With the new Aladdin movie rolling out into the theaters this week, it seemed like a good time to revisit the decade in which Disney Animation got its groove back. In the 1980’s, Disney Animation had fallen on hard times. As they moved into the 90’s, however, Disney Animation had found (or rediscovered) a formula for entertaining movies that would enthrall everyone. Let’s get going with Disney Renaissance Trivia for Episode 14.
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Episode Introduction
It’s a whole new world that you want to be part of, out there, in the circle of life, just around the riverbend, where you can go from zero to hero.
With the live-action remake of Aladdin hitting theaters this week, it seemed fitting to look back at a special period during Disney Animation’s history.
Hi there, I’m your host, Brian Rollins and this is the Dorky Geeky Nerdy Trivia podcast. Our topic in this episode is the Disney Renaissance. Specifically, the 10 year period from 1989 and ending in 1999. The movies from this period marked a return to the quality of films that Walt Disney himself personally worked on and turned the company’s reputation around.
For those of you that are new to the podcast, welcome. Every episode, we have three rounds of ten questions. Each round is harder than the one before. If you need rules to help you score your game (either by yourself or with a group), head over to dorkygeekynerdy.com/rules.
OK, rub that lamp and make your first wish.
The Dorky Round
1. What film kicked off the Disney Renaissance?
2. What animated film became the first to receive an Oscar nomination for Best Picture?
3. What film marked the end of the Disney Renaissance?
4. Which movie took place in 1482 Paris?
5. Which movie's first trailer was simply the opening four minutes of the finished film?
6. In what movie did we follow the title character from 'Zero to Hero'?
7. What movie won a Best Song Oscar for 'Colors of the Wind'?
8. What movie was the first theatrically released sequel by Disney?
9. What movie featured a street rat, a princess, and a kleptomaniac monkey?
10. What movie had a Hun named Shan Yu and a dragon named Mushu?
The Geeky Round
1. What actor provided the voice for Scar in The Lion King?
2. Eva Gabor's final film appearance was in what film?
3. Who voiced Iago in Aladdin?
4. What character gave us impressions of Arsenio Hall, Ed Sullivan, and Arnold Schwarzenegger (among others)?
5. Who wrote the original Tarzan?
6. Simba means what in Swahili?
7. What Star Trek alum lent their voice to the movie Mulan?
8. What two gargoyles are named for the author of Le Cathedral de Notre Dame?
9. Before becoming an Agent of SHIELD Ming-Na Wen voiced what heroine?
10. What are the names of Ursula's hench-eels?
The Nerdy Round
1. In what ship did John Smith and company sail to the New World?
2. What voice actor gave us Abu, Rajah, and the Cave of Wonders?
3. What Little Mermaid character made a cameo in Aladdin?
4. The cathedral of Notre Dame is located on an island in the middle of what river?
5. Which Titan does Hades send to kill Hercules?
6. In addition to voicing Clayton, who provided the sound of Tarzan's iconic yell?
7. When it was re-released in 2002, what song was added to Beauty and the Beast?
8. Name Scar's three hyena henchmen.
9. What was the name of the golden eagle that has to be rescued by Bernard and Bianca?
10. What veteran comedian gave voice to Scuttle in The Little Mermaid?
Episode Conclusion
And they all lived happily ever after. The end.
That’s it for this episode. I hope you enjoyed it and maybe played it with the little geeks in your life. Next week we’re going big. Here’s your clue:
What antihero is known as the King of Monsters?
If you want to catch up with us on social media, you can find links at DorkyGeekyNerdy.com. There’s an archive of past episodes, if you want to catch up and a contact form if you want to send any suggestions for the show.
I’m your host, Brian Rollins. Keep dreaming of a whole new world and thanks for listening.
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Credits
Hosted & Written by Brian Rollins
Music by Kevin MacLeod
Copyright 2019-2025 by Brian Rollins
This podcast is copyright 2025 Brian Rollins. All rights reserved. Permission is granted to redistribute but not to be altered or used for AI training.
ok i’m a disney freak so i scored really well. looking forward to more disney trivia. maybe some classic mickey stuff.
This episode was extremely interesting! I was looking for trivia after watching the new lion king.
This brought me back to my childhood. Are you going to have more Disney?
Most definitely. There’s a lot to plumb in the world of Disney and a lot of areas to cover (animation, live action, TV, theme parks, etc). Stay tuned.
I loved these movies when I was a kid and now I get to share them with my kids!