Podcast - "Episode #5" INSIDE THE DPN

INSIDE THE DPN has posted a new podcast episode.

Welcome to episode number five of "the podcast about the podcasts" on the Disney Podcast Network!

On this edition of Inside the DPN:

Paul Barrie Friends Hit Disneyland Live
The Mouselounge Returns
The Meandering Mouse Meets a Yeti
We get to know Lou Bob from "Beyond Main Street"
And much more!

Thanks for your kind words on the “Inside the DPN” forum at the Disney Podcast Network, and your reviews on iTunes!

This podcast is presented by the Disney Podcast Network to help you get acquainted with the various podcast programs available in the DPN collective community and online forums. We encourage you to visit the DPN today and become part of our “family” of podcasters, podcast fans, and people who share a love for all things Disney.

Much like THE BLOG OF TOMORROW, this podcast is dedicated to highlighting the best Disney content from around the web.

Check it out HERE.


--CJW
RetroDisney.com
Explore the links, relive the magic, and choose your own tomorrow, today!

Podcast - "Trapped in Your Head with Little Swimmers" TRAPPED ON VACATION

TRAPPED ON VACATION has posted a new podcast episode featuring audio from the usually closed WONDERS OF LIFE pavilion at EPCOT.

WONDERS OF LIFE IS OPEN!!!!!!! So of course on day one (Sunday) I was there. Come along and learn where babies come from in the Making of Me, and then after you make a baby, 12 years later that baby grows up to be a child of the 80s in Cranium Command! Ok so the two attractions aren't really connected, but in my world they totally are! I learned a lot in the Making of Me... I'm so immature! Special guest is DrDuck and family from the DPN forums! (Great people!!!) As always, have fun!

Take a listen. Who knows how long the WONDERS OF LIFE pavilion has?

Check it out HERE.


--CJW
RetroDisney.com
Explore the links, relive the magic, and choose your own tomorrow, today!

Article - "Defending DinoLand USA" 2719 HYPERION

2719 HYPERION has posted a fantastic new article rebutting the accepted hatred of Chester & Hester's DINO-RAMA.

DinoLand USA, and more specifically, Chester and Hester's Dino-Rama, is frequently cited by fans as one of their least favorite concepts at Walt Disney World. The gang at the WDW Today podcast were all pretty much in agreement on a recent show when they ranked it as one of the resort's worst.

The most common complaint about the area seems to center on Chester and HesterÂ’s Dino-Rama. Citing the overused and easily abused mantra "Walt would never have done that," folks tend to be appalled by the low-brow tourist trap theme, and inclusion of carnival games and more traditional amusement park-type rides. It also suffers from the "everything needs to be an E Ticket" mindset of many hardcore fans.

Incredibly enough, it is one of the resort's best examples of a totally immersive experience. But sadly, if you are under the age of thirty, and not a student of mid-20th century popular culture, you'll be likely unable to appreciate what a great story the Imagineers are telling in this corner of Animal Kingdom.

I've never given this side of things much thought. A great article that may have turned me into a DINO-RAMA believer!

Check out the full article HERE.


--CJW
RetroDisney.com
Explore the links, relive the magic, and choose your own tomorrow, today!

Download - "Disneyland Monorail Audio" DISNEY FRONTIER

Josh over at DISNEY FRONTIER has posted a new audio download from the Disneyland MONORAIL.

This is an MP3 of the Disneyland Monorail audio track. ItÂ’s 10 MB so it may take a few to download. There is some slightly interesting chatter going on between the pilot and what I assume are the other pilots. I wish I knew who to credit for the recording but I found this on a peer to peer file trading site and have no idea who recorded it. Anyway, I hope you enjoy.

This audio track is from a Mark V Monorail trip around Disneyland.

Check it out HERE.


--CJW
RetroDisney.com
Explore the links, relive the magic, and choose your own tomorrow, today!

Article - "The Myth of Story" RE-IMAGINEERING

RE-IMAGINEERING has posted a new article discussing the Disney mantra "it's all about story."

Spending time and money obsessing over how to communicate story details at the expense of creating a unique immersive experience may seem blatantly foolish, but that’s what comes from close adherence to an unquestionable dogma. Like any dogma, it exists to serve the ruling faction. If you consider the fact that a handful of “creative executives” at Imagineering have built their careers on the myth of story, it becomes apparent that the true audience for these carefully-crafted stories are not the millions of paying guests who visit Disney theme parks every year, but the executives who constantly ask, “What’s the story?”

I can't say I agree with this article, but it's worth a read. Be sure to catch the comments too. (I agree with Ian's take.)

Check it all out HERE.


--CJW
RetroDisney.com
Explore the links, relive the magic, and choose your own tomorrow, today!

