May 26, 2025 • 24 mins
In this episode, we reflect on Disneyland’s 70th anniversary celebration and share our thoughts on the blend of nostalgia and missed opportunities. While we genuinely enjoy the return of beloved shows like Wondrous Journeys and Paint the Night, their reuse without any new offerings created specifically for this milestone raises questions about Disney’s current creative direction. We discuss the changing park atmosphere and what this all signals for the future of Disney parks. As fans and annual passholders, we’re still invested, but wondering if the magic is keeping up with the price.
May 26, 2025
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:45):
Thank you, ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls,
disney proudly presents Ourspectacular nighttime pageant Of
magic and imagination Inmillions of dazzling lights and
(01:09):
the sounding of musical sounds.
It's the pain the night.
Speaker 2 (01:27):
Hey, everybody, welcome back to the RTWJ podcast
.
Speaker 3 (01:34):
Happy Memorial Day.
Hopefully everyone out thereyou've had a chance.
You know, I know some peopleobviously do have to work over
the weekend, but hopefully youhave a chance to.
Speaker 2 (01:42):
Oh, sorry, because Marcus is kind of yelling here.
We're going to use our studioset up here, that's true.
Just normal voices here, marcus, I'm trying.
Speaker 3 (01:48):
Sorry, I'm a little excited here.
I am turned down, though, onthe volume, so don't worry.
Yes, we did move our studio setwithin our office building here
, so we have a new location andour studio cat is with us.
Speaker 2 (02:06):
so we'll see how we do with recording with our
studio cat involved right here.
Okay, emily, go somewhere else.
Just kidding, I love her, she'smy baby girl, um, so, yes,
happy memorial day.
As we know, it's a federalholiday here in the us and, of
course, here at jam and everyoneelse, we always make sure that
we honor and mourn any usmilitary personnel that died
while serving in the us armedforces.
So that's what today is for.
Today is for that day tocommemorate and, of course,
(02:28):
honor those who gave their liveson the front lines, and we are
truly, eternally grateful forall those who continue to serve
and those who, of course, losttheir lives.
So, from all of us here at JAM,we really, really appreciate
the families and everyone whocontinues to serve our country
and to serve us in our society.
Speaker 3 (02:47):
Beautifully said Absolutely.
Speaker 2 (02:50):
As we get started, though, as Marcus said, we are
kind of moving areas to record,so if you hear some little
background noise, we'll workthrough it.
Hopefully not picking up?
I don't think so Hopefully wedon't see anything too much.
You know this episode is.
You know, as we've talked aboutour show, politics and so forth
, you know it's a today that wewant to make sure that we give
(03:13):
space to, regardless of what'shappening in our society.
As you know, we've shared thatthings are out of control and
we'll have time for that, youknow, and I know they're
important to talk about.
But today I just want to makesure that our focus is for those
that have sacrificed theirlives for this country and for
the rights and freedoms that wehave.
(03:34):
That we sometimes take forgranted.
And, of course, the situationsthat are happening right now are
making us question that,because our rights and liberties
are being taken away from us.
But I don't want to take awayfrom that.
So this episode today it's notgoing to focus on today's
current events, more so onthings that we've been going
(03:54):
through.
Just to make sure that we givethat space for what today is and
to again honor those who losttheir lives in the US Armed
Forces.
Speaker 3 (04:04):
And a quick note before we get started with our
conversation.
A little housekeeping is wehave, if you haven't seen
already on our social media, weare slightly changing our
release schedule.
So in the past we were doingthe 1st and the 15th of the
month.
Now it's going to be startingtoday, which is the 4th Monday
of the month.
We're doing the 2nd and 4thMonday.
We usually tend to record theshow on the month.
(04:25):
We're doing the second andfourth Monday.
We usually tend to record theshow on the weekend and
sometimes what was happening wasyou have maybe the 15th, say on
a Thursday or a Friday, and, asyou guys know, at times we've
had some challenges with keepingup.
So hopefully now with this newschedule, it allows us to make
sure that we have a full weekendto record each time before we
release.
So that should hopefully helpout a little bit more with our
scheduling.
So now it is the second andfourth Monday of each month.
(04:48):
So just keep that in mind.
Make sure you're following ushere on our Instagram at the
RTWJ podcast.
If you're listening on yourpodcast app Apple, google,
iHeart, whatever it may be makesure you subscribe and that way
you just simply get the alertwhen the episode comes out.
You don't even have to worryabout it.
So just know that too.
I just want to make sure Ithrew that out too, that this is
our first episode on that newschedule.
Speaker 2 (05:08):
Oh, my cat wants to fight.
Okay, she has her helicopterears on, she's ready.
Speaker 3 (05:12):
There's some birds flying in those palm trees and
she's very agitated right now.
Speaker 2 (05:17):
You said you want to get personal?
You're?
Yep, yes, what's been going on?
Um, as you know me myself, andI am a huge fan of disneyland
and the walt disney company andmarcus, uh, you know, he's
getting there, he's, he's slowly, uh, catching up to my
craziness.
I've you're you've.
Speaker 3 (05:37):
You've gotten me pretty good.
Our studio cat is just crazy, Ilove it's okay, we'll talk
about it though yeah, she's myfriend um, as you know, right,
yes, youhave you have and it's now at
the point.
For example, lilo and stitchcame out this past weekend, the
live action movie.
I need to get on it as soon aspossible.
Um, this was a busy weekend sowasn't around to be able to
watch the movie, but yes, I'vealready been anticipating that.
(05:59):
Um, renewed my inspire magickey, which is the highest tier
that they have at Disneyland outof the four.
I renewed it without secondthought.
Once upon a time, john, when wewere starting to go to
Disneyland, you were trying toconvince me to get a pass right.
You were kind of like youshould do it, you should think
about it.
Now we don't even discuss it.
It's like yep, I'm renewing, noquestions asked.
(06:20):
First day I could I renewed it.
