Restored Films

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

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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

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  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

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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

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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

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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

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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...

Podcast

Podcast Episode 40: Skyway & Swan Boats

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Brian starts us off with the Skyways, another attraction that is no longer around. We do a little bit of Disneyland history along with Skyway history in general. This episode takes you for a ride on the Skyway through our unique perspectives and memories. Then we head to the Plaza Swan Boats where Todd shares an interesting memory how his family used to love the Swan Boats and were super disappointed when it closed. How could…Read More...

Podcast

Episode 39.5 – The Premier of You’ll Find me on Main Street

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This is one of our periodic mini-episodes featuring an interview with a supporter of the show who has an interesting story to tell to our listeners. Tammy Tuckey is an actress, singer, writer, director and Emmy Award winning filmmaker who has hosted her own podcast since she was 14 years old. Her “Tiara Talk Show” can be found on YouTube and iTunes and features occasional interviews with men and women behind some of our favorite Walt…Read More...

Podcast

Podcast Episode 39: Hotel Plaza Boulevard

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We go back to Hotel Plaza Boulevard. Brian gets us started this month, taking us hotel by hotel. We learn quite a bit about this area that consists of seven hotels, not owned by The Walt Disney Company. One of the first items constructed ever on property was the Walt Disney World Preview Center. How actually visited this and gives us a little insight into what was here. Todd also gives some input on what was…Read More...