Listen to the Episode:
Welcome to Episode 98 of the RetroWDW Podcast: The Disney Difference– We appreciate your support and hope you have been enjoying each and every episode. Be sure to check out some of our previous shows from over the years. We have visited multiple parks, resorts, and just about everything else in between.
Listener Mail
We open the mailbag monthly and are ready to hear from you. Be sure to reach out with questions, stories, memories, and more. You never know if your letter will be read on a future episode: podcast@retrowdw.com
- Wilson is our first letter and we have another John Tesh experience. This is an unbelievable story that almost sounds too good to be true; thanks so much Wilson!
- Aidan wrote us about being evacuated from Spaceship Earth. Such a great ride to walk off, as we did during the EPCOT 35 event; take a listen!
- Our next letter is from Joe and he is looking for photos of the Tambu Lounge. Our group has a little discussion about this and why they are so hard to find…
- Pam wrote us about the 1964-65 World’s Fair and her camera experience there. This camera sounds absolutely insane!
Main Topic
This one has been in the works for quite some time, and we are excited to bring it to you. Years ago, Disney was just a different type of place to vacation, and we all have our memories of things we have lost over the years, the little touches we remember, and more. While we are going to be cautious to not turn this into a gripe session/complaint episode, we are going to hit on some things that are both disappointingly gone and other things that maybe nobody misses. Either way, we hope you enjoy this look back at things that no longer exist.
As you listen to this episode, we invite you to take a stroll down memory lane with us. Jot down anything we mention that sparks a forgotten moment or brings back a wave of Disney nostalgia. Maybe it’s something we overlooked—an old perk, a beloved resort amenity, or a little detail that meant the world to you. Whatever it is, we want to hear about it. Share with us the one feature, service, or special touch from the past that you miss the most. These stories are what keep the magic alive, and we’d love to include your memories in future episodes or discussions. Let’s keep the conversation—and the memories—flowing.
RetroMagic Updates
Tickets for RetroMagic are now on sale. Join us September 26-28, 2025 at the Coronado Springs Resort as we celebrate our Tencennial. Get tickets and more information at the RetroMagic website.
RetroWDW Film Archive
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RetroWDW Merchandise
How designed some great new shirts this month, so be sure to check out the following: a RetroWDW version of the Sun Bank logo, a design celebrating Todd’s continuing promise of Hot Projector Action, and RetroWDW mashups with the Polaroid logo and 126 film packaging.
Be sure to get your shirt, iPhone case, tote bag, pillow or coffee mug today: www.retrowdw.com/supportus
Some of Our Latest Designs
Post-Show Fun
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- Check out our friends at Mouse Adventure to see where you can join them next on a super fun adventure: Mouse Adventure
Hello RetroWDW Team. I just listened to this podcast and enjoyed your stories about past visits to WDW and how much has changed over the last couple of decades. I would like to make a suggestion for a future “movie night” show. First some backstory. My first visit to WDW was in mid-January of 1986. I was a part-time cast member at Disneyland in 1886. At this time the Disney Company offered package trips to WDW for Disneyland, Studios and WDI employees through The Walt Disney Travel Company. These trips included round-trip airfare, transportation to and from the resort, hotel… Read more »
I believe when this film came out, the Disney Parks reached its pinnacle in providing an incredible vacation experience for a reasonable cost. The value they provided for your entertainment dollar will never be matched again
The “crazy camera” was a Polaroid instant camera with black and white film. The prints had to be coated with a neutralizing goop to prevent the prints from tarnishing and fading.
Heads up guys. Your youtube link is not working above. Needs to changed to Retrowdw.
Thank you for finding that! We’ve fixed it.