Pop Culture Passport - Exploring Quirky & Cool Travel Destinations in the USA
Pop Culture Passport is your guide to quirky, cool, and nostalgic travel across the U.S.—from movie filming locations and theme parks to roadside attractions and pop culture museums.
If you'd happily add 60 minutes to your trip to visit a filming location, the Jell-O Museum, or a roadside diner from your favorite TV show, this podcast is for you.
Every other week, I’ll take you behind the scenes of iconic and offbeat destinations, sharing their history, stories, and the fun details. Along the way, we’ll dive into theme parks, explore quirky museums, and uncover the real places behind your favorite movies and shows.
I'm Beth Schillaci—aka the Roaming Yeti. I’m a travel content creator, pop culture nerd, and obsessive road trip planner who somehow turns an 8-hour drive into a 21-stop itinerary (because you never know what you’ll find). I’m also the creator of the Quirky & Cool Travel Guide, a curated directory of unique U.S. destinations, and I share even more travel stories and pop culture finds on The Roaming Yeti Blog.
Think of this as traveling with your slightly nerdy, sort-of-cool friend who thrives on deep dives, unique finds, and laughter-filled road trips.
Grab your Pop Culture Passport—let’s roam.
Pop Culture Passport - Exploring Quirky & Cool Travel Destinations in the USA
From Backlot to Batuu: The Evolution of Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Episode 116
Did you know Disney’s Hollywood Studios used to be a real working production studio—with animators, soundstages, and even the house from The Golden Girls?
Today, it’s now focused on immersion into the movies, but it’s had quite a journey to get here. In this episode, we’re taking a look back at the evolution of Disney’s Hollywood Studios—from its behind-the-scenes beginnings to its IP-packed present.
In this episode:
- The origin story of Disney-MGM Studios and its race to open before Universal
- Nostalgic memories of the Backlot Tour, animation studio, and Streets of America
- How the park shifted from “watch the magic” to “live the movie”
- What’s next for the park—including Muppets, Monsters, and more changes in 2025
Whether you miss The Great Movie Ride or love flying the Millennium Falcon, this episode is for you.
You ready? Let’s roam.
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