Join us in this captivating episode of the RetroWDW Podcast as we explore the rich history of the Japan Pavilion at EPCOT. From its stunning architecture to the immersive cultural experiences it offers, we delve into the origins and evolution of this beloved destination. Discover how the pavilion has celebrated Japanese traditions, cuisine, and artistry over the years, while also examining its significance within the broader context of EPCOT’s mission to promote international understanding. Whether you’re a Disney aficionado or simply curious about the intersections of culture and entertainment, this episode promises to be a delightful journey into the heart of the Japan Pavilion. Tune in and let’s take a stroll through time together! How leads us this month with a deep dive into every aspect of the pavilion, its history, and how it has changed over the years. We refer to this video from 1983, A Visit to EPCOT Center, which has some very early footage of the Japan area. The dining experiences have changed over the years and we get you an entire walkthrough of how the place used to be. We discuss a letter from John Lennon, recommending a Japanese restaurant. Most of us have hit up the various establishments in the Japan area and share some experiences from the different menus and locations.

Overall, the Japan pavilion has much more to offer than you first realize when walking through. The shopping and dining experiences more than makeup for the lack of attractions and rides. One of the true original pavilions that has the original World Showcase feel to it, allowing you to explore the unique culture of Japan. Hope you enjoyed this in-depth walkthrough and history of this one of a kind pavilion.

We take you back to an attraction and for our fans that wanted us to go way back, we are going way back. The Mickey Mouse Revue which opened October 1, 1971 last about nine years closing in the fall of 1980. How is leading us this month which only means one thing: we are going super deep into this topic. He begins by going over the homophone of Revue vs. Review and also how little is out there on the Mickey Mouse Revue. This attraction was located where the current Mickey’s PhilharMagic is playing each day, so you can get a feeling as to how this played and where it was in the 70s. Throughout this episode, we walk you through the history and how the show plays out from start to finish. We recommend you watch the following video, just so you can get a visual of this attraction. How also gets us into how the attraction felt, which I appreciated very much because many of us have not seen this one in person. The voice of Mickey is discussed from this episode and it is not one of the better versions… This quirky and unique show has lots of small details and stories that really make it unique. As we dig into the history of this one you are really going to be blown away as to how this whole thing played out. Finally, we get into what happened after the doors closed in 1980 and where the entire thing ended up, with some recent updates! We hope you enjoy this look back at this unique attraction.

Welcome to Episode 22.5 of the Retro Disney World Podcast: "David Coolidge talks Lake Buena Vista" - We appreciate your support and hope you have been enjoying each and every episode. Be sure to check out some of our previous shows.

We recorded an interview with David Coolidge and due to timing and length, it didn't make it into Episode 22. So we figured we'd release a special Bonus episode of our interview!

David Coolidge (http://www.davidcoolidge.com/) is an American Watercolor Realist and in this episode Todd and How sit with David and discuss how he was one of the first people ever to display his art at Lake Buena Vista. David gives some insight to how his show came to be and what the shopping village and vacations villas were like in the early years including shopping, a giant silver Taj Mahal, water taxis and trombonist Herbie Green!

During our chat, we discover that David did use the original Polynesian waterfall as the subject of one of his paintings and we will announce shortly on how you can get a giclee print!

Here is an album of David's photos from Lake Buena Vista and we've also restored some of David's personal films from his trips

Swan Boads and Adventurelande Shari Lewis, Top of the World Show Magic Kingdom and Mickey Mouse Review 1975 Lake Buena Vista RetroWDW Merchandise - All new design this month that incorporates the LBV Whatchamacallit! Be sure to get your shirt, iPhone case, tote bag, pillow or coffee mug: www.retrodisneyworld.com/supportus

The RetroWDW Lake and Lagoon Tour - Take your lunch break at Destination D this year and join the RetroWDW Podcast crew for a tour around Bay Lake and Seven Seas Lagoon! Tickets go on sale 9/25/16 at 12:00pm. These will sell out quick, so make sure you don't miss out! Click here for information on the tour and how to purchase tickets.

Listener Memories - Keep the calls coming, sharing your memories and giving us feedback. If you would like to call and leave us a message, please dial 978-71-RETRO. Keep the calls coming! 

Check back with us very soon for Episode 23 where we take you back to the Carousel of Progress!

Tweet at us, send us a Facebook post or message, tag us on Instagram or email us your thoughts..We hope you have enjoyed this episode! If you have any questions, suggestions or find errors please email us podcast@retrodisneyworld.com

Podbean: podcast.retrodisneyworld.com iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/retro-disney-world-podcast/id935548315 Stitcher: www.stitcher.com/podcast/retrodisneyworld/retro-disney-world-podcast

Welcome to Episode 22 of the Retro Disney World Podcast: "Lake Buena Vista Shopping Village" - We appreciate your support and hope you have been enjoying each and every episode. Be sure to check out some of our previous shows.

Comments & Corrections- We get back to the basics this month, focusing on our regular routine. The mystery of RJ McBean is solved and debunked. We also shed some light on what happened to the penny arcade games, how you can play them now and finally how some of them have changed states... Lots of great information during our comments and corrections this month.

Audio Rewind - Congratulations to our winner from last month, Phil Speck, he guessed "Big Rock Candy Mountain". Phil won a copy of Disney U! If you think you know the answer to the audio rewind this month, email us at podcast@retrodisneyworld.com for a chance to win a Progressland Brochure, from Ted Linhart. Send your guesses by September 20, 2016 - All answers will also be entered into the drawing for our next BIG PRIZE, which is a huge prize pot slowly built over the course of 2016.

Prize Pot Items - As you may have heard, our year end prize this year will include a different prize from every month. So far, we have an Orange Bird Yo-Yo from January, a brochure from The World of Motion given away in February, the March prize is a Golf Resort Mickey head logo golf bag tag, an Epcot Center salt and pepper shaker set, a Disney Glass Candy Dish, Tomorrowland Handbook, a copy of '84 Disney News, The Walt Disney World Explorer CD Rom, expired Discovery Island Tickets and new this month........a Frontierland Viewmaster Slide! The pot will continue to grow each month with new and exciting prizes! To win the prize pot in December, just answer any audio rewind question each month for one entry.

Main Topic - For this month, we take you back to the original years of the Lake Buena Vista Shopping Village. You will find it absolutely amazing how much has changed, grown and updated since the early days. As a group, we go through the different stories while sharing memories of the different visits we've had. The architecture is discussed along with watercraft and even menswear. Great topic with lots of great history, hope you enjoy!

Directly from Todd's personal archive: A video from 1989 of the Disney Village

RetroWDW Merchandise - All new design this month that incorporates the LBV Whatchamacallit! Be sure to get your shirt, iPhone case, tote bag, pillow or coffee mug: www.retrodisneyworld.com/supportus

The RetroWDW Event - Join the RetroWDW Podcast crew for a 1 hour tour of Bay Lake and the Seven Seas Lagoon! Take your lunch break at Destination D this year and join the RetroWDW Podcast crew for a tour around Bay Lake and Seven Seas Lagoon! Tickets go on sale 9/25/16 at 12:00pm. These will sell out quick, so make sure you don't miss out! Click here for information on the tour and how to purchase tickets.

Listener Memories - Keep the calls coming, sharing your memories and giving us feedback. If you would like to call and leave us a message, please dial 978-71-RETRO. Keep the calls coming! 

Check back with us very soon for Episode 23 where we take you back to the Carousel of Progress!

Tweet at us, send us a Facebook post or message, tag us on Instagram or email us your thoughts..We hope you have enjoyed this episode! If you have any questions, suggestions or find errors please email us podcast@retrodisneyworld.com

Podbean: podcast.retrodisneyworld.com iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/retro-disney-world-podcast/id935548315 Stitcher: www.stitcher.com/podcast/retrodisneyworld/retro-disney-world-podcast

Welcome to Episode 21 of the Retro Disney World Podcast: "Listener's Choice Q&A" - We appreciate your support and hope you have been enjoying each and every episode. Be sure to check out some of our previous shows.

Q&A- This month we took a call for all of your questions; things you want to know, different things you remember and even some memories that we have forgotten about.

- We start off in Epcot discussing Figment and the Imagation Pavillion. The discussion also moves onto Spaceship Earth regarding continents projected with lasers!

- RJ McBean is discussed with binaural audio and also our MGM Studios Opening Day Episode.

- The Bay Hill Cottages and where Roy stayed, not Roy's Cabin, during the construction. How & Brian have some seriously detailed information on this.

- Todd's book is discussed and compared to the current generation of WDW, analyzing his old tips and tricks.

- The Dreamfinder book, written by Ron Schneider - From Dreamer To Dreamfinder - We had a listener ask about this title and we give you some history on Ron.

- The anniversary cakes are discussed and also mass cake serving to park guests. 

Thank you so much for all of your questions, this is just a small sampling of the topics we discuss from our listeners. Not everyone made it to the show, but thank you so much for contacting us. Please contact us with your questions, comments and concerns; we love hearing from you - podcast@retrodisneyworld.com

Audio Rewind - Huge number of correct responses this month. Congratulations to our winner, Christina , he guessed "Spectromagic". Christina won the Disney News issue from 1985. If you think you know the answer to the audio rewind this month, email us at podcast@retrodisneyworld.com for a chance to win a copy of Disney U, a book all about Disney University. Send your guesses by August 15, 2016 - All answers will also be entered into the drawing for our next BIG PRIZE, which is a huge prize pack slowly built over the course of 2016. The Prize Pot is building.....

Prize Pot Items - As you may have heard, our year end prize this year will include a different prize from every month. So far, we have an Orange Bird Yo-Yo from January, a brochure from The World of Motion given away in February, the March prize is a Golf Resort Mickey head logo golf bag tag, an Epcot Center salt and pepper shaker set, a Disney Glass Candy Dish, Tomorrowland Handbook, a copy of '84 Disney News and new this month........a copy of The Walt Disney World Explorer CD Rom AND expired Discovery Island Tickets! The pot will continue to grow each month with new and exciting prizes! To win the prize pot in December, just answer any audio rewind question each month for one entry.

Listener Trivia - We gave you the listener, a chance to answer a number of easy and super difficult trivia questions.  In this episode, you hear our own How Bowers attempt the same questions our listeners did... See how he did and also see which listener won! Our listeners win some 3D printed items; a peoplemover car & EPCOT Center Logos. Thanks for playing along, hope you were able to answer some of these great questions. 

Interview with Ted - Ted Linhart is in the studio to discuss his passion, Disney documents.  We hear all about his website, The History of Disney Parks Documents.  Ted has an amazing collection you have to check out.  Hope you enjoy our interview with him.

RetroWDW Merchandise - Be sure to get your shirt, iPhone case, tote bag, pillow or coffee mug today: www.retrodisneyworld.com/supportus

The RetroWDW Event - November 19-20, D23 will be hosting an event at Walt Disney World. Our group is planning an event that weekend where you can interact with us, look at some vintage WDW artifacts, host a guest and even record a live podcast. This is all in the planning stages and we will be ironing out the details over the coming months. We are planning The Retro Disney World Lake & Lagoon Tour with your favorite hosts, showcasing all of the vintage pieces that are still there. Some of the final details will be shared with you on our next episode, promise!

Listener Memories - Keep the calls coming, sharing your memories and giving us feedback. If you would like to call and leave us a message, please dial 978-71-RETRO. Keep the calls coming! 

We hope you have enjoyed this episode! If you have any questions, suggestions or find errors please email us podcast@retrodisneyworld.com.

Check back with us very soon for Episode 22...... Tweet at us, send us a Facebook post or message, tag us on Instagram or email us your thoughts... Thank you!

Welcome to Episode 20 of the Retro Disney World Podcast: "The Deluge" - We appreciate your support and hope you have been enjoying each and every episode. Be sure to check out some of our previous shows.

Comments & Corrections - We were sent lots of extra information on The Living Seas, even a voicemail.  On the podcast, we bring up some new facts and extra things that were brought to our attention.

Listener Mail - This month our mail was crazy good. Tons of great feedback, stories and extra information. We appreciate everyone that gets in touch with us to share memories and stories. Everything from Kitchen Kabaret updates, Living Seas follow-ups and even some new information regarding evening cruises with new restrooms being installed. Please contact us with your questions, comments and concerns; we love hearing from you - podcast@retrodisneyworld.com

RetroWDW Merchandise - How has designed a fourth of July, Retro Epcot themed piece of merchandise. This is based all around the "build your own flag" touchscreen game that used to be in Epcot. These are RetroWDW original works of art, done by How. Super neat stuff that is only available for a limited time. Be sure to get your shirt, iPhone case, tote bag, pillow or coffee mug today: www.retrodisneyworld.com/supportus

Audio Rewind - Huge number of correct responses this month. Congratulations to our winner, Tom Yoder, he guessed "Space" from Horizons. Brian won the All-Star Movies plastic mug set. If you think you know the answer to the audio rewind this month, email us at podcast@retrodisneyworld.com for a chance to win a mint copy of 1985 Disney News, courtesy of Joel. Send your guesses by July 12, 2016 - All answers will also be entered into the drawing for our next BIG PRIZE, which is a huge prize pack slowly built over the course of 2016. The Prize Pot is building.....

Prize Pot Items - As you may have heard, our year end prize this year will include a different prize from every month. So far, we have an Orange Bird Yo-Yo from January, a brochure from The World of Motion given away in February, the March prize is a Golf Resort Mickey head logo golf bag tag, an Epcot Center salt and pepper shaker set, a Disney Glass Candy Dish, Tomorrowland Handbook and new this month; a copy of '85 Disney News donated by our listener Joel. The pot will continue to grow each month with new and exciting prizes! To win the prize pot in December, just answer any audio rewind question each month for one entry.

Main Topic - In the spirit of the summer, How takes us back to the 70s and the world famous America On Parade.  This vintage parade wasn't seen by many, including most of us, but it is such an interesting piece of history. Learn all about the giant sandwiches, large headed characters and everything else that made this craziness happen. We have a great video to accompany this months podcast, take a look on the Retro Disney World YouTube Channel.

