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Disney Parks Podcast Show #907 – Interview With Author Stephan Hall and his book Spoonful of Sugar

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Disney Parks Podcast Show #907 – Interview with Author Stephan Hall and his book Spoonful of Sugar

Author
On today’s episode, we’re joined by Stephen Hall, MA — museum curator, historian, and storyteller of history’s hidden gems. Stephen’s path into pharmacy history started almost by accident, volunteering at the University of Arizona’s History of Pharmacy Museum, which led him to become its first dedicated curator. From restoring over 900 artifacts from Disneyland’s former Upjohn Pharmacy to uncovering overlooked chapters where science, culture, and storytelling collide, Stephen brings history to life with scholarship, archival digging, and a love for the quirky corners of the past. Stay tuned — this is a journey you won’t want to miss!

Book Summary

Today, we’re diving into “A Spoonful of Sugar: The Story of the Upjohn Pharmacy in Disneyland.” This book takes us inside one of Main Street, U.S.A.’s most fascinating — and often overlooked — attractions. Open from 1955 to 1970, the Upjohn Pharmacy wasn’t just a store; it was an immersive, nostalgia-filled exhibit blending Victorian apothecary charm with modern pharmaceutical science and Disney showmanship.

Stephen Hall explores the vision behind it, from Walt Disney’s collaboration with Upjohn executives to the meticulous design, live leeches, antique microscopes, and candy jars that made it magical. Beyond the exhibits, the book touches on nostalgia, the evolution of pharmacy, corporate sponsorship in Disney parks, and the art of preserving history. A true love letter to Disney, curation, and the quirky corners of the past.


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Disney Parks Podcast Show #905- Interviews Authors of I Love Epcot, Danielle Kelly & Ian Wilson

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Disney Parks Podcast Show #905- Interviews Authors of I Love Epcot, Danielle Kelly & Ian Wilson

I Love EPCOT is a delightful handbook for Disney fans that dives into the heart and soul of EPCOT, from its history and iconic attractions to World Showcase wonders, Food & Wine Festival highlights, hidden gems, behind-the-scenes facts, fun quizzes, and surprising trivia. Written by former Disney cast member and Disney expert Danielle Kelly with editor Ian Wilson, the book blends insider insights and playful storytelling to celebrate every corner of the park — whether you’re a longtime fan or planning your next visit.

About the Book: What inspired you to write I Love EPCOT? How did you decide which attractions, festivals, and stories to feature? Were there any surprising facts or hidden gems you discovered while researching the book? What do you hope readers take away from I Love EPCOT? If you could sum up EPCOT in one word, what would it be?

Danielle Kelly, known as The Dapper Danielle, is a former Disney cast member with over a decade of experience and more than half a million followers. She creates authentic Disney content focused on the stories, people, and history behind the parks. I Love EPCOT is her second book.

Ian Wilson, born in Tallahassee and raised in Anchorage, draws on life between two very different worlds to bridge creativity and clarity in his editing. With five years of experience helping authors refine ideas across social commentary and fiction, he now lives in Nashville with his wife and new baby.

Check out here website – https://www.thedapperdanielle.com/

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