Pop Culture Passport - Exploring Quirky & Cool Travel Destinations in the USA
Do you have a sense of wanderlust and an affection for quirky and cool destinations in the United States, including pop culture hotspots, theme parks, and roadside attractions? Would you add 60 minutes to your travel time to seek out a movie location, visit the Jell-O Museum, or savor a regional delicacy you heard about on a travel show? Whether you're a pop culture fan or a travel enthusiast looking for your next adventure, *Pop Culture Passport* is your ultimate guide to the places that capture the heart and soul of the USA and make this country so unique.
Not every trip has to be a bucket list adventure—sometimes, the most memorable experiences are the ones that resonate with your interests, not what’s trending on Instagram. This podcast is about discovering destinations that speak to you, letting you travel your way. We will dive into the world of theme parks, discover film and TV locations, and explore quirky museums, roadside attractions, and legendary pop culture venues.
I’m your host, Beth Schillaci—aka the Roaming Yeti. I love good pop culture references and puns. I’ve been a Disney Vacation Club member for 18 years, and I’m the obsessive planner who puts together a 21-stop itinerary for an 8-hour drive... even if I don’t get to them all. I mean, you have to have options, right?
In each episode, I delve into pop-culture destinations, theme parks, roadside attractions, and nostalgic locations, revealing their secrets and backstories. Think of it as traveling with your nerdy, sort-of-cool friend—the one who loves unique finds, diving deep into the lore, and thrives on off-the-beaten-path adventures.
So, if your friends and family roll their eyes at your quirky travel ideas, don’t worry—you’re in the right place. Grab your pop culture passport and join me as we discover the places that make this country fun, quirky, and iconic. Are you ready? Let’s roam.
Pop Culture Passport - Exploring Quirky & Cool Travel Destinations in the USA
The Origin of Disney’s Animal Kingdom: Part 1 – Vision, Controversy, and Conservation
Episode 106
What does it take to build a Disney park with no castle, no parade, and nature as the main character?
In this episode of Pop Culture Passport, we’re heading back to the early 1990s to explore the origin story of Disney’s boldest—and most misunderstood—theme park: Animal Kingdom. From Joe Rohde’s 400-page pitch to internal battles over dragons versus dinosaurs, this story is full of vision, risk, and a deep love for the natural world.
Here’s what you’ll discover in Part 1:
- The big idea behind Walt Disney World's fourth theme park
- How Imagineer Joe Rohde sold the concept with art, anthropology, and bold design choices
- The conservation mission that’s been part of the park from the very beginning
- What Dr. Jane Goodall personally requested for the Tree of Life
Animal Kingdom officially opened on Earth Day 1998, but its story starts long before that—and it’s just as wild as the park itself.
Next week in Part 2: We’ll explore how the park evolved—from the arrival of Asia and Expedition Everest to the wild success of Pandora and the struggles with nighttime shows.
You ready? Let’s roam.
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