Distory: a Disney History
- Episodes
- 28
- Released
- monthly
- Latest episode
- Nov 13, 2026
About the podcast
Join us on a Disney-filled journey through the past! A past filled with magical adventures, princes and princesses, iconic music, and dreams coming true. In Distory, we travel through the history of the Walt Disney Company and delve deeply into the films, parks and experiences that have emerged from it. From the numerous challenges of making the first full-length animated film, the solutions that enabled Peter Pan to fly, to the films of today; Distory reflects on a history that changed the world.
Episodes 28
Chapter 27: The backside of water
From its opening day at Disneyland to its many twists, turns and unexpected evolutions, we’re navigating the fascinating history of one of Disney’s most iconic attractions. Along the way, expect legendary …
Show notes
From its opening day at Disneyland to its many twists, turns and unexpected evolutions, we’re navigating the fascinating history of one of Disney’s most iconic attractions. Along the way, expect legendary skippers, questionable navigation skills, plenty of jungle secrets and enough dad jokes to make even the hippos groan. It’s a journey that’s guaranteed to be anything but boring… unless you fall asleep at the wheel. So grab your life jacket, watch out for those pun-loving skippers and remember: what happens in the jungle stays in the jungle. Well, except the jokes. They tend to get recycled!
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Distory theme music by Jazper Adèr.
Chapter 26: A special sort of death for one so fair
Enter the forest where fairy tales go to die. In 1955, Disneyland opened a dark ride that plunged unsuspecting children into Snow White’s nightmare, a world of twisted trees, sinister shadows, wicked witches …
Show notes
Enter the forest where fairy tales go to die. In 1955, Disneyland opened a dark ride that plunged unsuspecting children into Snow White’s nightmare, a world of twisted trees, sinister shadows, wicked witches, and a queen consumed by evil. There were no happy endings here. Only screams. We unlock the doors to Disneyland’s forgotten nightmare and descend into the darkness of Snow White’s Scary Adventures.
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Distory theme music by Jazper Adèr.
Chapter 25: In yonder topmost tower, dreaming of her true love
Long before guests stepped through its archways or gazed up at its soaring spires, Disneyland’s castle existed as a symbol of an impossible dream. Standing at the heart of the park, it would become far more …
Show notes
Long before guests stepped through its archways or gazed up at its soaring spires, Disneyland’s castle existed as a symbol of an impossible dream. Standing at the heart of the park, it would become far more than a beautiful landmark, it would become the icon of Disneyland itself. But how was it created, what inspired its design, and why has it captured imaginations for generations?
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Distory theme music by Jazper Adèr.
Chapter 24: The crossroads of an era
Main Street, U.S.A. is Disneyland’s beating heart: a golden doorway into Walt Disney’s cherished memories of small-town America, where kindness, ambition, and imagination lived side by side. Beneath its flags …
Show notes
Main Street, U.S.A. is Disneyland’s beating heart: a golden doorway into Walt Disney’s cherished memories of small-town America, where kindness, ambition, and imagination lived side by side. Beneath its flags, horse-drawn streetcars, and glowing windows, visitors do not merely enter a park. They arrive somewhere deeply familiar. It carries the promise of childhood and a future bright with possibility. For Walt, it was a tribute to the place that formed him. For every guest, it is the unforgettable feeling of coming home.
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Distory theme music by Jazper Adèr.
Chapter 23: All aboard!
The first magic of Disneyland isn’t something you see, it’s something you hear. The timeless whistle of a steam locomotive has welcomed guests since 1955, carrying with it Walt Disney’s greatest passion. The …
Show notes
The first magic of Disneyland isn’t something you see, it’s something you hear. The timeless whistle of a steam locomotive has welcomed guests since 1955, carrying with it Walt Disney’s greatest passion. The Disneyland Railroad isn’t just a ride; it’s love made tangible, a dream set in motion, and a beautiful reminder that every magical journey begins with a spark of wonder.
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Distory theme music by Jazper Adèr.
