Movies with the Mouse Podcast

Movies With The Mouse Episode 35 - Spells, Pumpkins, and Disney Magic

Grab your broomsticks and pumpkin spice, because we’re flying straight into the magical world of Halloweentown! In this episode, we dive deep into Disney Channel’s 1998 classic that turned every October into pure magic. We’ll explore Marnie Piper’s journey of discovering her witchy heritage, her grandmother Aggie Cromwell’s unforgettable charm, and how one made-for-TV movie became a Halloween tradition for generations. From its themes of family, identity, and self-acceptance to its cozy, spooky world filled with quirky creatures, Halloweentown remains one of the most beloved Disney Channel Original Movies ever made.
We’ll also uncover the film’s cultural impact — how it helped shape late-’90s Disney storytelling, inspired a generation of young witches and dreamers, and cemented itself as a fall favorite. Plus, we share behind-the-scenes fun facts, like how it was filmed in St. Helens, Oregon (now home to a real-life Halloweentown festival!) and why Debbie Reynolds’ iconic performance continues to glow like a jack-o’-lantern decades later. Whether you grew up watching it on repeat or you’re discovering it for the first time, this episode celebrates the nostalgia, magic, and heart that make Halloweentown an October essential. So tune in, light your cauldron candles, and join us as we step into the world “where every day is Halloween.” 🎃

Movies With The Mouse - Universal Nights of Fear 2025 Trip Recap!!!

This week, we’re taking you along on our awesome adventure through Central Florida! 🌴 From screaming our lungs out at Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights to braving the chills of SeaWorld’s Howl-O-Scream, it was a nonstop thrill ride of spooky fun. We even got a sneak peek at the incredible Epic Universe and spent some unforgettable time hanging out with our amazing friends along the way. 👻✨
Join us as we share our favorite moments, crazy stories, and all the laughs from one epic week of theme parks, haunts, and heartwarming memories. Buckle up—it’s going to be a wild (and slightly haunted) ride! 🎙️🎃

Movies With The Mouse Episode 33 - Spooky Season at Disney

It’s the most frightfully fun time of the year at the Disney parks! This week, we’re breaking down all the extra Halloween magic that comes to Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort — from Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Oogie Boogie Bash to Haunted Mansion Holiday, trick-or-treat trails, villain encounters, seasonal snacks, and more. We’ll share our must-do spooky favorites, the differences between the coasts, and even dream up new overlays we’d love to see. So grab your candy bag and join us for a spirited tour of Disney’s Halloween extras!

Movies With The Mouse Episode 32 - Dreams, Determination, and a 40-Foot Dive

This week we dive headfirst into Disney’s 1991 cult classic Wild Hearts Can’t Be Broken. We’ll explore the story of Sonora Webster, the runaway girl who dreamed of stardom and found it in the daring world of horse diving. From her journey to the traveling stunt show to the accident that left her blind, we’ll look at how the movie brought her courage and determination to life on screen. Along the way, we’ll uncover the real history of Sonora Webster Carver, the truth behind horse diving, fun behind-the-scenes details, and the legacy of a film that continues to inspire audiences with its message of resilience and chasing your dreams no matter the odds.

Movies With The Mouse Episode 31 - Back On The Big Screen

Fresh off the excitement of Hamilton’s big-screen run and Toy Story’s 30th anniversary celebration, we’re diving into a fun “what if” discussion: which Disney movies would we love to see rereleased in theaters?
From timeless animated classics to underrated gems that deserve another moment in the spotlight, we share the films we’d rush to the box office to experience on the big screen again. Along the way, we take a trip through Disney’s fascinating history of rereleases — from the early days when films like Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and Cinderella would cycle back into theaters every few years, to the VHS era, the rise of the Disney Vault, and how streaming has changed the game.
It’s part nostalgia, part wish list, and part history lesson — with plenty of laughs and a few surprises along the way. Whether you’re a fan who remembers seeing Disney classics during their theatrical returns or you’re curious about which films deserve another shot at box office glory, this episode is for you.
So grab your popcorn and join us for a conversation that’s all about the magic of seeing Disney on the big screen… again!