Speaker 2 (06:22):
Done Check, no questions asked First day I
could I renewed it?
Done Check.
As you know, that's amazing.
This year July 17th 2025, willbe 70 years of the Disneyland
Resort opening and the firsttheme park that Walt Disney
himself helped create, grow andsaw and walked in his very own
footsteps in the park, which isamazing.
(06:43):
Walked in his very ownfootsteps in the park, which is
amazing.
To think 70 years is what hasbeen with this park and how
quickly time has passed.
I love the parks I do, but Itold Marcus that I do have a
little critiques on the 70thanniversary.
We both do, and as someone thathas been going to the parks a
lot for many, many years, who'sbeen a pass holder, I'm seeing
(07:06):
some things that I don't likeand I feel like you know what
the foundation of Disneyland andhow nostalgic I think that.
In short, I think that theyreally do monetize on the
nostalgia.
I think that they think thatthe movies that were hitting in
the 90s and early 2000s,mid-2000s, will still carry the
(07:29):
company into its legacy.
I think that they are losingtouch moving forward.
I think that they're complacent, they're happy with what we did
to the 90s and early 2000s, andI think that's not going to
work always.
Yes, these movies are great,especially for us, that are
millennials, right, sure, all ofthese huge hit movies, lilo and
(07:50):
Stitch, the Lion King.
We have all of these moviesthat are nostalgic to us, that
are recognizable Hercules,things that we will always
recognize Tarzan, mulan, like weknow these movies.
And every time you go to theparks, the most effective
characters and the use of thesecharacters are characters from
(08:11):
these nostalgic movies.
Right, understandably so MickeyMouse, donald Duck, goofy,
minnie Mouse.
Speaker 3 (08:17):
Those are the staples , though those are the originals
.
Speaker 2 (08:20):
Yeah, that's never going to go away.
I will give that and I lovethat.
But something about the recent70th celebration seemed lazy.
So for all you know, those whohave listened to the show or
those who go to Disneyland, youknow there's been multiple
anniversaries the 50th I was alittle young for that.
I don't really remember a lotof specifics of the 50th, um,
(08:48):
because I was, you know, prettyyoung and I just went for the
park to have fun.
Sure, yeah, I do remember the60th, and now the 70th.
So the 70th anniversary has afirework show and a parade.
Um, they have been used beforethe firework show that came is a
firework show that was used forthe 100th anniversary of the
walt disney company, and thepaint the night parade is a
parade that was, you know,established and created during
the 60th anniversary of thedisneyland resort.
So I was expecting new stuff,new ideas, and I kind of was
(09:11):
disappointed and we were therethe first day.
Speaker 3 (09:13):
I will know we were there the first day, on the 16th
of may and things have changed.
Speaker 2 (09:18):
as someone that's been going for a long time, like
, first of all, the paintadeTonight parade is amazing.
I'm not complaining about it.
It's a great return of theparade, but the energy isn't
there and I don't know if it'sthe new pass holders or the new
Magic Key holders that have beencoming to the parks.
But back in 2015, when thisparade debuted, it was exciting.
People were excited but, mostof all, people were respectful.
(09:44):
I remember everyone followedthe rules, lined up, set their
spots, addressed everyone'sconcerns, made it friendly.
This time was a littleaggressive.
People were kind of pushing andkind of, yes, you know,
fighting for spots and and theyweren't energized.
They were just kind of quietwhen the cast members wouldn't,
you know, engage with them.
I don't know.
There's a lot of anger involved?
Speaker 3 (10:00):
yeah, just kind of a little bit of changes.
Speaker 2 (10:02):
Maybe that's a reflection of society right
things that we're going through.
But I did tell marcus that Iwish there was new, new firework
shows.
For example, 60th anniversaryhad disneyland forever that when
the firework show started itsaid over 60 years ago right.
It emphasized over 60 years ago.
The focus of that show wasdisneyland forever, right.
(10:25):
The park celebrating the themepark that started the rest of
the theme parks around the world.
This firework show is wondrousjourneys.
This show was created for thehundredth hundredth anniversary
of the walt disney company wasup two years ago.
Speaker 3 (10:38):
Two years in 2023.
Speaker 2 (10:40):
So when they re-brought this show, I noticed
that the show had like anarration in the beginning.
Right, it narrates the showwhat the show is.
So as the show starts, it saidfor over 100 years the Walt
Disney Company, and that kind ofbothered me.
We're celebrating 70 years ofthe park, we could have got rid
(11:00):
of that monologue.
We could have got rid of thatmonologue.
Speaker 3 (11:01):
We could have got rid of that.
Speaker 2 (11:03):
And maybe added 70 years of the park.
I don't know, it just seemedmessy, it seemed lazy.
They just kind of grabbedthings together and boom, it was
just recycled exactly as it was.
Yeah.
So what are long-term castmembers saying?
They're saying that this islazy, corporate is out of touch
with the parks, and it isunfortunate.
Because what makes the money?
Theme parks, yes, cruise lines,yes, that's what makes the
(11:26):
money for the Walt DisneyCompany.
But that's what I thought.
I mean, I had fun.
You know, I'm still a big fanof the parks.
I enjoy going.
There's a lot of nostalgia forme and it works effectively,
especially for millennials.
It's kind of what we are usedto, what we attract to.
We attract to nostalgia and Istill like it.
But just kind of those thoughts.
I don't know, marcus, what youthought.
Speaker 3 (11:47):
Yeah, so let me give you some, I guess, some
theorizing.
Let's theorize a little bitabout this.
Here comes the analyst in me totalk about it.
So it's all about demand, right, they have this assessment of
what they think that theircustomer wants.
Let me ask you, john so you'retalking about the fireworks show
, for example, right, and howthey just basically recycled it
(12:11):
and kind of threw it back, whatthey did two years ago Do you
think the company thinks Sorry,it's a lot of thinking, but do
you think the company thinksthat people don't want the
fireworks show that badlyanymore?
