S3 E22: Disneyland Entertainment Revival (with Kim Millspaugh)

To celebrate Disneyland’s 70th anniversary, Stephen, Kaity, and Disneyland expert Kim Millspaugh (@disney.sme) take a deep dive into the world of live shows at the park. From beloved classics to recent closures, we explore the surprising decline in stage entertainment and what it means for Disneyland’s storytelling future.Why are so many theaters sitting empty? What challenges and choices have shaped this shift? And does live entertainment still hold the same magic it once did?Stephen shares an exciting Imagineering vision that could breathe new life into Disneyland’s stages, bringing back fan favorites and introducing bold new productions to thrill audiences once again.Join us to discover the stories behind the curtains and what might be next for one of Disney’s most enchanting traditions.Send us a textSupport the showDon't forget to check us out on Instagram!

We made it to 100, ImaginIdiots! This episode is a full-blown celebration of everything we’ve dreamed up, laughed through, and created together over three wild seasons. From day one, we never imagined we’d make it this far, but thanks to you, here we are: triple digits, baby!To mark the occasion, we’re doing things a little differently. Instead of designing a new attraction, we’re reimagining Wishes (the beloved nighttime spectacular) as a heart-filled, voice-driven tribute to dreams, chaos, creativity, and the future of the parks. Each of us shares our biggest Disney wish, and we’re spotlighting some of your incredible submissions too.We’re also taking a trip down memory lane: revisiting our favorite episodes, calling out the top 5 most-loved shows (you really showed up for Season 3!), shouting out every guest who’s helped us along the way, and reflecting on all the hilarious behind-the-scenes disasters that somehow didn’t ruin the show.And at the very end of the episode, we’ve dusted off something from the archives...an unreleased surprise we’ve been holding onto since before Season 3. It's ridiculous. It's dramatic. And we figured, if there's ever a time to finally play it... it's now.This episode is for the friends, the listeners, and every foolish dreamer who’s taken this journey with us. You made all of this possible. So grab your metaphorical fireworks, make a wish, and celebrate with us, because this one’s got all the sparkle.Send us a textSupport the showDon't forget to check us out on Instagram!

We just spent a whirlwind day exploring Epic Universe—and we’re here to give you our honest first impressions. From checking in at one of the brand-new hotels to navigating early entry, portal strategy, and ride experiences, we’re breaking down what surprised us, what impressed us, and what we think still needs a little fine-tuning.Stephen, Kaity, and Jenny were on the ground for it all. Whether you’re planning a future trip or just curious about what Universal’s newest park really feels like, this episode is packed with firsthand takeaways, real talk, and a few laughs along the way.Send us a textSupport the showDon't forget to check us out on Instagram!

Summer’s heating up—and so is Epcot! This week, Project Manager Kaity leads the charge as the Idiots head to South America to dream up a long-awaited addition to World Showcase: a brand-new Brazil pavilion! Complete with Baroque-inspired architecture, vibrant street markets, a churrascaria with sunset views, and an interactive attraction starring a mythical forest protector (and yes—giant flying capybaras), this proposal brings Brazil’s food, folklore, and festive spirit to life like never before.From Samba dance lessons and caipirinhas to a high-tech, eco-forward ride through the Amazon, Kaity’s immersive vision is both imaginative and grounded in real-world possibilities.If you’ve ever wished for more feijoada and folklore in your Disney day, this episode is for you. Plus, the team drops hints about next week’s milestone 100th episode!Send us a textSupport the showDon't forget to check us out on Instagram!

This week, the Idiots tackle the heat—and the lack of hydration—at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. As the only Florida Disney park without a water ride, the team agrees it’s time to make a splash. Stephen steps into the project manager role with a bold proposal: bring The Incredibles into the spotlight with a high-energy, super-soaked attraction that blends thrills, laughs, and retro-futuristic flair.With input from Kaity, Marissa, and Jenny, the team explores how to give new life to an underutilized area of the park while honoring Pixar’s most heroic family. But what begins as a simple water ride quickly evolves into something much bigger—both in scope and in story.Can a park best known for stunt shows and screen-based rides handle the chaos of a full-scale superhero adventure? Suit up and find out in this action-packed episode of Idiot’s Guide to Imagineering.Send us a textSupport the showDon't forget to check us out on Instagram!

