Best Jessica McDonald & Melanie Gable Podcasts (2024)

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25. Walt Disney World Grand Opening - October 1971 41:27

3y ago41:27

41:27

Travel back in time to 1971 for the opening of Walt Disney World! The Most Magical Place on Earth is celebrating its 50th anniversary this month, so Jessica and Melanie thought it was the perfect time to dive into the park's early days. If you love classic Walt Disney World, this episode is a must-listen! Be sure to SUBSCRIBE to stay up to date. An…

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24. The 1st Anniversary Clip Show! 47:15

3y ago47:15

47:15

Take a stroll down memory lane with some of the funniest moments from the first year of the podcast! Jessica and Melanie unbox VHS tapes of Disneytoon movies, discuss "The Little Mermaid" fish nuggets, laugh at IMDB reviews of Disney Channel Original Movies, discuss "The Three Caballeros" with Jessica's daughter, break down Walt Disney World's 25th…

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23. 1st Anniversary Special with Tiff Mink, Sarah Sterling, Erika Kurzawa, and Tiffany Lanae Sutton! 2:12:49

3y ago2:12:49

2:12:49

It's the one-year anniversary of "Cartoons to Castles" and we're having a party! Special guests Tiff Mink, Sarah Sterling, Erika Kurzawa, and Tiffany Lanae Sutton join the fun for this 2-hour extravaganza! In the first hour of the episode, Tiff and Sarah dish with Jessica and Melanie about rare characters found in Disney Parks all over the world. T…

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22. Lilo & Stitch 1:15:13

3y ago1:15:13

1:15:13

Go on a Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride as we explore the history of the 2002 Disney animated film "Lilo and Stitch." Melanie shares stories and insights about the making of this unique movie, which started out as a children's book pitch and became one of Walt Disney Animation's biggest surprise hits. Jessica talks about the film's three (!) premieres…

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21. Matterhorn Bobsleds 54:38

3y ago54:38

54:38

Disneyland’s Matterhorn Bobsleds attraction turns 62 years old this month, and co-hosts Jessica and Melanie set out to uncover the history of this one-of-a-kind, iconic roller coaster. From its early beginnings as a wild idea inspired by Walt Disney’s trip to Switzerland, to the current updates required to keep this groundbreaking feat of Imagineer…

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20. Disney-MGM Studios with Tiffany Lanae Sutton 1:19:45

3+ y ago1:19:45

1:19:45

What do the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Bette Midler, defunct tram tours, Michael Eisner, "Ernest Saves Christmas," Robin Williams, motorcades, and Dorothy's ruby slippers all have in common? Walt Disney World's Disney-MGM Studios! Special guest Tiffany Lanae Sutton, a Disney-MGM superfan, takes co-hosts Jessica and Melanie on a trip down memory …

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19. Disney Cruise Line 1:07:31

3+ y ago1:07:31

1:07:31

Set sail on a voyage into the history of Disney Cruise Line, which is celebrating its 26th anniversary this month! To mark the occasion, co-hosts Jessica and Melanie discuss the origins of DCL, compare the four current ships, and share their thoughts on the recent Disney Cruise Line announcements for 2022 and beyond. If you love Disney cruises, or …

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18. Kathryn Beaumont 42:21

3+ y ago42:21

42:21

Disney Legend Kathryn Beaumont had the honor of voicing not one, but TWO iconic characters in Walt Disney Animation classics: the title role in "Alice in Wonderland" and Wendy Darling in "Peter Pan." Jessica and Melanie explore Kathryn's legacy and her childhood experiences working with Walt Disney himself, as well as behind-the-scenes stories from…

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17. Disney Pin Trading with Sarah Sterling 1:04:40

3+ y ago1:04:40

1:04:40

Pin pals Jessica and Melanie geek out about all things Disney Pin Trading with their special guest: vlogger and Disney superfan Sarah Sterling! Not only is Sarah a pin trading aficionado, but as a former Disneyland Resort Cast Member she had an insider look at pin trading at the parks. She shares her insights on trading etiquette, rare pins, how to…

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16. Disneyland's Pirates of the Caribbean 53:25