THE BEST OF LAST WEEK 11/20-26/06

If you missed last week's best Disney Podcasts, News Flashes, and/or Articles, here are some of the highlights from 11/20-26/06

BEST LINK
2719 HYPERION
"Caballeros in the Age of Misinformation"
WHY? Get the facts straight.

BEST NEWS
Is no news good news when it comes to Disney?

BEST PODCAST
NETCOT
Any of the three podcasts posted in the last two weeks! (Star Tours, Parades, and Cinderella's Carousel)
WHY? Quantity AND quality.

BEST DOWNLOAD
EXTINCT ATTRACTIONS CLUB
"Bob Gurr and David Oneal TV Special"
WHY? This is actually a podcast, but it's been a slow week for good downloads.


COMING SOON FROM RETRODISNEY.COM!
1.) A NEW DESKTOP WALLPAPER SECTION - Only the highest quality photos optimized to fit your screen.

2.) A NEW HYDROLATOR T-SHIRT - In light of the re-imagineering of THE LIVING SEAS, we have decided to celebrate our beloved missing HYDROLATORS with a new retro t-shirt design.

Check back soon!


--CJW
RetroDisney.com
Explore the links, relive the magic, and choose your own tomorrow, today!

Article - "Microsoft Users: It's a Small World" NETCOT

I couldn't help myself with this link, it's just too funny. Van over at NETCOT has posted a new article talking about a rather creepy feature that Windows users might come across in their daily crashes.

Microsoft wants you to remember that you're not alone when you're having problems with your computer. That's true. If you have a Windows machine, chances are you've had it crash, stop responding or had it boot into Safe Mode. Actually, chances are you've probably had all three happen... quarterly, at least.

But again, you're not alone. There are tons of people running Windows who have the same thing happen. Really, you should think of it like a membership to a community. You're part of the group when you see those things happen. Just like the guy in Spain who's cursing in Spanish at his Windows computer for doing the same thing. Or the guy in France whoÂ’s flicking his cigarette on his computer as Windows boots into Safe Mode.

To commemorate these events, Microsoft wants you to remember that it really is a small world after all. - That's why a known "feature" of Safe Mode is that it will randomly plat "It's a Small World" while its in safe mode.

Check out the official Microsoft page HERE.


--CJW
RetroDisney.com
Explore the links, relive the magic, and choose your own tomorrow, today!

Article - "Caballeros in the Age of Misinformation" 2719 HYPERION

2719 HYPERION has posted a new article further discussing the rumored changes coming to EPCOT'S MEXICO.

Official: El Rio del Tiempo will be closed for refurbishment Tuesday, January 2, 2007, through Sunday, April 1, reopening Monday, April 2.

Unofficial: The Three Caballeros, featuring Donald Duck, Jose Carioca and Panchito, will be integrated into a new redesign of the attraction.

It's a potential development that has many Disney purists again lamenting the influx of "characters" into Epcot attractions. It is an interesting debate. Threads on numerous forums around the web have sprung up, with opinions being voiced both pro and con. But what has proven most disturbing in all this is a real lack of knowledge about the history of these characters and the film itself. One particular thread on WDW Magic was filled with statements from people who really didn't know what they were talking about.

A smackdown to those of you out there making premature accusations.

Check it out HERE.


--CJW
RetroDisney.com
Explore the links, relive the magic, and choose your own tomorrow, today!

Podcast - "Space Mountain" IMAGINEERING MY WAY

IMAGINEERING MY WAY has posted a new podcast episode.

Segment One: Disney's Dopplegangers - Space Mountain
Segment Two: WDI Report Card - Night Before Christmas
Segment Three: IMW Bulldozer - Paradise Pier - Yet Again
Segment Four: The WEDWay
Segment Five: Open Line Friday
Segment Six: IMW Hit Parade

Check it out HERE.


--CJW
RetroDisney.com
Explore the links, relive the magic, and choose your own tomorrow, today!

Podcast - "The Oldest Ride in WDW" NETCOT

For their third Podcast this week, NETCOT has posted a new episode featuring the oldest ride in WDW.

#029: The oldest ride in WDW. Top 7: Best places to wait in line. Disney World and Disneyland news. Facts/trivia and rare audio from Disneyland and Disney World.

This is still one on my absolute favorite podcasts!

Check it out HERE.


--CJW
RetroDisney.com
Explore the links, relive the magic, and choose your own tomorrow, today!

Podcast - "Animal Kingdom at Night" MEANDERING MOUSE

MEANDERING MOUSE has posted a new podcast episode.

