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Those Happy Places

Buddy Duquesne and Alice White

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Those Happy Places is a podcast about Theme Park Rides, Attractions, and Lands. We focus on the stories they tell, how they tell them, and why it matters. Those Happy Places is produced by Alice White and edited by Buddy Duquesne. Our theme music is "Golden Gate" by The California Feetwarmers, featuring Phil Alvin.
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The Joust

Buddy Duquesne and Alice White

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Recorded live in the fantasy realm of Caliano, Bard’s Guild members Alice White and Buddy Duquesne bring you a daily recap of the annual Joust Festival! Join us for the entire month of February as four knights compete for the fate of the realm.
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Alice White (@alicewhiteTHP) is joined once again by very special guest Candace (@candaceisageek) to talk about the season finale of Andor! Andor episode 12 was a deeply emotional one with some incredible action sequences and iconic speeches, and what do you know? Alice cried while recording this episode of Rogue Fun. It's been a while since she's …
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Welcome back to another episode of Rogue Fun! Join Alice White (@AliceWhiteTHP) and special guest Noor-Hal (@noorhal) as they talk about the most recent episode of Andor, episode 11! Featuring setting chess pieces, Imperial abuses of power, more than one Marvel reference, and an amazing space battle! Contains talk of torture, stalking, and human/al…
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Welcome back to another episode of Rogue Fun! Join Alice (@AliceWhiteTHP) and returning special guest Catrina (@ohcatrina) as they talk about the super exciting episode of Andor called "One Way Out." Join us as we talk about the prison break, Mon Mothma's dangerous trade, Andy Serkis' perfect performance, and the closing monologue of the century fr…
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In this slightly delayed episode, Alice (@AliceWhiteTHP) is joined by Lauren Romo (@LoRoKnows) to discuss all the amazing and shocking events of Andor episode 9! Hear us discuss a major familial twist, a failed Mr Darcy moment in the rain, and the emotionally heartbreaking last five minutes that is sure to go down in Star Wars history. Warning: thi…
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It’s time for one last dive into the Temple of Mara to answer some big questions about Disneyland’s Indiana Jones Adventure. What does this ride really mean? Where does its core appeal lie? How does it harness both storytelling and atmosphere to earn its status as a classic attraction? What, if anything, can replace it—and will there ever be a need…
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Alice White (@AliceWhiteTHP) and special guest Maggie Lovitt (@maggieofthetown) are here for another episode of Andor, and there's a lot to discuss! Join them as they talk about the prison industrial complex, old friends from Rogue One making their Andor debuts, and champagne worms. This show just keeps getting better and better! Follow us on twitt…
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Over 27 years since its opening day in 1995, Disneyland’s Indiana Jones Adventure remains one of its most popular attractions. That said, it’s also one of the most infamously broken attractions at the resort. How exactly can we categorize the way this now-classic dark ride has aged? Has it had its fill from the Fountain of Youth, or has its influen…
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Alice (@AliceWhiteTHP) is joined by special guest Arezou Amin (@ArezouAmin) for another wonderful episode of Andor! Join us as we talk about Syril and his relatable first day of school outfit drama, Kleya's amazing jacket, and how Maarva's last stand echoes through current events. You won't want to miss this one! Catch Arezou's other projects over …
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Indiana Jones and the Temple of the Forbidden Eye opened at Disneyland in 1995 as one of the most advanced Theme Park Attractions of its era. Nearly 30 years later, it remains one of the most popular attractions at the Disneyland resort—despite, in the opinion of some fans, having long since outlived its “glory days.” Was its brilliance as fleeting…
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Join Alice White (@AliceWhiteTHP) and special guest Catrina Dennis (@OhCatrina) as they delve deep into episode six of Andor, appropriately titled "The Eye." Listen in as they talk about how important Diego Luna has been for Latino representation, the fight against oppression, and ask important questions such as "Where Is Bix?" Follow Rogue Fun on …
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In March of 1995, Indiana Jones and the Temple of the Forbidden Eye opened at Disneyland in Anaheim, California. Since then, the attraction has gone from revolutionary in its use of technology and effects to a legacy attraction—the successes of which have been used and re-used in a whole new generation of theme park rides and attractions. In this e…
