Notably Disney

Over nearly 35 years, Disney Legends have been awarded to individuals who have made an indelible impact on The Walt Disney Company. Some have served as Imagineers, executives, actors, animators, or other roles. Considering this podcast concentrates much of the content on music, it only seemed fitting to put on our imaginary Sorcerers Hats and imagine if we could call the shots on who associated with The Walt Disney Company (who has lent their talents in music-based ways) should be awarded as Disney Legends in the future. Up for the task is many-time returning guest Aaron Wallace, an author, podcaster, and today, part of an armchair Disney Legend nominations committee. Aaron joins Brett Nachman as they select their picks in this first episode of a two-part series on musicians who should be named as Disney Legends. Get in contact with Aaron Wallace by following him on Twitter (@aaronwallace), Instagram (@aaronhwallace), and on his website www.aaronwallaceonline.com, where you can learn more about his podcast O

Here on Notably Disney we continue to recognize the forthcoming 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World, billed as The World’s Most Magical Celebration, through a look at the books and music celebrating the vacation kingdom. Today’s guest is Christopher E. Smith, the author of many books on this subject matter, including The Walt Disney World That Never Was and The Backstories and Magical Secrets of Walt Disney World series. He’s a Disney historian, author, and attorney, and has most recently published a very timely title: A Magical Half-Century: Stories Celebrating Walt Disney World’s First 50 Years. Chris joins host Brett Nachman in discussing the development of the book, chapters on topics like weathervanes in the Magic Kingdom and intellectual property at the parks, and much more. Check out Chris' website (ChrisSmithBooks.com), where you can learn more about his titles, and follow him on Twitter (@csmithdisney). Feel free to follow Brett on Twitter (@bnachmanreports), subscribe to the podcast, and send yo

In just over the past decade, Joseph Trapanese has made his mark in Hollywood with electric scores, orchestrations, and arrangements for popular films. Very notably, his orchestration for TRON: Legacy, composed by Daft Punk, has been recognized by the film community as one of the best scores in recent years. He is the composer behind Hollywood hits including Oblivion and Only the Brave and co-composed The Great Showman with John Debney, a past Notably Disney guest, among handling other scores. For Disney, he has also composed the score for the television series TRON: Uprising and the 2019 iteration of Lady and the Tramp. His experiences are vast in such a relatively short period of time, and it’s always dynamic to listen to his scores. Joe discusses all of this and more with Brett Nachman on this episode of Notably Disney. Learn more about Joe's music on his website (JoeComposer.com), and follow his work on Facebook (Joe Composer) and Twitter (@JoeComposer). Feel free to follow Brett on Twitter (@bnachmanre

For many folks, no Disney park experience is complete without sampling on some of the scrumptious specialties found across the resorts. Ashley Craft compiles 100 of them into her recent best-selling title, The Unofficial Disney Parks Cookbook: From Delicious Dole Whip to Tasty Mickey Pretzels, 100 Magical Disney-Inspired Recipes (Unofficial Cookbook). It’s a wonderful resource for those who long to bring the delicacies of the Disney parks to their homes. Ashley talks with host Brett Nachman about her Disney roots, passion for cooking, and developing the robust cookbook. Check out The Unofficial Disney Parks Cookbook on Amazon or wherever you purchase book. Follow Ashley's work on her website (AshleyCrafted.com) or on Instagram (@ashley.crafted). Feel free to follow Brett on Twitter (@bnachmanreports), subscribe to the podcast, and send your feedback to notablydisney@gmail.com New episodes of the podcast typically debut on the first and third Tuesday of every month.  

Disney music encompasses a variety of unforgettable themes and genres, and one element found across many of them is their cleverness, be in their lyrics, melodies, setpieces, musical talents, instrumentation, or perhaps a mix of all of these factors. On this episode, Brett Nachman welcomes on two fellow podcasters (Tammy Tuckey from The Tiara Talk Show and Jeff DePaoli from Dizney Coast to Coast) as they discuss what they consider to be the cleverest Disney songs. These include familiar tunes from films like Pocahontas and Beauty and the Beast, as well as overlooked songs from direct-to-video sequels, TV musicals, and the theme parks. Be sure to follow Tammy (@TammyTuckey) and Jeff (@JeffDePaoli) on Twitter, as well as visit their podcasts. Tammy hosts The Tiara Talk Show, whereas Jeff hosts Dizney Coast To Coast. Feel free to follow Brett on Twitter (@bnachmanreports), subscribe to the podcast, and send your feedback to notablydisney@gmail.com New episodes of the podcast typically debut on the first and thir

