The Surprisingly Weird Origins of Disney Automation with Roland Betancourt (Ep. 583)

Jim Hill and Len Testa welcome Professor Roland Betancourt to discuss his new book, Disneyland and the Rise of Automation, which somehow connects Walt Disney, Ford factories, magnetic tape, Forest Lawn, Willy Wonka, and ride computers named Fred. They also cover big park updates, from Mythos closing at Universal Orlando to new Walt Disney World previews, Lakeshore Lodge concept art, Roger Rabbit’s safer spin, and Hocus Pocus 3 heading to theaters. Naturally, milk percentages are also examined with the seriousness they deserve.

NEWS

• Universal confirms Mythos will close with Lost Continent, while Thunder Falls Terrace becomes a new full-service signature restaurant in 2027.

• Walt Disney World sets AP preview dates for Soarin’ and Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster starring The Muppets.

• Magic Kingdom prepares for a fourth ferry boat, the first new one since 1976.

• Disney reveals new Lakeshore Lodge concept art, including a large pool and lazy river area.

• Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin reopens at Disneyland with pre-programmed spinning.

• Disney officially greenlights Hocus Pocus 3, with the Sanderson Sisters reportedly heading beyond the stage show and into the parks.

FEATURE

• Roland Betancourt explains how Ford’s River Rouge plant helped shape Walt Disney’s thinking about automation.

• The discussion traces magnetic tape, Cold War technology, and the real roots of Audio-Animatronics.

• Big Thunder Mountain introduces “anti-Fred logic,” a wonderfully Disney solution to button-related human creativity.

• Harper Goff’s work on Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory reveals another strange and delightful bridge between factories and theme parks.

• Why Disneyland surveyed guests like a giant postwar science experiment - and how those surveys still shape the parks today.

For this episode’s full show notes, click here.

HOSTS• Jim Hill - IG: ⁠⁠@JimHillMedia⁠⁠ | X: ⁠⁠@JimHillMedia⁠⁠ | Website: ⁠⁠JimHillMedia.com⁠⁠• Len Testa - IG: ⁠⁠@len.testa⁠⁠ | Website: ⁠⁠touringplans.com⁠⁠

GUEST• Roland Betancourt - Book: ⁠⁠⁠Disneyland and the Rise of Automation

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PRODUCTION CREDITSEdited by Dave GreyProduced by Eric Hersey - ⁠⁠Strong Minded Agency⁠⁠

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