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This week Alice White (@alicewhiteTHP) is joined by another wonderful guest host Savi (@jynkassa )! Savi is one of the admins over at the wildly popular account @NewsAndor that has often been confused for the official Andor news page, and probably should be the official page because of how amazing it is! Savi and Alice talk about episode 5 of Andor…
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Alice White (@alicewhitethp) and her fabulous guest Hope Mullinax (@hopemullinax) have watched the fourth episode of Andor and SO MUCH has happened! Join us as we talk a lot about Mon Mothma and her terrible husband, Cassian's new friends and their adorable model making, possible future cameos and much, much more. This episode sets up a lot of inte…
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Alice White (@alicewhitethp) and very special guest Candace Kaw (@candaceisageek) have watched the first three episodes of Andor on Disney+ and are HYPED to tell you about it! Join us as we talk about this triumphant new show and all that is has to say about Cassian's history and what he might get up to in the years before Rogue One. We have though…
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Welcome back to class for our fifth and final lecture! Join Alice and Buddy as they discuss their relationship with literature as scholars, educators, creators, and fans of theme parks. What are the connections between the worlds of Literature and our favorite theme parks? How and why do we treat Theme Parks like literature? What is the canon of Th…
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Welcome back to class for our fourth lecture! Join Alice and Buddy as they try to define one of the most idiosyncratic terms in Themed Entertainment. What is a Land in the context of a theme park? What separates an attraction or a ride from a Land? How many attractions does it take to make a Land? What makes lands important—both as storytelling too…
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Welcome back to class for our third lecture! Join Alice and Buddy as they dissect the definition of the word “Ride.” What, exactly, does the word mean? How does it relate to Theme Parks and Attractions—both as a noun, and as a verb? What are the limits of the category—and the action—when we’re talking about theme parks? It’s another episode of Them…
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Welcome back to class for our second lecture! Join Alice and Buddy as they dissect the term “Attraction” as it relates to Theme Parks. What is an Attraction, really? When do Attractions become Theme Parks? What drives us to analyze them as we would literature? This one gets philosophical—so be sure to take notes! It’s another episode of Theme Parks…
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Class is now in session! Join Alice and Buddy as they get back to the very basics of dissecting Theme Parks, Rides, and Attractions like Literature by first defining the term Theme Park. What is a Park? What makes a space themed? What is the difference between Theme Parks and Amusement Parks, if any? Why do Buddy and Alice find themselves drawn to …
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In this thoroughly researched episode, join Alice and Buddy as they embark on a quest to better understand SeaWorld’s history, its controversies, its appeal, and its seemingly ongoing success. What makes this combination theme park and animal exhibit franchise continue to thrive? Find out on this episode! Heads up, this episode discusses animal rig…
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In this competitive episode, join Alice and Buddy as they jump into the world of interactive rides for the first time in a few years—a world that has grown significantly since the last time they’ve considered it. How have rides gone Beyond the Shooting Gallery already? How can they continue to grow? What untapped potential is still out there? Where…
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In this theoretical episode, join Alice and Buddy as they analyze an underappreciated part of how Disneyland, specifically, blends its iconic lands together. How do these lands, ostensibly separated by genre, find themselves connected thematically, aesthetically, and narratively? Do any lands stand out as especially effective at this blending—and d…
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In this un-lost episode, join Alice and Buddy as they praise—and criticize—one of the most iconic ride systems in all of theme parks. What makes the Omnimover so unique? How is it best deployed in attractions like Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion? What are its strengths and shortcomings? And, most importantly, is it really the highest-capacity ride sys…
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In this energetic episode, join Alice and Buddy as they tackle the roles that shows, parades, and nighttime spectaculars play at Theme Parks. What purpose to they serve—from both operational and narrative perspectives? How do they add character to a place? How do they help us tell the story of our visits to the park? And, maybe most interestingly, …