Be Sure to listen to the VERY END of this one. It's time for some live from Walt Disney World Meanderings!! This has to be my all-time favorite live in the park meandering show as it covers Disney's Animal Kingdom at night along with a walk around The World Showcase promenade for some reviews of The Food and Wine Festival. That's right, it's your chance to drink and eat your way around the world with The Meandering Mouse. This show ends with the best recording I've ever captured of Illuminations: Reflections of Earth.

Check it out HERE.


--CJW
RetroDisney.com
Explore the links, relive the magic, and choose your own tomorrow, today!

Podcast - "Bob Gurr and David Oneal TV Special" EXTINCT ATTRACTIONS CLUB

EXTINCT ATTRACTIONS CLUB has posted a new podcast episode.

USC TV had Disney Legend Bob Gurr and David Oneal on their show to discuss Extinct Attractions and Walt Disney himself. This is a video podcast.

Check it out HERE.


--CJW
RetroDisney.com
Explore the links, relive the magic, and choose your own tomorrow, today!

MAILBAG - DisneyFrontier.com

I received an email last week from Josh at DisneyFrontier.com, another great Disney blog dedicated to finding the best Disney content on the web.

DisneyFrontier.com is frequently updated with the latest and greatest Disney news, photos, articles, and videos from around the world wide web.

We've added DF to our RSS list and look forward to linking to future posts!

Be sure to check it out HERE.

Keep up the great work Josh!


--CJW
RetroDisney.com
Explore the links, relive the magic, and choose your own tomorrow, today!

Article - "Marc Davis PART TWO" PASSPORT TO DREAMS OLD AND NEW

PASSPORT TO DREAMS OLD AND NEW, the blog with the longest name ever, has posted part two of their Marc Davis article series.

The next Marc Davis venture was to be a fateful one...

Since the opening of Disneyland, a number of smaller and essentially un-designed “theme parks” had been popping up around the United States under the names of Six Flags, Busch Gardens, etc. These low-end attractions often had their staying power through their collection of ever-expanding roller coasters and a new kind of guest was being created: the thrill seeker.

In effect, it would be an old-fashioned Disney-style show on a grand scale when, all around the US and even within Disney, it was making less and less sense to just not build roller-coasters. Between 1975 and 1980, Disney built five coasters, if we count the Matterhorn refurbishment as part of the craze.

Check it out HERE.


--CJW
RetroDisney.com
Explore the links, relive the magic, and choose your own tomorrow, today!

THE BEST OF LAST WEEK 11/13-19/06

If you missed last week's best Disney Podcasts, News Flashes, and/or Articles, here are some of the highlights from 11/13-19/06

BEST LINK
EPCOT CENTRAL
"Why It Matters"
WHY? The answer is so important.

BEST NEWS
INTERCOT
"Too Small To See"
WHY? Actual future technologies at Epcot? Please, sir, may I have some more?

BEST PODCAST
WINDOW TO THE MAGIC
"Christmastime Kickoff"
WHY? It's Christmas time in the city.

BEST DOWNLOAD
PUPPET UP!
"Sample Download"
WHY? Improv with foul-mouthed Muppets is funny.


COMING SOON FROM RETRODISNEY.COM!
1.) A NEW DESKTOP WALLPAPER SECTION - Only the highest quality photos optimized to fit your screen.

2.) A NEW HYDROLATOR T-SHIRT - In light of the re-imagineering of THE LIVING SEAS, we have decided to celebrate our beloved missing HYDROLATORS with a new retro t-shirt design.

Check back soon!


--CJW
RetroDisney.com
Explore the links, relive the magic, and choose your own tomorrow, today!

Podcast - "Episode #71" WINDOW TO THE MAGIC

WINDOW TO THE MAGIC has posted a new podcast episode.

This week, Paul takes you on a magic carpet excursion through Paris and Tokyo Christmas celebrations, a reader answers our call for negative feedback, Paul discusses Patrick and his plans for mousefest, Mouseketeer Greg shows us what is currently "playing" in Seattle, we enjoy listener emails and audio feedback and explore the little known (and really cool) story behind one of the critter houses in Splash Mountain in Florida.

Check it out HERE.


--CJW
RetroDisney.com
Explore the links, relive the magic, and choose your own tomorrow, today!

Podcast - "Star Tours & Parades" NETCOT

One of my favorite Disney podcasts, THE NETCOT PODCAST, has posted a new podcast episode. (Actually 2 episodes due to a technical difficulty.)

#027: Star Tours. Top 7: Foods that should have been good, but weren’t. Disney World and Disneyland news. Facts/trivia and rare audio from Disneyland and Disney World.

#028: Parades. Top 7: Rides that should be sponsored. Political Ads. Disney World and Disneyland news. Facts/trivia and rare audio from Disneyland and Disney World.

I love the NETCOT podcast!

Check it out HERE.