The RetroWDW Event - November 19-20, D23 will be hosting an event at Walt Disney World. Our posse is planning an event that weekend where you can interact with us, look at some vintage WDW artifacts, host a guest and even record a live podcast. This is all in the planning stages and we will be ironing out the details over the coming months. We are planning The Retro Disney World Lake & Lagoon Tour with your favorite hosts, showcasing all of the vintage pieces that are still there.

Listener Memories - Keep the calls coming, sharing your memories and giving us feedback. If you would like to call and leave us a message, please dial 978-71-RETRO. Keep the calls coming! 

We hope you have enjoyed this episode! If you have any questions, suggestions or find errors please email us podcast@retrodisneyworld.com.

Check back with us very soon for Episode 21...... Tweet at us, send us a Facebook post or message, tag us on Instagram or email us your thoughts... Thank you!

Podbean: podcast.retrodisneyworld.com iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/retro-disney-world-podcast/id935548315 Stitcher: www.stitcher.com/podcast/retrodisneyworld/retro-disney-world-podcast

Welcome to Episode 19 of the Retro Disney World Podcast: "The Deluge" - We appreciate your support and hope you have been enjoying each and every episode. Be sure to check out some of our previous shows.

Comments & Corrections - How addresses the Haunted Mansion bullet holes, Todd reads notes from an old family vacation related to a restored film which also includes some more information about the reuction in size of the Grand Prix Raceway.

Listener Mail - This month we received a ton of mail! Mike Forrester sent us a rare picture from his time on an evening cocktail cruise from the contemporary. We also heard from Aaron Davis and a great story about potentially having Michael Jackson, the king of pop, serve him a Mickey ice cream bar. Finally, we locked down some blue mayonaise photographs from our friends at Wedway Radio. Please contact us with your questions, comments and concerns; we love hearing from you - podcast@retrodisneyworld.com

RetroWDW Merchandise - To coordinate with our main topic this month, How has designed some "Water Elevator" themed items. These capture the spirit of the world famous Hydrolator portion of the attraction. These are RetroWDW original works of art, done by How. Super neat stuff that is only available for a limited time. Be sure to get your shirt, iPhone case, tote bag, pillow or coffee mug today: www.retrodisneyworld.com/supportus

Audio Rewind - Huge number of correct responses this month. Congratulations to our winner, Brian Blake, he guessed "Another Part Of Me" - one of the songs that played in Captain EO, during the exit. Brian won the Pirates of the Caribbean glass mug. If you think you know the answer to the audio rewind this month, email us at podcast@retrodisneyworld.com for a chance to win the plastic mug set. Send your guesses by June 13, 2016 - All answers will also be entered into the drawing for our next BIG PRIZE, which is a huge prize pack slowly built over the course of 2016. The Prize Pot is building.....

Prize Pot Items - As you may have heard, our year end prize this year will include a different prize from every month. So far, we have an Orange Bird Yo-Yo from January, a brochure from The World of Motion given away in February, the March prize is a Golf Resort Mickey head logo golf bag tag, an Epcot Center salt and pepper shaker set, a Disney Glass Candy Dish and new this month; a copy of the Tomorrowland Handbook. The pot will continue to grow each month with new and exciting prizes! To win the prize pot in December, just answer any audio rewind question each month for one entry.

Main Topic - For this month, we take you back to Epcot Center. It's been awhile since our last stop in Future World, so we thought it was time to discuss The Living Seas. We learn about some of the early origins and history of the sponsorship. The pre-show is discussed along with the famous Hydrolators. Throughout the show, we discuss what has changed and what has stuck around in the new version of the attraction. Finally, we look all around the exhibits and attractions after you exit your Seacab.  Hope you enjoy the trip back to Seabase Alpha!

The RetroWDW Event - November 19-20, D23 will be hosting an event at Walt Disney World. Our posse is planning an event that weekend where you can interact with us, look at some vintage WDW artifacts, host a guest and even record a live podcast. This is all in the planning stages and we will be ironing out the details over the coming months. Stay tuned for more info and please contact us if you would be interested in attending.

Listener Memories - Keep the calls coming, sharing your memories and giving us feedback. If you would like to call and leave us a message, please dial 978-71-RETRO. Keep the calls coming!

We hope you have enjoyed this episode! If you have any questions, suggestions or find errors please email us podcast@retrodisneyworld.com. Check back with us very soon for Episode 20...... Tweet at us, send us a Facebook post or message, tag us on Instagram or email us your thoughts... Thank you!

We've got something special for our listeners! Todd & Brian were recent guests on the George and Tony Entertainment show where we go through the history of RetroDisneyWorld.com, the podcast, our films and more! Our listeners will love the detail, background and some unknown facts about our show!

Be sure to give George and Tony a listen at: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/george-tony-entertainment/id886806400?mt=2

If you have any questions, suggestions or find errors please email us podcast@retrodisneyworld.com. Check back with us very soon for Episode 19, where we take you back to Epcot Center...but you the listener can help us decide what pavilion to explore. Tweet at us, send us a Facebook post or message, tag us on Instagram or email us your thoughts... Thank you!

Welcome to Episode 18 of the Retro Disney World Podcast: "Nowhere in Particular" - We appreciate your support and hope you have been enjoying each and every episode. Be sure to check out some of our previous shows.

Dedication - Since our last episode was released Todd's Mother passed away...he offers up a short little story and a dedicates this episode to his mom [Photo Right, Todd and his Mom in 1980]

Survey - Todd discusses the survey results done by you, our listeners. We thank you for being honest, giving us feedback and helping us guide future episodes. Such a great way to help make our show better for the listeners.

Listener Mail - Our first piece of mail is from Singapore; Mark asks us about the General Motors "Make Your Own Magic" promotion. How refers back to our World of Motion episode and also gives some more insight. Next, we here from Mark Starr, asking if we remember the blue mayonaisse. Brian informs us of some other colored condiments at Cosmic Ray's. Brian also mentions a tweet from Kate, regarding a 1994 Magic Kingdom Map. Kate was asking about the Timekeeper building and Brian gives us the full story. Please contact us with your questions, comments and concerns; we love hearing from you - podcast@retrodisneyworld.com

RetroWDW Merchandise - How is releasing an amazing collection of Mr. Toad ride vehicle names, which will be color coordinated on shirts and other various items. You will be able to dress up like your favorite toad car! These are RetroWDW original works of art, done by How. Super neat stuff that is only available for a limited time. Be sure to get your shirt, iPhone case, tote bag, pillow or coffee mug today: www.retrodisneyworld.com/supportus

Audio Rewind - Huge number of responses this month - Amazing turnout and 97% of you got it correct! Congratulations to our winner, Tammy Norman, she guessed Cranium Command. Tammy won a copy of "Together in the Dream". If you think you know the answer to the audio rewind this month, email us at podcast@retrodisneyworld.com for a chance to win the glass Pirates of the Caribbean Mug from the late 80s. Send your guesses by May 16, 2016 - All answers will also be entered into the drawing for our next BIG PRIZE, which is a huge prize pack slowly built over the course of 2016. The Prize Pot is building.....

Prize Pot Items - As you may have heard, our year end prize this year will include a different prize from every month. So far, we have an Orange Bird Yo-Yo from January, a brochure from The World of Motion given away in February, the March prize is a Golf Resort Mickey head logo golf bag tag, an Epcot Center salt and pepper shaker set and new this month; a glass candy dish from the 1970s. The pot will continue to grow each month with new and exciting prizes! To win the prize pot in December, just answer any audio rewind question each month for one entry.

Main Topic - This episode, we get back to the good stuff. How is bringing us back to a gone but never forgotten attraction, Mr. Toad's Wild Ride. If you don't know Mr. Toad, he was located in the Magic Kingdom in the spot of Pooh. This is one of the original classics that is sorely missed and we get a great intro from Rolly Crump by Brian. How takes you through the ride from start to finish, leaving no detail out. If you are one of the original fans who misses this amazing ride, this episode will take you right back in time with a perfect visualization and even sound! If you sent in a question to How about Mr. Toad, listen carefully as you may hear your question in this episode. Hope you enjoy this month's main topic!

The RetroWDW Event - November 19-20, D23 will be hosting an event at Walt Disney World. Our posse is planning an event that weekend where you can interact with us, look at some vintage WDW artifacts, host a guest and even record a live podcast. This is all in the planning stages and we will be ironing out the details over the coming months. Stay tuned for more info and please contact us if you would be interested in attending.

Listener Memories - Keep the calls coming, sharing your memories and giving us feedback. If you would like to call and leave us a message, please dial 978-71-RETRO. Keep the calls coming!

Sign-Off - Todd signs off this episode with a few more words about his mom and we all learn how she was the illustrator for his book, WDW Made Simple. A sweet ending takes us out as Baby Mine from Dumbo is played.

We hope you have enjoyed this episode! If you have any questions, suggestions or find errors please email us podcast@retrodisneyworld.com. Check back with us very soon for Episode 19, where we take you back to Epcot Center...but you the listener can help us decide what pavilion to explore. Tweet at us, send us a Facebook post or message, tag us on Instagram or email us your thoughts... Thank you!

Podbean: podcast.retrodisneyworld.com iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/retro-disney-world-podcast/id935548315 Stitcher: www.stitcher.com/podcast/retrodisneyworld/retro-disney-world-podcast

Welcome to Episode 17 of the Retro Disney World Podcast: "From Vinyl Chairs to Elephants and Hippos - We appreciate your support and hope you have been enjoying each and every episode. Be sure to check out some of our previous shows.

Listener Mail - A listener named Joy Johnston wrote in and gave us some very positive feedback. She offers up a great reminder of all the amazing history located throughout the website. Tons of great pictures, info and history. Our next piece of mail was from Kelly Wise, who shares with us the story of finding a ton of vintage construction photos. Her grandfather worked at WDW, she found the pictures recently and of course they blew up online. This is a great little piece of history we are so happy she shares with us. Our crack team of photo restoration experts plan to give these the full treatment; recoloring and making them look like new. Finally, we invite you to take a survey and give us some feedback: Click here for the survey - Please contact us - podcast@retrodisneyworld.com

Audio Rewind - Congratulations to our winner, Rachel Cook, she guessed The Carousel of Progress. Rachel won the autographed copy of Tom Nabbe's book. If you think you know the answer to the audio rewind this month, email us at podcast@retrodisneyworld.com for a chance to win a copy of the book "Together in the Dream" written by RJ & Suzanne. Send your guesses by April 12, 2016 - All correct answers will also be entered into the drawing for our next BIG PRIZE, which is a huge prize pack slowly built over the course of 2016. The Prize Pot is building.....

Prize Pot Items - As you may have heard, our year end prize this year will include a different prize from every month. So far, we have an Orange Bird Yo-Yo from January, a brochure from The World of Motion given away in February, the March prize is a Golf Resort Mickey head logo golf bag tag and on this episode we add an Epcot Center salt and pepper shaker set. The pot will continue to grow each month with new and exciting prizes! To win the prize pot in December, just answer any audio rewind question each month for one entry. 

Main Topic - This episode, we spend some time with RJ & Suzanne Ogren. They recently wrote a book about their experiences both working at Walt Disney World. RJ was an artist in the parks responsible for rehabbing and fixing ride fixtures. Suzanne did some work as a character throughout the parks. One cool thing about them: they both were monorail pilots too! We chat with a couple of former cast members who have amazing stories, and wrote a really good book. Hope you enjoy our conversation with them, as they take you back to Walt Disney World while sharing their story. Enjoy!

RetroWDW Merchandise - We thank you for your purchases and we'd like to let you know about some of our newest items. The "Tom Nabbe" grabber line of merchandise! The Electrical Water Pageant design is still selling in record numbers and you can also enjoy some Nunis Wave Machine items. These are RetroWDW original works of art, done by How. Super neat stuff that is only available for a limited time. Be sure to get your shirt, iPhone case, tote bag, pillow or coffee mug today: www.retrodisneyworld.com/supportus

Listener Memories - Keep the calls coming, sharing your memories and giving us feedback. If you would like to call and leave us a message, please dial 978-71-RETRO. Keep the calls coming!

We hope you have enjoyed this episode! If you have any questions, suggestions or find errors please email us podcast@retrodisneyworld.com. Check back with us very soon for Episode 18, where we return to our roots and focus on an original attraction: Mr. Toad's Wild Ride.

Podbean: podcast.retrodisneyworld.com iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/retro-disney-world-podcast/id935548315 Stitcher: www.stitcher.com/podcast/retrodisneyworld/retro-disney-world-podcast

Welcome to Episode 16 of the Retro Disney World Podcast: "Walt Hired Me: A Chat With Tom Nabbe" - We appreciate your support and hope you have been enjoying each and every episode. Be sure to check out some of our previous shows.

Corrections & Comments - How brings up his forgetting of Mr. Mayonnaise last month in our Kitchen Kabaret episode. With so many characters in the show, it's amazing we didn't forget more... We are glad to fix the mistake though. How also answers some listener questions surrounding Bonnie Appetite's design and where she now resides.

Listener Mail - Our friend Dan wrote in and asked a question regarding a tram ride and the sewers of Paris. He remembers this happening in 1981, so we dive head first into the sewers to let you know our thoughts... We also received a tweet from Mike with some awesome matchbooks. This led to a small discussion about these great free souvenirs you were able to get. Please contact us - podcast@retrodisneyworld.com

Audio Rewind - Congratulations to our winner, Joel Wartgow, he guessed Tomorrow's Child from Spaceship Earth. Joel won the D23 fan pennants, given by Brian. If you think you know the answer to the audio rewind this month, email us at podcast@retrodisneyworld.com for a chance to win the autographed copy of From Disneyland's Tom Sawyer to Disney Legend: The Adventures of Tom Nabbe. Send your guesses by March 14, 2016 - All correct answers will also be entered into the drawing for our next BIG PRIZE, which is a huge prize pack slowly built over the course of 2016. The Prize Pot is building.....

Prize Pot Items - As you may have heard, our year end prize this year will include a different prize from every month. So far, we have an Orange Bird Yo-Yo from January, a brochure from The World of Motion given away in February and this month our prize is a Golf Resort Mickey head logo golf bag tag. The pot will continue to grow each month with new and exciting prizes! To win the prize pot in December, just answer any audio rewind question each month for one entry. 