Chapter 22: Here you leave today and enter the world of yesterday, tomorrow and fantasy
From a quiet bench where Walt Disney watched his daughters play, a dream took shape, one where stories lived beyond the screen. Against doubt, delays, and dwindling funds, orange groves gave way to something …
Show notes
From a quiet bench where Walt Disney watched his daughters play, a dream took shape, one where stories lived beyond the screen. Against doubt, delays, and dwindling funds, orange groves gave way to something never seen before. Construction faltered, asphalt melted, and chaos loomed, but vision endured. On opening day, imperfect and unfinished, a gate swung wide open. And in that moment, the world changed. Fantasy had a home. Imagination had a kingdom. And nothing would ever be the same again.
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Distory theme music by Jazper Adèr.
Chapter 21: What a dog!
In a quiet American town, love found its voice through wagging tails and shared spaghetti. Guided by Walt Disney’s instinct for heartfelt storytelling, the film blended charming character animation with the …
Show notes
In a quiet American town, love found its voice through wagging tails and shared spaghetti. Guided by Walt Disney’s instinct for heartfelt storytelling, the film blended charming character animation with the studio’s first widescreen CinemaScope format. Every frame reflected a push toward warmth, intimacy, and emotional truth. Inspired by real stories and brought to life by dedicated artists, it transformed a simple romance into something timeless, proving that even the smallest tales, under Walt’s vision, could feel wonderfully grand.
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Distory theme music by Jazper Adèr.
Chapter 20: We are taking the Nautilus down for the last time
Beneath the waves of cinema history lies 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, a daring vision brought to life by Walt Disney’s relentless imagination. Forged from Jules Verne’s timeless tale, the film fused …
Show notes
Beneath the waves of cinema history lies 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, a daring vision brought to life by Walt Disney’s relentless imagination. Forged from Jules Verne’s timeless tale, the film fused cutting-edge effects, massive underwater sets, and bold storytelling into something never seen before. Walt didn’t just adapt a story, he built a world, where the Nautilus prowled the deep and adventure felt startlingly real, inviting audiences into the unknown.
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Distory theme music by Jazper Adèr.
Chapter 19: The second star to the right and straight on till morning
Set your course for Neverland as we soar into Disney’s Peter Pan, a timeless adventure where childhood never grows old and imagination rules the skies. With a sprinkle of pixie dust from Tinker Bell, we’ll fly …
Show notes
Set your course for Neverland as we soar into Disney’s Peter Pan, a timeless adventure where childhood never grows old and imagination rules the skies. With a sprinkle of pixie dust from Tinker Bell, we’ll fly alongside Peter Pan and the Darling children on a journey filled with wonder, danger, and endless possibility. From swashbuckling showdowns with the infamous Captain Hook to the magic of Neverland itself, discover why this animated classic has enchanted generations.
But the adventure doesn’t end on screen. Beyond the laughter and flight lies a remarkable story of artists, dreamers, and visionaries at Walt Disney Productions who worked tirelessly to bring this beloved tale to life, overcoming creative challenges, shaping unforgettable characters, and turning a classic story into one of Disney’s most legendary films.
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Distory theme music by Jazper Adèr.
Chapter 18: Nothing would be what it is because everything would be what it isn't
Step into the kaleidoscopic dream of Disney’s Alice in Wonderland, a film born from bold artistry, restless imagination, and Walt Disney’s decades-long obsession with Lewis Carroll’s world. Behind its playful …
Show notes
Step into the kaleidoscopic dream of Disney’s Alice in Wonderland, a film born from bold artistry, restless imagination, and Walt Disney’s decades-long obsession with Lewis Carroll’s world. Behind its playful madness lies a daring experiment in animation, music, and storytelling. Follow Alice down the rabbit hole, where logic bends, colors sing, and curiosity leads the way when adventure begins with a single leap into the unknown.
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Distory theme music by Jazper Adèr.
Chapter 17: Them that die will be the lucky ones
In 1950, Walt Disney set sail into uncharted cinematic waters with Treasure Island, a bold voyage of pirates, peril, and boundless adventure. From storm-tossed seas to hidden coves glittering with danger, this …
Show notes
In 1950, Walt Disney set sail into uncharted cinematic waters with Treasure Island, a bold voyage of pirates, peril, and boundless adventure. From storm-tossed seas to hidden coves glittering with danger, this landmark film invites audiences to grip the helm beside young Jim Hawkins as he confronts treachery, courage, and the legendary Long John Silver on a quest for fortune and destiny.
