The Backside Of Water - A Disneyland History Podcast

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  Episode 97: Rise of the Resistance I 28.07.2026 34min

  Join Alex Stewart and Freddy Martin on an epic new episode of Backside of Water as they uncover the incredible true story behind Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance—the groundbreaking Disneyland attraction that forever changed what guests expect from a theme park experience.This week, they're joined by special guest host Mikel Howarth from the Smuggler's Dispatch podcast, bringing even more Star Wars knowledge and behind-the-scenes insight to one of the most ambitious projects in Disney history.Travel back to the earliest planning of Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge and follow the attraction's journey from blue-sky concept to Imagineering masterpiece. Discover the stories behind the awe-inspiring Star Destroyer hangar, the revolutionary trackless ride system, towering AT-AT walkers, cutting-edge animatronics, and the groundbreaking technology that seamlessly blends multiple ride experiences into one unforgettable adventure.Along the way, Alex, Freddy, and Mikel reveal the creative risks, engineering breakthroughs, unexpected challenges, and hidden details that make Rise of the Resistance one of the most sophisticated and immersive attractions Disney has ever built.Whether you're a lifelong Star Wars fan, a Disney history enthusiast, or someone who loves learning how impossible ideas become reality, this episode is packed with fascinating stories, Imagineering secrets, and the magic behind one of Disney's greatest achievements.The Resistance needs recruits… and this is one mission you won't want to miss. We Have Merch!!Buy: WED Enterprises Inspired BSOW T-ShirtCheck Out Our Other Podcast: Did You Know DisneyOur Star Wars Themed Podcast: The Smuggler's DispatchFollow Us On Instagram: @the_backside_of_waterJoin Our Facebook Group: The Backside of WaterProduction CreditsDirected By: Alex StewartWritten By: Alex StewartSound Design and Editing By: Daniel Martin
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  Episode 96: Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run 01.06.2026 54min

  Jump to lightspeed with the latest episode of Backside of Water as we take a deep dive into the creation of one of Disney’s most ambitious attractions: Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run. From the earliest plans for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge to the challenge of bringing the most famous ship in the galaxy to life, we explore the story, technology, and Imagineering magic behind the attraction that lets guests take the controls of the Falcon themselves. Discover how Disney and Lucasfilm collaborated to create an interactive experience where every flight is different and the incredible engineering required to make thousands of smugglers a day feel like they’re really flying through hyperspace. Whether you're a Star Wars superfan, a theme park enthusiast, or just curious about how Disney builds immersive worlds, this episode is packed with behind-the-scenes stories from a galaxy far, far away. We Have Merch!!Buy: WED Enterprises Inspired BSOW T-ShirtCheck Out Our Other Podcast: Did You Know DisneyOur Star Wars Themed Podcast: The Smuggler's DispatchFollow Us On Instagram: @the_backside_of_waterJoin Our Facebook Group: The Backside of WaterProduction CreditsDirected By: Alex StewartWritten By: Alex StewartSound Design and Editing By: Daniel Martin
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  Episode 95: Galaxy's Edge III 18.04.2026 58min

  Step into a galaxy far, far away as hosts Alex Stewart and Freddy Martin explore one of the most innovative storytelling frontiers in modern theme parks: immersive retail experiences at Disneyland’s Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.In this episode, we break down how Disney has redefined shopping by transforming it into fully interactive, story-driven environments. From Dok-Ondar’s Den of Antiquities and Savi’s Workshop Handbuilt Lightsabers to Mubo's Droid Depot, we analyze how each retail space functions as an extension of the Star Wars universe—blending narrative, design, and guest participation into unforgettable moments.Whether you’re a theme park enthusiast, Disney fan, Imagineering geek, or experiential design professional, this episode dives deep into how Galaxy’s Edge sets a new standard for immersive storytelling in retail. We also discuss what these innovations mean for the future of themed entertainment, brand engagement, and in-world commerce.🔍 In this episode:What makes Galaxy’s Edge retail so immersive and uniqueHow Disney uses storytelling to drive guest interaction and purchasesThe role of cast members, theming, and world-building in retail spacesWhy immersive retail is the future of experiential designWe Have Merch!!Buy: WED Enterprises Inspired BSOW T-ShirtCheck Out Our Other Podcast: Did You Know DisneyOur Star Wars Themed Podcast: The Smuggler's DispatchFollow Us On Instagram: @the_backside_of_waterJoin Our Facebook Group: The Backside of WaterProduction CreditsDirected By: Alex StewartWritten By: Alex StewartSound Design and Editing By: Daniel Martin
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  Episode 94: The Backside of Water Holiday Fireside Chat Episode! 23.12.2025 1t 41min