--CJW
RetroDisney.com
Explore the links, relive the magic, and choose your own tomorrow, today!

Podcast - "Playhouse" BEYOND MAIN STREET

BEYOND MAIN STREET has posted a new podcast episode.

In show #26 of BMS, we take you into the "Playhouse" and try and do a show for all the kids out there. Like I said, we tried.
Aside from that, enjoy some more off screen glances by Bob, some adult humor, and just the normal crazy stuff. Enjoy!!

Check it out HERE.


--CJW
RetroDisney.com
Explore the links, relive the magic, and choose your own tomorrow, today!

Podcast - "Crowd Control" MICECAST

MICECAST has posted a new podcast episode.

In light of the closing of Disneyland's gates this last Veterans' Day weekend, Greg and Mike discuss some ideas and options on how to get those crowds down to a manageable level. This show clocks in at 1 hour 34 minutes.

I was there on Veteran's Day. One of the too many.

Check it out HERE.


--CJW
RetroDisney.com
Explore the links, relive the magic, and choose your own tomorrow, today!

News - "Too Small To See" INTERCOT

INTERCOT has posted some new Disney news regarding the opening of TOO SMALL TO SEE, a new show at EPCOT'S INNOVENTIONS.

"Too Small to See" explores the wonders of the emerging field of nanotechnology and lets the visitor enter this world from the perspective of life at the atomic scale." The exhibit is located in INNOVENTIONS East, one of two buildings in the pavilion at Epcot that house exhibits designed to help guests discover and understand science and technology. After its unveiling at INNOVENTIONS at Epcot, "Too Small to See" will be on display at science museums throughout the United States as part of the Sciencenter's traveling exhibition program.

Keep the future technology coming to EPCOT!

Check it out HERE.


--CJW
RetroDisney.com
Explore the links, relive the magic, and choose your own tomorrow, today!

Article - "Why It Matters" EPCOT CENTRAL

EPCOT CENTRAL has posted a new article talking about why and how the original EPCOT Center inspired its visitors.

I received this comment from a reader via e-mail:

"Future World in EPCOT Center inspired me to become an engineer, and the Energy Exchange in Communicore encouraged me to pursue nuclear power."

Wow.

How much more proof do you need that EPCOT Center mattered, and that the problems of today's Epcot are worth "whining" about?

The old saw says that if you can reach just one person, you've succeeded. So, there's proof. I welcome any of you who were equally inspired in any way by EPCOT Center to let me know. (For what it's worth, I was inspired to my own profession by Spaceship Earth and the story it told of the power and meaning of human communication.)

Check it out HERE.


--CJW
RetroDisney.com
Explore the links, relive the magic, and choose your own tomorrow, today!

Article - "The Hopes of Progress" EPCOT CENTRAL

EPCOT CENTRAL has posted yet another well articulated article talking about the downfall of EPCOT.

"But if the present dispensation is wiped out now, the future will look back on us as gods, certainly in this city, lucky gods blessed by supermarket cornucopias, torrents of accessible information, warm clothes that weigh nothing, extended life-spans, wondrous machines. This is an age of wondrous machines. Whole music libraries held in an object the size of a child's hand. Cameras that can beam their snapshots around the world. Effortlessly, he ordered up the contraption he's riding in now through a evice on his desk via the Internet. The computer-guided stereotactic array he used yesterday has transformed the way he does biopsies. Digtialised [sic] entertainment binds [a] couple walking hand in hand, listening through a Y-socket to their personal stereo."

I read this passage and wondered ... where is our generationÂ’s celebration of our world, our life? Isn't that, at its core, what EPCOT Center was and why it worked so well?

Read the entire article and the follow up comments for more intelligent thoughts. Go forth!

Check it out HERE.


--CJW
RetroDisney.com
Explore the links, relive the magic, and choose your own tomorrow, today!

Article Series - "A Day @ DIsneyland, July 27th, 1955" DAVELANDBLOG

DAVELANDBLOG has started a new blog series entitled "A Day @ Disneyland, July 27th, 1955".

Although not as bright and detailed as slides, vintage photos can also be cool. So, with that theory I am going to start posting a group of bw photos from the first month that the park was open.

This series is updated daily.

Check it out HERE.


--CJW
RetroDisney.com
Explore the links, relive the magic, and choose your own tomorrow, today!

Article - "We Want More Stuffed People" THE PICKLE BARREL

THE PICKLE BARREL has posted a new article featuring the 'stuffed people' Disneyland used to have sitting around the park.

Ya know, thinking about the lack of monkey at Disneyland the other day, I began to think about some of the other old-tymee goodness that has been cleansed from the theme park experience... STUFFED PEOPLE!

Delightfully creepy.

Check it out HERE.


