Podcast Episode 91: Contests at Walt Disney World

For our main topic this month, we decided to dig into the always-present and always-sought-after contest connecting to Walt Disney World. If we all think back, I am sure you all have seen, heard of, or attempted to win some sort of contest either at Walt Disney World or at home trying to win a trip to WDW. JT takes the lead on this one and begins with the group telling us about a contest they…Read More...

Episode 83: The Disney Institute

In this episode, we head back to the mid-1980s when Michael Eisner took a vacation at The Chautauqua Institution and decided to bring its blend of enrichment, entertainment, and fun back to Florida, adding a "uniquely Disney" touch. Originally conceived to be part of the Disney Development Corporation's "Celebration" project, The Disney Institute opened in February of 1996 on the site of the former Lake Buena Vista Townhouses/The Disney Village Resort, offering "Discovery Vacations" where guests…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...

Podcast Episode 71: Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary Special

Welcome to Episode 71 of the RetroWDW Podcast: The WDW 50th Anniversary Special – 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. We hope you stick with us through 2021 as we bring you some great content that will take you back to...Read More...

Remastered Video: Florida Crossroads – Walt Disney World (1991)

Ever wonder about the government entity created for the construction of Walt Disney World? This brief documentary from the Florida Crossroads TV series examines the history, politics, and other details about the Reedy Creek Improvement District in which Walt Disney World is located. The impact on the local environment, traffic, and economy is a focus, followed by a recap of the 20th anniversary activities that took place in 1991.Read More...

Podcast Episode 63: Project 90 (RCA & WDW Pre-Opening)

This month we get into Project 90. Ted Linhart is with us and ready to go with this amazingly important and topical document put together by RCA. We start you off with the history of RCA, how they connected with Disney and what the point of this document is. You have to imagine that back in the late 60s & early 70s, Disney was embarking on an entirely new concept of vacationing with Walt Disney World.…Read More...

Podcast Episode 61: Alien Encounter Part I

We are staying in Tomorrowland this month, but zeroing in on a specific attraction that is no longer with us: Alien Encounter, or the ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter if you are using its full legal name. This one came online back when Tomorrowland had the major overhaul in 1995 and is a fan favorite. X-S Tech is hosting a demonstration at the Tomorrowland Interplanetary Convention Center and everyone is invited, including you! How leads us this month…Read More...

Podcast Episode 5 – Stubborn Donkey Part 1

Welcome to Episode 5 of the Retro Disney World Podcast: “Stubborn Donkey” We appreciate your support and hope you have been enjoying each and every episode. Be sure to check out some of the previous shows along with our latest. Thanks for listening!   Introductions The regular crew is all here, Todd, Brian, How & JT are all present and accounted for.  There isn’t much housekeeping this month, mostly because we are just that good, but...Read More...

1966 EPCOT Film – Restoration Complete

We have completed and published the fully restored verion of the 1966 EPCOT Film which was part of Walt Disney's Florida Project. Filmed in October 1966, this film shows an eager Walt, just two months shy of his sudden death. This film is an amazing piece of Disneyana and Americana. Enjoy!Read More...