’s Pirates of the Caribbean Queue: The Details Everyone Misses While Waiting in Line
What storytelling do most people miss in the Pirates of the Caribbean queue while they are waiting in line? And what bizarre detail dates back to Disneyland’s opening day?
On this episode of Distory with Kate & Kirk, we examine the history of the exterior facade and queue for Disneyland’s iconic Pirates of the Caribbean attraction. Along the way, we find some history that most people overlook, like an odd old tree with some history, a mysterious anchor, and a sign of welcome in plain sight. Kirk gives us a botanical tour of the...
191. The WILDEST Pirates of the Caribbean Stories: Imagineering the Characters, Script, & Song - Pirates of the Caribbean Part 5
What character in Pirates of the Caribbean is secretly a tribute to an Imagineer's friend? And what inspired the iconic song Yo Ho (A Pirate's Life for Me)?
On this episode of Distory with Kate & Kirk, we watch the creative process unfold as the figures in Pirates of the Caribbean are shaped, dressed, and animated to create life-like scenes in this iconic attraction.
Along the way, we hear some hilarious stories from Alice Davis, discover how Blaine Gibson began his sculpting career at WED, and take a closer look a...
190. Designing Pirates of the Caribbean: Exploring Imagineering’s Models, Mockups, & Construction - Pirates of the Caribbean Part 4
What changed from Disney's original model to the final attraction? And what critical piece of Pirate culture was altered in those changes?
On this episode of Distory with Kate & Kirk, we explore the fascinating creation process of Disneyland’s Pirates of the Caribbean. Along the way, we hear from Arrow Dynamics about their bateaux design, visit the original model to see some significant changes to the show, and have a cocktail party at the WED mock-up version. We end this episode walking through the construction site of this iconic attraction, seeing the true scale an...
189. Disney's Pirate Wax Museum: From the Rogues Gallery to the Pirates of the Caribbean - Pirates of the Caribbean Part 3
How did a small wax museum tucked under the Blue Bayou Mart evolve into one of Disney’s most iconic rides?
On this episode of Distory with Kate & Kirk, we set sail for adventure as we uncover the fascinating origins of Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean. Beginning before Disneyland even opened and continuing throughout the 1950s and 60s, we explore rare early concepts for the Rogues Gallery Wax Museum and the many artists who helped shape the project. After stepping through Claude Coats’ atmospheric interpretation of a pirate adventure, we then dive into Marc Davis’ research, artwork...
188. A Walk Through 1966 New Orleans Square: The Shops, Restaurants, and Lost History - Pirates of the Caribbean Part 2
Have you ever wished you could go back to 1966 and wander the original streets, shops, and restaurants of Walt Disney’s New Orleans Square?
On this episode of Distory with Kate & Kirk, we continue our new Pirates of the Caribbean series with a visit to a nostalgic version of New Orleans Square in Disneyland. Along the way, we take a historical walking tour through the quaint shops and fabulous restaurants that defined this exquisite corner of the park.
As we explore its winding streets and intimate courtyards, we share ra...
187. The Creation of New Orleans Square: Was it Really Walt's Idea? - Pirates of the Caribbean Part 1
New Orleans Square is a unique feature of Disneyland… but was it originally Walt Disney’s idea?
On this episode of Distory with Kate & Kirk, we begin our new Pirates of the Caribbean series with a visit to Walt Disney’s original 1966 New Orleans Square in Disneyland. Along the way, we take a historical walking tour through Imagineering’s early concepts, design, and the evolution of this exquisite land.
As we explore its winding streets and intimate courtyards, we share rare stories, highlight historical Disney documents, and visit the unique features and characte...
186. BONUS EPISODE: The Hardest Part of Being a Disney Creator
Being a Disney creator isn’t always easy. While there are plenty of magical and memorable moments, there are also struggles, failures, and opportunities to grow, many of which happen behind the scenes and go unseen by our audience.
On this special bonus episode of Distory with Kate & Kirk, we share a deeper look into our lives as Disney podcasters, creators, app developers, and authors. We talk about the ups and downs, what it really takes to be a Disney historian, and some of the personal lessons we’ve learned along the way. We also...
185. 6 Springtime Disney History Stories: Rare Moments & Disney Parks Details Hidden in Plain Sight
What history is hiding in plain sight in Disneyland’s central plaza hub? And what two favorite Disney parade songs have stories behind them that you’ve likely never heard before?
On this episode of Distory with Kate & Kirk, we explore 6 unique springtime stories throughout Disney history. Kate heads to Disneyland and takes a seat in the central plaza to observe some historic details you may not have noticed, reveals some duplicitous Disney artists, and tells the story of an iconic moment in Disneyland history (that guests never got to witness). Kirk brings his own rainy-day stories, with...