--CJW
RetroDisney.com
Explore the links, relive the magic, and choose your own tomorrow, today!

Article - "Sign o' the Times" EPCOT CENTRAL

Found this pic on EPCOT CENTRAL.

Thanks to Epcotrob for this great Photoshop creation that pretty much says what's on many of our minds!

--CJW
RetroDisney.com
Explore the links, relive the magic, and choose your own tomorrow, today!

Article - "The Magic Door" RE-IMAGINEERING

The folks over at RE-IMAGINEERING have posted a wonderful new article talking about

A central concept in Pixar's hit "Monsters Inc." is a magic door through which the workaday spooks of Monstropolis can travel to the human world to collect the screams of children...

Like the plunge into Alice's Wonderland rabbit hole or the leap from the Darling nursery into flight with Peter Pan, here is a truly visual and experiential story conceit, ready-made for Imagineers to exploit...

Yet, when the awkwardly titled "Monster's Inc: Mike and Scully to the Rescue" attraction opened to the public, it was many things: cute, pleasant, mildly amusing, sure to charm the kiddies, a huge improvement over the prior tenant - - but, well, yet another dark ride disappointment that falls short of its promise.

Though we see magic doors, pass magic doors, even find a warehouse of magic doors, we are never taken THROUGH one single magic door.

Please read the entire article as well as the user comments! Important stuff!

Check it all out HERE.


--CJW
RetroDisney.com
Explore the links, relive the magic, and choose your own tomorrow, today!

Article - "Mexico, Schmexico -- They're All Latin!" EPCOT CENTRAL

EPCOT CENTRAL has posted a new article talking about the rumored changes coming to EPCOT's EL RIO DE TIEMPO.

...That's what Disney seems to be thinking when it comes to a renovation of the Rio del Tiempo ride in the Mexico pavilion.

Word is out that Disney is planning a refurbishment, and the long-rumored plan is for Imagineers to base an updated ride on the 1944 Disney animated movie The Three Caballeros.

There's just one little problem: Only one of the three caballeros is actually Mexican, and a good chunk of the movie takes place in Brazil.

Check out the full article HERE.


--CJW
RetroDisney.com
Explore the links, relive the magic, and choose your own tomorrow, today!

Article - "The Muppets - Puppet Up!" THE DISNEY BLOG

The DISNEY BLOG has posted a new article featuring the latest news from the Jim Henson Company.

The next TV show from the minds of the Jim Henson company debuts November 20th at 11pm on TBS. It's playing at 11PM because this is not the Muppet Show of my youth. It's Puppet Up - "Uncensored" improv comedy that contains adult themes and language.

Go ahead, set it up on your TiVo or DVR.

Check it out HERE.
For a preview check out the video on the Puppet Up! website.


--CJW
RetroDisney.com
Explore the links, relive the magic, and choose your own tomorrow, today!

Article - "Marc Davis PART ONE" PASSPORT TO DREAMS OLD AND NEW

PASSPORT TO DREAMS OLD AND NEW has posted an incredible new article about original WED Imagineer Marc Davis.

...And the key creative man who got WED through two huge projects - Pirates of the Caribbean and the Haunted Mansion - was ex-animator Marc Davis. Davis was indestructible for many years, and if he had had his way, The Magic Kingdom in Florida would have been a very different place. He was also a certifiable genius.

Fabulous article!

Check it out HERE.


--CJW
RetroDisney.com
Explore the links, relive the magic, and choose your own tomorrow, today!

Podcast - "Christmastime Kickoff EPISODE #70" A WINDOW TO THE MAGIC

Speaking of Paul Barrie and A WINDOW TO THE MAGIC, they have posted a new podcast episode featuring a live trip around Disneyland.

Christmastime kicked-off this weekend at the Disneyland Resort, and so Paul, Calvin, Tairy and special guest Chreestopher from the Big D videocast take you to the park this week for a live trip around the park to explore the Anaheim offerings, all in fabulous binaural audio. Listen as well for what Paul plans to do for the REST of the holiday season.

Features great ride-through audio of HAUNTED MANSION HOLIDAY.

Check it out HERE.


--CJW
RetroDisney.com
Explore the links, relive the magic, and choose your own tomorrow, today!

MY THOUGHTS - Meeting 'A Window to the Magic's' Paul Barrie

For those of you who take advantage of RetroDisney.com's BLOG OF TOMORROW, you're already familiar with Paul Barrie's superb A WINDOW TO THE MAGIC podcast. For those who aren't, just know that you are missing one of the best! Boy howdy!

Well, as I was leaving Disneyland this past Saturday night I had the pleasure of bumping into Mr. Paul Barrie himself. He was taping a new holiday episode for future release. I didn't want to disturb the production so we only chatted for second. But let me say that the man behind the voice is a mighty pleasant chap!