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In this long-awaited episode, join Alice and Buddy as they work their way through their complicated feelings about returning to Theme Parks, only to find that the systems by which they now work are thoroughly changed from what they were before their hiatus. If Theme Parks are literature, are Reservations the Table of Contents? What is skipping the …
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Alice White (@alicewhitethp) and Buddy Duquesne (@buddy_duquesne) are pleased to present their exclusive, eye-opening, an amazing interview with Jon Tsuei, author of the new "Guardians of the Whills: The Manga" Join us as we talk about translating movies to books to manga, the horrors and realities of occupation during war, the characterizations of…
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In this extravagant episode, join Alice and Buddy as they revisit the central thesis of Those Happy Places—the very idea that Theme Parks, Rides, and Attractions can (and should) be treated with the same critical care and depth as other forms of storytelling and literature. They’re joined with submissions by Cynthia Sharpe, Rob Yeo, Liam Findlay, A…
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In this luminous episode, join Alice and Buddy as they welcome two special guests. Aly Grauer and Drew Mierzejewski are Podcasters, Performers, Writers, and Builders of Worlds—they’ve also both worked in iconic shows and attractions at some of Orlando’s most famous theme parks. Listen in as they talk about their experiences as Human Interfaces for …
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In this lively episode, join Alice and Buddy as they dive deep into the wonders of Knott’s Berry Farm and the understated brilliance of its Calico Ghost Town. This is the attraction that made Knott’s what it is today—and it stands today as one of the most comprehensive, complete, and thoroughly realized themed lands in Southern California, if not t…
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Alice White (@alicewhitethp) and Buddy Duquesne (@buddy_duquesne) have read the first thirteen chapters of Catalyst by James Luceno and have many thoughts and feelings! This section of the book follows the very attractive and fascinating couple Galen and Lyra Erso through the birth of their child Jyn (sounds familiar), their imprisonment by the Sep…
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Alice White (@alicewhitethp) and Buddy Duquesne (@buddy_duquesne) have the amazing honor to present this interview with industry legend and ACTUAL Rogue One crew member: Hal Hickel! Hal Hickel is a four time Oscar nominee for Achievement in Visual Effects (including for his work on Rogue One!), winning once for his work on Pirates of the Caribbean:…
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Alice White (@alicewhitethp) and Buddy Duquesne (@buddy_duquesne) are back to celebrate the fourth birthday of the best Star Wars movie of all time, Rogue One! Get ready to sync up your copy of the movie to watch along with us as we somehow manage to summarize our many, many thoughts about the movie in about two hours. Enjoy, and have a happy and s…
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Episode Notes Now that their watch-through has finished, Alice White (@alicewhitethp) and Buddy Duquesne (@buddy_duquesne) talk about the impact the movie has had on their lives, read out some listener mail, and break down the plans for the next few months of podcasting. They talk a lot about hope, the Force, coming to terms with their love of the …
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In this categorically profound episode, Alice and Buddy sit down to talk about a system Alice has devised to categorize and better understand how Intellectual Properties are deployed through Theme Parks, Rides, Attractions, and Themed Lands. How do some of our favorite IP-based places fit into the categories of Classic, Abstract, Extra-Canon, and A…
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Here at the end of all things, Alice White (@alicewhitethp) and Buddy Duquesne (@buddy_duquesne) wrap up this intensive watch through of the movie. We discuss the Death Star, eulogize for Jyn, Cassian, and Krennic, and give a lot fo thought to the word "hope." We also discuss what's next for the podcast and ask for a contribution from you, our frie…
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In this palatial episode, join Alice and Buddy as they revisit The Haunted Mansion yet again! What makes this attraction so unique in terms of its tone? How does it fit into the greater culture of American haunted houses? What is the unique role of its cast members in creating a welcoming atmosphere? How has The Haunted Mansion become so iconic of …
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Alice White (@alicewhitethp) and Buddy Duquesne (@buddy_duquesne) limp out of the elevator and come to the rescue as we cover one more section of the film Rogue One before the finale. But don't worry! There's more Rogue Fun still to come! Topics covered include becoming one with the force, the coolest of cool shots, needless obstacles, the great Ad…