184. Is Disneyland Paris the Best Version of Peter Pan’s Flight? : Comparing Anaheim vs. Paris - Peter Pan Part 9
Disneyland Paris is known for having some of the most beautiful and elaborate attractions of any Disney park. But is that also true for Peter Pan’s Flight?
On this episode of Distory with Kate & Kirk, we fly across the pond to explore the Disneyland Paris version of Peter Pan’s Flight. Using historic photos, Imagineering design concepts, and primary source documents, we uncover how this attraction was created and take a virtual fly-through, comparing it side by side with the original ride in Disneyland, Anaheim.
Along the way, we visit the extinct Euro Disneyland prev...
183. What You Miss in the Queue of WDW's Peter Pan’s Flight: Where Imagineering Got It Right (and Wrong) - Peter Pan Part 8
The details in Disney's updated Peter Pan’s Flight queue are incredible, but most of them are overlooked by guests… and not all of them are accurate.
On this episode of Distory with Kate & Kirk, we explore the queue of the Walt Disney World version of Peter Pan’s Flight. Using rare Imagineering documents and attraction photos, we break down the history, artistry, and design of this unique space while uncovering the deeper story behind its details.
As we move through this addition to the classic Magic Kingdom attraction, we unco...
182. The Lost Scenes of Peter Pan’s Flight: What Imagineering Cut from the 1983 Disneyland Ride - Peter Pan Part 7
What scenes did Imagineering decide to eliminate from Peter Pan’s flight… and what characters disappeared in the process?
On this episode of Distory with Kate & Kirk, we fly back in time to explore the history of Disneyland’s 1983 version of Peter Pan’s Flight. Using rare Imagineering documents and behind-the-scenes photos, we break down the design of each scene in the attraction and reveal several concepts that were planned but never built.
As we fly through the ride, we examine the sets piece by piece—exploring the chimney pots of Lo...
181. Inside the Darling Nursery in Disneyland's Peter Pan's Flight: What Imagineering Included (and what they DIDN'T) - Peter Pan Part 6
The details of the Darling nursery tell a deeper story than most people realize. But what details did Imagineering decide NOT to include in this opening scene?
On this episode of Distory with Kate & Kirk, we fly back in time to tell the history of Disneyland’s 1983 Disney's Peter Pan’s Flight. Through rare Imagineering documents and behind-the-scenes photos, we deep-dive into the details of this beautiful attraction, flying through the Nursery and Garden scenes.
Along the way, we identify some changes in the attraction from its opening to the current day, go down a rabb...
180. When Disney Destroyed Fantasyland: The 1983 Disneyland Rebuild & New Peter Pan's Flight - Peter Pan's Flight Part 5
In the 1980s, Imagineering completely tore apart Walt Disney's original Fantasyland. But how did they decide on what should replace it? And what did they decide NOT to build?
On this episode of Distory with Kate & Kirk, we fly back in time to Disneyland’s 1983 opening of New Fantasyland and Disney's Peter Pan’s Flight. Through rare Imagineering documents and vintage photos, we deep-dive into the details of how they dismantled and rebuilt Walt’s original Fantasyland, including some concepts that never came to pass.
As we fly along, Kirk takes us on a tour of dor...
179. The Overlooked Details of 1971 WDW Peter Pan's Flight: Topless Mermaids, Mistakes, & Rare Photos - Peter Pan Part 4
Why did the mermaids change in Walt Disney World’s Peter Pan’s Flight, and how is their scandalous past connected to a classic Disneyland attraction?
On this episode of Distory with Kate & Kirk, we fly back in time to the Walt Disney World 1971 version of Disney's Peter Pan’s Flight. Through rare Imagineering documents and interior attraction photos, we deep-dive into the details of what made this beautiful Disney ride, including a virtual “fly-thru” of the attraction.
Along the way, we identify art and meet a demonic doll in the Darling nursery, go for a ride in...
178. Why Peter Pan Shouldn't Exist: How the Magic Kingdom Rewrote Fantasyland - Peter Pan Part 3
Peter Pan's Flight wasn't planned to be in Walt Disney World at all... in fact, Disney's Imagineers had an entirely different Fantasyland mapped out for their new Magic Kingdom. So, what changed?
On this episode of Distory with Kate & Kirk, we fly back in time to the Walt Disney World 1971 version of Disney's Peter Pan’s Flight. Before we can step aboard our pirate galleon for the second iteration of this classic Disney ride, we have to first explore the unique development and construction of Magic Kingdom’s Fantasyland through historical photos, video, and maps.
Alon...
177. Disneyland’s Original 1955 Peter Pan’s Flight: Rare Imagineering Art & a Virtual Fly-Thru - Peter Pan Part 2
How was the ending of Peter Pan’s Flight more terrifying (and disappointing) in 1955? And what object did guests tend to tear off the attraction to keep as a souvenir?