  Happy holidays, everyone!! On this episode, we take a break from exploring Galaxy's Edge to do a little something different from the regular BSOW holiday antics. On this episode, we ditch the scripts and instead choose to chat about our favorite gift this year: You, our BSOW listeners, fans, and friends. It hit us like a ton of Mandalorian Beskar bricks this week about just how grateful we are to have listeners and friends that we do (thanks to this podcast) and we wanted to devote an entire episode focused on gratitude.We also wanted to take some time to be intentional about what to expect in our forthcoming final season of the current iteration of The Backside of Water. We talk about what we plan to happen once we reach the end of Main Street U.S.A. and beyond. So for those of you out there who are ride or dies with us, that will be a (hopefully) very meaningful part of this episode.As always, thank you for everything, without you listeners this show would be two dads yelling into the abyss!! We wish you and yours the most happy, bright, and blessed holiday season and we look forward to a year of happy surprises, bittersweet endings, and a whole lot of tangents!!!We Have Merch!!Buy: WED Enterprises Inspired BSOW T-ShirtCheck Out Our Other Podcast: Did You Know DisneyOur Star Wars Themed Podcast: The Smuggler's DispatchFollow Us On Instagram: @the_backside_of_waterJoin Our Facebook Group: The Backside of WaterProduction CreditsDirected By: Alex StewartWritten By: Alex StewartSound Design and Editing By: Daniel Martin
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  Episode 93: Oga's Cantina 16.05.2025 58min

  The adventure continues as Alex Stewart and Freddy Martin discuss the history of one of the most amazing hives of scum and villainy within the spires of Batuu, Oga's Cantina! Any fans of blue sky Imagineering concepts won't want to miss this episode.We Have Merch!!Buy: WED Enterprises Inspired BSOW T-ShirtCheck Out Our Other Podcast: Did You Know DisneyOur Star Wars Themed Podcast: The Smuggler's DispatchFollow Us On Instagram: @the_backside_of_waterJoin Our Facebook Group: The Backside of WaterProduction CreditsDirected By: Alex StewartWritten By: Alex StewartSound Design and Editing By: Daniel Martin
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  Episode 92: Meet Up With Freddy Martin at Disneyland This Weekend! 01.03.2025 3min

  It's a Mini-Meetup with Freddy Martin at Disneyland, this Sunday March 2nd at 3:30pm!Meet Freddy Martin at Rancho del Zocalo in Frontierland to shake hands, take pictures, and share stories of Adventure with other fans of the Backside of Water Podcast. It also happens to be Adventureland Day at the park that day. Adventureland Day is a fun, dress-up day at Disneyland where explorers of all ages follow clues on a park-wide treasure hunt you'll never forget. To participate in Adventureland Day, text ADVENTURELANDDAY to to (833) 340-0035 for schedule and treasure hunt details. Follow Freddy on Instagram @skipperfreddy for more info. See you at Disneyland!
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  Episode 91: A Star Wars Holiday Special 12.12.2024 39min

  'Tis the season for Fredd and Al to crash a Life Day celebration in Batuu! On this episode, Alex Stewart and Freddy Martin stroll through the marketplace while discussing the strange, bizarre, but downright charming history of The Star Wars Holiday Special. If you've seen the Star Wars Holiday Special, this episode will give you a deeper appreciation for this Star Wars/Holiday themed train wreck! And if you haven't watched the Holiday Special before, well, hopefully this episode inspires you to do just that! From all of us on The Backside of Water, Happy Holidays!We Have Merch!!Buy: WED Enterprises Inspired BSOW T-ShirtCheck Out Our Other Podcast: Did You Know DisneyOur Star Wars Themed Podcast: The Smuggler's DispatchFollow Us On Instagram: @the_backside_of_waterJoin Our Facebook Group: The Backside of WaterProduction CreditsDirected By: Alex StewartWritten By: Alex StewartSound Design and Editing By: Alex Stewart
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  Episode 90: Galaxy's Edge: Part II (Featuring former Disney Imagineer Kevin Blakeney) 26.11.2024 1t 27min