Main Topic - We have a Disney Legend in the studio, his name is Tom Nabbe. We spend over an hour with Tom discussing his start at Disneyland being directly hired by Walt. The insight Tom gives us regarding the construction of Disney World Monorail system, US Steel and of course Roy's Cabin can only be found on this podcast. Tom was amazingly nice and open to discuss anything our retro minds could think of, including the working wave machine and Dick Nunis. Join our conversation with a Disney Legend - you are really going to enjoy this episode! If you enjoyed our chat with Tom you should pick up a copy of his book at Amazon!

RetroWDW Merchandise - We thank you for your purchases and we'd like to let you know about some of our newest items, which include merchandise from Roy's Cabin and the amazing, unseen Wave Machine. The Electrical Water Pageant design is back as well! These are RetroWDW original works of art, done by How. Super neat stuff that is only available for a limited time. Be sure to get your shirt, iPhone case, tote bag, pillow or coffee mug today: www.retrodisneyworld.com/supportus

Listener Memories - Keep the calls coming, sharing your memories and giving us feedback. If you would like to call and leave us a message, please dial 978-71-RETRO. Keep the calls coming!

We hope you have enjoyed this episode! If you have any questions, suggestions or find errors please email us podcast@retrodisneyworld.com. Check back with us very soon for Episode 17...We have some goodies coming up with amazing guest stars, hope you join us!

Podbean: podcast.retrodisneyworld.com iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/retro-disney-world-podcast/id935548315 Stitcher: www.stitcher.com/podcast/retrodisneyworld/retro-disney-world-podcast

Welcome to Episode 15 of the Retro Disney World Podcast: "Veggie Veggie Fruit Fruit" - We appreciate your support and hope you have been enjoying each and every episode. Be sure to check out some of our previous shows.

Corrections & Comments - One small correction, we learned how to pronounce Captain Saltyhinder, apparently we did it wrong. John Hench had an idea, which we learn all about from How. For our regular listeners, we start a new show order for 2016, hope you enjoy!

Listener Mail - A friend of the show, Mathius, sent us some interesting information on Howard Keel. We find out about his Disney connection. Keep the emails, tweets and pictures coming! Please contact us - podcast@retrodisneyworld.com

Audio Rewind - Congratulations to our winner, April, she guessed the Ham & Eggs portion of the show from Kitchen Kabaret. April will get a Main Street USA poster drawn by our friend, Chris Buchholz. If you think you know the answer to the audio rewind this month, email us at podcast@retrodisneyworld.com for a chance to win the collectible D23 pennants from 2012 & 2014. Send your guesses by February 15, 2016 - All correct answers will also be entered into the drawing for our next BIG PRIZE, which is a huge prize pack slowly built over the course of 2016. The Prize Pot is building.....

Prize Pot Items - As you may have heard, our year end prize this year will include a different prize from every month. So far, we have an Orange Bird Yo-Yo from January, and this month we added a World of Motion guidebook. The pot will continue to grow each month with new and exciting prizes!

Main Topic - This month we discuss the amazing Epcot Center attraction, Kitchen Kabaret. How takes you through the entire history of the show, describing each part in detail. Some amazing sound clips are included throughout the commentary, taking you back to The Land Pavillion, how it used to be. This take on the food groups in amazing animatronic goodness was a classic that is no more. Hope you enjoy going back with us.

Film Review - As a group, we sit back and watch The Magic Kingdom Club film from 1980. This was filmed on 16mm, but we did find some of the older footage was filmed in a different format. Set up your VCR Plus and follow along with us as we jump around enjoying the film. How notices a super rare shot of some people in a bar, right around the 9:01 mark. Do you know what this is?

RetroWDW Merchandise - We thank you for your purchases and we'd like to let you know about some of our newest items, which include merchandise from Roy's Cabin. These are RetroWDW original works of art, done by How. Super neat stuff that is only available for a limited time. Be sure to get your shirt, iPhone case, tote bag, pillow or coffee mug today: www.retrodisneyworld.com/supportus

Listener Memories - Keep the calls coming, sharing your memories and giving us feedback. If you would like to call and leave us a message, please dial 978-71-RETRO. Keep the calls coming!

We hope you have enjoyed this episode! If you have any questions, suggestions or find errors please email us podcast@retrodisneyworld.com. Check back with us very soon for Episode 16...We have some goodies coming up with amazing guest stars, hope you join us!

Podbean: podcast.retrodisneyworld.com iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/retro-disney-world-podcast/id935548315 Stitcher: www.stitcher.com/podcast/retrodisneyworld/retro-disney-world-podcast

So our last episode, Episode 84: Disney Vacation Club, we dug into the history of the vacation club and the original resort. Throughout this episode, we were able to discuss our personal experiences with DVC and also our opinions. While going over all of the details in Episode 84, we asked for your feedback and your own opinions on DVC. You as the listeners did not disappoint! We had an amazing response and received tons of great messages. Throughout episode 84.5, we dig into all of these messages. As we state at the start of the episodes, we received numerous emails with varying levels of detail. All of us especially liked the amount of detail in some of these that broke down facts, figures, and even the needs of your family. While these slowly trickled in over the month, we felt the need to bring them all to a ‘mini-episode’ which ends up running just about two hours. If you are a DVC member, a prospective member, someone who rents points, or even a WDW vacationer who has no interest in DVC, this episode will speak to all of you. We thank all of our listeners who decided to write in and give us their experiences, you made this episode possible. Join us next time as we get back into the theme parks and bring you another episode real soon!

Welcome to Episode 14 of the Retro Disney World Podcast: "Christmas Around the World" - We appreciate your support and hope you have been enjoying each and every episode. This marks one year of podcasts, so thanks for sticking with us and supporting this fun endeavour. Be sure to check out some of our previous shows.

Corrections & Comments - How discusses the infamous WDW Globes that now go for big bucks on eBay. We learn about their original cost and also how they were sold at the resort gift shops. Some clever listeners sent us audio samples from the Country Bears, as they refer to their original sponsors during the show. This very cool revelation is also joined by Todd letting us know that Bisontennial Ben is still around. 

Main Topic - The long awaited Christmas Episode is finally here. Brian takes the wheel to steer us into a great holiday episode featuring stores about the original Candlelight Processional, celebrity guests, amazing retro audio samples and tons more. Brian tells us about the Main Street garland and of course the history of the various holiday parades. This topic is loaded with content that will really spark some Christmas memories from Walt Disney World. Be sure to let us know if you remember any of these special events or have a memory we might have missed.

Audio Rewind - Congratulations to our winner, Preston W., he guessed the Pirates of the Caribbean digging scene in the queue. Preston will get the autographed copy of The Progress City Primer. If you think you know the answer to the audio rewind this month, email us at podcast@retrodisneyworld.com for a chance to win the Main Street USA poster, styled like the ride vehicle poster. Send your guesses by January 11, 2016 - All correct answers will also be entered into the drawing for our next BIG PRIZE, which is a huge prize pack slowly built over the course of 2016. The Prize Pot is building.....

We finally get to pick our winner for the reproduction Paul Hartley map, from WDWMap.com - David Lambie. Thanks to all of our entries!

RetroWDW Merchandise - We thank you for your purchases and we'd like to let you know about some of our newest items, which includes a top secret Captain EO tribute design. These are RetroWDW original works of art, done by How. Super neat stuff that is only available for a limited time. Be sure to get your shirt, iPhone case, tote bag, pillow or coffee mug today: www.retrodisneyworld.com/supportus

Listener Mail - We appreciate all your kind notes, emails and social media connections. This month we hit on the burning smell in Pirates of the Caribbean. Does it exist or is our listener remembering incorrectly? This same note mentions seeing Walt discussing the contemporary in an early film. None of us have heard of this, although we do discuss Walt's very own chest of drawers. Todd gets to address the filming isues in The Magic of Walt Disney World, and how they rehased old footage that used different film sizes. Finally, we discuss some info about the WDW Waterski Show. Keep the emails, tweets and pictures coming! Please contact us - podcast@retrodisneyworld.com

Listener Memories - Keep the calls coming, sharing your memories and giving us feedback. If you would like to call and leave us a message, please dial 978-71-RETRO. Our good friend Glenn Simpson gave us a call, among many others, sharing their holiday greetings and also some seasonal stories. Keep the calls coming!

We hope you have enjoyed this episode! If you have any questions, suggestions or find errors please email us podcast@retrodisneyworld.com. Check back with us very soon for Episode 15.... Topic to be announced very soon!

Welcome to Episode 13 of the Retro Disney World Podcast: "Unveiling The Magic" - We appreciate your support and hope you have been enjoying each and every episode. This marks one year of podcasts, so thanks for sticking with us and supporting this fun endeavour. Be sure to check out some of our previous shows.

Special Guest - We have a special guest, Michael Crawford, a longtime Walt Disney World fan who wrote the book: Progress City Primer.  This book contains all kinds of stories, features and just a grab bag of anything WDW. Starting off with Walt and moving on from there, you will find everything from EPCOT Center to unbuilt attractions and lands. The book sometimes even matches many of our previous episodes, which is really cool. Check out this great book and even gift one for the holidays.

Main Topic - We sit down and watch a fully restored version of "The Magic of Walt Disney World". This is an original 16mm copy of the film that would have been sent to schools, local clubs and anywhere else back in 1972. The reel is 1200ft long and we have the only restored copy in existence. 35 listeners donated funds for this project, which included shipping, transfer and of course restoration. This really should be listened to, as you watch the film to get the full experience, you can watch the film here. You can also read fantastic annotated notes for the film written by @MKPony.

Audio Rewind - Congratulations to our winner, Justin, he guessed the Tiki Statues in Adventureland. Justin will get the King Stefan's Banquet Hall glass mug. If you think you know the answer to the audio rewind this month, email us at podcast@retrodisneyworld.com for a chance to win an autographed copy of The Progress City Primer. Send your guesses by December 14, 2015 - All correct answers will also be entered into the drawing for the Paul Hartley reproduction map from wdwmap.com!! - This is your last opportunity to enter for the big drawing.... Thank you for all the guesses over the past year.

RetroWDW Merchandise - We thank you for your purchases and we'd like to let you know about some of our newest items, which include STOL Port themed merchandise. These are RetroWDW original works of art, done by How. Super neat stuff that is only available for a limited time. Be sure to get your shirt, iPhone case, tote bag, pillow or coffee mug today: www.retrodisneyworld.com/supportus

Listener Mail - We appreciate all your kind notes, emails and social media connections. Jonathan sent us an email regarding the music, style, fonts and small details at EPCOT Center. Our good friend Michael Crawford chimes in about these EPCOT details; this is covered in his book as well. Keep the emails, tweets and pictures coming! Please contact us - podcast@retrodisneyworld.com

Listener Memories - Keep the calls coming, sharing your memories and giving us feedback. If you would like to call and leave us a message, please dial 978-71-RETRO. Your holiday greeting this month could get you on our next podcast...

We hope you have enjoyed this episode! If you have any questions, suggestions or find errors please email us podcast@retrodisneyworld.com. Check back with us very soon for Episode 14, all themed around the holidays releasing around December 20th. 

Podbean: podcast.retrodisneyworld.com iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/retro-disney-world-podcast/id935548315 Stitcher: www.stitcher.com/podcast/retrodisneyworld/retro-disney-world-podcast

Welcome to Episode 12 of the Retro Disney World Podcast: "There's No Place Like World Showcase" - We appreciate your support and hope you have been enjoying each and every episode. This marks one year of podcasts, so thanks for sticking with us and supporting this fun endeavour. Be sure to check out some of our previous shows.  We could have a clip show coming in the near future...

Main Topic - We have a special guest, Glen Simpson, who is on board to discuss his career at Walt Disney World. He primarily worked at EPCOT Center in the World Showcase area. Glen also did some work at the Magic Kingdom starting in 1978 with food service and he was also a Jungle Cruise skipper. We get some great insight into the opening days of World Showcase, special guests, and some hilarious mishaps that only a former cast member would have experience with. Glen is a great resource and we think you're really going to enjoy this one!  

Audio Rewind - Congratulations to our winner, Michele, she guessed the barker bird outside Pirates of the Caribbean. Michele will get the Cinderella Castle model. If you think you know the answer to the audio rewind this month, email us at podcast@retrodisneyworld.com for a chance to win a King Stefan's Banquet Hall glass mug. Send your guesses by November 10, 2015 - All correct answers will also be entered into a drawing in December of 2015 for a Paul Hartley reproduction map from wdwmap.com!!

RetroWDW Merchandise - We thank you for your purchases and we'd like to let you know about some new items comign soon.. We are debuting two shirts based on the STOL Port, which are super unique and only for the true retro diehard. We also are taking some interest surveys on a model of the planes that flew to the STOL Port, so let us know and check out what we have. Be sure to get your shirt, iPhone case, tote bag, pillow or coffee mug today: www.retrodisneyworld.com/supportus

Listener Mail - We appreciate all your kind notes, emails and social media connections. Todd sent us some information on the STOL Port, conecting some dots and pointing us to more information. Johnathan had a question regarding boat access from Epcot to MGM, which How addresses. Keep the emails, tweets and pictures coming! Please contact us - podcast@retrodisneyworld.com

Film Restoration - We view a listener purchased tape, containing B-Roll Epcot Center World Showcase footage. Being video tape, the quality is lacking and edited to a level that is as good as it gets. Still a fun movie to watch of old world showcase. Huge thanks to everyone who donated to our pledge drive, helping make the major film restoration a reality. Check out Passport2Dreams from Foxxy, who was a huge supporter of this project.

Listener Memories - This month we had tons of great singers calling our hotline. They have all been edited together to make one glorious production that we think you'll enjoy. Keep the calls coming, sharing your memories and giving us feedback. If you would like to call and leave us a message, please dial 978-71-RETRO.

We hope you have enjoyed this episode! If you have any questions, suggestions or find errors please email us podcast@retrodisneyworld.com. Check back with us very soon for Episode 13, thanks for listening!

