One month after D23, Disney’s announced future is already starting to take clearer shape.

In our Q3 State of the Kingdom, we check in on what’s opened, what’s going vertical, and what’s changed since Disney laid out its latest roadmap. From The Magic of Disney Animation and Tropical Americas to Monstropolis, Piston Peak, Space Mountain Earthrise and a newly updated Toy Story Land attraction, we’re looking at the details becoming real across the parks.

Then, we turn to the technology and rumors we’re watching, including a possible helicopter tease, Disneyland’s transforming pirate, and a new patent that could change what Disney is able to put in the skies. Which, naturally, leads us to the possibility of Kathy Copter over Piston Peak and flying presidents like George Washington taking to the skies.

D23 gave us the roadmap. Now we get to watch what actually happens to it.

Send us Fan Mail

Don't forget to check us out on Instagram!

Piston Peak surprised us.

After seeing the model at D23, what stood out wasn’t just the rides. It was the place itself: the mountains, water, trails, architecture, sightlines, and the way this unlikely Cars-meets-national-parks idea suddenly felt completely believable.

In this offseason conversation, Stephen and Kaity dig into why Piston Peak may be one of Imagineering’s most interesting projects in development, from how it fits inside Frontierland to the design choices helping it feel like it belongs there.

We also talk Parkitecture, Magic Kingdom’s changing skyline, the role of landscape and water, Miss Fritter’s unexpected addition, the new ride system, and what makes a theme park land somewhere you actually want to spend time.

Not a news recap. A deeper look at why Piston Peak works, where it could stumble, and what Imagineering seems to be trying to accomplish.

Send us Fan Mail

Don't forget to check us out on Instagram!

D23 gave us more answers about Villains Land. Two weeks later, we’re less interested in recapping what Disney announced and more interested in what those choices actually tell us.

In our first offseason episode, Stephen, Kaity, and Jenny dig into the bigger creative questions behind Magic Kingdom’s newest land: whether an IP-based project can still be truly original Imagineering, why “Villains Land” may be exactly the right name, how years of concept art and rumors shaped expectations, and why family-friendly storytelling doesn’t have to mean removing fear.

We also look at the difference between a good attraction idea and the right attraction idea, how the two announced rides may solve a much bigger design problem, where the concept could still fall short, and why some of the most interesting parts of Villains Land are the pieces Disney hasn’t shown us yet.

This isn’t another announcement recap. It’s the conversation underneath it.

Send us Fan Mail

Don't forget to check us out on Instagram!