Or why would they think that'sokay?
Because, again, disney is abusiness, disney is a huge
business.
They have analysts, they havedata, they have everything on
anything.
Speaker 1 (12:29):
They want to make a decision about Right, so there
was a smart decision about this.
Speaker 3 (12:31):
They made this decision to just recycle it.
Why do you think that is?
Why might that be Successful?
Speaker 2 (12:38):
I mean, the show is successful.
The show is successful.
The show is effective inconveying emotion and conveying
feelings it captures.
It's a beautiful show, like youknow don't get me wrong it's
probably one of my most belovedfirework show that the park has
ever made um again, it's, it'snostalgic okay, you know that
that comfort, that we know whatthis show is right.
(12:59):
Dis Disneyland Resort is sounique in many ways.
It is a park that connects andattracts local visitors more
than other resorts throughoutthe world.
Very true, so Walt Disney WorldResort, for example.
This is called Walt DisneyWorld because it's world right.
People from all over the worldcome to Walt Disney World.
It's a quicker access point toEuropean countries, which is the
(13:21):
majority of visitors that cometo the Disneyland Park right or
that come to Disney Parks World.
It's a quicker access point toEuropean countries, which is the
majority of visitors that cometo the Disneyland Park right or
that come to Disney Parks as awhole.
Speaker 3 (13:26):
And Orlando Florida can't sustain it very much on
its own.
There are key holders inOrlando that are local, but they
are not as large of a group asmulti-million people.
Southern California.
Speaker 2 (13:39):
Correct, because the Orlando metropolitan area is not
as dense right as you know, thesouthern california region that
we can attract tons of passholders from this area.
So they know this.
They know that the biggestgroup of people that visit the
disneyland park is effectively,in many, in many ways, magic key
holders right people that arelocal people that know the parks
(14:01):
, like, for example, me and you.
We go to the parks three, two,three hours.
It's easy I know that exists inwalt disney world, but it takes
a long time trams connections,parkings.
I mean for us, good days, 10minutes, yes, from entry to go
into the park.
We're in, we're done, we set upit's over, um.
So, yes, that's kind of what Ithink is is what, you know, the,
(14:22):
I guess, foundation of why theydid this.
Of course, me and marcus arejust, you know, fans.
We're not, you know, like hesaid, an analyst that works for
the walt disney company.
So I'm sure they have plenty ofdata that has been collected to
ensure that this is the reasonwhy they bring this.
You know, shows back, paint thenight parade, absolutely
effective.
Yes, great, great choice,highly successful.
(14:43):
It's modern.
It's a really, really goodmodern touch over the electrical
parade.
Speaker 3 (14:49):
But you know, it's just kind of like again, we're
just bringing stuff back welltoo, and my other problem is
that I told you this and this ishow I know I I can get very
superficial, but I've talkedabout this before on the show.
I love, for example, forexample, the food and drinks at
Disney.
There's our studio cat, isn'tshe great?
But I love the food and drinks.
(15:09):
I honestly go to the resort fortwo things entertainment and
eating.
That's it.
I don't necessarily love riding.
Many of the attractions youknow I have.
You know, for example, rollerco coasters are not my thing.
I don't like the sensation ofthem.
So the incredible coasteryou're never going to find me on
, you know, dead or alive, I'mnot going to touch it.
So I really focus on that stuff.
(15:31):
And, for example, ice creamsundaes.
Okay, there's two places in theparks that you can get an ice
cream sundae, one at each.
So on main street in disneylandit's gibson girl.
Oh, our studio cat's reallygoing for it today sorry, it's
okay, I'm playing with her inthe background.
Maybe I shouldn't have done soshe can calm down.
Yeah, she's a little crazy.
So gibson girl right is on mainstreet and disneyland,
(15:52):
halloween, christmas usually inthe summer too there's always a
themed sunday.
Sometimes there's a specialbucket or container that the
Sunday is served in Nothing,nothing for the 70th, no special
variety, no container tocollect.
It was kind of like, hey,that's an opportunity they use
in other times of the year,other celebrations.
(16:13):
It wasn't used, and there aremany.
That's just one that'sprominent for me because that's
what I love going, I love seeingthe Sundays and collecting the
buckets.
Many areas in the park wherethere were opportunities to do
special collectibles, specialflavorings, offerings, they kind
of just.
There's a lot of moments thatcould have been taken advantage
(16:33):
of that weren't, and that wassomething that I definitely took
away.
That night was like, okay,there's.
So between that, recycling, alot of the entertainment.
So, for example, like you justmentioned, wondrous Journeys, a
lot of recycling, not a lot ofnew concepts.
There's merchandise.
Speaker 2 (16:46):
Well, the color was new.
That's true.
Speaker 3 (16:48):
The world of color is new but other opportunities
where they should have and theydo like, for the holidays for
example use they didn't use.
For this there are a lot ofmissing spaces.
Speaker 2 (16:58):
I guess you could say and I mean, could it be that
the fact that the 75th year ofthe parks is coming up soon and
kind of you know they want tomaximize that, could it be?
Speaker 3 (17:09):
but that's a question .
Sorry, I want to interject inthat.
Do they tend to do mid-decadecelebrations?
Don't?
Don't they focus on decades?
Speaker 2 (17:17):
75 is a pretty good number if you think about it.
75, right, that's.
That's like a pretty, likeyou're 25 away from 100.
Speaker 1 (17:24):
I don't know, it just feels like that's more
impactful to me.
Speaker 2 (17:26):
But see, we share all these things because my concern
is that Disney parks and Disneyproducts have always been known
to do one thing, and one thinggood is to provide an experience
yes we go to these parks forexperiences, right, if I want to
go for roller coasters and funmake my stomach feel good and
(17:46):
you know adrenaline rush stufflike that I go to theme parks.
Six flags, knott's berry farmyes cedar, you know point, all
these amusement parks that aremade for that get you in, get
you out, get your you know bloodrushing, get your adrenaline
going, get your excitement, getthe endorphins going.