Welcome to Episode 11 of the Retro Disney World Podcast: "First Things First" - We appreciate your support and hope you have been enjoying each and every episode. Be sure to check out some of our previous shows.

Corrections and Comments - How discusses the World Showcase original location, which is surprisingly way different compared to the current spot where it ended up. The Food & Wine Festival would have ended up being at an unusual location if they stuck with this plan..

Main Topic - This month we go back to many firsts at Walt Disney World. George & Becky Miranda from Ohio join us to discuss opening day at The Magic Kingdom. They both have an amazing first hand account from visiting the park on opening day along with a great collection of photos (You're going to want to load these up and look at them while you listen to them describe that first day: https://www.flickr.com/photos/georgelmiranda/albums/72157658664679871). We then jump into some great stories about the first families that entered each theme park, including a checkered past for a few of them. How moves us over to the original, first airport on property which ends up being yet another surprise found during the research phase. How then digs into the details of the STOL port on WDW property - this is a long awaited and often requested topic by our listeners!

Audio Rewind - Congratulations to our winner, Joe Yost from Atlanta, he guessed the Horizons Ending music. Joe will get the Hydrolator notebook. If you think you know the answer to the audio rewind this month, email us at podcast@retrodisneyworld.com for a chance to win a Magic Kingdom, Cinderalla Castle resin model. Send your guesses by October 12, 2015 - All correct answers will also be entered into a drawing in December of 2015 for a Paul Hartley reproduction map from wdwmap.com!!

RetroWDW Merchandise - The STOL Port was discussed during this episode and that will lead to some new, top secret merchandise. Check back for information on that very soon. Be sure to get your shirt, iPhone case, tote bag, pillow or coffee mug today: www.retrodisneyworld.com/supportus

Listener Mail - Lots of great mail this month, thanks so much for your emails! Our selfie challenge was accepted by a good friend of the show, Tim Birch. He snapped the photo of himself riding by the abandoned pirate ship on Discovery Island. Tim will be receiving a 1984 Walt Disney World Calendar. Keep the emails, tweets and pictures coming! Please contact us - podcast@retrodisneyworld.com

Film Restoration - Due to time constrains we skip the film restoration discussion for this month, however Todd has acquired some super rare 16mm Walt Disney World films. These are very pricey to digitally convert. We've setup an account on Patreon.com where you can pledge to help the restoration effort and in return receive exclusive early access to this podcast for 1 year! If you can help us please check out Our Restoration Project on Patreon.com

Listener Memories - This new segment is where you the listener can give us a call to share your memories. We had a few calls already and find these so much fun to listen to. If you would like to call and leave us a message, please dial 978-71-Retro.

RetroCon - Brian & JT give us a quick recap on RetroCon 2015; Thank you so much to all the listeners that stopped by, it was great to meet each and every one of you. 

We hope you have enjoyed this episode! If you have any questions, suggestions or find errors please email us podcast@retrodisneyworld.com. Check back with us very soon for Episode 12, thanks for listening!

Welcome to Episode 10.5 of the Retro Disney World Podcast: "RetroCon and Episode Previews" - We appreciate your support and hope you have been enjoying each and every episode. Be sure to check out some of our previous shows.

RetroCon - Brian and JT will be a RetroCon at a Retro Disney World table this coming weekend in the greater Philadelphia area! Brian discusses what RetroCon is and explains the cool items we'll have on display as well as give-a-ways and the secret password to get early access to the next podcast episode!

Episode Previews - Next month our episode is titled "First things First"... we've got two special guests on the show and we're going to also discuss some crazy stories about the First Families at MK and EPCOT - and we will show how the STOL port was not the first airport on WDW property! Brian gives a sneak peek at the upcoming Christmas episode and calls out for photos, memories and documents relating to the holiday season.

RetroWDW Merchandise -  www.retrodisneyworld.com/supportus

Listener Mail - A big thank all of our listeners and explain how some of the incoming mail has sparked new episodes. Please keep writing to us: podcast@retrodisneyworld.com

Listener Memories - We go over how our new segment will work - we setup a phone number where you the listener can leave us short, under 3 minute, messages with your memory from disney world of past years. We'll put many of your memories on the air in this new segement. Leave a short memory/story today: Call 1-978-71-RETRO (73876)

Film Restoration - A quick discussion onf our account on Patreon.com where you can pledge to help the restoration effort and in return receive exclusive early access to this podcast for 1 year! If you can help us please check out Our Restoration Project on Patreon.com

If you have any questions, suggestions or find errors please email us podcast@retrodisneyworld.com. Check back with us very soon for Episode 11 titled "First things First"!

Podbean: podcast.retrodisneyworld.com iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/retro-disney-world-podcast/id935548315 Stitcher: www.stitcher.com/podcast/retrodisneyworld/retro-disney-world-podcast

Welcome to Episode 10 of the Retro Disney World Podcast: "Hooray for Floridawood" - We appreciate your support and hope you have been enjoying each and every episode. Be sure to check out some of our previous shows.

Corrections and Comments - Brian discusses some EPCOT 30 corrections about World Showcase from our last episode and we have photos of the real "depression era house" inspiration from The American Adventure shown to us. Take a look!   

Main Topic - We take you back to the opening day of the Disney-MGM Studios, way back on May 1, 1989. Our very own How and our guest, Hoot Gibson were waiting in the parking lot all night to be the first through the gates. They discuss rubbing elbows with Michael Eisner and Bob Hope and of course giving commentary about being the first to see different attractions. How has a great story about being the first person ever to take a pie to the face at Super Star Television. Join us as we relive opening day, through the eyes of the attendees. Todd references his trip in August 1989 and you can see nearly 40 minutes of vintage Disney-MGM studios footage here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hERibY2m40k

Audio Rewind - Congratulations to our winner, Andrew Toffolli for guessing the EPCOT lagoon shows that came before Illuminations (Carnival de Lumierem, A New World Fantasy, and Laserphonic Fantasy). Trevor Thornton guessed the audio rewind correctly, which was the Astutuer Computer Revue from Communicore. If you think you know the answer to the audio puzzler this month, email us at podcast@retrodisneyworld.com for a chance to win a Living Seas Hydrolator #3 spiral notebook - All correct answers will also be entered into a drawing in December of 2015 for a Paul Hartley reproduction map from wdwmap.com!!

*JT is still waiting for your photograph at the old Discovery Island pirate ship; this will earn you a great bonus prize!!

RetroWDW Merchandise - Our very first limited edition RetroTee based on an Illumnations napkin is now available for sale at The Imperial Shirt Company! This shirt will only be available until August 31! Our Redbubble shop is doing great, in fact thanks to our listeneres we all have upgraded audio equipment! All designs are exclusive to RetroWDW and will be rotated out and updated frequently. Be sure to get your shirt, iPhone case, tote bag, pillow or coffee mug today: www.retrodisneyworld.com/supportus

Mesa Verde University Tee - Jason has designed a fantastic t-shirt inspired by the Horizons desert farming scene. The MVU logo includes the schools official fruit (a Lorange) and the motto which reads: "Nobis septem annos liberos mittite, agricolas remittemus" (Send us your children for seven years, we will return farmers). This is only a 7 day flash sale! Get your shirt today: www.retrodisneyworld.com/mvu

Listener Mail - Lots of great mail this month, thanks so much for your emails! Kurt sent us a note asking about the World of Motion and how the scenes resemble books and photographs. The group gives him our answer and where he can locate the different scenes in print form. We also heard from Gordon, who did some recon for us, finding out that the Centorium did not have an early morning smell. The evening check though, did revealed a stench....  We had lots of great photos sent to us via twitter this month, super cool. Please contact us - podcast@retrodisneyworld.com

Film Restoration - Due to time constrains we skip the film restoration discussion for a month, however Todd has acquired some super rare 16mm Walt Disney World films. These are very pricey to digitally convert. We've setup an account on Patreon.com where you can pledge to help the restoration effort and in return receive exclusive early access to this podcast for 1 year! If you can help us please check out Our Restoration Project on Patreon.com

We hope you have enjoyed this episode! If you have any questions, suggestions or find errors please email us podcast@retrodisneyworld.com. Check back with us very soon for Episode 11 titled "Land, Sea and Air" - we'll let you ponder on that for a bit.

 previous shows.

Corrections and Comments - We go back and rehash a little bit about the Town Square Cafe and also who the original designer of the Electrical Water Pageant was. Todd has an oddball thought about a Cuttlefish and we also found out about a very early autograph book at WDW.  

Main Topic - The focus this month is on The American Adventure in honor of the Fourth of July holiday. Todd, Brian, JT & How all discuss how the show works and also some of the history leading up to the attraction. Some great information is discussed on each of the eras presented during the show, JT discusses the backstage tour and all discuss the book Building a Better Mouse.

Audio Rewind - Congratulations to our winners, Alex Suarez and Tammy Norman, guessing True Colors from the pre-show for Magic Journeys and Captain EO. They are the winners of custom, 3D printed EPCOT Center Spaceship Earth Coaster and also some custom stickers from Redbubble featuring How's artwork!  If you think you know the answer to the audio puzzler this month, email us at podcast@retrodisneyworld.com for a chance to win the book, Building a Better Mouse - All correct answers will also be entered into a drawing in December of 2015 for a Paul Hartley reproduction map from wdwmap.com!!

*This episode has the chance for you to win 3 seperate prizes! Listen carefully for the different questions, challenges, and opportunities where YOU, can be a winner and star of the show!

RetroWDW Merchandise - Our very first limited edition RetroTee based on an Illumnations napkin is now available for sale at The Imperial Shirt Company - Order now! This shirt will only be available until August 31! Additionally our redbubble store is off to a great start, in fact Brian and JT have upgraded audio equipment thanks to our supporters! The designs are exclusive to RetroWDW and will be rotated out and updated frequently. Be sure to get your shirt, iPhone case, tote bag, pillow or coffee mug today: www.retrodisneyworld.com/supportus

Listener Mail - Todd discusses a stage that once existed in Fantasyland and what makes it unique. How tells the story of the pirate ship on Discovery Island which is a perfect intro for Pablo Cruise: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W-C_kvDwqeY We take a detour through a very odd Christmas special starring Shields and Yarnell that is pure nightmare fuel, but dont say we didn' warn you: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KmQbNZxNToU

August of 1972 Magic Kingdom home movie, digitally transferred by Pixcel and restored by our very own Imageworks.  How finds some lost trashcans, Brian is amused by a man walking into frame, Todd gets confused about the first American flag and a kid in a funny feather hat walks by.

We hope you have enjoyed this episode! If you have any questions, suggestions or find errors please email us podcast@retrodisneyworld.com. Check back with us very soon for Episode 10, where we take you into the Disney-MGM Studios for the first time ever on our podcast. Our very own How was camping out, the night before opening day....Super pumped up to hear his whole story, and we may have a guest star as well.  

Until next time... "Spare a dime? Hehehe. Sure buy four of my apples, and I'll loan ya back the ten cents."

Welcome to Episode 8 of the Retro Disney World Podcast: "Legends & Legacies of Lakes and Lagoons" We appreciate your support and hope you have been enjoying each and every episode. Be sure to check out some of the previous shows along with our latest.

Corrections and Comments - We discuss a little bit about Todd's squeaky mickey doll, which you all heard during the last episode. Some light has been shed on the purpose and of course the cotton jumper. Brian is fresh off a WDW trip, but didn't make it to check on the famous sewage smell at Mousegear.   

Main Topic - This episode focuses on Bay Lake and The Seven Seas Lagoon. We discuss the layout, construction and attractions that were planned and also what made the final cut. The watercraft options compared to now are crazy different and we discuss what was available. Find out which lake is man made and which is natural, a common misconception. We have started doing photo albums for the different podcast episodes, so check out the Episode 8 Album to get a great visual as you listen.

Call Ins - We had two great call-ins this month from some very special people. Our first guest is Bill Cork and he is a former lead on the Admiral Joe Fowler. He shares an amazing story about how the ship ran off track at one point and also has some special easter eggs that you won't want to miss. Bill takes then takes you back in time for a journey around The Rivers of America as he narrates the spiel he remembers to this day. The second guest is Jeff, who is the end all be all expert on the Electrical Water Pageant. He has recreated the different versions throughout the years, digitally for your enjoyment. Jeff also knows each change, float, music and all the other details for one of our favorite shows at WDW. Jeff has a great site, that houses everything he discussed on the show, check out his Tomorrowsphere Blog. How dives super deep into the Electrical Water Pageant and we learn tons of facts and figures about this simple, yet long lasting show.

Audio Rewind - Congratulations to our winner, Jennifer Silveira, guessing El Rio del Tiempo in the World Showcase. She is the winner of an amazing WDW Transportation Poster!  If you think you know the answer to the audio puzzler this month, email us! podcast@retrodisneyworld.com for a chance to win an Epcot attraction logo pavillion sign, custom made, in house at RetroWDW - All correct answers will also be entered into a drawing in December of 2015 for a Paul Hartley reproduction map from wdwmap.com!!

RetroWDW Merchandise - Our Redbubble store project is off to a great start. Many amazing products are available for you, our fans and listeners. The designs are exclusive to RetroWDW and will be rotated out and updated frequently. Be sure to get your shirt, iPhone case, tote bag, pillow or coffee mug today! Exclusive to our listeners and fans, these sales will help us update some of our audio equipment - check out the designs here: www.retrodisneyworld.com/redbubble

Viewer Mail - This month we have an email from Stephen, who brings up Little Oscar. Todd reminiscences about his visit with Little Oscar, the spokesman for Oscar Mayer. We also discuss some questions received on Instagram during the show. Thanks so much for your message, be sure to email us with any comments, questions or anything else you would like to discuss. Send your messages to podcast@retrodisneyworld.com

Film Restoration - This month we take a look at the Home of Future living, restored by Pixcel and Imageworks.  This features the area after Space Mountain,  the film has been brought back to life and color corrected for your enjoyment. How gives you a great commentary, comparing how the future turned out to be real in more aspects than one. 

We hope you enjoyed this episode! If you have any questions, suggestions or find errors please email us podcast@retrodisneyworld.com. Check back with us very soon for Episode 9, as we wander into World Showcase and discuss The American Adventure, in honor of the Fourth of July. Hope you are as excited as we are!