Movies With The Mouse Episode 30 - 30 Years of Toy Story

To infinity… and beyond! This week we’re celebrating a milestone in animation history — the 30th anniversary of Toy Story. In this special episode, we take a heartfelt look back at the groundbreaking film that changed movies forever.
We dive into how Pixar’s very first feature not only revolutionized animation with cutting-edge technology, but also gave us unforgettable characters like Woody, Buzz, and the whole gang. From behind-the-scenes stories and the challenges of bringing a fully computer-animated film to life, to the lasting cultural impact and the franchise it sparked, we cover it all.
We also share our personal memories of seeing Toy Story for the first time, revisit the moments that still hit us right in the feels, and explore why its themes of friendship, change, and growing up remain just as powerful three decades later.
So whether you’ve been with Andy’s toys since 1995 or you’re discovering the magic for the first time, join us as we celebrate one of the most important films in Disney-Pixar history.

Movies With The Mouse Episode 29 - Destination D23!

It’s the most magical weekend of the year for Disney fans, and we’re bringing you a full deep dive into everything that went down at D23 Expo! In this packed episode, we break down all the major announcements, surprises, and jaw-dropping reveals from across the Disney universe.
From the Marvel Studios panel with its big updates on upcoming films and series, to the latest Star Wars projects that have fans buzzing, to brand-new looks at what’s next for Pixar and Walt Disney Animation — we cover it all. We also dive into the biggest park news, exploring how the Imagineers are shaping the future of Disneyland, Disney World, and beyond.
Along the way, we share our reactions, theories, and a few bold predictions about what these announcements could mean for the future of the Disney brand. Whether you’re a die-hard Marvel fan, a lifelong Disney Parks lover, or someone who just wants the inside scoop without sitting through hours of livestreams, this episode has everything you need to feel like you were right there at the convention.
So grab your Mickey ears, pour yourself a Dole Whip float, and join us for a magical journey through all things D23!

Movies With The Mouse Episode 28 - Left Side, Strong Side: The Legacy of Remember the Titans

In this episode, we huddle up with Disney’s Remember the Titans (2000), the powerful sports drama starring Denzel Washington that turned the story of the 1971 T.C. Williams High School football team into a cultural touchstone. We’ll break down how the film was made, its unforgettable performances, and why it became one of Disney’s most inspiring live-action hits. Then we’ll dig into the real history behind the movie—how integration shaped a Virginia community, the true relationship between Coaches Herman Boone and Bill Yoast, the Titans’ undefeated championship season, and what really happened with star player Gerry Bertier. Along the way, we’ll explore fun production details, fact vs. fiction, and the legacy of a film that continues to spark conversations about teamwork, leadership, and unity in the face of division.

Movies With The Mouse Episode 27 - Legends of the Frontier

In this episode, we saddle up with Patrick Swayze and dive into Disney’s 1995 cult classic Tall Tale: The Unbelievable Adventures of Pecos Bill. We’ll explore how the film brought American folk heroes like Pecos Bill, Paul Bunyan, John Henry, and Calamity Jane to life on screen, blending myth, history, and frontier spirit into a larger-than-life adventure. Along the way, we’ll uncover fun behind-the-scenes stories from the making of the movie, why it flopped at the box office but lives on as a nostalgic favorite, and the real folklore roots behind these legendary characters. From tornado-riding cowboys to steel-driving men, this is where Hollywood magic meets the tall tales that shaped America’s cultural imagination.

Movies With The Mouse Episode 26 - The Magical Room Where It Happens

This week on Movies with the Mouse, we kick things off by catching up on our weeks and sharing what we’ve been watching. Then it’s time for our short and sweet Disney news segment fast, fun, and full of magic. Next, we jump into This Week in Disney History, followed by your favorite Joke of the Week (straight from the doctor himself 😉). We also bring you Emmett’s Disney Quote of the Week a little dose of inspiration with a Disney twist.  Feature Presentation, We step into the spotlight with a deep dive into the world of Hamilton! From the historical background of Alexander Hamilton himself, to fascinating facts about Lin-Manuel Miranda’s groundbreaking musical, and so much more you won’t want to miss this mix of history, theater, and Disney connections.