  Ooooooh, is this episode a doozy!! Alex and Freddy have the absolute pleasure of having former Disney Imagineer Kevin Blakeney with them on the broadcast from Batuu!! Kevin worked as an Imagineer on so many aspects of the creation of Galaxy's Edge that they are too numerous to list! Trust us when we say that this episode is a master class from Kevin on how Galaxy's Edge was created and how you as a guest can best enjoy the artistry and craftsmanship that went into creating this amazing immersive masterpiece! We Have Merch!!Buy: WED Enterprises Inspired BSOW T-ShirtCheck Out Our Other Podcast: Did You Know DisneyOur Star Wars Themed Podcast: The Smuggler's DispatchFollow Us On Instagram: @the_backside_of_waterJoin Our Facebook Group: The Backside of WaterProduction CreditsDirected By: Alex StewartWritten By: Alex StewartSound Design and Editing By: Alex Stewart
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  Episode 89: Galaxy's Edge: Part I 24.10.2024 1t 35min

  Join us as we discuss the exciting origins of the newest land in Disneyland! In this episode we discuss the early history of Galaxy's Edge, how Bob Iger and crew brought this Star Wars themed land to Disneyland in the first place. Along the way, we also discuss some insane history around what was planned for the backside of the Rivers Of America. This is a super-sized Backside of Water episode you won't want to miss!We Have Merch!!Buy: WED Enterprises Inspired BSOW T-ShirtCheck Out Our Other Podcast: Did You Know DisneyOur Star Wars Themed Podcast: The Smuggler's DispatchFollow Us On Instagram: @the_backside_of_waterJoin Our Facebook Group: The Backside of WaterProduction CreditsDirected By: Alex StewartWritten By: Alex StewartSound Design and Editing By: Alex Stewart
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  Episode 88: BSOW Radio Theater Presents: The Journey To Galaxy's Edge 21.06.2024 23min

  And just when Freddy and Alex thought things we going smoothly... Our intrepid hosts find themselves accidentally smuggled by one of the hosts of The Smuggler's Dispatch Podcast (Mikel Howarth) and transported to the outer galaxy of the Star Wars Universe! Will they make it home in time for the fireworks?? Find out on our latest episode of the Backside of Water podcast!We Have Merch!!Buy: WED Enterprises Inspired BSOW T-ShirtCheck Out Our Other Podcast: Did You Know DisneyOur Star Wars Themed Podcast: The Smuggler's DispatchFollow Us On Instagram: @the_backside_of_waterJoin Our Facebook Group: The Backside of WaterProduction CreditsDirected By: Alex StewartWritten By: Alex StewartSound Design and Editing By: Alex Stewart With Special Vocal Design and Editing By Mikel HowarthVocal TalentFreddy Martin - Himself, Spice SmugglerMikel Howarth - Himself, CB-7, Batuu MerchantAlex Stewart - Himself, G-7W, Tower Controller, Chadra-Fan Wanderer
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  Episode 87: Star Tours 22.04.2024 1t 13min

  A long time ago in a theme park far, far away... Star Tours!! Join Alex Stewart & Freddy Martin as they Jetset across time and space to share the story of one of best and long-lasting attractions in Tomorrowland at Disneyland! This is a journey you won't want to miss. We Have Merch!!Buy: WED Enterprises Inspired BSOW T-ShirtCheck Out Our Other Podcast: Did You Know DisneyOur Star Wars Themed Podcast: The Smuggler's DispatchFollow Us On Instagram: @the_backside_of_waterJoin Our Facebook Group: The Backside of WaterProduction CreditsDirected By: Alex StewartWritten By: Alex StewartSound Design and Editing By: Alex Stewart
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  Episode 86: BSOW Radio Theater Presents: The Haunted Mansion Holiday Special 29.11.2023 34min

  Tis' the season for holiday cheer and ghoulish delights! On this very special episode of the Backside of Water Podcast, our hosts take a break from exploring the history of Disneyland only to find themselves in a daring journey to escape the walls of the Haunted Mansion with their very lives!! From all of us here at The Backside of Water, Happy Holidays! We wish you a blessed season of joy and a bright, hopeful new year!We Have Merch!!Buy: WED Enterprises Inspired BSOW T-ShirtCheck Out Our Other Podcast: Did You Know DisneyOur Star Wars Themed Podcast: The Smuggler's DispatchFollow Us On Instagram: @the_backside_of_waterJoin Our Facebook Group: The Backside of WaterProduction CreditsDirected By: Alex StewartWritten By: Alex StewartSound Design and Editing By: Alex Stewart
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  Episode 85: The Astro Orbitor 30.10.2023 1t 25min