I love that and I love that.
I love Six Flags.
I have a season pass for it.
(18:07):
I love those theme parksbecause they effectively do what
they do.
It's just to kind of get youonto attractions, rides, get
your blood rushing, stuff likethat.
Disney parks have always beenknown for what Entertainment
experience?
Right, live entertainment,particularly Recently.
Over the years, disneylandResort has really dropped down
as live entertainment A lot,especially when you talk about
(18:28):
your Walt Disney World trip andwhat you shared with me.
Speaker 3 (18:32):
The comparison A lot of unused spaces.
Speaker 2 (18:36):
That's my concern Is what are we doing?
People are paying forexperiences.
They come to Disney parks forexperiences, for visuals, for
shows, for attractions.
Look how crazy the Paint theNight Parade crowds have been.
Speaker 1 (18:51):
Yes, People want that , yes, fireworks.
Speaker 2 (18:53):
People want that you don't go to Six Flags for
fireworks or parades.
Speaker 3 (18:56):
No.
Speaker 2 (18:57):
You go for fun, excitement, rush.
You go to Disneyland for shows,nostalgia for shows, nostalgia,
experience right john makes funof me, you do.
Speaker 3 (19:06):
You make fun of me, um, but there is a large
audience I I stand by this ofthose of us that don't really do
the attractions but do otherthings merchandise.
There are accounts on tiktok,instagram, everywhere.
These people spend hours andevery visit doing one thing
looking for merchandise.
They don't do a single otherthing.
(19:27):
You're right I'm saying it insupport of you to say that
people show up for other reasonsthan just attractions.
They want this entertainment.
I'm one of them.
I want the entertainment.
That's my number one thing.
So when it's a slow night, whenthey cancel shows shows don't
really have much in the firstplace it's like, okay, come on,
guys, I.
I get disappointed, right.
Same thing with the if the foodmenu, if things are a little
(19:50):
slow, it's kind of just, oh,it's a off-season time of year.
I'm a little kind of, oh, Iwish they did more.
I start kind of feeling alittle bit, not that I don't
love it, but it's like I wishthey could do more and I know
they could do more.
You start feeling that a littlebit and it's true, it comes
down of course.
Speaker 2 (20:05):
You know they're a business.
What's the point?
Maximize profits right, butlet's get into experiences,
right.
How do businesses function?
How do they last long?
How do they go into the future,how do they reach new endeavors
, right?
You have a theme park that wasnew, that was announced in the
Middle East Great New theme parkAlways exciting.
But looking at the parks herein the States, when I went to
(20:26):
Walt Disney World, it could usesome refurbishment.
Sure, a lot of the park isreally, really, really, really
put into wear and tear.
I mean, you can see that parkis being used.
Speaker 3 (20:39):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (20:39):
You can see Walt Disney World more than
Disneyland Resort.
We talked about this a fewepisodes ago.
When I went to disneyland, waltdisney world, we said could it
be the weather that plays a factin it?
You know it could be.
It's very humid.
It's a very tropicalenvironment salty air right it
could be.
But I will say, you know, assomeone from came to came and
has grown up with the disneylandresort, you know, disneyland
resort, being 70 years old,looks a lot better than Walt
(21:02):
Disney World.
You know, and it's like we needto focus our you know, our
future on investing in parkshere in the States, where the
majority of the visitors come toright.
Let's make this a good,effective experience for people
that come here and, you know,enjoy the parks.
That's all I want, absolutely.
Speaker 3 (21:22):
Absolutely.
Speaker 2 (21:22):
Yeah, so we're going to see how this continues to
play out.
We hope that in the future, thepark invests more time and more
money in experiences for all ofus, because that's essentially
what I want.
Absolutely right, we'll see.
Well, as we said, it's justkind of our experience that
we've had and we want to makesure that we address it and we
(21:43):
talk about it, because Marcusand I are very, very passionate
about experiences, especiallyconsidering that we're dropping
almost $2,000 a year to visitthese parks Just to visit.
Speaker 3 (21:53):
And then let's not forget how they sucker us each
time we go.
Speaker 2 (21:56):
What is my thing?
One piece of item every time Igo, and you're a little behind
too you need to catch up, youhave credits.
Speaker 3 (22:02):
You have quote credits to get merchandise, but
then again.
Speaker 2 (22:05):
that's not good either.
I get it.
You're right, you know, notbuying merchandise capitalism at
its finest, whatever you wantto call it.
But see, get me into that.
You want to make money with me.
You want to make money with me.
You want me to come and spendmoney in your parks, your
resorts, your attractions, yourthings.
Get me stuff that I want to buy, get me stuff that excites me.
Okay, let's go Put the functionof capitalistic society.
(22:28):
I will go, I will buy stuff.
Speaker 3 (22:31):
I will go watch shows oh, hello, I will.
Speaker 2 (22:33):
But get me to want to do that.
Speaker 3 (22:36):
That's what I want, agreed.
And if anybody's listening fromdisney, can we customize more
of our food items?
I'll be really happy.
But that's that's dreaming, andI understand.
I understand why they can't dothat.
It production wise.
It would just be a nightmare tohave to make custom orders on
all the food.
They have kitchens the size of,like you know, mobile homes.
Speaker 2 (22:54):
It's just inside of my house, right, yeah?
Speaker 3 (22:56):
they got one little stove yes four burners.
We saw that in the food andwine festival.
Speaker 2 (22:59):
One fryer for all the fried chicken they cook at
Plaza.
Speaker 3 (23:02):
Inn.
Some of these places likeliterally seem to be that way,
so it's like, yeah, they can't,they have no capacity to do
anything.
Speaker 2 (23:07):
But but yeah, okay, well, for all of us here on the
RTWJ podcast.
Speaker 3 (23:16):
I'm John on the second Monday of June.
Don't ask me right now what dayof the week that is.
I think it's the 15th.