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Distory theme music by Jazper Adèr.
Chapter 16: A dream is a wish your heart makes
In 1950, Disney rekindled the magic of the movies with Cinderella, a breathtaking fairy tale that reminded the world to believe in dreams. Rising from the hardships of the post-war era, Walt Disney and his team …
Show notes
In 1950, Disney rekindled the magic of the movies with Cinderella, a breathtaking fairy tale that reminded the world to believe in dreams. Rising from the hardships of the post-war era, Walt Disney and his team spun gold from a story of hope, courage, and a little bit of magic. With a glass slipper, a midnight spell, and a melody that still sparkles today, Cinderella didn’t just enchant audiences, it saved the studio and set a new standard for animated storytelling. This is the moment when dreams truly came to life, and Disney magic was reborn.
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Distory theme music by Jazper Adèr.
Chapter 15: It's a frightful sight to see what goes on Halloween night
Journey into the whimsical yet haunting world of The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad, Disney’s daring 1949 double feature that blends reckless speed with ghostly terror. From the wild rides of Toad Hall to …
Show notes
Journey into the whimsical yet haunting world of The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad, Disney’s daring 1949 double feature that blends reckless speed with ghostly terror. From the wild rides of Toad Hall to the shadowed bridges of Sleepy Hollow, we’ll uncover how two timeless literary tales collided in one film where laughter meets legend, and fantasy races headlong into fear.
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Distory theme music by Jazper Adèr.
Chapter 14: Here's a tall tale straight from the chuck wagon
In 1948, Walt Disney unveiled Melody Time, a dazzling celebration of music, color, and imagination. Blending the rhythms of America’s songbook with the artistry of animation, the film unfolds as a series of …
Show notes
In 1948, Walt Disney unveiled Melody Time, a dazzling celebration of music, color, and imagination. Blending the rhythms of America’s songbook with the artistry of animation, the film unfolds as a series of musical vignettes, each bursting with energy, charm, and wonder. From poetic ballads to rollicking tall tales, Melody Time captures the heartbeat of a nation through timeless melody.
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Distory theme music by Jazper Adèr.
Chapter 13: Funny, nothing ever happens nowadays
Step into a realm where magic meets melody! Disney’s Fun and Fancy Free bursts with postwar joy and timeless wonder. Guided by Jiminy Cricket, this 1947 gem weaves two dazzling tales: Bongo, the circus bear …
Show notes
Step into a realm where magic meets melody! Disney’s Fun and Fancy Free bursts with postwar joy and timeless wonder. Guided by Jiminy Cricket, this 1947 gem weaves two dazzling tales: Bongo, the circus bear chasing freedom, and Mickey and the Beanstalk, a heroic battle against a giant. It’s a celebration of courage, charm, and classic Disney heart. It’s bold, bright, and brilliantly fancy-free.
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Distory theme music by Jazper Adèr.
Chapter 12: It happened on one of them zip-a-dee-doo-dah days
Song of the South was a groundbreaking fusion of live action and animation, introducing the world to the unforgettable “Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah.” Yet behind its technical brilliance lay a romanticized portrayal of …
Show notes
Song of the South was a groundbreaking fusion of live action and animation, introducing the world to the unforgettable “Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah.” Yet behind its technical brilliance lay a romanticized portrayal of the Reconstruction-era South that drew sharp criticism for reinforcing racial stereotypes. Shelved by Disney for decades, the film remains unreleased on modern platforms. Its legacy is a complex one, celebrated for artistic innovation, yet condemned for its insensitivity. Today, Song of the South stands as both a milestone in cinematic history and a stark reminder of how storytelling must evolve with conscience, awareness, and responsibility.
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Distory theme music by Jazper Adèr.
Chapter 11: He'll go on singing in a voice so cheery forever
Make Mine Music is a shimmering time capsule of postwar Disney magic, a kaleidoscope of sound and color that pulses with the spirit of a nation rediscovering its voice. Born in an era when World War II had …
Show notes
Make Mine Music is a shimmering time capsule of postwar Disney magic, a kaleidoscope of sound and color that pulses with the spirit of a nation rediscovering its voice. Born in an era when World War II had silenced the full-length fairy tales of Bambi and Pinocchio, this movie stitched together ten musical vignettes into a symphony of Americana, jazz, and romance. It’s not just a film, but a musical scrapbook of dreams, stitched together with the optimism of a world ready to dance again. In every note and painted frame, it whispers, “We made it through. Now, let’s make music.”
