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.

BUY YOUR BOOK HERE

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Disney Parks Podcast Show #906- Disney New For The Week Of January 19, 2026

In today’s show, we have news about Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Timeline Soon Expands at Disneyland, Festivities Announced for America’s 250th Anniversary, and so much more on today’s Disney Parks Podcast.

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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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Disney Parks Podcast Show #904- Disney New For The Week Of January 12, 2026

In today’s show, we have news about Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto Operating Hours Expanded, Toy Story’ coming to Frontierland in Magic Kingdom, and so much more on today’s Disney Parks Podcast.

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Disney Parks Podcast Show #903- Disney New For The Week Of December 15, 2025

In today’s show, we have news about New Details About What’s Coming to Walt Disney World in 2026, Bluey Experiences Coming to Disney, and so much more on today’s Disney Parks Podcast.

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Disney Parks Podcast Show #902- Disney New For The Week Of December 01, 2025

In today’s show, we have news about Disney Adventure World opening on March 29 in Disneyland Paris, Walt Disney Imagineering Debuts Next-Generation Robotic Character, Olaf, and so much more on today’s Disney Parks Podcast.

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Disney Parks Podcast Show #901- Disney New For The Week Of November 24, 2025

In today’s show, we have news about Where to Find 2025 Thanksgiving Meals at Walt Disney World, Where to Meet Santa at Disney World This Holiday Season and so much more on today’s Disney Parks Podcast.

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Disney Parks Podcast Show #900- Disney New For The Week Of November 17, 2025

In today’s show, we have news about New Year’s Eve Fireworks Return to Disney’s Hollywood Studios This Year, Sip and Sail with Bars and Lounges on the Disney Destiny, and so much more on today’s Disney Parks Podcast.

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