Speaker 2 (23:23):
I don't know.
Speaker 3 (23:24):
All we know is the second Monday of June.
Second Monday of June.
We'll be back and we'll catchyou guys on that next episode.
Sounds good.
Take care ¶¶.
Some imagination, huh.
Thank you, ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls,
disney proudly presents Ourspectacular nighttime pageant Of
magic and imagination Inmillions of dazzling lights and
(01:09):
the sounding of musical sounds.
It's the pain the night.
Speaker 2 (01:27):
Hey, everybody, welcome back to the RTWJ podcast
.
Speaker 3 (01:34):
Happy Memorial Day.
Hopefully everyone out thereyou've had a chance.
You know, I know some peopleobviously do have to work over
the weekend, but hopefully youhave a chance to.
Speaker 2 (01:42):
Oh, sorry, because Marcus is kind of yelling here.
We're going to use our studioset up here, that's true.
Just normal voices here, marcus, I'm trying.
Speaker 3 (01:48):
Sorry, I'm a little excited here.
I am turned down, though, onthe volume, so don't worry.
Yes, we did move our studio setwithin our office building here
, so we have a new location andour studio cat is with us.
Speaker 2 (02:06):
so we'll see how we do with recording with our
studio cat involved right here.
Okay, emily, go somewhere else.
Just kidding, I love her, she'smy baby girl, um, so, yes,
happy memorial day.
As we know, it's a federalholiday here in the us and, of
course, here at jam and everyoneelse, we always make sure that
we honor and mourn any usmilitary personnel that died
while serving in the us armedforces.
So that's what today is for.
Today is for that day tocommemorate and, of course,
(02:28):
honor those who gave their liveson the front lines, and we are
truly, eternally grateful forall those who continue to serve
and those who, of course, losttheir lives.
So, from all of us here at JAM,we really, really appreciate
the families and everyone whocontinues to serve our country
and to serve us in our society.
Speaker 3 (02:47):
Beautifully said Absolutely.
Speaker 2 (02:50):
As we get started, though, as Marcus said, we are
kind of moving areas to record,so if you hear some little
background noise, we'll workthrough it.
Hopefully not picking up?
I don't think so Hopefully wedon't see anything too much.
You know this episode is.
You know, as we've talked aboutour show, politics and so forth
, you know it's a today that wewant to make sure that we give
(03:13):
space to, regardless of what'shappening in our society.
As you know, we've shared thatthings are out of control and
we'll have time for that, youknow, and I know they're
important to talk about.
But today I just want to makesure that our focus is for those
that have sacrificed theirlives for this country and for
the rights and freedoms that wehave.
(03:34):
That we sometimes take forgranted.
And, of course, the situationsthat are happening right now are
making us question that,because our rights and liberties
are being taken away from us.
But I don't want to take awayfrom that.
So this episode today it's notgoing to focus on today's
current events, more so onthings that we've been going
(03:54):
through.
Just to make sure that we givethat space for what today is and
to again honor those who losttheir lives in the US Armed
Forces.
Speaker 3 (04:04):
And a quick note before we get started with our
conversation.
A little housekeeping is wehave, if you haven't seen
already on our social media, weare slightly changing our
release schedule.
So in the past we were doingthe 1st and the 15th of the
month.
Now it's going to be startingtoday, which is the 4th Monday
of the month.
We're doing the 2nd and 4thMonday.
We usually tend to record theshow on the month.
(04:25):
We're doing the second andfourth Monday.
We usually tend to record theshow on the weekend and
sometimes what was happening wasyou have maybe the 15th, say on
a Thursday or a Friday, and, asyou guys know, at times we've
had some challenges with keepingup.
So hopefully now with this newschedule, it allows us to make
sure that we have a full weekendto record each time before we
release.
So that should hopefully helpout a little bit more with our
scheduling.
So now it is the second andfourth Monday of each month.
(04:48):
So just keep that in mind.
Make sure you're following ushere on our Instagram at the
RTWJ podcast.
If you're listening on yourpodcast app Apple, google,
iHeart, whatever it may be makesure you subscribe and that way
you just simply get the alertwhen the episode comes out.
You don't even have to worryabout it.
So just know that too.
I just want to make sure Ithrew that out too, that this is
our first episode on that newschedule.
Speaker 2 (05:08):
Oh, my cat wants to fight.
Okay, she has her helicopterears on, she's ready.
Speaker 3 (05:12):
There's some birds flying in those palm trees and
she's very agitated right now.
Speaker 2 (05:17):
You said you want to get personal?
You're?
Yep, yes, what's been going on?
Um, as you know me myself, andI am a huge fan of disneyland
and the walt disney company andmarcus, uh, you know, he's
getting there, he's, he's slowly, uh, catching up to my
craziness.
I've you're you've.
Speaker 3 (05:37):
You've gotten me pretty good.
Our studio cat is just crazy, Ilove it's okay, we'll talk
about it though yeah, she's myfriend um, as you know, right,
yes, youhave you have and it's now at
the point.
For example, lilo and stitchcame out this past weekend, the
live action movie.
I need to get on it as soon aspossible.
Um, this was a busy weekend sowasn't around to be able to
watch the movie, but yes, I'vealready been anticipating that.
(05:59):
Um, renewed my inspire magickey, which is the highest tier
that they have at Disneyland outof the four.
I renewed it without secondthought.
Once upon a time, john, when wewere starting to go to
Disneyland, you were trying toconvince me to get a pass right.
You were kind of like youshould do it, you should think
about it.
Now we don't even discuss it.
It's like yep, I'm renewing, noquestions asked.
(06:20):
First day I could I renewed it.
Speaker 2 (06:22):
Done Check, no questions asked First day I
could I renewed it?
Done Check.
As you know, that's amazing.
This year July 17th 2025, willbe 70 years of the Disneyland
Resort opening and the firsttheme park that Walt Disney
himself helped create, grow andsaw and walked in his very own
footsteps in the park, which isamazing.