  You know how a lot of podcasts say that you don't want to miss this episode? Yeah, we say that a lot too. But this time we're serious! Everybody glosses over the Astro Orbiter attraction in Tomorrowland, but to be honest, it has an amazingly rich history, an awesome story, and some really fascinating details that make it one of Disneyland's finest attractions, even if it isn't too thrilling in the traditional sense! So do yourself a favor and check out the latest episode! We Have Merch!!Buy: WED Enterprises Inspired BSOW T-ShirtCheck Out Our Other Podcast: Did You Know DisneyOur Star Wars Themed Podcast: The Smuggler's DispatchFollow Us On Instagram: @the_backside_of_waterJoin Our Facebook Group: The Backside of WaterProduction CreditsDirected By: Alex StewartWritten By: Alex StewartSound Design and Editing By: Alex Stewart
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  Episode 84: Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters 20.09.2023 1t 11min

  Join us as we travel To Infinity And Beyond on this adventure of galactic proportions as we explore the amazing history of Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters attraction at Disneyland! Alex Stewart, Freddy Martin, and Annie Ruygt leave no space stone unturned as they discuss the rich history of the founding and creation of Pixar, the awesome stories behind the concept for Astro Blasters, and the fascinating details behind how this seemingly run-of-the-mill attraction takes a common ride system found in theme parks all over the world and turns it on its head! This is an episode you will not want to miss!!We Have Merch!!Buy: WED Enterprises Inspired BSOW T-ShirtCheck Out Our Other Podcast: Did You Know DisneyFollow Us On Instagram: @the_backside_of_waterJoin Our Facebook Group: The Backside of WaterCheck out Cole's Amazing Podcast Right HereGalactic News PodcastProduction CreditsDirected By: Alex StewartWritten By: Alex StewartSound Design and Editing By: Alex Stewart
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  Episode 83: Bonus Live Episode: What Does Disneyland Mean To Me...Again! (Feat. Dusty Sage) 23.08.2023 48min

  To all who come to this happy podcast, welcome!! We recorded very special episode live in front of an audience of some of the greatest people on earth in one of the greatest resorts on earth, The Hojo Anaheim, with one of the greatest guests on earth, Dusty Sage of Micechat.com!This episode revisits a topic we covered  back in March of 2020. We took the opportunity to give our listeners a voice by having them share what Disneyland means to them. During this episode, you'll hear some funny, touching, and very inspiring stories from our friends of the show!A very special thank you to Heather Rad and the whole crew over at Hojo Anaheim, our favorite place to stay when we visit the parks! They provided a lovely space for us to be able to host this event. We literally couldn't have done this without them!! Want to stay at the Hojo Anaheim? Follow our affiliate link below for details and booking information!Click Here To Check out the Hojo AnaheimFollow Dusty Sage's Happenings Here:Instagram: @the.dusty.sageMicechat Insta: @micechatWebsite: micechat.comCheck Out Our Other Podcast: Did You Know DisneyFollow Us On Instagram: @the_backside_of_waterJoin Our Facebook Group: The Backside of WaterProduction CreditsDirected By: Alex StewartWritten By: Alex Stewart & Freddy MartinSound Design and Editing By: Alex Stewart
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  Episode 82: Live Episode! The Tomorrowland Theater (Feat. Dusty Sage) 28.07.2023 1t 9min

  We're back! After a very long hiatus we are proud to return to exploring the amazing attractions in Disneyland, and this episode is very special for a number of reasons! We recorded this episode live, in front of an audience of some of the greatest people on earth in one of the greatest resorts on earth, The Hojo Anaheim, with one of the greatest guests on earth, Dusty Sage of Micechat.com!This unscripted conversation between Alex, Freddy, and Dusty really is a unique treat for fans of The Backside of Water. The energy in the room is tangible throughout the entire episode and we hope that you feel transported to this special time with us. Dusty Sage fits into the conversation like a glove and it was a total blast having him be part of the show!A very special thank you to Heather Rad and the whole crew over at Hojo Anaheim, our favorite place to stay when we visit the parks! They provided a lovely space for us to be able to host this event. We literally couldn't have done this without them!! Want to stay at the Hojo Anaheim? Follow our affiliate link below for details and booking information!Click Here To Check out the Hojo AnaheimFollow Dusty Sage's Happenings Here:Instagram: @the.dusty.sageMicechat Insta: @micechatWebsite: micechat.comCheck Out Our Other Podcast: Did You Know DisneyFollow Us On Instagram: @the_backside_of_waterJoin Our Facebook Group: The Backside of WaterProduction CreditsDirected By: Alex StewartWritten By: Alex Stewart & Freddy MartinSound Design and Editing By: Alex Stewart
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  Episode 81: BSOW Radio Theater Presents The Society of Explorers & Adventurers Part III: The Breath of Zephyrus 20.02.2023 1t 2min