Thanks for taking the time to say hello to a fan. Keep up the great work, Paul!


--CJW
RetroDisney.com
Explore the links, relive the magic, and choose your own tomorrow, today!

THE BEST OF LAST WEEK 11/06-12/06

If you missed last week's best Disney Podcasts, News Flashes, and/or Articles, here are some of the highlights from 11/06-12/06

BEST LINK
PASSPORT TO DREAMS OLD AND NEW
"Jungle Cruise BTS"
WHY? Rare behind the scenes photos of WDW Jungle Cruise. (Especially the turd-like dry-docked hippos.)

BEST NEWS
LAUGHINGPLACE.COM
"Epcot Wand to Come Down"
WHY? I know this is a repeat, but it's still the best Disney news from the last two weeks.

BEST PODCAST
EXTINCT ATTRACTIONS CLUB
"Marty Sklar LIVE"
WHY? An in depth interview with a man who has been working for the Walt Disney company for 50 years.

BEST DOWNLOAD
THE BIG D
"Star Tours Ride-Through"
WHY? The Big D is one of my favorite Podcasts. No babble, no nonsense; just quality and simplicity.


COMING SOON FROM RETRODISNEY.COM!
1.) A NEW DESKTOP WALLPAPER SECTION - Only the highest quality photos optimized to fit your screen.

2.) A NEW HYDROLATOR T-SHIRT - In light of the re-imagineering of THE LIVING SEAS, we have decided to celebrate our beloved missing HYDROLATORS with a new retro t-shirt design.

Check back soon!


--CJW
RetroDisney.com
Explore the links, relive the magic, and choose your own tomorrow, today!

Article Series - "1964 World's Fair" GREAT BIG BEAUTIFUL TOMORROW

GREAT BIG BEAUTIFUL TOMORROW has posted the first article in their new 1964 World's Fair series. Article one deals with the famous Unisphere.

As promised, here's the first of several posts featuring more slides from the 1964 New York World's Fair. I'll also include some appropriate excerpts from my Fair guidebook.

Great info! This series is updated daily.

Check it out HERE.


--CJW
RetroDisney.com
Explore the links, relive the magic, and choose your own tomorrow, today!

Article - "Aerial View of Disneyland 1966" DAVELANDBLOG

DAVELANDBLOG has posted a new article featuring a higher resolution aerial photo of 1966 Disneyland.

Today I present to you an aerial view of the park from February 2, 1966. You will also notice that this photo is about 3 times the size of what I normally post, because I figure everyone will want to zoom in on different areas (bandwidth be damned!). I am also adding a close-up that is of particular interest to me, showing the Haunted Mansion under construction. It was also pointed out in the comment field by Matterhorn that Pirates construction is going on, so I have included a close-up of that as well.

Unusual photo! GREAT!

Check it out HERE.


--CJW
RetroDisney.com
Explore the links, relive the magic, and choose your own tomorrow, today!

Article - "Nature's Wonderland" GORILLA'S DON'T BLOG

Major Pepperidge over at GORILLA'S DON'T BLOG has posted a new article featuring some higher resolution photos of Disneyland's now bunk NATURES WONDERLAND

Today I'll be sharing three photos from Nature's Wonderland. I can't get enough images of this classic attraction!

Check it out HERE.


--CJW
RetroDisney.com
Explore the links, relive the magic, and choose your own tomorrow, today!

Article - "A Long Way From Dixie" GHOST RELATIONS DEPT.

Those grim grinning ghosts over at THE GHOST RELATIONS DEPARTMENT have posted a new article featuring photos of the real life inspirations for Disney's HAUNTED MANSION.

As many know, the Haunted Mansions have gained some inspiration from real homes across the country. Walt Disney World and Tokyo Disneyland Mansions have some inspiration from the Harry Packer Mansion in Pennsylvania. Disneyland Paris' Phantom Manor draws some inspiration from the 4th Ward Schoolhouse (and possibly the Edward Hopper painting, House by the Railroad). Disneyland's Haunted Mansion has been know to have been inspired by the Evergreen House, which is now part of John Hopkins University. However, there was one photo in the WDI archives that proves to be more of an inspiration than the Evergreen House.

GREAT ARTICLE! GREAT PHOTOS! GREAT ATTRACTION!

Check it out HERE.


--CJW
RetroDisney.com
Explore the links, relive the magic, and choose your own tomorrow, today!

Article - "Back To The Future" DAVELANDBLOG

Dave, over at DAVELANDBLOG, has posted a new article featuring some super retro future photos of the HOUSE OF THE FUTURE and the MONORAIL.