(06:43):
Walked in his very ownfootsteps in the park, which is
amazing.
To think 70 years is what hasbeen with this park and how
quickly time has passed.
I love the parks I do, but Itold Marcus that I do have a
little critiques on the 70thanniversary.
We both do, and as someone thathas been going to the parks a
lot for many, many years, who'sbeen a pass holder, I'm seeing
(07:06):
some things that I don't likeand I feel like you know what
the foundation of Disneyland andhow nostalgic I think that.
In short, I think that theyreally do monetize on the
nostalgia.
I think that they think thatthe movies that were hitting in
the 90s and early 2000s,mid-2000s, will still carry the
(07:29):
company into its legacy.
I think that they are losingtouch moving forward.
I think that they're complacent, they're happy with what we did
to the 90s and early 2000s, andI think that's not going to
work always.
Yes, these movies are great,especially for us, that are
millennials, right, sure, all ofthese huge hit movies, lilo and
(07:50):
Stitch, the Lion King.
We have all of these moviesthat are nostalgic to us, that
are recognizable Hercules,things that we will always
recognize Tarzan, mulan, like weknow these movies.
And every time you go to theparks, the most effective
characters and the use of thesecharacters are characters from
(08:11):
these nostalgic movies.
Right, understandably so MickeyMouse, donald Duck, goofy,
minnie Mouse.
Speaker 3 (08:17):
Those are the staples , though those are the originals
.
Speaker 2 (08:20):
Yeah, that's never going to go away.
I will give that and I lovethat.
But something about the recent70th celebration seemed lazy.
So for all you know, those whohave listened to the show or
those who go to Disneyland, youknow there's been multiple
anniversaries the 50th I was alittle young for that.
I don't really remember a lotof specifics of the 50th, um,
(08:48):
because I was, you know, prettyyoung and I just went for the
park to have fun.
Sure, yeah, I do remember the60th, and now the 70th.
So the 70th anniversary has afirework show and a parade.
Um, they have been used beforethe firework show that came is a
firework show that was used forthe 100th anniversary of the
walt disney company, and thepaint the night parade is a
parade that was, you know,established and created during
the 60th anniversary of thedisneyland resort.
So I was expecting new stuff,new ideas, and I kind of was
(09:11):
disappointed and we were therethe first day.
Speaker 3 (09:13):
I will know we were there the first day, on the 16th
of may and things have changed.
Speaker 2 (09:18):
as someone that's been going for a long time, like
, first of all, the paintadeTonight parade is amazing.
I'm not complaining about it.
It's a great return of theparade, but the energy isn't
there and I don't know if it'sthe new pass holders or the new
Magic Key holders that have beencoming to the parks.
But back in 2015, when thisparade debuted, it was exciting.
People were excited but, mostof all, people were respectful.
(09:44):
I remember everyone followedthe rules, lined up, set their
spots, addressed everyone'sconcerns, made it friendly.
This time was a littleaggressive.
People were kind of pushing andkind of, yes, you know,
fighting for spots and and theyweren't energized.
They were just kind of quietwhen the cast members wouldn't,
you know, engage with them.
I don't know.
There's a lot of anger involved?
Speaker 3 (10:00):
yeah, just kind of a little bit of changes.
Speaker 2 (10:02):
Maybe that's a reflection of society right
things that we're going through.
But I did tell marcus that Iwish there was new, new firework
shows.
For example, 60th anniversaryhad disneyland forever that when
the firework show started itsaid over 60 years ago right.
It emphasized over 60 years ago.
The focus of that show wasdisneyland forever, right.
(10:25):
The park celebrating the themepark that started the rest of
the theme parks around the world.
This firework show is wondrousjourneys.
This show was created for thehundredth hundredth anniversary
of the walt disney company wasup two years ago.
Speaker 3 (10:38):
Two years in 2023.
Speaker 2 (10:40):
So when they re-brought this show, I noticed
that the show had like anarration in the beginning.
Right, it narrates the showwhat the show is.
So as the show starts, it saidfor over 100 years the Walt
Disney Company, and that kind ofbothered me.
We're celebrating 70 years ofthe park, we could have got rid
(11:00):
of that monologue.
We could have got rid of thatmonologue.
Speaker 3 (11:01):
We could have got rid of that.
Speaker 2 (11:03):
And maybe added 70 years of the park.
I don't know, it just seemedmessy, it seemed lazy.
They just kind of grabbedthings together and boom, it was
just recycled exactly as it was.
Yeah.
So what are long-term castmembers saying?
They're saying that this islazy, corporate is out of touch
with the parks, and it isunfortunate.
Because what makes the money?
Theme parks, yes, cruise lines,yes, that's what makes the
(11:26):
money for the Walt DisneyCompany.
But that's what I thought.
I mean, I had fun.
You know, I'm still a big fanof the parks.
I enjoy going.
There's a lot of nostalgia forme and it works effectively,
especially for millennials.
It's kind of what we are usedto, what we attract to.
We attract to nostalgia and Istill like it.
But just kind of those thoughts.
I don't know, marcus, what youthought.
Speaker 3 (11:47):
Yeah, so let me give you some, I guess, some
theorizing.
Let's theorize a little bitabout this.
Here comes the analyst in me totalk about it.
So it's all about demand, right, they have this assessment of
what they think that theircustomer wants.
Let me ask you, john so you'retalking about the fireworks show
, for example, right, and howthey just basically recycled it
(12:11):
and kind of threw it back, whatthey did two years ago Do you
think the company thinks Sorry,it's a lot of thinking, but do
you think the company thinksthat people don't want the
fireworks show that badlyanymore?
Or why would they think that'sokay?
Because, again, disney is abusiness, disney is a huge
business.
They have analysts, they havedata, they have everything on
anything.
Speaker 1 (12:29):
They want to make a decision about Right, so there
was a smart decision about this.