  Adventure is afoot on this very special episode of The Backside of Water! This fully immersive audio adventure follows Alex Stewart and Freddy Martin as they uncover even more of the secrets of The Society of Explorers and Adventurers! On this episode you'll learn about all the SEA references in the newly updated Jungle Cruise Queue. You'll also learn about newly canonized characters as well as locations that haven't be explored yet. So, hang on to those pith helmets and bullwhips and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime!!Big News! Click The Links Below For DetailsJoin Us March 4th, 2023 At The Hojo Anaheim For An Amazing Mid-Century Tomorrowland EventJoin Us March 5th, 2023 for AdventureLand Day 2023Want More S.E.A. Adventures??To get caught up on our adventure, please go back and listen to Part I and Part II of the BSOW Radio Theater Society of Explorers and Adventurers Saga!Check Out Our Other Podcast: Did You Know DisneyFollow Us On Instagram: @the_backside_of_waterJoin Our Facebook Group: The Backside of WaterProduction CreditsDirected By: Alex StewartWritten By: Alex Stewart & Freddy MartinDialogue Edited By: Harry FiascoSound Design and Editing By: Harry Fiasco
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  Episode 80: The Backside of Water Podcast Live Event @ The Hojo Anaheim Hotel! 16.02.2023 2min

  Want to attend a live taping of The Backside of Water Podcast!?Click here to reserve your free tickets!The DetailsJoin Alex Stewart and Freddy Martin On Saturday March 4th, 2023 where we’ll kick things off at 12:00pm at the Hojo Anaheim in their world-renowned House Of the Retro Future Suite, a suite that’s design is inspired by the Monsanto House of the Future that resided in Tomorrowland at Disneyland from 1957 to 1967! We’ll be hanging out, meeting with friends and listeners, and of course, talking about all things Disneyland history! You’ll also get a chance to explore this one of a kind suite. Then starting at 2:30 we’ll be recording a live episode, or episodes if time permits, of the podcast and would love to have you as a part of the audience! RememberPlease keep in mind that the time in the suite is more of a flexible meet up/open house thing, but the live taping is a free but ticketed event with tickets being already very limited. In fact, we’re about 75% full at this point! To reserve those last few tickets available, go to our Eventbrite Page. Again, the open house in the suite is open to all, but seating for the live taping is very limited, so grab tickets while you still can.Event Details:When: Saturday, March 4th, 2023Where: Hojo Anaheim 1380 S Harbor Blvd, Anaheim, CA 92802What Time: Open House from 12:00pm to 2:00pm & Live Taping from 2:30pm to roughly 4:00pm*Please see event page for parking and other event details
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  Episode 79: Space Mountain 26.12.2022 1t 40min

  Join Freddy Martin and Alex Stewart as they climb to the highest heights and explore the deepest depths of one of the most popular mountains in the Disney range, Space Mountain. This episode is an utter monster of an episode and there is most assuredly a pile of information you've never heard before about this Disneyland (And Disney Parks in general) fan-favorite attraction. So, keep your hands, arms, feet, and legs inside the podcast at all times, and blast off with us on this very special episode of the Backside of Water!Check Out Our Other Podcast: Did You Know DisneyFollow Us On Instagram: @the_backside_of_waterJoin Our Facebook Group: The Backside of WaterCredits:Directed By: Freddy MartinWritten By: Freddy Martin & Alex StewartDialogue Edited By: Freddy MartinSound Design and Editing By: Freddy Martin
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  Episode 78: It's A Wonderful Show - A BSOW Holiday Special 24.11.2022 19min

  It's that time of year again. Tinsel and garland cover every inch of Main St. USA, holiday cheer fills the hearts of young and old, and Alex Stewart finds himself faced with the consequences of an ill-advised wish. Will the wrongs be righted before it's too late? Cozy up with a cup of cocoa and anyone you love to share the holiday season with for this very special holiday episode of The Back Side of Water! From all of us, a very blessed and happy holiday season!Show Social AccountsThe Back Side Of Water/Did You Know Disney InstagramThe Back Side of Water/Did You Know Disney FacebookFreddy Martin's InstagramAnnie Ruygt's InstagramOther Shows Part of the BSOW Network®Did You Know Disney PodcastThe Smuggler's Dispatch PodcastStarring:Freddy MartinAlex StewartProduction CreditsWritten By: Alex StewartProduced By: Alex StewartDirected By: Alex StewartMixed By: Alex Stewart