1991 Monorail Resort Loop – Front Seat

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Take a spin around the resort loop back in 1991. As you all know, the front seat is off-limits today, but back in 1991, it was an amazing place to sit. This 8mm video recording has the camera fixed in position, then towards the end we get a great look at all the monorail controls. The video is simple, but the idea behind it is amazing, considering this was taken back in 1991. This was shot...Read More...

Disney-MGM Studios Backlot Tram Tour – October 1, 1991

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Leading up to our next podcast, which will be release soon, we dug up some footage from the Backlot Tour in 1991. This was filmed on 8mm video and there are some notable things to look for. Normally, you would see Herbie sitting there in these early days, doing wheelies, popping the hood, etc. Well in this video, Herbie is gone and we see a truck which looks to be from Ernest Saves Christmas – anybody...Read More...

Pleasure Island – May 1992 – New Year’s Eve Countdown

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So here we are, just a few days away from New Years and we have a gem for you. This takes us back to 1992, May 28th to be exact. Some say this was the heyday of Pleasure Island where a nightly New Year’s Eve countdown happened and it was just crazy fun. This entire video is roughly six minutes long and features the stage show and buildup to the countdown. Dancers, fireworks, confetti, spotlights –...Read More...

Holiday Specials of the 90s

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If 2020 is the year of ‘video’ for RetroWDW, then we need to start right now for the holiday season. On our upcoming podcast, we tackle three different Christmas specials that Disney released in the earlier part of the 90s. These three VHS rips really take you back to when Disney did the shows live and Regis Philbin was on top of his game. We have the Very Merry Christmas Parade from 1993 & 1995. This...Read More...

The Shiny New Polynesian & Magic Kingdom – 1978

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This film was shot on a silent roll of 16mm. We get an early shot of the Polynesian beach, adorned with sailboats and white sand. This feeling of go anywhere and boat all over is long gone. The day this was shot, it looks overcast and breezy; but the color correction is amazing. For me, I always seem to expect the look of an old VHS, no matter what the footage is or when it was...Read More...

Special Announcements Podcast Episode: News & Updates

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We interrupt your normal podcast, for a special edition of the podcast. This episode is filled with lots of news, updates and tour info; so here we go! Our Lake & Lagoon Tour: Discovery Edition is getting closer and closer each day. We have less than one month to go and we are so pumped for this. The old Animal Kingdom boats are being fueled up and float tested as we speak, just for you! Right...Read More...

Podcast Episode 43.5 – A Chat With Chris Debiec

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Welcome to Episode 43.5! We are here tonight to chat with Chris Debiec, who plays a key role in the early days of Disney-MGM Studios.  Todd, Brian & How are in attendance tonight and we start you off with some information about the upcoming Lake & Lagoon tour.  Some information is also revealed about the gift for this upcoming event and also some key information if you would like to meet any of us.  For more...Read More...

Magic Kingdom Fun – Home Movie from 1979

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This film, shot in 1979 on silent Super8 is all Magic Kingdom. We start off on Main Street, like almost every film we seem to find. You will be stunned by how empty the street actually is – you could easily drive two cars side by side. We see some great shots in Adventureland, which is more barren than Main Street. Most people you see are in pants and coats, showing a somewhat cooler day. Our...Read More...

Art and Linda go to Fort Wilderness; Including FW Railroad! – Restored Super8 Film

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We have a good one for you today. Art & Linda are at The Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground in December of 1976. The great thing about this footage is the sound! You can actually hear some things that have been lost in time. I couldn't believe the ferry boats still have a nearly identical sound as they do today! Bay Lake has a different look as well. The trees, vegetation and foliage all look shorter;…Read More...

Fort Wilderness Breakfast Show & Melvin Moose

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So I learned something new today.  Back in the 80s, Fort Wilderness had a breakfast show.  What I find interesting is I stayed at the Fort forever, and I don’t recall seeing anything related to this whatsoever.  I must have walked by Pioneer Hall many, many times and just didn’t pay attention to the showbill signs posted.  Too focused on finding the lawnmower tree I suppose. I’ve also heard that originally in Pioneer Hall, they used...Read More...