Speaker 3 (12:31):
They made this decision to just recycle it.
Why do you think that is?
Why might that be Successful?
Speaker 2 (12:38):
I mean, the show is successful.
The show is successful.
The show is effective inconveying emotion and conveying
feelings it captures.
It's a beautiful show, like youknow don't get me wrong it's
probably one of my most belovedfirework show that the park has
ever made um again, it's, it'snostalgic okay, you know that
that comfort, that we know whatthis show is right.
(12:59):
Dis Disneyland Resort is sounique in many ways.
It is a park that connects andattracts local visitors more
than other resorts throughoutthe world.
Very true, so Walt Disney WorldResort, for example.
This is called Walt DisneyWorld because it's world right.
People from all over the worldcome to Walt Disney World.
It's a quicker access point toEuropean countries, which is the
(13:21):
majority of visitors that cometo the Disneyland Park right or
that come to Disney Parks World.
It's a quicker access point toEuropean countries, which is the
majority of visitors that cometo the Disneyland Park right or
that come to Disney Parks as awhole.
Speaker 3 (13:26):
And Orlando Florida can't sustain it very much on
its own.
There are key holders inOrlando that are local, but they
are not as large of a group asmulti-million people.
Southern California.
Speaker 2 (13:39):
Correct, because the Orlando metropolitan area is not
as dense right as you know, thesouthern california region that
we can attract tons of passholders from this area.
So they know this.
They know that the biggestgroup of people that visit the
disneyland park is effectively,in many, in many ways, magic key
holders right people that arelocal people that know the parks
(14:01):
, like, for example, me and you.
We go to the parks three, two,three hours.
It's easy I know that exists inwalt disney world, but it takes
a long time trams connections,parkings.
I mean for us, good days, 10minutes, yes, from entry to go
into the park.
We're in, we're done, we set upit's over, um.
So, yes, that's kind of what Ithink is is what, you know, the,
(14:22):
I guess, foundation of why theydid this.
Of course, me and marcus arejust, you know, fans.
We're not, you know, like hesaid, an analyst that works for
the walt disney company.
So I'm sure they have plenty ofdata that has been collected to
ensure that this is the reasonwhy they bring this.
You know, shows back, paint thenight parade, absolutely
effective.
Yes, great, great choice,highly successful.
(14:43):
It's modern.
It's a really, really goodmodern touch over the electrical
parade.
Speaker 3 (14:49):
But you know, it's just kind of like again, we're
just bringing stuff back welltoo, and my other problem is
that I told you this and this ishow I know I I can get very
superficial, but I've talkedabout this before on the show.
I love, for example, forexample, the food and drinks at
Disney.
There's our studio cat, isn'tshe great?
But I love the food and drinks.
(15:09):
I honestly go to the resort fortwo things entertainment and
eating.
That's it.
I don't necessarily love riding.
Many of the attractions youknow I have.
You know, for example, rollerco coasters are not my thing.
I don't like the sensation ofthem.
So the incredible coasteryou're never going to find me on
, you know, dead or alive, I'mnot going to touch it.
So I really focus on that stuff.
(15:31):
And, for example, ice creamsundaes.
Okay, there's two places in theparks that you can get an ice
cream sundae, one at each.
So on main street in disneylandit's gibson girl.
Oh, our studio cat's reallygoing for it today sorry, it's
okay, I'm playing with her inthe background.
Maybe I shouldn't have done soshe can calm down.
Yeah, she's a little crazy.
So gibson girl right is on mainstreet and disneyland,
(15:52):
halloween, christmas usually inthe summer too there's always a
themed sunday.
Sometimes there's a specialbucket or container that the
Sunday is served in Nothing,nothing for the 70th, no special
variety, no container tocollect.
It was kind of like, hey,that's an opportunity they use
in other times of the year,other celebrations.
(16:13):
It wasn't used, and there aremany.
That's just one that'sprominent for me because that's
what I love going, I love seeingthe Sundays and collecting the
buckets.
Many areas in the park wherethere were opportunities to do
special collectibles, specialflavorings, offerings, they kind
of just.
There's a lot of moments thatcould have been taken advantage
(16:33):
of that weren't, and that wassomething that I definitely took
away.
That night was like, okay,there's.
So between that, recycling, alot of the entertainment.
So, for example, like you justmentioned, wondrous Journeys, a
lot of recycling, not a lot ofnew concepts.
There's merchandise.
Speaker 2 (16:46):
Well, the color was new.
That's true.
Speaker 3 (16:48):
The world of color is new but other opportunities
where they should have and theydo like, for the holidays for
example use they didn't use.
For this there are a lot ofmissing spaces.
Speaker 2 (16:58):
I guess you could say and I mean, could it be that
the fact that the 75th year ofthe parks is coming up soon and
kind of you know they want tomaximize that, could it be?
Speaker 3 (17:09):
but that's a question .
Sorry, I want to interject inthat.
Do they tend to do mid-decadecelebrations?
Don't?
Don't they focus on decades?
Speaker 2 (17:17):
75 is a pretty good number if you think about it.
75, right, that's.
That's like a pretty, likeyou're 25 away from 100.
Speaker 1 (17:24):
I don't know, it just feels like that's more
impactful to me.
Speaker 2 (17:26):
But see, we share all these things because my concern
is that Disney parks and Disneyproducts have always been known
to do one thing, and one thinggood is to provide an experience
yes we go to these parks forexperiences, right, if I want to
go for roller coasters and funmake my stomach feel good and
(17:46):
you know adrenaline rush stufflike that I go to theme parks.
Six flags, knott's berry farmyes cedar, you know point, all
these amusement parks that aremade for that get you in, get
you out, get your you know bloodrushing, get your adrenaline
going, get your excitement, getthe endorphins going.
I love that and I love that.
I love Six Flags.
I have a season pass for it.
(18:07):
I love those theme parksbecause they effectively do what
they do.
It's just to kind of get youonto attractions, rides, get
your blood rushing, stuff likethat.
