Podcast

Podcast Episode 42: Communicore West

by

A little while back, we dedicated some time to CommuniCore East on Episode 38. This month, we veer right (If you are going through the main entrance) and take you to CommuniCore West. Todd gets us started with some information on Earth Station and where it was originally planned for. The Fountain of Information is discussed, which included road signs, neon, and anything connected to communication in a fountain type of sculpture. Touchscreens are brought up…Read More...

Restored Video, Videos

Einsel Theater: The Age of Information – Complete Video, Song and Lyrics

by

The Display Closed in the early 1990s, one area of Communicore West can easily be crowned as the definitive definition of a prophecy that came true. Nestled along a huge wall in Futurecom, this 40 foot kinetic sculpture included fifty-five automaton figures and countless animated devices, props and displays; all timed to react and move in perfect synchronyy with the song that shared its name with the display: The Age of Information. Walter Einsel, an American...Read More...

Restored Films

Project Florida – Like you’ve never seen it before! – Restored 16mm Film

by

This is one of the rare films we've all been waiting for...Project Florida. Produced in 1970 the film was presented on NBC's The Wonderful World of Disney, following the conclusion of The Adventures of Bullwhip Griffin Part 3 on January 31, 1971. Its primary goal was to educate and excite the public about the construction and soon-to-open Walt Disney World. Since then, aside from a portion of the film released the DVD Magic Kingdom: Imagineering the Magic, the…Read More...

Podcast

Podcast Episode 41.75 – Lake and Lagoon Tour: Discovery Edition

by

  The Lake and Lagoon Tour is back! Our popular Lake and Lagoon Tour of 2016 is back, and this time we've got a bigger boat! Set sail on Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake in true retro style! After boarding a boat previously used for the Animal Kingdom Discovery River Cruise attraction your knowledgeable RetroWDW crew will take you to some of the famed but not forgotten sights and and landmarks including Roy's Cabin, Rile's Island,...Read More...

Podcast

Podcast Episode 41.5 – A Chat With Author Chris Smith

by

Chris comes to us as an author of two titles: The Walt Disney World That Never Was and his second book, The Backstories & Magical Secrets of Walt Disney World. We start off the episode with a little bit of history, all about Chris and his connections to Disney. Past trips, The Disney Channel and how often he visits nowadays. Chris also gives us a little background on how he got started. This includes old documents,…Read More...

Official Films, Restored Films

Rare 16mm Walt Disney World Promotional Film

by

A series of clips issued by Disney in the 1970's on 16mm film for promotional purposes. It starts outside the entrance to the park with footage of the entrance plaza and Seven Seas Lagoon. A quick eye at the 0:43 mark will realize that guests are exiting the MK monorail station on the side where you now board, this was the original design [until rains came and unloading guests into a smaller area presented a problem,...Read More...

Podcast

Podcast Episode 41: Fort Wilderness Railroad

by

So this month, we take you back to Fort Wilderness. The main topic is the now removed Fort Wilderness Railroad that provided transportation inside the resort in a unique way. Todd has done his research, focusing on text and personal interviews to give us an amazingly detailed picture into the railroad. If you are familiar with Fort Wilderness, you know that they use the standard bus transportation for the internal resort loop. In the past, they…Read More...

Podcast

Podcast Episode 40.5: WDW Radio Loops Part I

by

Welcome to Episode 40.5 of the RetroWDW Podcast: "WDW Radio Loops Part I" - We appreciate your support and hope you have been enjoying each and every episode. Be sure to check out some of our previous shows. Main Topic WDW Radio Stations A few episodes back we discussed the WDW Radio loop that played on the interstate highway system in Florida as you approached Walt Disney World. Wayne from Alabama sent us a copy of...Read More...