The 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World is approaching us, and now represents a wonderful time to reflect on some of the great pieces of writing that have chronicled the development of the resort, or even help in planning your next trip. Returning in the second of this two-part episode discussion are Dan Heaton, host of The Tomorrow Society podcast, and Len Testa, co-host of the Disney Dish podcast. We continue to share our favorite Walt Disney World books that you will want to add to your bookcases, or revisit for an additional reading. Listen to Dan on The Tomorrow Society Podcast and follow the podcast on Facebook, Twitter (@tomorrowsoc), and Instagram. Also be sure to check out The Tomorrow Society website.  Find Len on TouringPlans.com and hear him each week on the Disney Dish Podcast with Jim Hill. Check out more about the Disney Dish on its website. Feel free to reach out to Brett via Twitter @bnachmanreports, subscribe to the podcast, and send your feedback at notablydisney@gmail.com  New episodes o

It’s 2021 and this year holds a special place for many Disney fans, as it serves as the 50th anniversary of WDW. In anticipation of this event, it only made sense to reflect on some of the great pieces of writing that have chronicled the development of the resort, or even planning your next trip. Joining me in this two-part episode discussion are  Dan Heaton, host of The Tomorrow Society podcast, and Len Testa, co-host of the Disney Dish podcast. You’re in for a treat as we share some fun stories as it pertains to Walt Disney World and our favorite Walt Disney World-themed books. Listen to Dan on The Tomorrow Society Podcast and follow the podcast on Facebook, Twitter (@tomorrowsoc), and Instagram. Find Len on TouringPlans.com and hear him each week on the Disney Dish Podcast with Jim Hill. Feel free to reach out to Brett via Twitter @bnachmanreports, subscribe to the podcast, and send your feedback at notablydisney@gmail.com  New episodes of Notably Disney typically debut on the first and third Tuesday of ea

Disney+ features a wide array of original programming, from series like The Mandalorian and High School Musical: The Musical: The Series to films including Togo, Lady and the Tramp, and Godmothered. There is no shortage of Disney+ original programming to discuss just over one year into the streaming service's run, and here to break down the greatest originals, most disappointing originals, most anticipated upcoming originals, and everything in between is a phenomenal panel. Returning to Notably Disney are Courtney Guth and Emily McDermott of the Book of the Mouse Club podcast, Derek Lewis of The Mad Chatters podcast, and entertainment expert Trent Vactor. Follow all of the great guests on social media and on their own podcasts. Be sure to check out the Book of the Mouse Club podcast on iTunes and wherever you listen to podcasts. Email is bookofthemouseclub@gmail.com The podcast website is https://bookofthemouseclub.libsyn.com/. Also make sure you follow Book of the Mouse Club on Twitter, as well as each of th

Here's part two of our fourth edition of "Disney Tunes and Quotes Trivia!" This game show episode enlists fellow Disney aficionados, including podcasters, to team up in an effort to answer questions related to Disney songs and quotes.  Joining us again on this edition of Disney Tunes and Quotes Trivia are four contestants, a mix of both returning guests and new guests to Notably Disney. On Team "Finding Nemos" are former guests James Mason, author of Disney Connections & Collections and Jim Fanning, author of titles like The Disney Book and the host of Jim Fanning's Tulgey Wood TV on YouTube. These two compete against new guests on Team "Six Eggs" (a nod to their favorite song from Beauty and the Beast): Derek Lewis, co-host of the hilarious The Mad Chatters podcast, and Ben Lancaster, director of The Further Adventures of Walt’s Frozen Head and the person behind the Prototype World of Tomorrow series.  Follow each of the contestants on Twitter: Ben (@WaltsFrzenHead), Derek (@dereklew), James (@DrJamesDoe

It's time for another edition of "Disney Tunes and Quotes Trivia!" This game show episode enlists fellow Disney aficionados, including podcasters, to team up in an effort to answer questions related to Disney songs and quotes. There's so much good content - and the recording was so long - that the trivia for this edition is broken up into two parts! This episode covers the first six rounds. Joining us on this edition of Tunes and Quotes are four contestants, a mix of both returning guests and new guests to Notably Disney. On Team "Finding Nemos" are former guests James Mason, author of Disney Connections & Collections and Jim Fanning, author of titles like The Disney Book and the host of Jim Fanning's Tulgey Wood TV on YouTube.These two compete against new guests on Team "Six Eggs" (a nod to their favorite song from Beauty and the Beast): Derek Lewis, co-host of the hilarious The Mad Chatters podcast, and Ben Lancaster, director of The Further Adventures of Walt’s Frozen Head and the person behind the Pro