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Distory theme music by Jazper Adèr.
Chapter 10: Oh, boy, oh, boy, a Piñata!
The Three Caballeros is a vibrant, exhilarating Disney masterpiece that seamlessly blends the rich tapestry of Latin American culture with breathtaking animation. Embarking on a whirlwind adventure through …
Show notes
The Three Caballeros is a vibrant, exhilarating Disney masterpiece that seamlessly blends the rich tapestry of Latin American culture with breathtaking animation. Embarking on a whirlwind adventure through Brazil, Mexico, and beyond, Donald Duck, José Carioca, and Panchito Pistoles forge an unforgettable trio, each with their distinct charm. A celebration of friendship, music, and colorful landscapes, this film’s rhythmic energy, unforgettable tunes, and bold artistry make it an electrifying chapter in animation history.
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Distory theme music by Jazper Adèr.
Chapter 9: Today, a war is very different than the last European war was
Victory Through Air Power isn’t just a film; it’s a thunderous, visionary war cry from none other than Walt Disney himself. Released at the height of World War II, this groundbreaking feature defied all …
Show notes
Victory Through Air Power isn’t just a film; it’s a thunderous, visionary war cry from none other than Walt Disney himself. Released at the height of World War II, this groundbreaking feature defied all expectations of what animation could be. Part documentary, part propaganda, and wholly revolutionary, it fused dazzling animated sequences with compelling live-action to deliver a message that would echo far beyond the silver screen..
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Distory theme music by Jazper Adèr.
Chapter 8: Here's an unusual expedition
Saludos Amigos is Disney’s vibrant love letter to South America, blending animation with a real-world adventure. Created during Walt Disney’s government-backed “Good Neighbor” tour, the film follows Donald …
Show notes
Saludos Amigos is Disney’s vibrant love letter to South America, blending animation with a real-world adventure. Created during Walt Disney’s government-backed “Good Neighbor” tour, the film follows Donald Duck, Goofy, and José Carioca on a dazzling journey through the Andes, Argentina, and Brazil. More than just entertainment, it was a cultural bridge, strengthening ties between the Americas during World War II. With its infectious Latin rhythms, bold colors, and charming characters, Saludos Amigos ignited a new era of Disney magic, proving that animation could transcend borders and bring the world together through the power of storytelling.
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Distory theme music by Jazper Adèr.
Chapter 7: Man was in the forest
Bambi is a breathtaking tale of life, loss, and love in the heart of the forest. From his first wobbly steps to his rise as the Great Prince, Bambi faces the beauty and tragedy of nature. With friendships …
Show notes
Bambi is a breathtaking tale of life, loss, and love in the heart of the forest. From his first wobbly steps to his rise as the Great Prince, Bambi faces the beauty and tragedy of nature. With friendships, heartbreak, and the ever-present shadow of Man, his timeless story is a powerful journey of survival and growth.
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Distory theme music by Jazper Adèr.
Chapter 6: The very things that hold you down are going to lift you up
In Disney’s 1941 classic Dumbo, a wide-eyed baby elephant, born with oversized ears, faces ridicule and isolation in a circus world that mocks his uniqueness. Guided by his loyal friend, Timothy Q. Mouse, Dumbo …
Show notes
In Disney’s 1941 classic Dumbo, a wide-eyed baby elephant, born with oversized ears, faces ridicule and isolation in a circus world that mocks his uniqueness. Guided by his loyal friend, Timothy Q. Mouse, Dumbo discovers the power of courage and self-belief after an unlikely flight launches him into fame. Overcoming cruelty and doubt, he reunites joyfully with his mother, proving that even the smallest can rise above adversity. This heartwarming tale of love, resilience, and triumph soars into the soul, reminding us that our greatest strengths lie within.
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Distory theme music by Jazper Adèr.