Once again I present you with a date unknown photo, this time itÂ’s the House of the Future, all tied up in a bow for what I assume must be the Christmas holidays. Personally, I always thought it looked like a huge wheel of cheese. My second mystery date photo is of the Blue Monorail going over what appears to be some construction over the lagoon.

The photos from Davelandblog are, by no means, high resolution. But they still do rock quite a bit.

Check it out HERE.


--CJW
RetroDisney.com
Explore the links, relive the magic, and choose your own tomorrow, today!

Article - "Yellow Monorail" STUFF FROM THE PARK

Matterhorn, over at STUFF FROM THE PARK, has posted a new article series featuring vintage photos of the original DISNEYLAND MONORAIL.

The first shot is an image of the Yellow Monorail speeding over the Submarine Voyage. I like the sensation of speed with the blurriness to the Monorail. The Imagineers, especially Bob Gurr and John Hench, were some of the most creative designers around the and the streamlined Monorail is one of their best designs.

Look for daily posts and updates in this Monorail series.

Check it out HERE.


--CJW
RetroDisney.com
Explore the links, relive the magic, and choose your own tomorrow, today!

Podcast - "Walt Disney Records: Then & Now" MOUSE LOUNGE

The folks over at MOUSE LOUNGE have posted a new Podcast episode dedicated to the music of Disney.

Greg Ehrbar, author of Mouse Tracks: The Story of Walt Disney Records moderates a panel discussing Disneyland Records and its evolution over the last 50 years. Panelists include Walt Disney Records producer and historian Randy Thornton; Disney historian and artist Stacia Martin; WDR artist Ginny Tyler; and recording artist Marni Nixon.

Since music is such a big part of the retro Disney experience, this episode is well worth checking out HERE.


--CJW
RetroDisney.com
Explore the links, relive the magic, and choose your own tomorrow, today!

Podcast - "Nemo: The Musical Preview" MEANDERING MOUSE & TRAPPED ON VACATION

Jeff, over at THE MEANDERING MOUSE, has posted a new Podcast episode featuring a audio preview of FINDING NEMO: THE MUSICAL from DISNEY'S ANIMAL KINGDOM.

Earl, from Trapped on Vacation, The Bleepin' Wife, and I got a sneak peak of Finding Nemo The Musical at Disney's Animal Kingdom this past week. The show was quite impressive considering it is in "BETA" at the moment. The original music written for the show, the actors, and use of puppetry all worked together very well. I would have to say it is the best live show in the parks I've seen at Disney World and it will only get better as they iron out the wrinkles.

Earl will be posting a binaural version of the show so you can also check his out...there will, most likely, be a variation in the sound but you'll have to decide for yourself.

I may be wrong but I believe we are the first to podcast this show. Since I'm out on vacation it's hard to keep up with what's going on around the net.

Check it out HERE.

EARL, from TRAPPED ON VACATION, has also posted his version of the preview HERE.


--CJW
RetroDisney.com
Explore the links, relive the magic, and choose your own tomorrow, today!

Article - "21st Century Seabase" GREAT BIG BEAUTIFUL TOMORROW

Rod, over at GBBT, has posted a new yet another article in his ongoing EPCOT concept art series. This article moves on to THE LIVING SEAS.

"Using Disney magic, the mythical Lord of the Seas will invite guests to embark on an incredible sub-sea journey. Traveling in pearl-like vehicles, visitors will glide through surrealistic scenes from the mysterious and wondrous environments that make up our planet's oceans. As the vehicles near their final destination, Poseidon challenges us to face the oceans wisely, with courage and determination. We then disembark into a startlingly realistic 21st century seabase set within a six-million gallon coral reef teeming with life. You'll be free to examine a myriad of interesting and exciting demonstrations that reflect 21st century technologies in the world of the Living Seas."

In light of the recent changes made to THE LIVING SEAS, this entry is a welcomed journey back.

Check it out HERE.


--CJW
RetroDisney.com
Explore the links, relive the magic, and choose your own tomorrow, today!

Video - "Horizons" EPCOT CENTRAL

EPCOT CENTRAL has posted a new video featuring a condensed ride-through of EPCOT'S HORIZONS.

This is a great way to remember why Horizons was such a terrific, entertaining addition to EPCOT Center, and is also an excellent reminder of what we miss when Disney insists on filling its theme parks with thrill rides instead of the immersive, creative, ambitious entertainment at which it used to excel.

Horizons is my favorite. This video reminds me why.

Check it out HERE.

Also, be sure to check out another great HORIZONS fan site HERE


--CJW
RetroDisney.com
Explore the links, relive the magic, and choose your own tomorrow, today!

Article - "Varied as the Seasons" GREAT BIG BEAUTIFUL TOMORROW

Rod, over at GBBT, has posted a new article featuring some more original concept art from EPCOT'S THE LAND.