3+ y ago53:25

53:25

"Mark well me words, mateys: Dead...men...tell...no...tales!” Hosts Jessica and Melanie set out on the high seas of Disney history by taking on one of the most beloved theme park attractions of all time: Pirates of the Caribbean! This episode focuses on the conception, construction, opening, and updates of Disneyland's Pirates of the Caribbean, wit…

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15. The Lion King Musical with Carla Renata 48:11

3+ y ago48:11

48:11

Be prepared (haha) for a great episode all about the first Los Angeles production of "The Lion King" from one of the cast members herself: Carla Renata! You may know Carla as Janet from the NBC sitcom "Superstore," or from her YouTube channel "The Curvy Critic aka Carla Renata," but from 2000 to 2003 she also had the unique experience of playing Sh…

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14. Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings with Mindy Marzec 1:11:54

3+ y ago1:11:54

1:11:54

This week Jessica and Melanie talk Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings with blogger, podcaster, and Disney weddings expert Mindy Marzec! Jessica takes you through the origins of Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings program, and Melanie discusses the additions of Disney Cruise Line and Aulani weddings to the roster, as well as the inclusion of LGBTQ ceremonies. Mi…

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TEASER - Episode 14 Topic & Guest Reveal + Mini Ep. 19:21

3+ y ago19:21

19:21

Get a sneak peek of episode 14, available February 10th! Plus, Jessica and Melanie discuss their recent experience (virtually) attending a complimentary preview of The Walt Disney Family Museum’s Virtual Escape Room. The ladies teamed up with other Disney podcasters and content creators over Zoom to solve riddles and clues related to the museum’s e…

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13. Society of Explorers & Adventurers (S.E.A.) with Tiff Mink 1:24:06

3+ y ago1:24:06

1:24:06

“Exploratio Continua!” - Society of Explorers & Adventurers motto On this week's episode, Disney superfan and vlogger Tiff Mink leads Jessica and Melanie on an expedition into the fun, fascinating world of the S.E.A. Never heard of the Society of Explorers & Adventurers? Neither had the co-hosts until their guest brought the topic to their attentio…

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Teaser - Episode 13 Topic & Guest Revel + Bonus Ep. 3 Preview 8:20

3+ y ago8:20

8:20

Get a sneak peek of episode 13, available January 27th! Plus, listen to a preview of our third Patreon-exclusive bonus episode, all about Disney Parks birthday celebrations! On this episode exclusively for "Cartoons to Castles" Patreon subscribers, Jessica and Melanie discuss Mickey's Birthdayland, Disneyland's 35th anniversary, Walt Disney World's…

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12. Star Tours/RX-24 with Chris Runco 53:50

3+ y ago53:50

53:50

"Welcome aboard! This is Captain Rex from the cockpit. I know this is probably your first flight, and it's...mine, too! Haha!" On their first episode of 2021, Jessica and Melanie are joined by retired Imagineer Chris Runco, who created Captain RX-24, the rookie pilot droid that took guests on a wild ride aboard the Star Speeder 3000 in the original…

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11. The Muppet Christmas Carol 58:04

3+ y ago58:04

58:04

For the last episode of 2020, Jessica and Melanie take a festive look at the making of the beloved holiday movie "The Muppet Christmas Carol." The 1992 film tells the tale of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" in a uniquely Muppet fashion, with Academy Award winner Michael Caine as Ebenezer Scrooge. Jessica and Melanie reveal behind-the-scenes se…

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TEASER - Episode 11 Topic Reveal + Bonus Ep. 2 Preview 6:10

3+ y ago6:10

6:10

Get a sneak peek of episode 11, available December 16! Plus, listen to a preview of our second Patreon-exclusive bonus episode, all about the "Star Wars Holiday Special"! You can access this and other bonus episodes and benefits by joining our Patreon for only $3 a month. Check out the tiers and perks at https://www.patreon.com/cartoonstocastles. B…

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10. The Disney Monorail with Jeff Kurtti 1:35:33

4y ago1:35:33

1:35:33

Jessica and Melanie are joined this week by Disney expert Jeff Kurtti, author of The Disney Monorail: Imagineering a Highway in the Sky. Jeff discusses the history behind the monorails at Disney's theme parks, but he focuses largely on the process of collaborating on the book with co-authors Vanessa Hunt and Paul Wolski, which involved delving into…

