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...

Videos

Restored vacation videos from 1987

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This home movie from 1987 showcases a variety of footage from World Showcase and the Contemporary at Walt Disney World. It features a bus tour around World Showcase Lagoon, a performance by the Voices of Liberty, and scenes from the American Adventure pavilion at Epcot. The family is also shown enjoying character dining at the Contemporary Resort, viewing fireworks, and visiting the Fiesta Fun Center before their vacation comes to a close. Take a trip down...Read More...

Brian's Corner

Aunty Kaui’s Personal Collection of Slides

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A collector tasked the Lake Buena Vista Historical Society with digitizing a collection of 53 slides recovered from the cleanout of the estate of Aunty Kau’I, a fixture at the Polynesian Resort since its opening, who passed away three years ago today. The photos are mostly of performances at the International Market Place which opened in 1956 in Honolulu to serve the booming postwar travel and tourism visitors.  Aunty’s photos from this location are dated 1965...Read More...

Podcast

Podcast Episode 80: Holiday Time at Walt Disney World

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Every December, we take a trip back in time as we always do, but we focus on the holiday season and how it took place at Walt Disney World. Christmas, New Years, and all the other December celebrations have always offered up unique experiences and sometimes once-in-a-lifetime opportunities for resort and park guests. We begin with personal stories, traditions, and even gifts we received over the years. Read More...

Videos

It’s Time for the Christmas Parade

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Merry Christmas from RetroWDW! Last week, we featured the 1983 Christmas parade on our live stream. Hosted by Joan Lunden and Michael Douglas, you can watch the parade on our YouTube channel here: But we have two more parades to share today! And of course, the original commercials are included. Here is 1985’s parade, hosted by Joan Lunden and Ben Vareen, where viewers can get a sneak peak at Captain EO and the Living Seas! And...Read More...

Videos

Restored videos – Holiday Illuminations & SpectroMagic!

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The beloved SpectroMagic night time parade replaced the Main Street Electrical parade as part of Walt Disney World’s 20th anniversary celebration, and ran until 2010. This video is from February 1999. And from December 1998, here is the holiday version of Illuminations at Epcot. While this pre-dates Reflections of Earth, fans of the holiday tag will find many familiar sequences here.Read More...