Until next time... "Ready when you are, CB!"

Podbean: podcast.retrodisneyworld.com iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/retro-disney-world-podcast/id935548315 Stitcher: www.stitcher.com/podcast/retrodisneyworld/retro-disney-world-podcast

Welcome to Episode 7 of the Retro Disney World Podcast: "Receipt Is In The Bag" We appreciate your support and hope you have been enjoying each and every episode. Be sure to check out some of the previous shows along with our latest.

Introductions - The regular crew is all here, Todd, Brian, How & JT are all present and accounted for. Todd discusses some of his recent trip to Disneyland and how it relates back to the East Coast. He also touches on attractions left to rot away and the cast member experience. We also heard about the lack of DVC salesman...imagine that! No major updates on the World of Motion episodes, but if you'd like to go back and listen please feel free.

Main Topic - This episode is all about souvenirs and more souvenirs. The one thing every Disney fan can't get enough of and seems to never stop collecting. Todd opens up talking up with the infamous Pictoral Souvenirs - A true gem in the retro world showcasing everything the Vacation Kingdom had to offer. We also hear about Todd's favorite guest, the polka dot mystery girl. Your hosts also discuss their favorite souvenirs including a squeaky armed, hard plastic, cotton jumper wearing Mickey, How's impressive LP collection and a few plush from Brian's collection.

Call Ins - This was a new thing for us, we had live on the air call-ins from some of our biggest fans. These listeners called in to discuss their favorite souvenirs and also reminise about some of the classics. Thank you so much to Paula, Keith, and Joe for participating and taking time out of your evening to share your gems! Check out the special collection of souvenir photos from this episode: http://www.retrodisneyworld.com/pictorial-souvenir/podcast/episode-7.html

Audio Puzzler - Congratulations to our winner, Robert Myers, guessing the ferry between TTC and the Magic Kingdom. He wins the 1993 WDW Calendar!  If you think you know the answer to the audio puzzler this month, email us! podcast@retrodisneyworld.com - You can win the amazingly cool Disney transportation and attraction poster.  All correct answers will also be entered into a drawing in December of 2015 for a Paul Hartley reproduction map from wdwmap.com!!

Shirt Project - We are going to start to offer some limited edition, RetroWDW exclusive T-Shirts.  Please stay tuned for updates and learn how to buy your own shirts.  These will be exclusive to our listeners and fans and will help us update some of our audio equipment. 

Viewer Mail - This month we have an email from Johnny K, showing us a piece of jewelry from the Lake Buena Vista Shopping Village.  This is a great souvenir from the early years of WDW and a true example of classic merch from the village.  Thank you Johnny!  Send your questions to podcast@retrodisneyworld.com

Film Restoration - We will be back next month for another great film restoration.  Please take a look at our YouTube Channel for some great films.  

We hope you enjoyed this episode! If you have any questions, suggestions or find errors please email us podcast@retrodisneyworld.com. Check back with us very soon for Episode 8 - The team is also in contract negotiations to possibly record some mini episodes from time to time... one should be coming very soon..

Until next time... "Make it a stretch. . .On the other hand, make it a super stretch" 

  We have created some original artwork for t-shirts, stickers, pillows, phone cases and more. Our first two designs are inspired by the Electrical Water Pageant and the World of Motion. Get into the 4th of july spirit with the "It's Fun to be Free" red white and blue tee or have your morning coffee in an Electrical Water Pageant mug...

All sales proceeds will go towards improving the equipment used to record the RetroWDW podcast!

Designs will be only available for a limited time order yours today before they are gone! www.retrodisneyworld.com/redbubble

Welcome to Episode 6 of the Retro Disney World Podcast: "Stubborn Donkey Part II" We appreciate your support and hope you have been enjoying each and every episode. Be sure to check out some of the previous shows along with our latest. This is the epic conclusion to "Stubborn Donkey Part I", so if you haven't listened yet - check it out!

Introductions - The regular crew is all here, Todd, Brian, How & JT are all present and accounted for. We discussed in the last episode the projected street video in WOM, well we have a copy of it for your enjoyment. The film was shot in San Francisco back in 1906, right before the big earthquake and fire. A Trip Down Main Street

We also found a video of the queue, in World of Motion just before it closes. Take a look!

Main Topic - We continue this month with more World of Motion.  Such a large attraction that we needed two episodes just to cover everything. The episode starts off with How discussing the World's First Traffic Jam and we work our way through the second half of the attraction. We learn all sorts of great facts including how they integrated the movie Tron into World of Motion and that you can never have enough speed tunnels. We wrap up with a full length discussion of the TransCenter, which some people may have never experienced as they were in such a hurry to get back on the ride for a second go around. For more views and a '91 perspective on the World of Motion, check out this great footage. 

Audio Puzzler - Congratulations to our winner, Andrew Toffoli, guessing Space Mountain. Andrew is the lucky winner of the 3D printed Spaceship Earth container. If you think you know the answer to the audio puzzler this month, email us! podcast@retrodisneyworld.com - All correct answers will also be entered into a drawing December 2015 for a Paul Hartley reproduction map from wdwmap.com!! This months prize is a 1993 WDW calendar!

Viewer Mail - We do two pieces of viewer mail this month. First, we got an email from Harry asking about vintage Tigger autographs. JT dug through his archives and found one from the 80s. Harry, if the price is right the autograph is yours... We also heard from Kurt who runs DisneyViewmaster on Instagram. He wants to know where John Lennon signed the breakup papers for The Beatles. Brian chimes in with his great source on this piece of history. Thank you!  Send your questions to podcast@retrodisneyworld.com

Film Restoration - We watch and discuss a retro film that has been restored with Pixcel and Imageworks. Follow along with us as we add color commentary to this 1972 Magic Kingdom architecture and landscape film. One of the best films ever featuring Mickey strolling down Main Street with an umbrella in hand and no cast member handler. Enjoy!

We hope you enjoyed this episode! If you have any questions, suggestions or find errors please email us podcast@retrodisneyworld.com. Check back with us on May 26th for Episode #7 - We discuss our favorite retro souvenirs & Todd shows his passion for Pictorial Souvenir Books. The team is also in contract negotiations to possibly record some mini episodes from time to time... one should be coming very soon..

Until next time... "Remember how easy it was to learn your ABCs? Thank the Phoenicans."

  We have created some original artwork for t-shirts, stickers, pillows, phone cases and more. Our first two designs are inspired by the Electrical Water Pageant and the World of Motion. Get into the 4th of july spirit with the "It's Fun to be Free" red white and blue tee or have your morning coffee in an Electrical Water Pageant mug...

All sales proceeds will go towards improving the equipment used to record the RetroWDW podcast!

Designs will be only available for a limited time order yours today before they are gone! www.retrodisneyworld.com/redbubble

Welcome to Episode 84 of the RetroWDW Podcast Episode 83.5 - Tammy Tuckey - We appreciate your support and hope you have been enjoying each and every episode. Be sure to check out some of our previous shows from over the years. We have visited multiple parks, resorts, and just about everything else in between.

For episode 83.5, we have a special guest joining us and we are so excited. Tammy Tuckey who has joined us in the past for numerous events and happenings is on the show to discuss her new album, Glowing in Timeless Places. If you need a refresher, Tammy joined us during RetroMagic with Ali Olmo back in 2019. They entertained us all with a great duet of Two Brothers, which is from The American Adventure. Be sure to enjoy this amazing performance after the episode ends. Tammy was able to join us once again, but this time at RetroMagic 50. How ran a great panel with George Wilkins and Tammy, which was absolutely perfect. Tammy was able to sing classic Disney World songs while George gave tons of backstories and information. Again, be sure to take this one in after the show. Before we get into Tammy's new album, she released 'You'll Find Me on Main Street' back in 2018. Another amazing album filled with great Disney songs, all sung by our talented guest. Tammy joins us for this episode to do our usual discussions and also catch up with what she's been working on since RetroMagic 50. Her new Album, Glowing in Timeless Places was recently released and features 11 amazing songs from Walt Disney World. What is great about this episode of our Podcast is you get some behind-the-scenes information about the various songs while getting to hear parts of the new album as we go along. We also get into various cover albums Disney has released over the years, which you no doubt have heard before. There were some that were released though that we really had no idea existed. This episode is a ton of fun and a good change of pace from what we normally do. Instead of hearing us go on and on, the songs are intertwined into our discussions with our special guest. Huge thanks goes out to Tammy Tuckey for joining us and for sharing her amazing talents with us and our listeners. Be sure to check out her website for more information: www.tammytuckey.com

Welcome to Episode 5 of the Retro Disney World Podcast: "Stubborn Donkey" We appreciate your support and hope you have been enjoying each and every episode. Be sure to check out some of the previous shows along with our latest. Thanks for listening!

Introductions - The regular crew is all here, Todd, Brian, How & JT are all present and accounted for.  There isn't much housekeeping this month, mostly because we are just that good, but Todd starts us off with a touching dedication that is more than appropriate.  We also experienced record downloads and listens last month; thank you so much for that and we appreciate all of your interest in what we do here.

Main Topic - Our main topic this month is the GM sponsored World of Motion pavilion in EPCOT Center. The facts and figures in this ride are simply staggering, we also talk about animatronic carry over and how this attraction shared so many characters from other WDW rides. World of Motion is analyzed section by section, discussing each scene and our memories. How is the expert this month and even does some audio forensics on the ride...Brian forgets what side of Future World he is on, JT marvels at Albert the monkey and Todd continually says "Tee Hee Hee"...We hope you are excited to learn all about this gone, but not forgotten attraction!

Audio Puzzler - Congratulations to our two winners this month, Laura Bowles and Kelly Heft.  The correct answer was The Living Seas.  If you think you know the answer to the audio puzzler this month, email us! podcast@retrodisneyworld.com - There is an opportunity to win a custom 3D printed Spaceship Earth container which you cannot find in your favorite Disney gift shop.  All correct answers will also be entered into a drawing December 2015 for a Paul Hartley reproduction map from wdwmap.com!!

Viewer Mail - We received a great email from Jeff, who has/is creating remastered versions of the Electrical Water Pageant digitally and posts them all to his site and Youtube - Take a gander at what he is up to.  We always love hearing positive emails and comments about how/where you listen to the show and even will answer your Retro Disney questions. Thank you!  Send your questions to podcast@retrodisneyworld.com

Film Restoration - We watch and discuss a retro film that has been restored with Pixcel and Imageworks. Follow along with us as we add color commentary to this 1976 Magic Kingdom film that includes the Swan Boats, restored to glorious retro perfection.  So many good things in this one!

We hope you enjoyed this episode! If you have any questions, suggestions or find errors please email us podcast@retrodisneyworld.com.

Be sure to check back with us very soon for Episode #6 - We discuss World of Motion or Stubborn Donkey Part II, the highly anticipated sequel to Episode 5.  The team is also in contract negotiations to possibly record some mini episodes from time to time... 

Until next time... "Please stand clear of the doors; Por Favor Mantengase Alejado de las Puertas"

  We have created some original artwork for t-shirts, stickers, pillows, phone cases and more. Our first two designs are inspired by the Electrical Water Pageant and the World of Motion. Get into the 4th of july spirit with the "It's Fun to be Free" red white and blue tee or have your morning coffee in an Electrical Water Pageant mug...

All sales proceeds will go towards improving the equipment used to record the RetroWDW podcast!

Designs will be only available for a limited time order yours today before they are gone! www.retrodisneyworld.com/redbubble

Welcome to Episode 4 of the Retro Disney World Podcast. We appreciate your support and hope you have been enjoying each and every episode. Be sure to check out some of the previous shows along with our latest. Thanks for listening!

Introductions - The regular crew is all here, Todd, Brian, How & JT are all present and accounted for. We discuss the original Fort Wilderness sign whereabouts and also a little Fort Wilderness Railroad trivia is brought up thanks to some viewer mail. We also speak of a eBay auction of an original Resort Wall Map fom the 70s and then How analyzes the he monorail loading zone at the Contemporary along with the missing elevator.

Main Topic - Our main topic this month is the conception, history and early years of EPCOT Center. We look into the original vision of how it wasn't really thought to be a theme park and that Walt wanted this to be the community of tomorrow.  Brian and the gang also discuss the 1966 film Walt made to promote the concept and also get people excited about what was going to happen in Florida. How talks about the original EPCOT mailer that was sent to him prior to park opening and we also touch on the Magic Kingdom Club.  This episode is loaded with tons of early EPCOT facts and ideas, some failed concepts and missing characters - Be sure to listen to this episode carefully, as you may miss all the great information Brian shares with us.   

Audio Puzzler - Congratulations to William Winikus for winning the Episode #3 Audio Puzzler, the answer was the Magnetic Mystery Mine on Tom Sawyer Island. William wins the "brand new" bar of retro Contemporary Resort Soap. If you think you know the answer to the audio puzzler this month, email us! podcast@retrodisneyworld.com - There is an opportunity to win one of TWO retro EPCOT souvenirs with this months episode.  All correct answers will be entered into a drawing in December 2015 for a Paul Hartley reproduction map from wdwmap.com!!

Viewer Mail - We received a great email from Jim, who is a current cast member at Walt Disney World. Jim gave us some great feedback and also mentioned how he uses the podcast to motivate him with his job at the Magic Kingdom, in Tomorrowland.  We always love hearing positive emails and comments on how you listen to the show or what it does for you - Send your questions to podcast@retrodisneyworld.com

Film Restoration - We watch and discuss a retro film that has been restored with Pixcel and Imageworks. Follow along with us as we add color commentary to the October 14th, 1982  EPCOT Center Film that has been restored to glorious perfection.

We hope you enjoyed this episode! If you have any questions, suggestions or find errors please email us podcast@retrodisneyworld.com.

Be sure to check back with us very soon for Episode #5 - We discuss World of Motion and learn how it's always fun to be free.

Until next time... "Please remain seated. Your time machine vehicle is rotating for your trip back to Earth."

  We have created some original artwork for t-shirts, stickers, pillows, phone cases and more. Our first two designs are inspired by the Electrical Water Pageant and the World of Motion. Get into the 4th of july spirit with the "It's Fun to be Free" red white and blue tee or have your morning coffee in an Electrical Water Pageant mug...