Emmy Award-winning and Academy Award-nominated composer John Debney has been part of our Disney lives for nearly four decades, from his work on television and in the parks to the big screen. His enchanting scores, from the spirited sounds associated with the Sanderson Sisters in Hocus Pocus to the hip flair in The Emperor’s New Groove, are nothing short of sensational. On this episode of Notably Disney John talks about his storied career, which has entailed scoring some beloved Disney films, including two movies commemorating their 20th anniversary very soon: The Emperor’s New Groove and The Princess Diaries. John and Brett Nachman also discuss John's admiration of other legendary composers, including Marc Shaiman, James Newton Howard, and James Horner.  Follow John on Instagram (@johndebney) and Twitter (@JohnDebney). You can also check out John's work on his website: JohnDebney.com. Feel free to follow Brett on Twitter (@bnachmanreports), subscribe to the podcast, and send your feedback to notablydisney@gma

For years author J.B. Kaufman has covered many aspects of Disney history, particularly during the era featuring Walt’s earliest projects, with his books on Silly Symphonies, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, and the feature that is the center of this discussion. Celebrating its 80th anniversary this year, Walt Disney’s masterpiece Pinocchio has dazzled animation connoisseurs with its brilliant storytelling, visual artistry, charming characters, and unforgettable music. J.B. chronicled the making of this movie in his 2015 title Pinocchio: The Making of the Disney Epic. J.B. joins Brett Nachman on Notably Disney to talk about the development of this beautiful book, his interest in Pinocchio as a topic, and the impact of this animated treasure.  Learn more about J.B. on his website: jbkaufman.com. And be sure to check out many of his books while you're on the site.  Feel free to follow Brett on Twitter (@bnachmanreports), subscribe to the podcast, and send your feedback to notablydisney@gmail.com New episodes of

It's time for another edition of "Disney Tunes and Quotes Trivia!" This game show episode enlists fellow Disney aficionados, including podcasters, to team up in an effort to answer questions related to Disney songs and quotes. Joining us on this edition are four fantastic contestants. On the "Yzmas" team are Tammy Tuckey, host of The Tiara Talk Show podcast, and Erin Doran, a fellow Disney friend and fan. Meanwhile on the "Kronks" team are Dan Heaton, host of The Tomorrow Society Podcast, and Tommy T, host of The Dis Quiz podcast. It's gonna be a fun and riotous ride with this crew! Listen to the very end for a hilarious rendition of one classic tune. Follow each of the contestants on Twitter: Dan (@thedanheaton, @tomorrowsoc),Tommy (@thedisquiz), Tammy (@TammyTuckey) and Erin (@ErinDoran_EdD). Be sure to subscribe to their podcasts as well! The Tomorrow Society Podcast, The Dis Quiz, and The Tiara Talk Show are all extremely entertaining and informative. Feel free to follow Brett on Twitter (@bnachmanreports

Richard Bellis is the man behind the scores for so many popular Disney theme park attractions, from Dinosaur and Star Tours to Alien Encounter and the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. He’s an Emmy Award-winning composer whose work for The Walt Disney Company spans across decades and parks all around the world, including Disneyland Paris and Tokyo Disneyland. On this episode of Notably Disney he talks about his career, compositions, and creativity, from the iconic Star Tours chimes to the subtle cues in Indiana Jones Adventure. Learn more about Richard Bellis' music on his personal website and listen to some examples of his work on his YouTube channel. Feel free to follow Brett on Twitter (@bnachmanreports), subscribe to the podcast, and send your feedback to notablydisney@gmail.com New episodes of the podcast debut on the first and third Tuesday of every month.

Let's rewind those VHS tapes and start at the beginning. The Disney Sing Along Songs series was a foundational part of many Disney fans' childhoods during the late 1980s and into the new millennium, allowing them to watch classic tunes and follow the lyrics along the way. On this episode of Notably Disney, Courtney Guth and Emily McDermott of the Book of the Mouse Club podcast return, as they and host Brett Nachman discuss the origins of the series, its many hosts, the classic tapes (including "Disneyland Fun" and "Beach Party at Walt Disney World"), fond memories, and its lasting impact.  Be sure to check out the Book of the Mouse Club podcast on iTunes and wherever you listen to podcasts. Email is bookofthemouseclub@gmail.com The podcast website is https://bookofthemouseclub.libsyn.com/ Also make sure you follow Book of the Mouse Club on Twitter, as well as each of the hosts on Instagram: Courtney (@greatguthsby) and Emily (@emily_mickde). You can also follow Emily (@emily_mickde) and Courtney (@Courtney_Gu

