171. Pete's Dragon (1977)

We’ve finally digitized ourselves into Disney's ambitious, neon-lit cult classic: Tron (1982). Join J.B. and Eddie as they explore the film’s groundbreaking visuals, early CGI innovations, and the wild decisions that brought this techy odyssey to life—plus why this movie may have confused, amazed, or bored audiences in equal measure. We unpack the surprising religious overtones, arcade-era obsession, and Disney’s attempts to reboot the magic. Also in Disney news: a surprise Star Wars announcement from Celebration Japan and the internet’s relentless takedown of Snow White continues.

Today we're singing our way into EPCOT history with a deep dive into the gloriously bizarre Epcot Center Grand Opening TV Special. From Danny Kaye’s musical explanations to Drew Barrymore predicting high school on Mars, it’s a delightful mess. We unpack Dreamfinder’s magical mustache, Marie Osmond's confusing ballad, future tech that never came to be, and the weird robot musical number that somehow worked. And of course, we honor the giant golf ball in the sky: Spaceship Earth.TIMECODES00:00 Intro00:58 The Epcot Center Grand Opening TV Special39:04 Disney+ Deals at the Parks46:40 30th Anniversary of The Goofy Movie48:50 Snow Whites other story52:51 Look ahead to Star Wars Celebration55:51 Family News

This week, J.B. and Eddie wrestle with the complicated friendship dynamics of The Fox and the Hound—a film with cute woodland creatures, recycled voice actors, and surprisingly few fox-friendly morals. They talk about the film’s pacing problems, the infamous train scene, and the animation studio drama that changed Disney forever. Plus, Disney news is popping off: Snow White flops, Tangled gets paused, Luke Skywalker shows up in Galaxy’s Edge, and Universal's Epic Universe officially raises the bar. And of course—public nudity.00:00 Intro00:56 The Fox and the Hound review34:00 Snow White Flop Fallout39:00 Seasons of the Force42:41 Epice Universe47:02 Cinemacon Disney Releases51:32 Family News

Eddie and J.B. take a nostalgic trip back to the 1979 movie you never knew existed... The Black Hole (00:58), Disney's ambitious dive into the sci-fi craze. Their first attempt at PG rating (05:00), those robots (12:49), magnificent ending (24:12). In Disney news (32:11), we cover the strange Marvel cast list for Doomsday, tons of trailers, and Coco 2. Plus J.B. reviews his cruise mistakes (48:53).

J.B. and Eddie dive into Pete’s Dragon (1977), the live-action/animation hybrid that Disney hoped would recapture the magic of Mary Poppins. They break down the film’s unexpected musical format, its Broadway-style numbers, and how it compares to the 2016 remake. From discussing Disney’s obsession with orphan stories to the oddest elixir ever sold, they unpack the film’s quirks, its animation legacy, and its presence in the Disney Parks. Plus, stay tuned for the latest Disney news, including South by Southwest announcements, the Snow White PR disaster, and Disney’s massive pullback on Disney+ content.Timestamps00:00 – Intro00:02:34 – Initial reactions: “Wait… this is a musical?”00:03:36 – The film’s connection to Mary Poppins and The Apple Dumpling Gang00:05:52 – Disney’s obsession with orphan stories00:08:07 – Comparing the 1977 and 2016 versions of Pete’s Dragon00:13:06 – The most uncomfortable song in the film00:15:34 – The strangest elixir ever00:16:17 – Was this secretly a human trafficking story?00:18:02 – Pete’s Dragon in the Disney Parks: The Main Street Electrical Parade00:21:02 – Disneyland’s 90s Night: Where’s The Rescuers?00:26:25 – Disney Imagineering’s full PR push at South by Southwest00:28:05 – Disney’s bizarre, Snow White “no press allowed” premiere00:30:41 – The Snow White box office disaster: How bad will it be?00:36:28 – Disney officially pulling back from Disney+ original films00:40:40 – J.B.’s daughter is officially hooked on Disney Parks