All sales proceeds will go towards improving the equipment used to record the RetroWDW podcast!

Designs will be only available for a limited time order yours today before they are gone! www.retrodisneyworld.com/redbubble

Welcome to Episode 3 of the Retro Disney World Podcast. Thank you so much for listening and giving us feedback. We love hearing from everyone and sharing your thoughts live on the air!

Introductions - The regular crew is all here, Todd, Brian, How & JT are all present and accounted for. We start off discussing the Tomorrowland Speedway changes through the years, Richard Nixon at the Contemporary and also more US Steel construction techniques for vibration resistance. 

Main Topic - Our main topic this month, Fort Wilderness. This is one of the originals at WDW and actually, none of us stayed there in the early years. JT is a regular to the Fort and we hear all about the opening years and what makes Fort Wilderness a unique place to be on property. The Fort Wilderness Railroad & River Country are slightly discussed, but we would like to devote two full future episodes to those topics. Learn all about Fleetwood Homes, tent camping, Melvin The Moose Breakfast and of course more concrete evidence about Roy's Cabin. Hitch up your camper and join us for a great discussion all about one of the most relaxing resorts on property, that has changed quite a bit over the years.

Audio Puzzler - Congratulations to Matthew for winning the Episode #2 Audio Puzzler, the answer was the Mike Fink Keel Boats background music. Matthew wins a great Mickey Christmas Ornament. If you think you know the answer to the audio puzzler, email us! podcast@retrodisneyworld.com - We will enter all correct answers into a drawing for retro prizes, this month you can win a great bar of vintage Contemporary Resort Dial Soap! All correct answers will be entered into a drawing in December 2015 for a Paul Hartley reproduction map from wdwmap.com!!

Viewer Mail - Candler sent us a great email regarding the US Steel construction site where the Contemporary/Polynesian "drawers" were built.  If you would like to do some exploring, we have the actual address for you in this episode.  Thanks for your note Candler! - Send your questions to podcast@retrodisneyworld.com

Film Restoration - We watch and discuss a retro film that has been restored with Pixcel and Imageworks. Follow along with us as we add color commentary to this film: Todd's personal trip to WDW back in 1980 - 30 minutes worth of outstanding Kodak Film.

We hope you enjoyed this episode! If you have any questions, suggestions or find errors please email us podcast@retrodisneyworld.com. Be sure to check back with us very soon for Episode #4 when we move into the future and finally start discussing EPCOT Center.

Until next time, "But enough of this chit chat, yick yack, and flim flam."

  We have created some original artwork for t-shirts, stickers, pillows, phone cases and more. Our first two designs are inspired by the Electrical Water Pageant and the World of Motion. Get into the 4th of july spirit with the "It's Fun to be Free" red white and blue tee or have your morning coffee in an Electrical Water Pageant mug...

All sales proceeds will go towards improving the equipment used to record the RetroWDW podcast!

Designs will be only available for a limited time order yours today before they are gone! www.retrodisneyworld.com/redbubble

Welcome to Episode 2 of the Retro Disney World Podcast.  We have had lots of great feedback thus far, we hope you continue to enjoy our retro presentations!

Introductions - The regular crew is all here, Todd, Brian, How & JT are all present and accounted for. How kicks off the podcast with the correct story behind the crying aligator gag in the Jungle Cruise from the last show.

Main Topic - The team starts by mentioning their favorite part of the Contemporary Resort, from there we dive into the overall design, the association with US Steel and how the rooms were constructed. JT gets to say "Like a chest of drawers" a few times while Brian imagines the construction view from Roy's Cabin. Todd struggles with the escalator size and continually gets lost in the Grand Canyon Concourse. We move on to the north & south wings and then ask "What would you pay to stay in a retro Contemporary Room?" Todd once again mixes up Shari Lewis and Phyllis Diller as we move up to the Top of the World. The commercial discussed during the show can be viewed here: US Steel Contemporary Resort Hotel Construction Commercial

Guest Star - We welcome Chad from wdwmap.com to the show to discuss his amazing reproduction Paul Hartley map of WDW that hung in the rooms at the Contemporary and Polylnesian Resorts.

Audio Puzzler - Congratulations to Carolyn for winning the Episode #1 Audio Puzzler, the answer was "Foot Power Scene" from World of Motion. . If you think you know the answer to the audio puzzler, email us! podcast@retrodisneyworld.com  We will enter all correct answers into a drawing for retro prizes! All correct answers will be entered into a drawing in December 2015 for a Paul Hartley reproduction map from wdwmap.com!!

Viewer Mail - From David, we discuss a retro WDW Globe souvenier, one that How purchased a number of years back  - Send your questions to podcast@retrodisneyworld.com

Film Restoration - We watch and discuss a retro film that has been restored with Pixcel and Imageworks. Follow along with us as we add color commentary to this film: Contemporary Resort - 1970s Shag and Flair - Restored Home Movie HD

We hope you enjoyed this episode! If you have any questions, suggestions or find errors please email us podcast@retrodisneyworld.com. Be sure to check back with us in January for Episode #3 when we pay a visit to Fort Wilderness

Until next time, "Do not pull down on the safety bar please...I will lower it for you..."

  We have created some original artwork for t-shirts, stickers, pillows, phone cases and more. Our first two designs are inspired by the Electrical Water Pageant and the World of Motion. Get into the 4th of july spirit with the "It's Fun to be Free" red white and blue tee or have your morning coffee in an Electrical Water Pageant mug...

All sales proceeds will go towards improving the equipment used to record the RetroWDW podcast!

Designs will be only available for a limited time order yours today before they are gone! www.retrodisneyworld.com/redbubble

Welcome to the First Episode of the Retro Disney World Podcast.  We have had lots of great feedback thus far, we hope you enjoy the first official episode!.  

Introductions - The regular crew is all here, Todd, Brian, How & JT are all present and accounted for.

Main Topic - This first episode takes us to the early days of Tomorrowland, or the small area with two attractions that was referred to as Tomorrowland in '71. How goes into many great details about what happened and how it all began. The Grand Prix Raceway, If You Had Wings, and Mission to Mars and others are discussed in crystal clear retro detail and of course we make our way around the rest of the land as well.

Viewer Mail - From Mark, we discuss the question "Do you recall the smell that exists in the dinosaur section of Universe of Energy?" - Send your questions to podcast@retrodisneyworld.com

Audio Puzzler - Congratulations to Jared for winning the Preview Episode Audio Puzzler, the answer was "Legacy" which played in the EPCOT Center entrance area. If you think you know the answer to the audio puzzler, email us! podcast@retrodisneyworld.com  We will enter all correct answers into a drawing for retro prizes! 

Film Restoration - In this episode, we watch and discuss two films that have been restored with Pixcel and Imageworks.  Follow along with us as we add color commentary to these two classics from '71 & '72.

• View the 1971 Magic Kingdom Restored Home Movie - Found by Brian at a garage sale!
• View the 1972 Magic Kingdom Restored Home Movie - Taken by Todd's Grandparents

We hope you enjoyed our first episode! If you have any questions, suggestions or find errors please email us podcast@retrodisneyworld.com. Once you are done listening, you can discuss the podcast and interact with the team and other listeners in this thread. Be sure to check back with us very soon for Episode #2 focusing on the Contemporary Resort. 

Until next time, "Kindly move all the way to the end of the aisle, filling in all available spaces..."

  We have created some original artwork for t-shirts, stickers, pillows, phone cases and more. Our first two designs are inspired by the Electrical Water Pageant and the World of Motion. Get into the 4th of july spirit with the "It's Fun to be Free" red white and blue tee or have your morning coffee in an Electrical Water Pageant mug...

All sales proceeds will go towards improving the equipment used to record the RetroWDW podcast!

Designs will be only available for a limited time order yours today before they are gone! www.retrodisneyworld.com/redbubble

Welcome to the Preview Episode of the Retro Walt Disney World Podcast.  This is the very first, but not officially the first episode (get all that?) of a monthly podcast by your friends here at Retro Disney World.  We are going to maintain a consistent format that will last around an hour and you can look forward to new topics each month.

Introductions - Learn who we are and get a taste for how the show will be structured.

Main Topic - We quickly discuss the concept plans for WDW, including the original layouts, maps, land purchasing, resorts, Tomorrowland and more. Don't worry we will come back to all of this in a future episode!

Viewer Mail - From Andrew, we answer the question "Is Disney now creating life long Fans? Send your questions to podcast@retrodisneyworld.com

Audio Puzzler - If you think you know the answer to the audio puzzler, email us! podcast@retrodisneyworld.com  We will enter all correct answers into a drawing for retro prizes!

Film Restoration - Todd goes over the film restoration process at a high level, Kodak prices, and inside the psyche of visitors with cameras. What restorations are coming next and we list out the holy grails of movie footage we are looking for.

We hope you enjoyed this preview episode! If you have any questions, suggestions or find errors please email us podcast@retrodisneyworld.com

Once you are done listening, you can discuss the podcast and interact with the team and other listeners in this thread. Be sure to check back with us on November 24th for the official Episode #1!

Until then, "Please stand clear of the doors..."

As announced in Episode 7 of the RetroWDW Podcast we have created some original artwork for t-shirts, stickers, pillows, iphone cases and more. Our first two designs are inspired by the Electrical Water Pageant and the World of Motion. Get into the 4th of july spirit with the "It's Fun to be Free" red white and blue tee or have your morning coffee in an Electrical Water Pageant mug...

All sales proceeds will go towards improving the equipment used to record the RetroWDW podcast!

Designs will be only available for a limited time order yours today before they are gone! www.retrodisneyworld.com/redbubble

For our main topic, we take you back to the late 80s and early 90s and get into the history of the Disney Vacation Club. We all know what the vacation club is nowadays, but how did it start, and why? In this era of Walt Disney World, things were much different, and the concept of a timeshare at Disney World seemed impossible. Disney decided to change this and tackled the concept of taking ownership in their properties. The Disney Vacation Club Resort was the original, changing names to Old Key West as it is called now. To kick this one off, we get into some personal stories about timeshares, how people get picked to purchase, some of the trickery that has occurred over the years, and more. As we move along, the episode discusses what Old Key West was upon opening. How actually spent some time there in the early years, describing how different it was compared to now. Take a look at this video from May of 1992. If you look at Old Key West on an aerial view, you can really take in what they were going for back then. The resort is basically built around the golf course and it sits on the Sassagoula River, which makes the entire feel of the resort unique at the time of the build. We discuss how this one feels when you compare it to the newer properties, where Old Key West is very much more like a community and less of a resort type of thing. Finally, we get into what went wrong for them at the start, running into development problems and where they went from there as a company. DVC is still going strong but it has changed to what it is now. The perks back then were much better and they slowly have chipped away at what made DVC an interesting proposition back in 1992. Either way, this portion of Disney history and how this adds to the WDW property is an interesting one. We all have stayed at DVC properties but none of us are members. What is it like being an official Disney Vacation Club member? Have you found it to be a good value? Do you regret the purchase? We would love to hear from you and what this has done for you and your family. Thanks so much for listening and we hope you have enjoyed this look at the early years of DVC.

In this episode, we go back to the mid-1980s when Michael Eisner decided to bring The Chautauqua Institution’s blend of enrichment, entertainment, and fun back to Florida with a “uniquely Disney” touch. Originally conceived to be part of Celebration, The Disney Institute opened in February of 1996, offering “Discovery Vacations” where guests could choose from a variety of classes on the topics of Culinary Arts, Design Arts, Entertainment Arts, Environment, Lifestyles, Story Arts, and Sport and Fitness.

Welcome to another episode of the RetroWDW Podcast. We have quite a few things in the works, but we felt it was best to put those aside and focus on a Disney Legend who recently passed, Rolly Crump. If you remember back to 2019, the crew from The Lake Buena Vista Historical Society made the journey to California to meet with Rolly. What was initially planned as a quick Q&A, turned into a multi-hour interview with a film crew to properly document this influential imagineer.

For this episode, we are using the audio from our YouTube Live event where we honored and discussed Rolly. Throughout this episode, you will hear from our usual team but also special guests Ryan Ritchey, Jeff Heimbuch, and Michael Crawford. Each guest on this episode has a unique connection and perspective with Rolly, which leads to an amazing bunch of stories and memories. Rolly was one of a kind and the main idea that came out of this was his amazing personality and warmth toward fans of his work. We will never forget Rolly and we hope with this episode, you will get a taste of just how amazing a person he was.

We are heading back into the golden dome which is known as Wonders of Life. Over the months, we have taken you through many different episodes all about Wonders of Life including: Body Wars/Making of Me, the pavilion and sponsorship, the original concept, and finally the heated debate on the Magic Kingdom toll plaza sign. As we continue into this amazing pavilion, this episode we decided to take a deep dive into the classic show, Cranium Command. We could not have done this episode or concluded with Wonders of Life without involving some guest stars. This is a huge deal and we are super excited to welcome @bunny_wars and @DreamFinderGuy. Brian welcomes our two guests into the episode and we get a brief history of their EPCOT love, Wonders of Life experiences, and also how they are preserving the history of Wonders of Life. As we get started, make sure as you listen you check out the Wonders of Life Archive. Bunny and DFG have an amazing passion for the pavilion and also Cranium Command. They have spent hours upon hours digging up old resources, history, and tons more. You are going to really enjoy everything they have to offer throughout this episode. As a duo, Bunny & DFG get us started by going through the preshow of Cranium Command. We get to hear all about this attraction from their vast archive, which includes cast member interviews and pulling facts from old documents in their archive. The history of Cranium Command is very interesting in how it changed throughout its development. DFG does a great job explaining how the versions changed when exchanging hands between Disney and Colossal Pictures, which is very interesting. We also get into scripts and movie format of the show that was never made. Wonders of Life had many of the attractions tucked away, Cranium Command was no different as the pavilion tried to promote discovery. As you look at the history of this show, the entryway did change over the years to draw people in. We continue on throughout the show, going nearly line by line and scene by scene. The celebrity connection on Cranium Command was one of the most beloved parts and we dig into each of those. Cranium Command is such an amazing show experience, which makes this episode nearly two hours. Bunny & DFG have been amazing throughout all of this, offering us facts and info that none of us have heard before. Make sure you listen to this one twice; the details are immense and you are going to want to take notes for your next viewing of the attraction. We hope you have enjoyed this visit back to Wonders of Life and throughout this journey inside Cranium Command. 