Disney parks have always beenknown for what Entertainment
experience?
Right, live entertainment,particularly Recently.
Over the years, disneylandResort has really dropped down
as live entertainment A lot,especially when you talk about
(18:28):
your Walt Disney World trip andwhat you shared with me.
Speaker 3 (18:32):
The comparison A lot of unused spaces.
Speaker 2 (18:36):
That's my concern Is what are we doing?
People are paying forexperiences.
They come to Disney parks forexperiences, for visuals, for
shows, for attractions.
Look how crazy the Paint theNight Parade crowds have been.
Speaker 1 (18:51):
Yes, People want that , yes, fireworks.
Speaker 2 (18:53):
People want that you don't go to Six Flags for
fireworks or parades.
Speaker 3 (18:56):
No.
Speaker 2 (18:57):
You go for fun, excitement, rush.
You go to Disneyland for shows,nostalgia for shows, nostalgia,
experience right john makes funof me, you do.
Speaker 3 (19:06):
You make fun of me, um, but there is a large
audience I I stand by this ofthose of us that don't really do
the attractions but do otherthings merchandise.
There are accounts on tiktok,instagram, everywhere.
These people spend hours andevery visit doing one thing
looking for merchandise.
They don't do a single otherthing.
(19:27):
You're right I'm saying it insupport of you to say that
people show up for other reasonsthan just attractions.
They want this entertainment.
I'm one of them.
I want the entertainment.
That's my number one thing.
So when it's a slow night, whenthey cancel shows shows don't
really have much in the firstplace it's like, okay, come on,
guys, I.
I get disappointed, right.
Same thing with the if the foodmenu, if things are a little
(19:50):
slow, it's kind of just, oh,it's a off-season time of year.
I'm a little kind of, oh, Iwish they did more.
I start kind of feeling alittle bit, not that I don't
love it, but it's like I wishthey could do more and I know
they could do more.
You start feeling that a littlebit and it's true, it comes
down of course.
Speaker 2 (20:05):
You know they're a business.
What's the point?
Maximize profits right, butlet's get into experiences,
right.
How do businesses function?
How do they last long?
How do they go into the future,how do they reach new endeavors
, right?
You have a theme park that wasnew, that was announced in the
Middle East Great New theme parkAlways exciting.
But looking at the parks herein the States, when I went to
(20:26):
Walt Disney World, it could usesome refurbishment.
Sure, a lot of the park isreally, really, really, really
put into wear and tear.
I mean, you can see that parkis being used.
Speaker 3 (20:39):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (20:39):
You can see Walt Disney World more than
Disneyland Resort.
We talked about this a fewepisodes ago.
When I went to disneyland, waltdisney world, we said could it
be the weather that plays a factin it?
You know it could be.
It's very humid.
It's a very tropicalenvironment salty air right it
could be.
But I will say, you know, assomeone from came to came and
has grown up with the disneylandresort, you know, disneyland
resort, being 70 years old,looks a lot better than Walt
(21:02):
Disney World.
You know, and it's like we needto focus our you know, our
future on investing in parkshere in the States, where the
majority of the visitors come toright.
Let's make this a good,effective experience for people
that come here and, you know,enjoy the parks.
That's all I want, absolutely.
Speaker 3 (21:22):
Absolutely.
Speaker 2 (21:22):
Yeah, so we're going to see how this continues to
play out.
We hope that in the future, thepark invests more time and more
money in experiences for all ofus, because that's essentially
what I want.
Absolutely right, we'll see.
Well, as we said, it's justkind of our experience that
we've had and we want to makesure that we address it and we
(21:43):
talk about it, because Marcusand I are very, very passionate
about experiences, especiallyconsidering that we're dropping
almost $2,000 a year to visitthese parks Just to visit.
Speaker 3 (21:53):
And then let's not forget how they sucker us each
time we go.
Speaker 2 (21:56):
What is my thing?
One piece of item every time Igo, and you're a little behind
too you need to catch up, youhave credits.
Speaker 3 (22:02):
You have quote credits to get merchandise, but
then again.
Speaker 2 (22:05):
that's not good either.
I get it.
You're right, you know, notbuying merchandise capitalism at
its finest, whatever you wantto call it.
But see, get me into that.
You want to make money with me.
You want to make money with me.
You want me to come and spendmoney in your parks, your
resorts, your attractions, yourthings.
Get me stuff that I want to buy, get me stuff that excites me.
Okay, let's go Put the functionof capitalistic society.
(22:28):
I will go, I will buy stuff.
Speaker 3 (22:31):
I will go watch shows oh, hello, I will.
Speaker 2 (22:33):
But get me to want to do that.
Speaker 3 (22:36):
That's what I want, agreed.
And if anybody's listening fromdisney, can we customize more
of our food items?
I'll be really happy.
But that's that's dreaming, andI understand.
I understand why they can't dothat.
It production wise.
It would just be a nightmare tohave to make custom orders on
all the food.
They have kitchens the size of,like you know, mobile homes.
Speaker 2 (22:54):
It's just inside of my house, right, yeah?
Speaker 3 (22:56):
they got one little stove yes four burners.
We saw that in the food andwine festival.
Speaker 2 (22:59):
One fryer for all the fried chicken they cook at
Plaza.
Speaker 3 (23:02):
Inn.
Some of these places likeliterally seem to be that way,
so it's like, yeah, they can't,they have no capacity to do
anything.
Speaker 2 (23:07):
But but yeah, okay, well, for all of us here on the
RTWJ podcast.
Speaker 3 (23:16):
I'm John on the second Monday of June.
Don't ask me right now what dayof the week that is.
I think it's the 15th.
Speaker 2 (23:23):
I don't know.
Speaker 3 (23:24):
All we know is the second Monday of June.
Second Monday of June.
We'll be back and we'll catchyou guys on that next episode.
Sounds good.
Take care ¶¶.
Some imagination, huh.
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