J.B. and Eddie take on The Rescuers (1977), Disney’s thrilling animated adventure about two heroic mice on a mission to save a kidnapped girl. They dive into the film’s surprisingly dark themes, its impact on Disney’s animation legacy, and why it became one of the studio’s biggest hits of the decade. Plus, they discuss Bob Newhart and Eva Gabor’s legendary performances, the film’s abandoned 101 Dalmatians connection, and the surprising history behind The Rescuers Down Under. Stick around for Disney news, including a major Captain America: Brave New World breakdown, Andor Season 2 trailer reactions, and the bombshell report that Kathleen Kennedy is out at Lucasfilm.Timestamps00:00 – Intro and nostalgic childhood memories of The Rescuers04:00 – The film’s original connection to 101 Dalmatians10:00 – Why The Rescuers was Disney’s biggest animated hit since The Jungle Book14:45 – Bob Newhart and Eva Gabor’s perfect voice-acting chemistry19:30 – Disney Parks discussion: Why The Rescuers has no representation24:00 – Disney’s first animated sequel: The Rescuers Down Under connection29:00 – Captain America: Brave New World review and reactions48:00 – Disney admits its parks are too expensive, shifting focus to business outcomes53:00 – Andor Season 2 trailer reaction57:45 – Kathleen Kennedy out at Lucasfilm

J.B. and Eddie revisit the heartwarming 1977 classic The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh. They dive into the film’s nostalgic charm, its anthology-style storytelling, and the surprising emotional impact of revisiting the Hundred Acre Wood. Plus, they discuss the history of Winnie the Pooh at Disney Parks, its massive cultural influence, and the franchise’s lasting popularity. Stick around for Disney news, including Bob Iger’s latest public appearance, Star Wars rumors, and the surprising drop in Hollywood TV productions. 00:00 – Intro and childhood memories of Winnie the Pooh 00:29 – Reviewing The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh 06:39 – The film’s anthology format and nostalgic surprises 16:00 – The iconic characters: Pooh, Tigger, and Rabbit’s constant struggles 27:00 – Why Winnie the Pooh remains one of Disney’s biggest franchises 38:00 – Disney Parks connections and the Winnie the Pooh ride 46:30 – Bob Iger’s public appearance and successor rumors 50:00 – Star Wars rumors: Is Ryan Gosling joining the galaxy far, far away? 55:30 – Hollywood’s TV production drop-off and what it means for streaming

Eddie and J.B. dive into the 1976 Disney classicFreaky Friday, where Jodie Foster and Barbara Harris swap bodies in a chaotic, slapstick-filled adventure. They break down the film’s unexpected humor, over-the-top performances, and how it compares to later remakes. Plus, they discuss Disney news, includingFantastic Four casting,Skeleton Crew updates, and whySnow White was suspiciously absent from the Super Bowl trailers.00:00 – Intro and reminiscing about childhood VHS collections00:29 – ReviewingFreaky Friday (1976)06:39 – Jodie Foster’s performance vs. Barbara Harris’ odd choices16:00 – The bizarre pacing, body-swapping logic, and stunt sequences27:00 – Why this version ofFreaky Friday feels ungrounded38:00 – Disney+ losing 700,000 subscribers—but making more money46:30 – Fox launching a new sports and news streaming service50:00 – Super Bowl trailers:Lilo & Stitch ad spikes searches, but noSnow White?55:30 –Fantastic Four first look: Period-piece vibes, cast reactions, and CGI debates

Join J.B. Waggoner and Eddie Ferguson on Honey, We Made a Disney Podcast as they explore Disney's The Apple Dumpling Gang, celebrating the comedic brilliance of Don Knotts and Tim Conway and diving into the Western revival of the 1970s. The episode takes a turn into the galaxy far, far away with a review of Skeleton Crew, breaking down its standout moments and unique storytelling. Plus, they discuss Reagan’s Epcot parade, updates on Disney’s live-action remakes, and more. 00:00 – Intro and reminiscing about childhood VHS nostalgia 00:40 – Quick review of The Apple Dumpling Gang 26:52 - Disney news: Connection to the Inaguration 31:59 – Skeleton Crew review: Fresh storytelling in the Star Wars universe 56:49 - Moana, Daredevil, and Space Mountain 50th 55:30 – Closing thoughts and a hilarious parenting story

Join J.B. Eddie as they review Disney's Escape to Witch Mountain. This 1975 classic brings aliens, harmonicas, and wild special effects into a tale that has sparked a franchise spanning decades. From humorous character critiques to franchise trivia, this episode is a nostalgic exploration of one of Disney's quirkiest adventures. Stick around for Disney news and lighthearted family stories! 00:00 – Intro and opening nostalgia 00:40 – Reviewing Escape to Witch Mountain: first impressions 06:39 – Comparing character powers and their confusing execution 10:04 – The wild production stories, including real bears on set 16:00 – A breakdown of the Witch Mountain franchise and its sequels 27:00 – Disney news: ESPN updates and streaming challenges 32:00 – The disappointing Skeleton Crew opening and Star Wars updates 38:00 – Moana 2 box office performance and Mufasa movie buzz 45:00 – Wrapping up with ice cream cone meltdowns and parenting tales