It’s the most wonderful time of the year again, and the RetroWDW crew is here with another festive holiday episode. Brian takes up back to the Walt Disney World in the early 1990s when the seasonal festivities shifted their focus from the Magic Kingdom to EPCOT Center. He tells us about Epcot’s much beloved “Lights of Winter” musical light show and its European origins, as well as other early holiday offerings at the park. Then we make a stop at each of the monorail resorts and finally the Disney Marketplace and Pleasure Island. From chestnuts roasting on an open fire to electrical boat shows, the 1990s made WDW visitors’ seasons bright. 

Welcome to Episode 79: Wonders of Life Part III, which focuses on Body Wars & Making of Me. We continue on this epic journey through the golden dome and we have even more for you throughout this episode. Our entire crew is here to take us through these attractions, but also joining us is Dr. Bill who was one of our top donors to the historical society. He will be sitting in on this episode and also giving us some real-world experience when it comes to the human body and Wonders of Life.

We start you off by going through the mailbag, which is filled with tons of good questions and memories. If you would like to join in on that fun, send us a message: podcast@retrowdw.com

For our main topic, we get into Body Wars, which is one of those lost attractions that has a love-it-or-hate-it type of memory for most past guests. The theming is on point we dig into how accurate this really was, thanks to Dr. Bill. Now keep in mind, the questions keep coming as we take full advantage of having a medical professional on the show this month. We discuss the star power throughout this attraction and if you have not seen this firsthand, you really need to do a ride-through on YouTube.

The second half of this episode, How digs into The Making of Me. We learn all about the production, who some of the creative minds behind it were, and so much more. This is a super interesting concept and idea for EPCOT and Walt Disney World that was unique and also informative. The entire thing really fits in well with this pavilion and attraction. Thank you so much for joining us this month and we hope to see you again soon for Episode 80!

This is a great episode How has in store for you all this month, filled with busted myths, detailed descriptions, and so much more. The Wonders of Life Pavilion was originally developed back in the 70s and if you didn’t catch the earlier episode, take some time to listen back by clicking here. We are going to step foot into the infamous golden dome, which if you poll people nowadays, odds are most have never seen these attractions or taken a ride on the Wondercycles. This 100,000-square-foot pavilion that is 65 feet tall was set back in a way that almost didn’t invite you in like the other EPCOT pavilions. The dome concept though was super clever and useful for what they had in mind, which seems to be low maintenance and not overly expensive to build when compared to something like World of Motion.

How gets into the METLife sponsorship and some of the other options that were discussed at WDI for this. One of the major things we have had in the works for quite a long time – the entrance signs over the years. Initially, there was a very slick looking archway that you walked under to enter. After some years, the arch was gone in favor of a more standard sign that was basically on a stick. What happened to the arch though? We dig into this and for your viewing pleasure, we have written up a thesis on the topic.

Throughout this episode, How breaks down each little section that you could partake in over the years. This includes everything from Coach’s Corner to the Sensory Funhouse and more. The pavilion really had a late 80s/early 90s mall feel with the street lights, natural lighting, and live plants inside. Brian even gives us a very detailed look at the various food options that were in the pavilion over the years, which has a unique history in itself. The entire Wonders of Life complex housed many favorite attractions for EPCOT Center guests over the years, but like many things in this style, the mini attractions did not have the engagement that would get you back into the pavilion again on another visit. For that matter, the pavilion itself was not something that would make you want to revisit EPCOT. These duties were still done by all of the heavy hitters in the park. Either way though, we hope you enjoy this look back inside Wonders of Life and make sure you throw on your teal and pink, in honor of this gone but not forgotten attraction.

For our main topic this month, we decided to dig into the always-present and always-sought-after contest connecting to Walt Disney World. If we all think back, I am sure you all have seen, heard of, or attempted to win some sort of contest either at Walt Disney World or at home trying to win a trip to WDW. JT takes the lead on this one and begins with the group telling us about a contest they have each won, in one form or another. To follow this up, we reached out to listeners and fans to see what they have won. We had lots of great responses, including the ‘Who Wants to be a Millionaire: Play It!’ prizes that Jared supplied us to showcase at the various events we hold. Another fun one we heard about was Eric and the story about winning a Segway Scooter at EPCOT; amazing! The mother of all prizes though, the infamous Night in the Castle during the Year of a Million Dreams. Everyone wanted this one and we tracked down a real person who actually won and spent the night in the castle. Ian joins us from Intercot, which we have a little history with, and gives us the entire story on how this all came to be. Brian gives us his experiences with this contest and we all chime in on how big of a promotion this was. Hearing how big of a deal this was, it is amazing nothing like this has happened in recent years for all the anniversaries.

For the next portion, we go through a massive assortment of contests, ads, promos, and even local contests that connect with Walt Disney World. Some of these contests are very obscure and interesting, which we take deep dives into. Overall, these things are an absolute blast to look back on and we hope we do most of them justice by discussing them in detail. We did not hit them all by any means, but we would like to hear from you. Have you won a contest that got you to WDW? Did you enter one and get the consolation prize? Either way, let us know! This was a fun episode and we hope you have enjoyed this journey with us through contests at Walt Disney World.

Our main topic this month is all about Wonders of Life. With this being Part I, we are just going to scratch the surface about all this pavilion and attraction had to offer. This pavilion is actually still around, the golden dome that is next to Mission: Space, Guardians of the Galaxy, and it also served as a festival center from time to time over the years. How is leading us here in our journey through Wonder of Life, starting us off in 1976.

How actually reads to us some of the original sponsorship concepts presented for the EPCOT Project, which are quite fascinating. Rolly Crump was named the show lead on this project and along with Dr. Lewis, following the mindset “If it’s a ton of fun, and an ounce of information, we’ve reached the teachable moment”. The group settled on the eight health habits, which seem to have been lost to history. How gives us his best estimate based on what he found in his research. Using these habits, attractions and shows were developed.

As How goes through the early concept pieces for Wonders of Life, we connect the various concepts to the actual attractions that came about. Ideas never really went away and some actually made it to the final show as the years went by. The Tooth Follies is a comical idea that didn’t seem to make the final cut, but what a name and also imagine sitting inside the actual mouth. We also discuss the early versions of Body Wars and how they were developed. How gives us so much good info as we can easily compare the development of all these attractions to what really came to be. Part II and probably Part III will be covering all of the attractions you know and love, so please remember to subscribe and get ready for these upcoming episodes.

This month, we take you through the glorious two-hour special that is The Walt Disney World Fourth of July Spectacular from 1988. This is a commentary on the entire special, which is on YouTube currently on many different channels. Here is the link we used: Click Here. As we go through this discussion, we look at each section, analyzing how things have changed and also how the special seems just a bit off.

The entire show is filled with celebrity appearances, song and dance numbers, testimonials, and even the Beach Boys. We notice many instances of synergy within the company and even some super early shots of Disney-MGM and the backlot/Streets of America in 1988. Todd leads us on this one as we get into who is who throughout the special. We hope you enjoy this Fourth of July special as we take you back to 1988 and a different era for the Walt Disney Company. Enjoy!

On this episode, we are joined by Disney entertainer Ray DeForest. Ray spent many years in Walt Disney World entertainment and has a large number of stories and tales we are so excited to hear.  Throughout this episode, we discuss how Ray got his start with the Walt Disney Company in Washington, DC, and then how he made his way to central Florida. As you will learn, Ray was a pioneer in WDW entertainment, working in everything from characters, dancing, performing in the two theme parks, and more. We also hear some great side stories about flying in ‘The Mouse’, where the entertainment offices are, and also how he was able to beat the heat performing in front of the castle. Ray has two areas of performance that caught our attention though; The Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue and the opening day celebration at EPCOT Center. Ray talks with JT in detail about these two exciting but different opportunities he was given at Walt Disney World.  If you have ever seen any of the guide books with photos of the opening of EPCOT Center, you have seen Ray on stage ushering in the 21st Century in 1982. The Hoop-Dee-Doo segment of this interview has Ray sharing some fond memories, giving a few secrets, and also paying tribute to some other amazing cast members. Ray shared with us a number of great photos from his time at Walt Disney World. He really was part of something special back then and we are so lucky we were able to discuss all of this with him. To find Ray online, take a look at the following sites: – Doris Dear: YouTube, Instagram, Website – Ray’s Instagram

The Honey I Shrunk the Kids Movie Set Adventure was one of the early attractions at the Disney-MGM Studios that opened in late 1990, following the success of the film Honey I Shrunk the Kids which opened in 1989. Before we start, let’s read a small blurb from a WDW press photo:

‘A Big Ride For Little Tykes: Kids who visit the ‘Honey I Shrunk the Kids Movie Set Adventure’ can climb on board an extra-large sized ant, just like in the hit movie! The gigantic scaled backyard play area is the newest addition to the Disney-MGM Studios Theme Park and has made a ‘big’ impression on park visitors. With three-story-tall blades of grass, lifeboat-sized cereal bits, and a twenty-foot tall paper clip, the re-creation of the movie set allows guests to experience the special effects of movie-making firsthand (1991)’

In this episode we start with the film itself and the success of this movie. Back then, this movie was made way different and it lent perfectly to the Disney-MGM Studios and the reason for the park attractions. We dig into the ride from start to finish, including the location at MGM-Studios and how each little part of this attraction was presented. If you attended this as an adult or a child, you had different experiences. As a kid, it was an amazingly cool playground that made you really feel like you were in the movies. As an adult, it was a chance to take a minute to relax, and most times, the adults participated with their kids, which is awesome. This entire attraction lasted until 2016, which is insane if you think about it. We also get into some rehabs that occurred, which saw some new add-ons put into the play area due to sponsorships and partnerships. Some items were needed while others were very specifically placed for a reason. Overall, this was super close to an opening day attraction for MGM-Studios and everyone treats it as one of the originals from that park, which it felt like. Nowadays, this is currently Galaxy’s Edge and there really is nothing left of it. We hope you enjoy this look back on this classic attraction that took the concept of a playground and ramped it up to an eleven. 

After months of planning and organizing, RetroMagic 50 has come and gone. Over the long weekend, all of us had an amazing time putting on this event and we hope everyone that attended enjoyed themselves. When an event like this starts to take shape, we have a rough idea as to how we want the day to go. We also have learned from our past events, trying to include what people like, enjoy, and even request. Throughout all the planning though, we try to create an event that we would want to attend.

In this short episode, we recap the entire weekend from start to finish: the behind-the-scenes stories, our reactions to how things went, and so much more. If you were able to attend RetroMagic 50, this episode will be a great follow-up to the whirlwind day we all experienced back in April. If you did not make it to RetroMagic this time around, we will be posting up our event videos on our YouTube channel soon. Please make sure you are subscribed and ready to enjoy these amazingly edited videos.

Finally, we want to thank all of our volunteers who made this event possible. The list is massive and without you: hotel bookings, transportation, set-up, cleaning, organizing, folding, building, welcoming, passing out, and more would not have happened. Thank you so much for your help during the event and also leading up to RetroMagic 50. We hope everyone enjoys this mini-episode recap and be sure to check back for normal episodes soon; we have so many great topics coming your way.

In this episode, we are taking you back to EPCOT Center and more specifically, the Norway pavilion and Maelstrom. How has been hard at work researching and also editing this episode together for your listening enjoyment. We hit on the 1988 television special, starring Willard Scott. If you have never seen this, take a minute after you listen to the episode to enjoy this: Grand Opening of Maelstrom

The high seas Viking adventure was billed as a stormy boat ride with tons of excitement, danger, and thrills. Many articles were written to describe how amazing this ride was going to be and the hype machine was up and running at full speed. This really was the first thrill ride at EPCOT Center, so they played that angle as much as possible. How guides us through so many neat aspects about how this ride came to be, including the items the sponsors wanted to see on the ride. You have to remember how these early EPCOT Center rides came to be and how they were funded. This was a very different era at Walt Disney World that we all know and love, but things came to be in an entirely different way.

Throughout this episode, we hit on everything from the woodwork colors, how the queue changed a bit, which imagineers actually worked on this project, and so much more. One fun fact, this ride was designed entirely on computers through CAD and no hand-drawn items were used to help create the track layout.

As we get through this episode, we spend a good amount of time discussing the closure of this ride. This is one of the more recent closures of a classic attraction that can be debated for hours. Were you one of the fans that did not want to see this go? Are you happy with the replacement? We get into all of this at length, as we feel it is an important part of the history of Maelstrom. This ride truly had that 80s EPCOT Center feel that lasted into the 2000s and beyond, until Frozen was a hit. We appreciate you taking the time to listen to the history of Maelstrom and we hope you enjoyed this super detailed look at the classic EPCOT attraction.

As we get started on our main topic, get out your old pamphlets, flyers, books, magazines, and leaflets. This month we are talking all about planning your Walt Disney World Vacation from the early years all the way up to the mid-90s. The ways this has changed over the years is fascinating when you dig into all the details and ways to book. Todd takes the lead for Episode 74, digging into old planning guides and comparing them to some of his own trips, especially his 1980 visit. Throughout this episode, you are going to notice a world of vacation packages that you might have never heard of before. Everything from small trips to massive all-inclusive style trips with camcorders and meals included. The inflation calculator is brought out often so we can get a somewhat accurate comparison to what we have nowadays. We were super curious if one of our listeners would be sitting down with their slide rule and spreadsheets to compare what the best deal was and when it took place back then...

