Podcast Episode 17: From Vinyl Chairs to Elephants and Hippos

This episode, we spend some time with RJ & Suzanne Ogren. They recently wrote a book about their experiences both working at Walt Disney World. RJ was an artist in the parks responsible for rehabbing and fixing ride fixtures. Suzanne did some work as a character throughout the parks. One cool thing about them: they both were monorail pilots too! We chat with a couple of former cast members who have amazing stories, and wrote a…Read More...

Podcast Episode 16: Walt Hired Me: A Chat with Disney Legend Tom Nabbe

We have a Disney Legend in the studio, his name is Tom Nabbe. We spend over an hour with Tom discussing his start at Disneyland being directly hired by Walt. The insight Tom gives us regarding the construction of Disney World Monorail system, US Steel and of course Roy's Cabin can only be found on this podcast. Tom was amazingly nice and open to discuss anything our retro minds could think of, including the working wave…Read More...

Podcast Episode 15 – Veggie Veggie Fruit Fruit

This month we discuss the amazing Epcot Center attraction, Kitchen Kabaret. How takes you through the entire history of the show, describing each part in detail. Some amazing sound clips are included throughout the commentary, taking you back to The Land Pavilion, how it used to be. This take on the food groups in amazing animatronic goodness was a classic that is no more. Hope you enjoy going back with us.Read More...

Podcast Episode 14 – Christmas Around the World

The long awaited Christmas Episode is finally here. Brian takes the wheel to steer us into a great holiday episode featuring stores about the original Candlelight Processional, celebrity guests, amazing retro audio samples and tons more. Brian tells us about the Main Street garland and of course the history of the various holiday parades. This topic is loaded with content that will really spark some Christmas memories from Walt Disney World. Be sure to let us…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...

Mini Podcast – Ep 10.5: RetroCon and Episode Previews

Welcome to Episode 10.5 of the Retro Disney World Podcast: “RetroCon and Episode Previews” – We appreciate your support and hope you have been enjoying each and every episode. Be sure to check out some of our previous shows. RetroCon Brian and JT will be a RetroCon at a Retro Disney World table this coming weekend in the greater Philadelphia area! Brian discusses what RetroCon is and explains the cool items we’ll have on display as...Read More...

Podcast Episode 10: Hooray for Floridawood

We take you back to the opening day of the Disney-MGM Studios, way back on May 1, 1989. Our very own How and our guest, Hoot Gibson were waiting in the parking lot all night to be the first through the gates. They discuss rubbing elbows with Michael Eisner and Bob Hope and of course giving commentary about being the first to see different attractions. How has a great story about being the first person ever…Read More...

Podcast Episode 9 – Building the Golden Dream

Welcome to Episode 9 of the Retro Disney World Podcast: “Building the Golden Dream” – We appreciate your support and hope you have been enjoying each and every episode. Be sure to check out some of the previous shows. Corrections and Comments We go back and rehash a little bit about the Town Square Cafe and also who the original designer of the Electrical Water Pageant was. Todd has an oddball thought about a Cuttlefish and...Read More...