Pop Culture Passport - Exploring Quirky & Cool Travel Destinations in the USA

By: Beth Schillaci - The Roaming Yeti
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  • Summary

  • Do you have a sense of wanderlust and an affection for quirky and cool destinations in the United States, including pop culture hotspots, theme parks, and roadside attractions? Would you add 60 minutes to your travel time to seek out a movie location, visit the Jell-O Museum, or savor a regional delicacy you heard about on a travel show? Whether you're a pop culture fan or a travel enthusiast looking for your next adventure, *Pop Culture Passport* is your ultimate guide to the places that capture the heart and soul of the USA and make this country so unique.


    Not every trip has to be a bucket list adventure—sometimes, the most memorable experiences are the ones that resonate with your interests, not what’s trending on Instagram. This podcast is about discovering destinations that speak to you, letting you travel your way. We will dive into the world of theme parks, discover film and TV locations, and explore quirky museums, roadside attractions, and legendary pop culture venues.


    I’m your host, Beth Schillaci—aka the Roaming Yeti. I love good pop culture references and puns. I’ve been a Disney Vacation Club member for 18 years, and I’m the obsessive planner who puts together a 21-stop itinerary for an 8-hour drive... even if I don’t get to them all. I mean, you have to have options, right?


    In each episode, I delve into pop-culture destinations, theme parks, roadside attractions, and nostalgic locations, revealing their secrets and backstories. Think of it as traveling with your nerdy, sort-of-cool friend—the one who loves unique finds, diving deep into the lore, and thrives on off-the-beaten-path adventures.


    So, if your friends and family roll their eyes at your quirky travel ideas, don’t worry—you’re in the right place. Grab your pop culture passport and join me as we discover the places that make this country fun, quirky, and iconic. Are you ready? Let’s roam.
    © 2025 Pop Culture Passport - Exploring Quirky & Cool Travel Destinations in the USA
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Social Sciences Travel Writing & Commentary
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Episodes
  • The Evolution of Disney’s Animal Kingdom: Part 2 – Everest, Pandora, and What’s Next

    The Evolution of Disney’s Animal Kingdom: Part 2 – Everest, Pandora, and What’s Next
    Apr 25 2025

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    Episode 107

    From giant crashing kites to a mythical Yeti stuck in disco mode, Animal Kingdom has had quite the glow-up since opening day.

    In Part 2 of this two-part series on Disney’s Animal Kingdom, we’re picking up the story right where we left off—April 22, 1998. What started as a park with quiet trails and limited attractions has evolved into one of Walt Disney World’s most immersive and emotionally powerful experiences. But the road wasn’t always smooth.

    Here’s what you’ll hear in this episode:

    • What was open on Animal Kingdom’s opening day
    • Guest confusion, early criticism, and the “half-day park” label
    • The controversy around Kilimanjaro Safaris
    • The Tree of Life’s hidden engineering (and creepy bug show)
    • The rise of Asia and the Disco Yeti
    • How Pandora – The World of Avatar changed everything

    From Expedition Everest to floating mountains, Animal Kingdom has never stopped evolving—and it may have even more wild surprises in store.

    Didn’t catch Part 1 yet? Go back and listen to the episode all about how Animal Kingdom came to life—from Joe Rohde’s vision to the park’s conservation mission.

    You ready? Let’s roam.

    Get the free Roaming Yeti Bingo Card!

    Connect with me on social: Facebook or Instagram.

    Like this episode? Share it in your stories and tag me @the_roaming_yeti

    Love the show? Leave a 5-star review, and let me know where you'd like us to roam next.

    Ready for more from The Roaming Yeti now? Visit our website.
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    19 mins
  • The Origin of Disney’s Animal Kingdom: Part 1 – Vision, Controversy, and Conservation

    The Origin of Disney’s Animal Kingdom: Part 1 – Vision, Controversy, and Conservation
    Apr 18 2025

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    Episode 106

    What does it take to build a Disney park with no castle, no parade, and nature as the main character?

    In this episode of Pop Culture Passport, we’re heading back to the early 1990s to explore the origin story of Disney’s boldest—and most misunderstood—theme park: Animal Kingdom. From Joe Rohde’s 400-page pitch to internal battles over dragons versus dinosaurs, this story is full of vision, risk, and a deep love for the natural world.

    Here’s what you’ll discover in Part 1:

    • The big idea behind Walt Disney World's fourth theme park
    • How Imagineer Joe Rohde sold the concept with art, anthropology, and bold design choices
    • The conservation mission that’s been part of the park from the very beginning
    • What Dr. Jane Goodall personally requested for the Tree of Life

    Animal Kingdom officially opened on Earth Day 1998, but its story starts long before that—and it’s just as wild as the park itself.

    Next week in Part 2: We’ll explore how the park evolved—from the arrival of Asia and Expedition Everest to the wild success of Pandora and the struggles with nighttime shows.

    You ready? Let’s roam.

    Get the free Roaming Yeti Bingo Card!

    Connect with me on social: Facebook or Instagram.

    Like this episode? Share it in your stories and tag me @the_roaming_yeti

    Love the show? Leave a 5-star review, and let me know where you'd like us to roam next.

    Ready for more from The Roaming Yeti now? Visit our website.
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    18 mins
  • Washington, DC Monuments in the Movies: From Forrest Gump to Superheroes

    Washington, DC Monuments in the Movies: From Forrest Gump to Superheroes
    Apr 11 2025

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    Episode 105

    Have you ever stood at the Lincoln Memorial and thought, “Wait… wasn’t this in Forrest Gump?”

    You’re not alone—and once you start spotting filming locations in DC, you’ll never look at the monuments the same way again. In this episode, we’re taking a cinematic tour of the National Mall, uncovering the iconic movie and TV scenes filmed at these historic landmarks.

    📍 Movies and shows featured include:

    • Forrest Gump, Spider-Man: Homecoming, X-Men: First Class, The West Wing, Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian, The Exorcist, and more
    • Why DC’s monuments are such powerful backdrops for emotional and action-packed scenes
    • Real-life spots you can visit to relive your favorite film moments
    • The surprising ways monuments like the Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials have shaped pop culture storytelling

    🎥 Plus, a Yeti Pop Pick recommendation that’s full of behind-the-scenes Hollywood hilarity.

    So lace up your sneakers (Cap-style) and get ready to explore the movie magic of Washington, DC. Don’t forget to follow, subscribe, and leave a review if you’re enjoying the show!

    You ready? Let’s roam!

    Get the free Roaming Yeti Bingo Card!

    Connect with me on social: Facebook or Instagram.

    Like this episode? Share it in your stories and tag me @the_roaming_yeti

    Love the show? Leave a 5-star review, and let me know where you'd like us to roam next.

    Ready for more from The Roaming Yeti now? Visit our website.
    Show more Show less
    12 mins
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