Todd also digs into some tickets and options for each package back then, which we discuss how you went about booking in the 70s and 80s. There was no internet and there was no google to check on what was being offered. The options seemed to be always changing and always evolving, which isn't too different when compared to trips of today. As always, we also go off on a bit of a tangent about rental cars, vehicles in the 70s/80s, and of course the Chevrolet Citation. While we were talking, Brian remembered the old Citation commercial and he also reminisces a bit about his mid-80s rental car being an Oldsmobile Calais. This episode led most of us to dig into our ephemera boxes again to compare notes and also look at the various vacation packages that we seem to overlook for more exciting imagery over planning details. Do you have anything unique in your piles at home? Send them in so we can add them to the archive of ephemera on the site. Also, take a look at our gallery of ephemera that is loaded with tons of great stuff.

Let us take you back to the New Years Eve of old as we run through all the events of the past and their included musical numbers! Nearly 50 clips of the hottest-bands at the time, and some wash-ups as well!

Welcome to Episode 71.5 of the RetroWDW Podcast: 50th Anniversary Memories - We appreciate your support and hope you have been enjoying each and every episode. Be sure to check out some of our previous shows from over the years. We have visited multiple parks, resorts, and just about everything else in between. We hope you stick with us through 2021 as we bring you some great content that will take you back to WDW each month. For this episode, we are focusing on you the listener, and all the feedback you sent us from Episode 71. The outpouring of memories was overwhelming and we felt we needed to showcase this on an episode. While we do not have time to get through everyone, this episode features many of you and also what you had to say. If you enjoy memories, you won't want to skip this one. We get into lots of great stories that were shared with us and we hope you enjoy them as much as we did.

For this main topic, the plan is to give you a short synopsis of each letter we discuss. This should help guide you through this episode and also give you a letter or two to look forward to if the topic matches your interest.  Jim: Discusses visiting the parks with his children, which changed his magical experience, including the Crystal Palace character meal. The WDW sign was a huge hit for his children and they even moved to Florida. Jim is also a fan of just sitting on a bench too! John: To start, reminds us that the shells from the Polynesian are Puka Shells. John also brings up 'South of the Border' signs which appear on the highway. He remembers staying at Fort Wilderness, staying on the Jack Rabbit Run Loop, and of course the boat/train whistle. Craig: Gives us some great examples of the legendary WDW customer service, including freebies and meeting Mickey. Craig also praises Lego Land for its customer service. We all get into our stories about freebies and how it's the little things that make a big difference. Claudia: Starts with some phases of the trip/visit. Also, Claudia gets into the past visits with people who have passed on. She also gets into closed-down attractions and also spoilers before visiting an attraction. Finally, she discusses WDW customer service. Matt: Sent us a story about customer service at Fort Wilderness. The bed was too soft and at 8pm, cast members drove over to fix the situation in an unimaginable way. Great story Matt! Ramon: Really enjoyed Episode 71 and he felt it was so nice to be unscripted. He will be traveling to Fort Wilderness soon and puts Episode 71 in his top three. Michael: Felt the last episode was somewhat therapeutic and also made him think a bit at the end. When getting into where things are heading for the parks, maybe we are not the target audience anymore... Michael also gave us a call! Thanks, Michael! Scott: Sent this through Instagram, Scott really enjoyed Episode 71. Thanks for your kind words about our show and past episodes. We discuss our different visits, history, and trip experiences. @JLBNerdy: Episode 71 brought her to tears and she is going in November, taking her niece for the first time. We hope you have a fabulous trip! Josh: Joined the show around the time of our Horizons episodes, playing catchup ever since. Happy 50th to you Josh! Andrew: This is another voicemail and Andrew tells us about ordering a cake on Main Street, taking that cake to the Contemporary, then enjoying the Electrical Water Pageant. This is amazing and we all would love to spend our birthday like this. Bob: Discusses major news events that occur when you are in the parks. Bob also defends Todd and the Gold Key Package, which of course is for high rollers only. Todd vows to cover this on a future episode or movie night. @JustEllenIGuess: Would like to hear more stories and loved the format of our last episode. We work to keep it real, research the memories to verify them and also keep it respectful. Brian still thinks 20k is a boring ride! @ServoIsNaked: Discusses Tiny Mic and plans to sit on the lip-shaped couch interviewing anybody and everybody once we set that up. This refers to Mariah Carey and her couch requests for the castle stay. Scott: We get another voicemail and Scott loved everything WDW. His first visit wasn't until 1994, but it was like a dream come true. 24 trips later and he still loves every aspect of his WDW vacations. Justin: We heard from Justin on the Retro Line, he shares a sad memory. His mom took him to WDW when she was battling cancer and he has many fond memories from his trips to WDW. Special people connect us to the parks. Nathan: Wrote to us about How and his disgust for Champion's Gate Traffic. This is great! We even get Walt talking directly to How, which is hilarious. We also get a live look at the traffic near Champion's Gate. Michele: A WDW College Program student, we hear about a special walkway between Universe of Energy & Mission Space. This was a favorite place for Michele to sit, enjoy a coffee or donut and just relax. We all discuss our favorites around the property. Joe: Another voicemail and this one is about his memory from 1985 at Fort Wilderness. They drove from NJ and went for a walk at night, stumbling upon Chip & Dale roasting marshmallows. Joe also leaves another message, this time all about a celebrity encounter. We would like to wrap up by letting everyone know that our little podcast, run by four random guys that randomly met, has passed one million downloads. This is awesome and we are so thankful that so many of you have decided to download our show and join us as we share memories each month. The news of a million is still tough to comprehend, but we love doing this for our listeners and also sharing memories with you.

Tickets are on sale now! We announced our RetroMagic 50 VIP List and we cannot wait to see you on April 24, 2022. Should you have any questions regarding this upcoming event, please send us a message so we can help you out. Click Here To Purchase Tickets Tickets are going quickly and you will not want to miss out on our next big event.

To make sure you are the first to know when items are released, subscribe to us on YouTube. Be sure to click the notification bell too, that way you are alerted when we post.  Finally, be sure to check out Vimeo if that is your thing, as we will post there as well.

• Join us next time for Episode 72, as we get things back to normal for a full-on attraction-based episode.
• We have another movie night coming soon too...  Subscribe on YouTube so you are ready. 
• Click Here to donate to the Lake Buena Vista Historical Society
• Follow along for updates on RetroMagic 50

The mailbag is full and ready to sift through. Be sure to reach out with questions, stories, memories, and more. You never know if your letter will be read on a future episode: podcast@retrowdw.com

1. Brian is up next with a celebrity sighting at WDW. He spotted Mick Foley at Cinderella’s Royal Table, tried to snap a photo and made a minor mistake… This is a great story and we would love to see that photo!
2. Katie wrote us about Mariah Carey and what she required to stay in the castle. This leads to a major tangent about couches, which of course is why you tune in to the RetroWDW Podcast.
3. We heard from Michael Landis about the infamous Monorail Pilots License – if you have never seen one of these, check it out. Obviously, these aren’t around anymore, but this was a neat perk of riding upfront in the monorail.
4. Miranda has a question – When did the Plaza Restaurant inside the Magic Kingdom open up at the current location?
5. Joe, among many others, reached out about our challenge in regards to celebrities appearing in more than one attraction. We discuss a few of these that were emailed to us, along with some other ideas listeners had.

As we get started, this episode will be a little different than what you are used to. For the 50th Anniversary, how do we celebrate that at RetroWDW? We bounced many ideas around, including lists, top 50, sharing memories, and even going back to cover the various anniversary specials. Brian gets us started discussing the way things used to be, which all of us can do for hours on end, you the listener included. Each of us has stories and special things that we remember from the past fifty years. Experiences, memories, family trips, events; we all have so many things to share and reminisce about. This episode is all about that. Throughout Episode 71, we don’t sit on just one topic or park. Many of the stories are personal and lead to more tangents, but we think you’re really going to connect and relate to many of these observations from the past fifty years. As we worked our way through this recording, it’s tough to bring together fifty years of vacationing. The kingdom has so many things for so many people, including us. We are always looking for what’s next, our future trips, and making memories. This podcast is all about memories at Walt Disney World, even if they are super detailed and take us all down a rabbit hole. From Episode 71 all the way back to Episode 1, this show, website, videos, and our events have added another layer of WDW to all of our lives. As we continue to add to our individual and group stories about trips to WDW, we hope you continue to join us each month.

We have set our date for the next big Lake Buena Vista Historical Society event: RetroMagic 50. We will all be back at Walt Disney World in 2022 for this weekend-long event which takes place April 23-24.

Please click the following link to sign up for ticket sale information and notifications. We hope to see you all real soon!

Brian takes this lead for this episode and we are super excited to get into all of the areas where computers innovated and impacted the first couple decades at Walt Disney World. After awhile, computers became common all over, but through the 70s & 80s, these innovative pieces of tech helped WDW in many ways. We start off with some pre-opening documentation, which is on DisneyDocs. RCA had a huge plan for the communication system of the entire property, so be sure to dig into this doc, it is amazing! Next up is communications and we discuss the switchboard inside Cinderella’s Castle, which actually was a real thing. We also get into the water monitoring in Reedy Creek, which were powered by solar panels, relaying information to a satellite dish in space. The entire process is insane and super innovative for the era. Brian and How get into the old DACS system, how this worked, and even discuss some of the old school techniques used at Disneyland and the World’s Fair. Brian mentions the Honeywell 516, which is insanely vintage and absolutely massive.  Take a look at this thing! Brian also digs into the changes in cash registers because in the early days, they were super archaic. After a little time though, they got upgraded to a newer and fancier register from NCR.  We also discuss our own experiences with early tech at home, home computers, and more. The world has changed so much and this old stuff in the home was so neat for the time. The big change in computers at WDW took place at EPCOT Center. The computers turned towards the guest and were not just used to run things behind the scenes. Sperry, Bell, General Motors, and nearly every sponsor at EPCOT attempted to incorporate advanced technology into their exhibits. Brian also talks about how they filmed the movie D.A.R.Y.L. at EPCOT Center, which is a fun movie from 1985. If you watch the following clip, you can match up what Brian is saying from an old Twitter conversation, as they filmed this scene right at EPCOT. For another look at some of the computers at EPCOT, take a look at this video on our channel. This episode has been a blast to record and we hope you enjoyed it too! Be sure to ask any questions or share any computer memories you have from Walt Disney World.

We start off this episode with some corrections and comments from the last couple of months.

1. Jim is our first correction, which was very similar to some others we received. We were all corrected on our Tom Cruise & Nicole Kidman relationship history, which we wrongly stated they met during Far and Away filming. It was actually on the set of Days of Thunder - thanks for helping us out with that one.
2. How gives us some insight into the 2003 Adventurer's Club from an anonymous source. This person saw the backside of the genie head bureau, cast wardrobe, and offers up some backstage secrets regarding The Adventurer's Club. If you didn't catch last month, be sure to listen to our podcast focusing mostly on this club.

The mailbag is full and ready to sift through. Be sure to reach out with questions, stories, memories, and more. You never know if your letter will be read on a future episode: podcast@retrowdw.com

1. Jeremy scanned some photos from 1986 and shared them with us. He has tons of good stuff you have to check out. CLICK HERE to see his photo collection - Thanks Jeremy!
2. Andy is up next with a small Disney connection story. Douglas Cuddle Toys made the small plus toys we spoke about during our Crescent Lake Episode. Andy happened to be in the neighborhood and stopped by. He shared a photo with us and we really appreciate that. Thanks Andy, great find!
3. Tom from Detroit wrote us about the Adventurer's Club, discussing the falling bar stool gag. He experienced this joke at The Safe House bar, which sounds like a blast. Check it out
4. Next up, we heard from Mitch. He discusses the Jekyll & Hyde Bar in NYC. We discussed this in the episode and How gives some more comparisons.
5. John Kuzner wrote us about Antique's Roadshow and how they had a display with 'dolphins'. These are super similar to the Dolphin Resort dolphins we have all seen, so take a look and see what you think. Photo1  Photo2
6. Darryl wrote in regarding some great footage from 1974. We would LOVE to restore this footage, so fingers crossed you still have the film... Let us know! podcast@retrowdw.com
7. Finally, Robert C wrote in about actually roller skating at XZFR. We want to hear more Robert, so let us know of any stories, memories, or things that happened at XZFR. Robert also hit on the much-loved opinion about the Adventurer's Club we discussed last episode.

Todd picked our random winner of 'The Disney Decade' - Jennifer is our winner! Congratulations and we hope you enjoy the book.

This month, we take you back to the early days of the Disney-MGM Studios. When the park first opened, it was mostly show and attraction-based with less emphasis on rides. You may have noticed before we got to the main topic here, but this episode sounds a little bit different. We are recording in and this adds an amazingly fun layer to this episode, which is all about sound. Todd starts us off with our old friends at Birnbaum, most importantly 1989. This attraction was not very well known at the start as most people really didn't know what was going on in this show building. How as at Disney-MGM Studios on opening day, which we discussed in Episode 10. In the early days of the Disney MGM-Studios, movies and technology were used in much different ways compared to how they are now. Even our podcast process is so much more advanced than most everything at the studios back in the day. Sound design, engineering, and effects all had their own 'movie magic' way about them. Even to this day, the sound design makes or breaks a movie. If done properly, it makes for an outstanding movie experience and also have created some timeless sound effects over the years. The Monster Sound Show was an attraction that allowed park guests to experience this process in a fun way that put them right in the action of movie-making. Such a perfect attraction for those early days at the studios. As a group, we discuss the involvement of David Letterman, which was somewhat an odd fit for the time period. At the same time though, we go over all the aspects he was used for in this attraction, including a Top Ten List. Todd leads us through this attraction which includes many sound gags for you, the listener. If you have never experienced this attraction in person, this episode will help you paint a great picture in your mind. What is amazing about the Monster Sound Show is that it starts Chevy Chase and Martin Short. Two SNL alums and also two actors who are in so many classic comedy films of the 80s and 90s. The timing of them being in this attraction is perfect. As we get through this attraction, don't forget to visit Soundworks post-show. The documentation of this area is very limited, so if you have any photos of video of this post-show area, let us know. This area is also where we learn about the styrofoam head that How brought into the parks in an attempt to capture the audio of some of these small post-show audio gags. Overall though, if sound and movies are your thing, you would have really enjoyed this attraction and area overall. The movie-making business back in the 80s was featured in so many unique ways throughout this theme park. We hope you got a sense of this attraction through clever audio and everything in stereo.