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 sweet tour of the history of Disney’s gingerbread houses, Kate gives some magical context to a beloved parade character, and we both share some unique stories that we hope will bring a little extra wonder and joy to your holiday this year.

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Many thanks to Disney historian Joshua at E82 | The Epcot Legacy for contributing resources for this episode!

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Kate’s Substack

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 of the golden age of Hollywood, discuss some lost relics of 1930s culture, and take a few rabbit trails here and there into other fascinating places in Disney history.

Kirk explains the creepy doll on the couch, Kate does a deep dive into Disney’s Oz connections, and we both compare and contrast this lobby with the original in Florida, and how the Imagineers reimagined this attraction on a budget.

What is the REAL reason the DCA version of the Hollywood Tower Hotel used to feel so creepy when you stepped inside?

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, wandering the gardens in the exterior queue before stepping into the lobby to see what we can find. Along the way, we play some cards, drink some tea, and explore the nuances of the differences between this version and the one we spent 23 episodes exploring in Disney's Hollywood Studios.

Kate uses an Imagineering show info guide to give us a tour of this iconic lobby, Kirk teaches us some new card games, and we both take a side trip to one of the most famous hotels in America to learn how the Imagineers used fear in the collective unconscious to shape their set design.