On this episode of Distory with Kate & Kirk, we fly back in time to the 1955 version of Disneyland’s Peter Pan’s Flight. Through rare Imagineering documents and interior attraction photos, we explore the concepts, creation, and construction of this beautiful Disney ride, culminating in a virtual “fly-thru” of the attraction.
Along the way, we find some bizarre old character co...
176. Peter Pan Stories You’ve Never Heard: The Hidden History of Disney's Peter Pan Animated Film - Peter Pan Part 1
What bizarre technique did Disney's artists use to make Tinker Bell glow? And what disturbing story elements did Disney change from the original novel when they created their feature film?
On this episode of Distory with Kate & Kirk, we follow the second start to the right as we explore the fascinating art, history, animation, and development of Disney’s Peter Pan animated feature film. Along the way, we discover some bizarre truths about the original novel, find some unique connections between Peter Pan and another iconic Disney attraction, and hear some behind-the-scenes stories of how this film wa...
175. Distorian's Lounge - Two Imagineers, One Love Story: The Beautiful Dance of Marc & Alice Davis
Marc and Alice Davis’s love story is one for the ages, intertwined as it is with Disney history. But they also loved us through their imaginative, creative work in some of Disney’s most iconic attractions.
On this special Kate-only episode of Distory, we explore some historical stories of Disney Imagineers Marc and Alice Davis, highlighting not only some unique tales about their life as a couple, but also their individual creative careers. As we go, we'll visit some lost concept art, laugh along with Alice’s colorful storytelling, and mourn the loss of Marc’s career.<...
174. What the Tower of Terror Borrowed from the Haunted Mansion: The Lost Concepts That Changed the Ride - DCA & DLP Tower of Terror - Part 29
How did lost concepts from the Haunted Mansion inspire the Tower of Terror?
Drop in with us on this episode of Distory with Kate & Kirk as we check into California Adventure's lost Hollywood Tower Hotel to decipher the history, secrets, and stories hidden within its design.
In this final episode in our 29-part Tower of Terror series, we check out of the DCA and DLP versions of the Tower of Terror, exploring details on the ride and in the exit of the attraction. After hearing some descriptions from the...
173. Horrifying Storytelling in the Tower of Terror Boiler Room: The Man Disney Left to Burn - DCA & DLP Tower of Terror - Part 28
There were hidden secrets in the Boiler Room of the DCA Tower of Terror that made it the most TERRIFYING version of all, but most people walked right past them without noticing the detailed storytelling. Drop in with us on this episode of Distory with Kate & Kirk as we check into California Adventure's lost Hollywood Tower Hotel to decipher the history, secrets, and stories hidden within its design.In this episode, we timidly step into the boiler room of the DCA and DLP versions of the Tower of Terror, starting with the poetic words of the original Imagineering Show...
172. How Disney Rewrote the Tower of Terror Library - True Confessions, Monarchs, & Lost Artifacts in the DCA & DLP Libraries - Tower of Terror - Part 27
How did the Imagineers alter the storytelling of the Tower of Terror libraries for the California and Paris versions?
Drop in with us on this episode of Distory with Kate & Kirk as we check into California Adventure's lost Hollywood Tower Hotel to decipher the history, secrets, and stories hidden within its design.
In this episode, we check into the DCA and DLP versions of the Tower of Terror, exploring details in the lobby, foyer, and libraries of this iconic attraction. Along the way, we discover some scandalous true confessions...
171. BONUS EPISODE - The Christmas Disney Doesn’t Talk About: Six Forgotten Stories from Disney’s Holiday Past
Christmastime in the Disney parks is a wonder to behold, but its history is something even more magical than snow falling on Main Street. But there are a few less-than-magical things in Disney’s holiday past as well.
In this episode, we bring you 6 unique stories from the history of Disney at the most wonderful time of the year, beginning with a behind-the-scenes look at a Muppet Christmas Carol, a trip back in time to 1955 Disneyland at Christmastime, and even Walt Disney’s unusual gift-giving preferences.
Kirk takes us on a...
170. The Lost Secrets in DCA's Tower of Terror Lobby: Creepy Dolls, Hidden Relics, & 1939 Hollywood Mysteries
A doll, brochure, and magazine in the DCA Tower of Terror Lobby were all telling a story, but no one has ever fully understood their significance... until now.
Drop in with us as we check into California Adventure's lost Hollywood Tower Hotel to decipher the history, secrets, and stories hidden within its elegant (yet terrifying) design.
In this episode, we check into the lobby of the DCA and DLP versions of the Tower of Terror and take in all the details of these two highly detailed set designs. Along the way, we explore the signs...
