
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 Evolution of Disney’s Animal Kingdom: Part 2 – Everest, Pandora, and What’s Next
Episode 107
From giant crashing kites to a mythical Yeti stuck in disco mode, Animal Kingdom has had quite the glow-up since opening day.
In Part 2 of this two-part series on Disney’s Animal Kingdom, we’re picking up the story right where we left off—April 22, 1998. What started as a park with quiet trails and limited attractions has evolved into one of Walt Disney World’s most immersive and emotionally powerful experiences. But the road wasn’t always smooth.
Here’s what you’ll hear in this episode:
- What was open on Animal Kingdom’s opening day
- Guest confusion, early criticism, and the “half-day park” label
- The controversy around Kilimanjaro Safaris
- The Tree of Life’s hidden engineering (and creepy bug show)
- The rise of Asia and the Disco Yeti
- How Pandora – The World of Avatar changed everything
From Expedition Everest to floating mountains, Animal Kingdom has never stopped evolving—and it may have even more wild surprises in store.
Didn’t catch Part 1 yet? Go back and listen to the episode all about how Animal Kingdom came to life—from Joe Rohde’s vision to the park’s conservation mission.
You ready? Let’s roam.
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