In this episode of Hangin’ at the Hangar Bar, we take a look back at one of the smartest, funniest, and most underappreciated live shows Disney has ever done: Great Moments in History (But Only the American Parts)—the Muppet-filled masterpiece that used to liven up Liberty Square with a mix of chaos, charm, and Sam Eagle’s booming sense of patriotic duty.

We unpack why the show worked so well, speculate wildly about why it disappeared, and debate whether something so clever could survive in today’s Disney (or cultural) landscape. Spoiler: we get a little spicy. From cost-cutting to crowd control to the inevitable reality that people love to ruin nice things—we don’t hold back.

We also pitch some reimagined versions we’d love to see, including Sam Eagle delivering nightly fireworks reviews with the seriousness of a national security briefing.

Audio Note: We had a Great Moment in Microphone Failure during this one. While AI did its best to clean it up, it definitely left its fingerprints on the entire episode. It’s listenable—just not our cleanest. Thanks for sticking with us, even when the tech gets a little… revolutionary.

This week on Hangin’ at the Hangar Bar, Scott grabs his metaphorical saddlebag (and his very real AI co-host, Dusty Trails Bot) for a solo deep dive into the dusty, disappearing corners of Frontierland at Walt Disney World.

We’re talkin’ Big Thunder Mountain, Country Bear Jamboree, the now-closed Tom Sawyer Island, and the retired Liberty Belle Riverboat—each with its own story, legacy, and charm. But it’s not all just frontier nostalgia—Scott also explores what’s replacing these classics, including the controversial addition of Piston Peak National Park, inspired by Planes: Fire & Rescue. Yes, really.

Expect laughs, lore, a little light grumbling about IP choices, and a heartfelt look at how storytelling is changing inside the most iconic theme park in the world.

If you’re a fan of goats with dynamite, bears who sing showtunes, or just wondering what happens when you give aviator goggles to a national park… this is the episode for you.

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🌄 And remember: There’s always a great big beautiful tomorrow—and a villain-themed land just over the horizon.

Hey there Hangar Bar friends! We’re back with one more Flashback episode as our summer schedule keeps us busier than the queue at Space Mountain on a holiday weekend.

This week, we’re revisiting one of our favorite conversations—our interview with James Warda and former Disney Imagineer Theron Skees, co-authors of the insightful and inspiring book How Does Disney Do That?

We dive into:

• The heart and philosophy behind the book’s creation

• How storytelling, leadership, and intentionality drive Disney magic

• Theron’s firsthand experiences designing spaces like Disney Springs

• James’ passion for connecting people through meaningful moments

Whether you’re a Disney fan, a creative spirit, or a leader looking for inspiration, this episode has something for you.

📚 Grab your copy of How Does Disney Do That? and follow along—you’ll be thinking differently about every Disney detail by the time the credits roll.

Thanks for hanging with us! New episodes return soon, but until then, enjoy this magical throwback.