Podcast

Episode 83: The Disney Institute

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In this episode, we head back to the mid-1980s when Michael Eisner took a vacation at The Chautauqua Institution and decided to bring its blend of enrichment, entertainment, and fun back to Florida, adding a "uniquely Disney" touch. Originally conceived to be part of the Disney Development Corporation's "Celebration" project, The Disney Institute opened in February of 1996 on the site of the former Lake Buena Vista Townhouses/The Disney Village Resort, offering "Discovery Vacations" where guests…Read More...

Videos

Walt Disney World Easter Parade – 1998-1999

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Happy Easter from the LBVHS! To celebrate, here are two restored videos of the Walt Disney World Easter Parade from 1998 and 1999. In 1998, the parade was hosted by Regis Philbin and Ann Jillian and featured a preview of the yet-to-be-open Animal Kingdom Park. 1999’s parade was hosted by D. L. Hughley and Caroline Rhea, and had appearances by Britney Spears, 98 Degrees, and Collin Raye.       We’ve previously shared the 1992 Easter...Read More...

Podcast

Podcast Episode 82: Remembering Rolly Crump

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Welcome to another episode of the RetroWDW Podcast. We have quite a few things in the works, but we felt it was best to put those aside and focus on a Disney Legend who recently passed, Rolly Crump. If you remember back to 2019, the crew from The Lake Buena Vista Historical Society made the journey to California to meet with Rolly. What was initially planned as a quick Q&A, turned into a multi-hour interview with…Read More...

Videos

Restored films from Movie Night!

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If you missed our February movie night, now is your chance to catch up on some of the fun videos we shared. First up is this very early home movie of the Magic Kingdom and a family’s hotel room. Next we have “The Crappiest Home Movie of WDW” which has a few unique looks at the Magic Kingdom in its first couple of years of operation.   Disney produced a series of educational films for schools...Read More...

Videos

Wonders of Life Video Series

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Disney and Metropolitan Life produced a short educational film series in 1990 called Wonders of Life. Released on VHS, this would enable schools and other educational institutions to bring some of the concepts and content from the EPCOT Center pavilion “home”. Each is hosted by Captain Cortex in the animated Cranium Command. Bones & Muscles Got Rhythm Brain & the Nervous System Think Science Heart and the Lungs Play Ball  Read More...

Podcast

Podcast Episode 81: Wonders of Life Part IV – Cranium Command

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We are heading back into the golden dome which is known as Wonders of Life. Over the months, we have taken you through many different episodes all about Wonders of Life including: Body Wars/Making of Me, the pavilion and sponsorship, the original concept, and finally the heated debate on the Magic Kingdom toll plaza sign. As we continue into this amazing pavilion, this episode we decided to take a deep dive into the classic show, Cranium…Read More...

Videos

Restored videos: Horizons and EPCOT Computer Central

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This video press kit for the opening of Horizons at EPCOT Center in 1983 has some great footage of the development and construction of Horizons. In addition, there are several scenes of the completed attraction, as well as a segment with Robert McCall about the 60′ mural placed at the exit of the ride.   This next video about EPCOT’s Advanced Information System starts in CommuniCore and then goes backstage into EPCOT’s Computer Central. With a...Read More...

Videos

More vacation home movies from 1987!

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Today we are happy to share 2 more videos from our series of 1987 vacation home movies! First up is this video containing shots from the Contemporary resort, including the room and Bay Lake. Our family then heads over to Fort Wilderness for a performance of the Hoop De Doo Review before heading over to the Magic Kingdom, which is still celebrating its 15th anniversary. Several scenes from Haunted Mansion, Pirates of the Caribbean, and It’s...Read More...