Bonus Star Warsologies: Science of Disneyland
In this episode of Star Warsologies, we share the recording of Melissa’s WonderCon 2026 panel “Science of Disneyland!”
Watch the YouTube version of this episode for all the amazing behind the scenes visuals shared during the panel!
Panel description: Disneyland is just down the road, so let’s take a virtual field trip to explore the parks from a different point of view. We’ll cover topics including physics, the psychology of play and Disney adults, the history of witches and magic, and the role of technology and automation in the happiest place on Earth. Our panel of experts includes astrophysicist Lisa Will, historian Beth Pollard, psychologist Drea Letamendi, art historian Roland Betancourt (author, Disneyland and the Rise of Automation: How Technology Created the Happiest Place on Earth), paleontologist Stuart Sumida (advisor, Matterhorn animations and co-author, Disneyland Rocks! The Geology of the Disneyland and California Adventure), and biologist Elizabeth Rega (consultant, Hall of Presidents). Moderated by science writer Melissa T. Miller. All are huge Disney fans who can’t wait to geek out and help you experience Disneyland from a whole new angle.
Show Links:
Listen to or watch the 2025 panel from WonderCon too. Hopefully we’ll get to do this every year!
You can order James’s crossword puzzle book now! For a free puzzle, download the activity kit from Star Wars Reads!
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Star Warsologies is a podcast about science in a galaxy far, far away. Hosts James Floyd and Melissa Miller combine their love of storytelling in the franchise with their keen interest in all things academic.