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TEASER - Episode 10 Topic & Guest Reveal + Thanksgiving Message 4:31

4y ago4:31

4:31

Get a sneak peek of episode 10, available December 2nd! Then stick around for a special Thanksgiving message from co-hosts Jessica and Melanie. Be sure to SUBSCRIBE to stay up to date. And if you enjoy the podcast, we'd love it if you'd RATE or REVIEW. Thanks for listening! For bonus content, visit us at https://www.instagram.com/cartoonstocastles/…

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9. The Sherman Brothers with Randy Thornton 1:10:04

4y ago1:10:04

1:10:04

Disney Music Group's supervising producer and musical historian Randy Thornton joins Jessica and Melanie to talk about the Sherman Brothers, the Academy Award-winning songwriting duo behind some of Disney's greatest film and theme park hits, including "Let's Get Together," "A Spoonful of Sugar," "It's a Small World (After All)," "The Tiki Tiki Tiki…

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TEASER - Episode 9 Topic & Guest Reveal + Bonus Ep. Preview 8:31

4y ago8:31

8:31

Get a sneak peek of episode 9, available November 18! Also, instead of a mini episode this week, you'll get a preview of our very first BONUS EPISODE, which will be available today only to subscribers to our brand new Patreon! Starting at only $3 a month, you can join our Patreon and get access to monthly bonus episodes, a private Facebook group, e…

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8. The Haunted Mansion 44:29

4y ago44:29

44:29

"Wizards and witches, wherever you dwell...Give us a hint…by ringing a bell!" Join your "ghost hosts" Jessica and Melanie for a delightful and frightful journey into the history of Disneyland's Haunted Mansion. Hear the tales behind the inspiration and creation of the classic spooky attraction, as well some of the urban legends surrounding the haun…

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TEASER - Episode 8 Topic Reveal + Q&A Mini Ep. 25:05

4y ago25:05

25:05

Get a spooky sneak peek of episode 8, available October 21st! (Apologies in advance from the "ghost hosts" for being unable to get through the promo without laughing.) And on this week's mini episode, Jessica and Melanie answer listener questions about their favorite Disney Parks attractions, most magical Disney moments, best research sources, and …

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7. Mary Blair with Ashley Taylor 1:16:11

4y ago1:16:11

1:16:11

Artist Ashley Taylor (Disney Parks Blog, Disney Parks Merchandise, Wonderground Gallery, Her Universe) joins Jessica and Melanie this week to discuss Disney Legend Mary Blair! A unique, talented artist who left an indelible print on The Walt Disney Company, Blair is perhaps best known for designing the Disneyland attraction "it's a small world," as…

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TEASER - Episode 7 Topic & Guest Reveal + Mini Ep. 14:17

4y ago14:17

14:17

Get a sneak peek of episode 7, available October 7th! And on this week's mini episode the ladies discuss "Mickey Mouse Disco," then Melanie sits down for a candid interview about "Duck Tales," "The Three Caballeros," and ride breakdowns with Jessica's five-year-old daughter Amelia! (Spoiler alert: It's adorable.) Be sure to SUBSCRIBE to stay up to …

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6. The Three Caballeros with Bernardo De Paula 1:10:07

4y ago1:10:07

1:10:07

Joining Jessica and Melanie for this week's episode is José "Zé" Carioca himself, "Duck Tales" actor Bernardo De Paula! The trio talk all things "The Three Caballeros," including the making of the original 1944 film, Zé's iconic status in Brazil, the Caballeros on the small screen, Disney Parks meet-and-greets, malfunctioning animatronics, and more…

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TEASER - Episode 6 Topic & Guest Reveal + Mini Ep. 23:09

4y ago23:09

23:09

Get a sneak peek of episode 6, available September 23rd! Then, during the latest mini episode, Jessica and Melanie discuss which Disney Channel Original Movies are turning 20 this year. Where has the time gone? Also, WHO'S DUFFY? (You'll have to listen to find out.) Be sure to SUBSCRIBE to stay up to date and get immediate access to new episodes on…

