How are some of the lobby props in the Hollywood Tower Hotel connected to an iconic Walt Disney show from the 1950s?

In this episode of Distory with Kate & Kirk, we check into the lobby of the Hollywood Tower Hotel to uncover what secrets have been decaying before us right in plain sight in the center of the room.

After finding some stickers on the ceiling and discovering the origin of the chandeliers and sconces, we explain the presence of the creepy bronze owl (and the flowers below him), and even tell you where you can buy your own replica of the statue. We then wander over to the couple’s table, where we make an amazing discovery about the chairs, and discuss wine servers and dining etiquette (and also find ANOTHER connection to Richard Nixon for Kate). We wrap up this episode digging into the history of Hollywood’s favorite lipstick, learning some glove love language, and untangling the myth (and reality) of flapper dress fringe.

It’s no secret that Cast Members are the heart and soul of Disney’s attractions, and the Hollywood Tower Hotel Bellhops are no exception. But how does their etiquette, performance, elaborate costumes, and community make the bellhops truly special?

Drop in with us on this episode of Distory with Kate & Kirk as we check into the Hollywood Tower Hotel and are greeted by a living artifact of the Tower of Terror... a former bellhop. This episode features history and stories from a special guest, fellow Disney historian Joshua Harris of the E82 Project, who has special insight into the Tower from 20 years with the company, many of them as a bellhop at the Hollywood Tower Hotel. As we explore the origin and the art of Disney’s performance theming, Joshua teaches us about bellhop etiquette, Kirk and Kate try their hand at becoming bellhops, and we gather quite a few fun stories and behind-the-scenes secrets to take with us the next time we enter the Twilight Zone.

Many thanks to Disney historian Joshua at E82 | The Epcot Legacy for being our special guest this episode! You can find more about his preservation work and soundtracks HERE.

Join us LIVE on YouTube most Thursdays at 10:30am Pacific/1:30pm Eastern for more Distory!

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Kate’s Substack

Hidden under layers of dust and cobwebs, the objects on the Concierge Desk of the Tower of Terror have their secrets, scandals, and connections to the Twilight Zone that most people completely miss.

In this episode of Distory with Kate & Kirk, we check into the lobby of the Hollywood Tower Hotel to uncover what secrets have been decaying before us right in plain sight at the Concierge Desk. After discussing the history of fedoras, phones, and ink blotters, we meet a Disney baroness and make a connection between the lamp and a difficult painting technique also featured in Disneyland. Kate discusses scandalous celebrity relationships, Kirk sits in the most uncomfortable chair ever, and, after naming several of the antiques in the area, we are finally ready to pick up our (purposefully creepy) suitcases and depart from the Concierge Desk.

Join us LIVE on YouTube most Thursdays at 10:30am Pacific/1:30pm Eastern for more Distory!

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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