Author Didier Ghez’s sixth and final volume in the popular They Drew As They Pleased series has debuted. The Hidden Art of Disney’s New Golden Age explores four signature artists from recent decades (Joe Grant, Mike Gabriel, Michael Giaimo, Hans Bacher), featuring amazing stories of their time with the company and a plethora of fantastic imagery from both familiar films and abandoned projects. Didier Ghez joins host Brett Nachman to discuss this series and his role as one of the foremost experts of Disney books as the individual who runs the Ultimate Disney Books Network.  Check out Didier's Disney History blog and the Ultimate Disney Books Network. View his books on Amazon or wherever books are sold. Feel free to reach out to Brett via Twitter @bnachmanreports, subscribe to the podcast, and send your feedback to notablydisney@gmail.com  New episodes of Notably Disney debut on the first and third Tuesday of each month.

A graduate of the Royal Academy of Music, trumpet player and producer Louis Dowdeswell has played alongside some major performers including Michael Buble, Josh Groban and Seal, and is a major performer and an accomplished musician in his own right, having played with the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra as one example. His YouTube channel featuring music lessons and performances boasts more than 70,000 subscribers. Some of his most popular videos provided the basis for today’s interview, as his covers of The Incredibles suite, and songs from Hercules and Frozen, among others, have amassed many millions of views. "Into the Unknown" is particularly monumental. On this episode of Notably Disney we discuss his musical background and unique takes on some favorite Disney tunes and scores. Learn more about Louis by visiting his website, and be sure to check out his performances on his YouTube channel. Follow Louis on Instagram (@louispt) and Twitter (@louisdowdeswell).Feel free to reach out to Brett via Twitter

Returning to Notably Disney is Dave Bossert, an accomplished author who is here to talk about his forthcoming fall release 3D Disneyland: Like You’ve Never Seen it Before. This is a special, unique title that primarily showcases dozens and dozens of photos of the park during its earliest days and into the early 1980s... in 3D! Dave discusses the process of bringing these never-before-seen pictures, thanks to the amazing collection from Ted Kierscey, to a wide audience via this distinct release. Order your copy of 3D Disneyland: Like You've Never Seen It Before on The Old Mill Press website. The book debuts to the general public this October, though some signed and numbered first edition version of the books are still available as of the debut of this episode.  Check out Dave's work on his website (DavidBossert.com) and follow him on various social media platforms, including Instagram (dave_bossert) and YouTube. Feel free to reach out to Brett via Twitter @bnachmanreports, subscribe to the podcast, and send yo

This is a special episode of Notably Disney with the filmmakers behind Howard!Joining me on Notably Disney is the team behind the spectacular, raw, and evocative documentary about one of the most beloved lyricists and an instrumental figure in Disney music and animation history. Howard, which just debuted on Disney+ after its initial premiere in 2018, focuses on the life of the late Howard Ashman, responsible for some of our favorite Disney ditties. I welcome on Don Hahn, Howard’s director, producer, and writer, and Lori Korngiebel, also a producer on Howard, to discuss the making of the magnificent documentary. Some of Don and Lori's previous projects include Waking Sleeping Beauty and Maleficent. Don was a producer on Beauty and the Beast and The Lion King, as well as has authored many books, including Yesterday's Tomorrow: Disney's Magical Mid-Century and The Alchemy of Animation: Making an Animated Film in the Modern Age. Lori has been involved in a number of films over the past two decades, including as

This summer commemorates the 65th anniversary of Disneyland, and one individual who spent much time exploring its origins serves as the guest on this episode. Dr. Todd James Pierce is a renowned author who wrote Three Years in Wonderland: The Disney Brothers, C.V. Wood, and the Making of the Great American Theme Park. Todd shares how Walt’s dream became a reality and exposes a figure in Disney history who has long been shadowed by the company itself: C.V. Wood. He is also the author of the well-received title The Life and Times of Ward Kimball and an English professor at California Polytechnic University. Todd hosts the Disney History Institute podcast, which since 2013 has featured rich, in-depth analyses into the history of The Walt Disney Company, as well as interviews and news. Be sure to visit Todd's website (ToddJamesPierce.com) to check out his body of work, including his books and the Disney History Institute podcast. Feel free to reach out to Brett via Twitter @bnachmanreports, subscribe to the podca