Podcast Episode 20: America on Parade

In the spirit of the summer, How takes us back to the 70s and the world famous America On Parade. This vintage parade wasn't seen by many, including most of us, but it is such an interesting piece of history. Learn all about the giant sandwiches, large headed characters and everything else that made this craziness happen. We have a great video to accompany this months podcast, take a look on the Retro Disney World YouTube…Read More...

A visit to Walt Disney World – Restored Home Movie HD from 1974

Title screens were the purview of real film enthusiasts and our cinematographer sets the stage by showing us the Winter/Spring 1974 WDW guide map. This is really unique because it chronicles all facets of the arrival and entrance to Walt Disney World property and the Magic Kingdom. On the open road headed to the Disney World exit and then approaching the parking plaza. Our driver is seen paying his fee and collecting his guide for his…Read More...

The Magic of Walt Disney World – Restored 16mm Film in HD for the first time ever!

There is so much to say about this film that we made it the main topic of Podcast Episode 13 and @MKPony wrote an entire article annotating all the special views and historical aspects of the film. What you are about to watch is the cleanest most pristine copy available anywhere. You will see things you never noticed before, you will laugh, you will feel nostalgic and you will yearn to go back to 1972. Sit…Read More...

The Magic of Walt Disney World Annotated

As a companion to Podcast Episode 13 and the release of our restored version of The Magic of Walt Disney World we present a special guest author this month, Foxxy (@MKPony). She has put together a fantastic annotation of the film as well as some interesting back stories, new findings and some surprises along the way!Read More...

Podcast Episode 13: Unveiling The Magic

We sit down and watch a fully restored version of "The Magic of Walt Disney World". This is an original 16mm copy of the film that would have been sent to schools, local clubs and anywhere else back in 1972. The reel is 1200ft long and we have the only restored copy in existence. 35 listeners donated funds for this project, which included shipping, transfer and of course restoration. This really should be listened to, as…Read More...

Podcast Episode 12: There’s No Place Like World Showcase

We have a special guest, Glen Simpson, who is on board to discuss his career at Walt Disney World. He primarily worked at EPCOT Center in the World Showcase area. Glen also did some work at the Magic Kingdom starting in 1978 with food service and he was also a Jungle Cruise skipper. We get some great insight into the opening days of World Showcase, special guests, and some hilarious mishaps that only a former cast…Read More...

Podcast Episode 11: First Things First

This month we go back to many firsts at Walt Disney World. George & Becky Miranda from Ohio join us to discuss opening day at The Magic Kingdom. They both have an amazing first hand account from visiting the park on opening day along with a great collection of photos (You're going to want to load these up and look at them while you listen to them describe that first day: https://www.flickr.com/photos/georgelmiranda/albums/72157658664679871). We then jump into…Read More...