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In this contemplative episode, join Buddy and Alice as they attempt to draw the line between the wildly popular trend of Immersive Theater and Theme Parks, Rides, and Attractions. Can we really say that Theme Parks are a form of immersive theater? What qualities do the two entertainment forms share? What, if anything, separates them? Special thanks…
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Alice White (@alicewhitethp) and Buddy Duquesne (@buddy_duquesne) return once again to discuss the best Star Wars movie with you! This episode covers the second part of the battle of Scarif. Topics include our hero Melshi, falling into/climbing out of pits, the purest love in all of Star Wars, and much more. Content Warning: this episode extensivel…
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In this collaborative episode, join Buddy and Alice as they attempt to answer the question of just who we can consider the “Author” of our favorite theme parks, rides, and attractions. What can we learn from the history of Film, Television, and Video Games? Where does the identity of each major Theme Park company come from? Can any individual truly…
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In this sporting episode, join Alice and Buddy as they reminisce about the Walt Disney Company’s first forays in the realm of professional sports as they attempt to unravel the source of a team’s identity and legacy. Can a trilogy of films, an animated series, and an upcoming sequel series on Disney+ make an NHL expansion team an instant success? H…
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Alice White (@alicewhitethp) and Buddy Duquesne (@buddy_duquesne) are back to discuss the first part of the epic Battle of Scarif! Features klaxons, being in awe of AT-ATs, K2-SO loveliness, and the 1000-Watt smile of a hero. If you'd like to support the show please visit our Patreon! Follow the show on twitter @RogueFunPod and let us know what you…
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Alice White (@alicewhitethp) and Buddy Duquesne (@buddy_duquesne) dive deep into the calm before the storm. Listen as they discuss the tension-building moments before the battle of Scarif. You won't want to miss this episode! If you'd like to support the show please visit our Patreon! Follow the show on twitter @RogueFunPod and let us know what you…
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In this Mighty episode, join Alice and Buddy as they discuss the similarities between Sporting Events and Theme Parks. Just how closely related are these two seemingly disparate forms of entertainment? What is the significance of the Dodger Dog? Have you ever heard the tragedy of the Long Beach Ice Dogs? Why is Gritty? All this and more on this epi…
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Donate to Black Lives Matter Donate to The Trevor Project Join Buddy and Alice as they cover the rise of Tiki Culture in the United States—from its origins in post-prohibition Tiki Bars, to its relationship with soldiers returning from World War II, to the invention and somewhat artificial spread of the Aloha Shirt. How do we collectively imagine T…
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Alice White (@alicewhitethp) and Buddy Duquesne (@buddy_duquesne) convene once again to talk about Rogue One, and this time they're back on Yavin IV! Topics this month: the council scene, what Jyn is proposing, Welcome Home, and much much more. If you'd like to support the show please visit our Patreon! Follow the show on twitter @RogueFunPod and l…
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Join Alice and Buddy as they attempt a somewhat comprehensive look at the history of the Hawaiian islands as they relate to the United States—from re-discovery in the late 1700’s to the eventual Annexation and Statehood of Hawaii in 1959. They also talk about the rise of the Hawaiian Pineapple Company—known today as the Dole Pineapple Company. Afte…
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Join Alice and Buddy as they talk a bit more about what makes Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room such a unique attraction. How does it engage every sense—even taste? How does it present its sponsorship by Dole? How do the Pre-Show and Show relate to one another? Why, pray tell, are the hosts Birds? All this and more on this second episode of Birds o…
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Alice (@alicewhitethp) is back with Buddy Duquesne (@buddy_duquesne) to talk about the best Star Wars movie of all time. Our heroes fly away from Eadu and fight it out, Krennic chokes on his aspirations, and your hosts discuss puns, minute facial expressions, tie-ins to other Star Wars movies, and much much more. CW: This episode contains mentions …
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Welcome to our tropical hideaway! Join Alice and Buddy as they embark on a journey to discover the history, cultural impact, and storytelling implications of Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room. The classic, beloved attraction opened in 1963, and has delighted guests since then with its catchy melodies and vibrant cast of Audio-Animatronic performers…
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