RetroMagic 2023: Resource Guide

With less than a month to go, we are all gearing up RetroMagic to celebrate 40 years of EPCOT Center. Leading up to this celebration, we thought it would be beneficial to everyone who is either attending or not attending to prepare a little. We have put together a list of books, resources, podcast episodes, restored videos, and more so you can pack your brain before we see you in Florida. We hope you enjoy this...Read More...

Podcast Episode 82: Remembering Rolly Crump

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...

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

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...

Restored videos: Horizons and EPCOT Computer Central

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...

Restored vacation videos from 1987

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...

Podcast Episode 80: Holiday Time at Walt Disney World

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...

Restored videos – Holiday Illuminations & SpectroMagic!

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...

Podcast Episode 79: Wonders of Life Part III – Body Wars & Making of Me

For our third part discussing Wonders of Life, we have a good one for you this time around. With our expert guest Dr. Bill, we get things started with How leading the way as we jump right into Body Wars. The thing with Body Wars, it sort of lives in the memories of park guests as the sister attraction to Star Tours and is somewhat lost to history. Body Wars takes guests on a journey through…Read More...

Podcast Episode 78: Wonders of Life Part II

Welcome to Episode 78 of the RetroWDW Podcast: Wonder of Life Part II – 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. Thank you so much for joining us for more, Wonders of Life. In this episode, we get into the various attractions...Read More...