S4 E1: Season 4 Premiere Festival! | Developing Disney’s Tropical Americas

Season 4 kicks off with a premiere festival full of adventure! This week, we’re exploring Pueblo Esperanza, the land under construction at Animal Kingdom, also affectionately called Tropical Americas. While the land will feature Encanto, we’re highlighting two original Imagineering projects we designed: one giving a storyline to an announced Indiana Jones ride and another completely new addition that’s a surprise for our listeners.Join the Idiots (Stephen, Kaity, and Marissa) as we soak up festival vibes, storytelling, and the magic of placemaking. From detailed research and cultural inspiration to guest experience design, we’ll give you an inside look at how Disney Imagineers bring lands to life. Expect laughs, energy, and surprises along the way, including a fan-favorite IP presented in a way that is completely unexpected for the land.This premiere is bigger and bolder than ever, featuring two full Imagineering projects in a single episode. Whether you’re a seasoned Imagineering fan or just love Disney storytelling, this episode sets the tone for an unforgettable Season 4.Don't forget to check us out on Instagram!

2025 was unforgettable, but 2026 is shaping up to be even bigger! Join Stephen, Kaity, and Marissa as they kick off the new year and set the stage for Season 4 of Idiot’s Guide to Imagineering. In this special pre-season episode, the team reflects on last year’s successes, shares what they’ve been working on, and gives you a sneak peek at what’s coming next, including a surprise twist that will change the way you experience the show.Get hyped for the premiere and hear why the next chapter of Idiot’s Guide is shaping up to be the boldest yet. If you’ve ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes, or how this team of Idiots brings original Imagineering projects to life, this episode is your first taste of the journey ahead.Don't forget to check us out on Instagram!

It’s time for our second State of the Kingdom address, a quarterly breakdown of everything happening across Disney Parks and Imagineering as 2025 comes to a close.In this episode, we cover the biggest Q4 announcements, including major opening timelines at Disneyland Paris, Walt Disney World, and Disneyland Resort. We dive into construction updates from across the globe, from Animation Courtyard and Monstropolis to Piston Peak, Tropical Americas, and Avengers Campus, breaking down what’s rising, what’s gone, and what it all means.We also unpack the most intriguing rumors currently circulating, from potential expansions overseas to next generation Audio Animatronic technology and what could be coming to Villains Land.Think of this as your complete snapshot of the parks right now, what’s new, what’s under construction, and what might be coming next, delivered clearly, thoughtfully, and just a little idiotic.Welcome to the State of the Kingdom.Don't forget to check us out on Instagram!

You're invited to the first-ever D-Ticket Awards!The Idiots have tallied the votes and gathered the fan-powered results for a one-night celebration of the boldest, most inventive, and most memorable moments across Disney Parks. From major updates to beloved classics, we’re honoring the attractions, surprises, and standouts that defined the year and beyond.Join Stephen, Kaity, Marissa, Jenny, and Amanda as they host the 2025 D-Ticket Awards, featuring listener-voted categories, thoughtful discussion, surprise announcements, and a special segment shining a light on the wonderfully questionable choices only Disney could make.Whether you’re here for the wins, the deep cuts, or the park-nerd commentary, this is the Disney Parks celebration you’ll want to be part of.The 2025 D-Ticket Awards starts now.Don't forget to check us out on Instagram!

It’s Thanksgiving in the Disney Parks...and chaos is on the menu.For the second year in a row, Kaity, Stephen, and Marissa are celebrating the holiday Idiot-style for the ultimate Disney Parks Thanksgiving Roulette. Each spin of the wheel determines a part of their theme park feast, from the location and co-host character, to the main course and after-dinner attraction.Will someone end up dining in the Utilidors with Constance Hatchaway, sipping LeFou’s Brew, and riding Mission: SPACE on repeat? Probably.Because at this Thanksgiving table, the only thing guaranteed is laughter… and maybe a turkey leg.Don't forget to check us out on Instagram!

From felt caps to viral fashion icons, Mickey ears have come a long way since their debut on The Mickey Mouse Club in 1955. In this Micro Magic, Marissa takes us through the fascinating history of one of Disney’s most recognizable symbols, tracing their transformation from simple souvenirs to must-have collectibles that define Disney style. Whether you love the classic black hat or the glittering rose gold headbands that cause pandemonium, this episode celebrates the magic, nostalgia, and creativity behind the world’s most famous pair of ears. 🗳️ Vote Here: Voting is open through November 17 at 11:59 PM.💜 Donate here: Our New Hope for Kids fundraiser is still underway. Every donation helps us reach our $1,000 goal and supports an incredible cause.Don't forget to check us out on Instagram!

At the core of Disney parks lies a treasure trove of imaginative storytelling, and one of the most fascinating tales is that of the Society of Explorers and Adventurers (S.E.A.). Originating in the 1980s, this society has woven a rich tapestry of lore that connects various parks and even a movie, inviting fans to embark on a journey of exploration. Join us as Kaity delves deep into the enchanting world of S.E.A., uncovering its history, members, and impact on Disney's theme parks.🗳️ Vote Here: Voting is open through November 17 at 11:59 PM.💜 Donate here: Our New Hope for Kids fundraiser is still underway. Every donation helps us reach our $1,000 goal and supports an incredible cause.Don't forget to check us out on Instagram!

It’s official! Idiot’s Guide to Imagineering is launching the very first D-Ticket Awards: a fan-driven celebration of the best, boldest, and most creative moments in Disney Parks and Imagineering.This week, Stephen, Kaity, and Marissa reveal the full list of 20 categories and nominees and open voting for fans everywhere. From reimagined attractions to iconic park smells, it’s time to decide which Imagineering moments deserve a D-Ticket Award.🗳️ Vote Here: Voting is open through November 17 at 11:59 PM. 💜 Donate here: Our New Hope for Kids fundraiser is still underway. Every donation helps us reach our $1,000 goal and supports an incredible cause.Don't forget to check us out on Instagram!

The Idiots are throwing their first-ever Halloween party, and you’re invited! From ghost stories that send chills down your spine to brand-new Halloween overlays that reimagine Disney classics (including a haunted Jungle Cruise you’ll never forget), this special is packed with tricks, treats, and a little bit of idiotic chaos. Join Spooky Stephen, All Hallows Amanda, Mysterious Marissa, and Kooky Kaity for a frightfully fun night of storytelling, laughter, and Imagineering mischief.💜 Donate here Don't forget to check us out on Instagram!

Rewind time, and this week Amanda picked one of Stephen’s creepiest creations to fit the season.We’re revisiting Season 1, Episode 13: Haunted Moon Lagoon, where Stephen transformed Typhoon Lagoon into an adults-only Halloween event unlike anything Disney has ever attempted. Picture an all-inclusive after-hours party with eerie overlays on water slides, haunted zones inspired by Pirates, Haunted Mansion, Tower of Terror, and Alien Encounter, plus villains roaming the park, specialty food and drinks, and even a chilling fireworks show above Miss Tilly.Since we’re right in the thick of spooky season, this rewind couldn’t be more perfect. If you love Halloween, spooky overlays, or the thought of floating through a haunted lazy river, this one is worth a listen.💜 Donate hereDon't forget to check us out on Instagram!