Podcast

Podcast Episode: 72 – Maelstrom

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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…Read More...

Videos

Video: An Evening in the Vacation Kingdom of the World

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Spend a beautiful evening in the vacation kingdom of the world in this souvenir film. After seeing the entertainment on Main Street USA, there are some scenes from the Mickey Mouse Revue show. Then the film takes us to Tomorrowland for a bit of the Carousel of Progress and a live performance from the Tomorrowland Terrace. There are also some scenes from the Enchanted Tiki Room and the Haunted Mansion. As any good evening does, the...Read More...

Videos

Films: A Trip Back to 1971

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As Walt Disney World continues to celebrate its 50th anniversary, we are pleased to share two restored videos from its earliest days of operation. The first video explores Main Street USA, and the park-like setting of the early Magic Kingdom. There are some great shots of the parade, as well.   The second video is a bit longer, and is from December when the Magic Kingdom is well-decorated for Christmas. There are a few shots from...Read More...

Videos

Video Updates from the Magic Kingdom Club

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The Magic Kingdom Club started in the late 1950’s at Disneyland and originally was a discount program that was offered to employees of large companies. It expanded to included other members, such as Disney shareholders, as well as the Walt Disney World Resort when it opened. Members were provided a variety of literature over the years, including home video updates during the 1990’s. We are pleased to share the videos from 1992, 1993, and 1994 that...Read More...

Podcast

Podcast Episode 74: Vacation Planning

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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…Read More...

Videos

Restored Walt Disney World Planning Videos

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Long before YouTube, Disney produced home video previews for guests planning a vacation at Walt Disney World. This video from 1993, sponsored by Delta, starts off with an extended performance set to “Be Our Guest” followed by several guest testimonials. The video continues with a tour of the Magic Kingdom, including some great footage inside attractions as well as Mickey’s Star Land! Next up is the then-newest theme park, referred to as the “Disney Studios” in...Read More...

Videos

Restored Videos: Lake Buena Vista

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Have fun outside the parks, starting with a new kind of vacation at the Disney Institute! Relatively short-lived, guests staying at the Disney Institute resort could participate in classes in animation, photography, film, culinary arts, and more during their vacations.   Next up, take a tour of Typhoon Lagoon in this press reel from 1992.   Get ready when the sun goes down to celebrate New Years Eve every night at Pleasure Island.   And finally...Read More...

Restored Video

Very RARE – Horizons Opening Press Kit Video

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This is an extremely rare 1983 U-Matic videotape press kit that includes footage of getting Horizons ready for opening, construction, interior shots, a short interview with George McGinnis and Robert McCall, and some quick segments by the SVP of GE Research and Development at the time Dr. Roland Schmitt. Thank you to Joe Zarella for the footage. We’ve restored and upscaled it, enjoy!Read More...

Videos

Videos: Walt Disney World’s 20th anniversary

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As Walt Disney World celebrates its 50th anniversary, tonight we look back to 1991 and its 20th anniversary. This special, hosted by John Lithgow, takes a look at the history of Walt Disney World, and includes footage of Roy Disney and early construction. Lithgow tours the Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, the Disney-MGM Studios, Typhoon Lagoon, and more. If you prefer a more behind-the-scenes look from the same time period, this special, Disney Magic in Florida features interviews...Read More...

Videos

New Year’s Eve Celebration Videos – 1993 & 1994

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As a followup to podcast episode 73, we are pleased to present some video from two New Year’s Eve celebrations at WDW! Explode into 1993 at Epcot with a live musical performance from Kool & the Gang: And then, welcome 1994 at Disney-MGM Studios! There are plenty of DJ’s and bands, including a performance by the Turtles, to help celebrate, and a performance of Sorcery in the Sky. And, of course, plenty of party horns to...Read More...