Chapter 5: You've got to be mad to breathe fire, but I'm not mad at anybody
The Reluctant Dragon is a 1941 movie that blends live-action and animation. The film offers viewers a rare and whimsical behind-the-scenes journey through the newly opened Walt Disney Studios in Burbank …
Show notes
The Reluctant Dragon is a 1941 movie that blends live-action and animation. The film offers viewers a rare and whimsical behind-the-scenes journey through the newly opened Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, California, a place where magic and creativity appeared to flow effortlessly. With its innovative mix of live-action tours and animated segments, The Reluctant Dragon was more than just entertainment. It was a bold experiment in storytelling, capturing both the allure of Disney magic and the human effort behind it. But, on the surface, the film paints a picture of the studio as a bustling utopia of endless imagination, where dreams spring to life with every pencil stroke. Yet, beneath this enchanting facade, history reveals a more complex reality…
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Distory theme music by Jazper Adèr.
Chapter 4: He had the brilliant idea of bringing a broomstick to life
Disney's Fantasia was a groundbreaking cinematic masterpiece, blending classical music with vivid, surreal animation. Released in 1940, it revolutionized film by synchronizing classical scores with imaginative …
Show notes
Disney's Fantasia was a groundbreaking cinematic masterpiece, blending classical music with vivid, surreal animation. Released in 1940, it revolutionized film by synchronizing classical scores with imaginative storytelling, featuring everything from dancing broomsticks to cosmic ballet. Its bold fusion of art and sound elevated animation to high art, pioneering stereo sound and cementing its legacy as an epic symphony of sight and sound that forever redefined the boundaries of animated filmmaking.
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Distory theme music by Jazper Adèr.
Chapter 3: A boy who won't be good might just as well be made of wood
Pinocchio, released by Walt Disney Productions in 1940, is an animated feature film based on Carlo Collodi's 1883 Italian children's novel, The Adventures of Pinocchio. The story revolves around a wooden puppet …
Show notes
Pinocchio, released by Walt Disney Productions in 1940, is an animated feature film based on Carlo Collodi's 1883 Italian children's novel, The Adventures of Pinocchio. The story revolves around a wooden puppet named Pinocchio, who is brought to life and aspires to become a real boy. It tells a timeless story about honesty, bravery, selflessness and the power of wishing upon a star!
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Distory theme music by Jazper Adèr.
Chapter 2: Bless the seven little men who have been so kind to me
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, released in 1938, is a landmark in the history of cinema. It was the first full-length animated feature ever and holds a significant place not only in the history of animation …
Show notes
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, released in 1938, is a landmark in the history of cinema. It was the first full-length animated feature ever and holds a significant place not only in the history of animation but also in the broader context of film history. We delve into the various aspects of the film, from its historical context and production to its thematic depth and lasting legacy.
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Distory theme music by Jazper Adèr.
Chapter 1: I only hope that we never lose sight of one thing
Welcome to our first ever episode of Distory. In this pilot episode we introduce ourselves and share our passion for The Walt Disney Company. We look back at the history of Walt Disney. The man and the company …
Show notes
Welcome to our first ever episode of Distory. In this pilot episode we introduce ourselves and share our passion for The Walt Disney Company. We look back at the history of Walt Disney. The man and the company. From a small baby born in Chicago, to his death 65 years later. We look at how his passion not only changed his life, but the lives of many and the complete entertainment industry. It was all started by a mouse? No, it all started with him.
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Distory theme music by Jazper Adèr.
Trailer
Join us on a journey through the past! A past filled with magical adventures, princes and princesses, iconic music, and dreams coming true. In Distory, we travel through the history of the Walt Disney Studios …
Show notes
Join us on a journey through the past! A past filled with magical adventures, princes and princesses, iconic music, and dreams coming true. In Distory, we travel through the history of the Walt Disney Studios and delve deeply into the many films that have emerged from the studio. From the numerous challenges of making the first full-length animated film, the solutions that enabled Peter Pan to fly, to the films of today; Distory reflects on a history that changed the world.
Presented by Disney enthusiasts Bas and Kimberley, Distory is a project born out of passion, love, and the desire to share this with many, many others.
Support Distory on Patreon and get (bonus) episodes early! Follow Distory on Instagram, Threads, X, Youtube and TikTok.
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