The Muppets at Walt Disney World Video – NBC Special from May 1990

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This NBC special, which aired on May 5, 1990 is one of the four prime time shows we discuss in episode 30 of the RetroWDW Podcast. This program turned out to be the last Muppets special that Henson would work on as he passed away just 10 after its airing on May 16. We stumbled upon a relatively clean copy of the special and decided to improve it bit by removing the interlacing, repair the chroma…Read More...

Podcast Episode 29.35 – Planning for EPCOT35

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In November 2016 the RetroWDW podcast held a special event at WDW, specifically our Lake and Lagoon Tour was centered around DestinationD. We had limited spots and always wanted to do something that more of our listeners could attend. With the recent announcements and ticket sales of official EPCOT35 events we decided to begin the research to plan our own event to coincide with the anniversary. We're working on putting together a special character meet and…Read More...

Podcast Episode 28: Whoop-N-Holler – River Country

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This month, we discuss the old swimmin' hole in Walt Disney World: River Country. The original themed water park from 1976 is discussed in detail, taking you back with Birnbaum quotes and original guest testimony. If you didn't get to visit this 5 acre park, you are in luck because we walk through each experience and attraction. We even managed to lock down some original cast members who worked the park and their interviews are included…Read More...

Podcast Episode 27: Tomorrow’s Child – Spaceship Earth

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This month, we rejoin at the gates of EPCOT Center, to take a ride on Spaceship Earth. An opening day attraction that has changed a few times but lots of aspects remain the same. EPCOT was an amazing achievement and still is, so join us as we take you back to construction, opening day and the ride itself. Guided by the retro master himself, How goes into great detail taking you through the geodesic sphere.Read More...

Pirates of the Caribbean – Restored 8mm Souvenir Film

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The serene exterior/entrance to Pirates of The Caribbean in our latest souvenir film restoration stands in stark contrast to the busy area we see today. The ride footage opens after the opening scenes as boats approach the galleon just after the famous "drop". For those more familiar with the Pirates of the last decade where Barbosa from the Hollywood film is captain of the ship this film gives you a good glimpse of the original pirate…Read More...

Jungle Cruise – Restored 8mm Souvenir Film

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Our restoration of Disney 8mm souvenir films next takes us to Adventureland's legendary Jungle Cruise. The film opens with the earliest of Jungle Cruise's many signs and entrance designs over the years. We see ships leaving the dock and entering a covered thicket canopy which you might not recognize because you're usually sailing under it and looking at the giant butterflies on either side of you.Read More...

It’s a Small World – Restored 8mm Souvenir Film

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Our series of restored Disney souvenir films takes us around the world on the Happiest Cruise That Ever Sailed. it's a small world is, perhaps, Disney's most famous attraction. The original premiered at the 1964-65 New York World's Fair in Flushing Meadows, NY before moving to Disneyland in 1966. In 1971 it's a small world was an opening day attraction at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World and is the second of an eventual five…Read More...

Country Bear Jamboree – Restored 8mm Souvenir Film

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Our restoration of Disney souvenir films continues with a look at Frontierland's iconic Country Bear Jamboree. This attraction was the brainchild of Imagineer Marc Davis and was originally intended as entertainment to be offered at Walt Disney's never built Mineral King ski resort in California near Sequoia National Forest.Read More...