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5. Disney Channel Original Movies with Tiffany Lanae Sutton 1:27:43

4y ago1:27:43

1:27:43

For this episode, Jessica and Melanie are joined by actress, Disneybounder extraordinaire, and unofficial queen of Disney Channel Original Movie knowledge, Tiffany Lanae Sutton. Join the ladies on a journey through "DCOM" history, from the early tearjerkers to the latest tween musicals. Peppered with strange IMDB reviews, behind-the-scenes stories,…

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TEASER - Episode 5 Topic & Guest Reveal + Mini Ep. 22:42

4y ago22:42

22:42

Get a sneak peek of episode 5, available September 9th! Then, this week's special guest sticks around to discuss Michael Eisner, Goofy imposters, John Ritter, Camp Inch, and more fun trivia about "The Parent Trap" with Jessica and Melanie. Be sure to SUBSCRIBE to stay up to date and get immediate access to new episodes once they're live. And if you…

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4. The Parent Trap with Pernell Langhorne III 1:36:56

4y ago1:36:56

1:36:56

"So to make 'em dig, first you gotta rig. Whaddya gotta rig? The Parent Trap!" Join Jessica and Melanie as they discuss The Parent Trap with special guest Pernell Langhorne III. Melanie shares behind-the-scenes stories from the original 1961 film starring Hayley Mills (and Hayley Mills!) as twins Susan and Sharon, who try to get their divorced pare…

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TEASER - Episode 4 Topic & Guest Reveal + Mini Ep. 11:57

4y ago11:57

11:57

Get a sneak peek of episode 4, available August 26th. Plus, things get a bit...fishy...when Jessica and Melanie do a deep dive into some Disney products from the past. Be sure to SUBSCRIBE to stay up to date. And if you enjoyed this episode, we'd love it if you'd RATE or REVIEW to help expand our audience. You might even get a shoutout on a future …

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3. Disney Memorabilia with Caitlin McHugh Stamos 1:17:09

4y ago1:17:09

1:17:09

Actress and model Caitlin McHugh Stamos joins Jessica and Melanie this week to discuss Disney memorabilia! Caitlin shares stories about the incredible Disney treasures she and her husband John have collected over the years, while Jessica and Melanie highlight the rarest, weirdest, and most valuable Disney collectibles in the world, along with the s…

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TEASER - Episode 3 Topic & Guest Reveal + NEW Segment! 13:43

4y ago13:43

13:43

Get a sneak peek of episode 3, available August 12th! Plus, check out the new segment "Corrections & Clarifications," where Jessica and Melanie expand on a few details and questions from episode 2. Be sure to SUBSCRIBE to stay up to date. And if you enjoyed this episode, we'd love it if you'd RATE or REVIEW to help expand our audience. Thanks for l…

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2. Disneytoon Studios with Erika Kurzawa 53:19

4y ago53:19

53:19

Jessica and Melanie discuss the rise, heyday, and fall of Disneytoon Studios with special guest Erika Kurzawa (CastleCravings.com, "Disney Family Sundays"). Disneytoon Studios, under its various names, produced 47 feature films from 1990 to 2015, but even hardcore Disney fans are often unaware that the studio was a separate entity from Walt Disney …

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TEASER - Episode 2 Topic & Guest Reveal 1:26

4y ago1:26

1:26

Get a sneak peek of episode 2, available July 29th! Be sure to SUBSCRIBE to stay up to date. And if you enjoyed this episode, we'd love it if you'd RATE or REVIEW to help expand our audience. Thanks for listening! For bonus content, visit us at https://www.instagram.com/cartoonstocastles/ and https://twitter.com/CartoonsCastles. Logo designed by As…

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1. Disneyland's Opening Day - July 17, 1955 1:42:19

4y ago1:42:19

1:42:19

The very first episode of “Cartoons to Castles” dives into the events surrounding the opening of Disneyland in Anaheim, California on July 17, 1955. Jessica and Melanie share the sweet, shocking, and hilarious stories from their research, covering everything from Walt & Lillian Disney’s 30th anniversary party in Frontierland (just days before the p…

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