Home Movie: The Magic Kingdom as seen in 1974

This film, shot in 1974, opens on what appears to be a sunny and quiet day in Fantasyland at the Magic Kingdom. Our family in this film have brought their grandson to explore the park and start with a ride on Cinderella’s Golden Carousel followed by a meeting with Prince John from Robin Hood – though the grandson is clearly frightened. Next we hop aboard the WDW Railroad and make our way around the park with...Read More...

The Magic Kingdom of 1975 – Home Movie

Topiary lovers will enjoy the opening of this 1975 visit to the Magic Kingdom as the topiary that reside at the Transportation and Ticket Center start this film. The footage is a little blurry but we see a good pan of the Polynesian Village Resort and the approaching water launch – the Ports-O-Call sidewheeler which carries us to the Magic Kingdom entrance. When we get inside the park we see the parade down Main Street. The...Read More...

Home Movie: Jack and Elliot Gottlieb at the Magic Kingdom – Sept 1972

Arthur Gottlieb filmed a few minutes of the family vacation back in September 1972…just as the Magic Kingdom was to celebrate it’s first birthday. The film opens with Tomorrowland’s majestic spires. Our subjects, the Gottlieb Boys, take a spin on the not-yet-covered-by-a-canopy teacups. They then head over to 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea where we’re treated to a glimpse of the signage before shots of the sub traversing the lagoon.  A nighttime view of the castle...Read More...

Podcast Episode 26 – Tiny Bubbles – 20k Leagues Under the Sea

Welcome to Episode 26 of the Retro Disney World Podcast: “Tiny Bubbles”. We appreciate your support and hope you have been enjoying each and every episode. Be sure to check out some of our previous shows. Listener Mail First off, we have a real letter! Rob wrote us discussing history on the Golf Resort and some new facts we didn’t cover. Next, a listener wrote in asking about updates to the utilidors. Cameron wrote us about...Read More...

20,000 Leagues Under the Sea – 198x Super8 with Sound

First and foremost, don't get too exited here...this film was a disaster of epic proportions. Normally I wouldn't release something that is this poorly filmed and developed. What prompted me to attempt some bit of restoration and subsequently release it is due to the fact that the film has over 3 minutes of the 20k ride soundtrack. So this film may be best enjoyed with your screen turned off and your imagination taking you into the…Read More...

Through My Father’s Lens: Magic Kingdom ’73 – Restored Kodak Bliss

My parents day was well captured in the 14 minutes. The early morning monorail ride shows the topiaries along the way and soon we are inside Main Street USA. Notice that there is no full-on castle shot until a bit later, as if my father purposely delayed its entrance into the film. The on-board footage of 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea is a wonderful gateway to past memories. We're treated to bits of the parade, the…Read More...

Vintage Walt Disney World 16mm 1975 Press Film – Restored in HD

It's very rare to find any 16mm films of Disney World, but when you come across one that the Disney Company produced you put your cards on the table and make a move to secure it. We stumbled upon this one on eBay and it was worth the purchase and digital transfer. Think back 40 years ago, these press films would be distributed to newspapers for in-house screening or television studios for use in newsreels and…Read More...

Restored souvenir film from 1979 – Attraction Highlights #2

Back when film was expensive and a low percentage of the population actually had a movie camera, Walt Disney World sold souvenir films for you to purchase, take home and watch at your leisure. If your friends happened to be visiting while you enjoyed these films, Disney considered it a win. They were betting that you would take the time to set up the projector, pull down the screen, make popcorn, dim the lights and show…Read More...