With the announcement of Disney’s first-ever theme park in the Middle East, Imagineering faces a rare opportunity: building a brand-new Disney destination from the ground up. But what does it really mean to design a park for an entirely new audience—one shaped by different cultural norms, expectations, and stories?In this episode, Stephen takes the lead as Project Manager to explore what Disney Abu Dhabi could become. From blending beloved IP like Aladdin into a culturally respectful and fully immersive Agrabah land, to reimagining how Disney parks can evolve beyond a Western lens, we’re diving into the big questions. Plus, we don’t shy away from the complexities—addressing the valid concerns surrounding labor practices, human rights, and the broader ethical considerations of a project of this scale.Joined by Amanda and Jenny, the Idiots dig into the stories that might shape this seventh Disney resort, the innovations that could set it apart, and what it means to imagine something completely new in a region just beginning its Disney chapter.Send us a textSupport the showDon't forget to check us out on Instagram!

For the first time ever, the Idiots are stepping aside and handing the mic to a special guest. This week, Stephen welcomes multi-talented creative and Broadway star Tyler Davis for a guest-led episode that flips our usual format on its head. Instead of pitching our own idea, we’re reacting to a fully imagined, fully epic attraction inspired by Marvel’s Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings.Tyler brings the kind of big ideas we wish Disney would greenlight—think advanced animatronics, breathtaking portal effects, and a ride vehicle straight out of a BMW commercial. Oh, and did we mention the Dweller in Darkness might make an appearance?Press play and buckle up for a Marvel attraction that breaks the mold—then follow Tyler on Instagram @tylerdavisdesign to see his incredible concept art and more!Send us a textSupport the showDon't forget to check us out on Instagram!

What if you could relive the magic of all four Walt Disney World parks—without a park ticket, without standing in line, and yes, without leaving your dinner table?This week, Stephen is pitching a dazzling new experience that’s part dinner show, part skating spectacular, and all Disney magic. Think parade floats gliding across ice, a cameo from the Disco Yeti, and a nighttime finale that just might rival Happily Ever After. From Magic Kingdom to Animal Kingdom, this idea fuses nostalgia, camp, and smart logistics into something that could genuinely expand the Walt Disney World experience.Marissa’s in the co-host seat this week as the duo unpacks the inspiration behind the concept, the challenges of expanding Blizzard Beach, and the deliciously over-the-top moments that just had to be included.Is it campy? Absolutely. Is it brilliant? You tell us.Send us a textSupport the showDon't forget to check us out on Instagram!

It’s opening week at Epic Universe, and the buzz is palpable! The park is finally here, and fans are flooding in to experience all that Epic has to offer. But before you get lost in the crowds, we’ve got something else exciting—an original concept that could take Epic Universe to the next level!This week, Stephen steps outside the Disney bubble to craft an incredible expansion idea for Dark Universe. Think monsters, legends, and stories waiting to come to life in thrilling new ways. We’re talking about a concept that dives deep into the Creature from the Black Lagoon and imagines a spine-chilling experience!Join Stephen and the team as they break down this never-before-done idea, filled with government conspiracies, eerie streets, and an adventure that will have you on the edge of your seat. It’s all about pushing the boundaries of theme park storytelling, and this new expansion could be an addition Universal needs!Send us a textSupport the showDon't forget to check us out on Instagram!

Stephen is back from Japan and sharing his full experience at Tokyo Disney Resort. From the sleek nostalgia of the Disney Ambassador Hotel to the stunning new Fantasy Springs Hotel, plus days spent at both Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea—this episode unpacks the details, the atmosphere, and what makes this resort feel completely different from anywhere else. Send us a textSupport the showDon't forget to check us out on Instagram!