"Guests will 'Listen to the Land' in a narrated boat tour through environments as varied as the seasons--the sweltering humidity of a tropical rain forest, the heat of a desert wind storm, the blistering summers and snowy winters of the American Great Plains. We see that nature by itself is not always productive."

Check it out HERE.


--CJW
RetroDisney.com
Explore the links, relive the magic, and choose your own tomorrow, today!

Podcast - "Star Tours" THE BIG D

THE BIG D has posted a new Podcast episode featuring a ride-through video of Disneyland's STAR TOURS.

A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away.... well actually it was just last May. Take a ride on Disneyland's classic Star Tours.

Check it out HERE.


--CJW
RetroDisney.com
Explore the links, relive the magic, and choose your own tomorrow, today!

Article - "Incredible Edibles" GREAT BIG BEAUTIFUL TOMORROW

Rod over at GREAT BIG BEAUTIFUL TOMORROW has posted a new article featuring some original concept art for THE LAND.

The land and its many shapes, its many uses and its many contributions to our lives are the subjects of Future World's Land pavilion. In a six-acre facility, a restaurant, a ride, film presentations, shows, and actual greenhouses combine to create a veritable cornucopia of creative ideas for the land on which we live. Even Mother Nature would be proud.

"Let's listen to the land we al love, natures plan will shine above..."

Check it out HERE.


--CJW
RetroDisney.com
Explore the links, relive the magic, and choose your own tomorrow, today!

Podcast - "Marty Sklar LIVE" EXTINCT ATTRACTIONS CLUB

Dave over at the EXTINCT ATTRACTIONS CLUB has posted a new Podcast episode.

Disney Legend Marty Sklar joins us live on Stage with David Oneal to discuss Disneyland History, Marty's 50 years with Disney, and of course memories of Walt Disney himself!

The folks at the EAC never cease to amaze me with their extraordinary leg work.

Check it out HERE.


--CJW
RetroDisney.com
Explore the links, relive the magic, and choose your own tomorrow, today!

Podcast - "Show #69" A WINDOW TO THE MAGIC

Paul over at A WINDOW TO THE MAGIC has posted a new Podcast episode.

This week, Paul has the dubious distinction of being the follow-up act to Patricks Halloween extravaganza.

Paul decides not to try, and instead provides a back to basics episode with a healthy dose of music, TWO WhereInThePark? games, and a surprise. Plus, listen for a new contest and listen for the name of the winner of the WhereInThePark? game for prizes from show #64.

This episode features some nice walk-through audio from Disneyland.

Check it out HERE.


--CJW
RetroDisney.com
Explore the links, relive the magic, and choose your own tomorrow, today!

COMING SOON!

Here are some NEW things we're working on at RetroDisney.com...

1.) A NEW DESKTOP WALLPAPER SECTION - Only the highest quality photos optimized to fit your screen.

2.) A NEW HYDROLATOR T-SHIRT - In light of the re-imagineering of THE LIVING SEAS, we have decided to celebrate our beloved missing HYDROLATORS with a new retro t-shirt design.

Check back soon!


--CJW
RetroDisney.com
Explore the links, relive the magic, and choose your own tomorrow, today!

Article - "Worlds Undreamed" GREAT BIG BEAUTIFUL TOMORROW

Rod over at GREAT BIG BEAUTIFUL TOMORROW has posted another new article in the ongoing JOURNEY INTO IMAGINATION series.

"As if we were entering an artist's palette, we see the world of art as an orchestration of abstract imagery in ever-changing patterns of color, line, and form. Our friend, Figment, sifts through the dreams of a child's world of wonderment where fairy tale creations are sculpted into visions of great beauty and daring boldness...."

Includes some more great concept art from the attraction.

Check it out HERE.


--CJW
RetroDisney.com
Explore the links, relive the magic, and choose your own tomorrow, today!

Article - "The Majestic Matterhorn" THE PICKLE BARREL

Jordan over at THE PICKLE BARREL has posted a new article featuring some more vintage pics of Disneyland's MATTERHORN MOUNTAIN.

Here's some sweet angles on the freshly opened, Matterhorn Mountain from July 1959. At least that's the date on these slides. So, I'd say these were taken within a week or two of the Matterhorn's opening. A couple of the shots give you a glimpse of the hollow interior section where the Skyway went through.

Wonderful photos!

Check them out HERE.


--CJW
RetroDisney.com
Explore the links, relive the magic, and choose your own tomorrow, today!

Article - "1950's Tomorrowland" DAVELANDBLOG

Dave over at DAVELANDBLOG has posted a new article featuring some great vintage photos of 1956-57 TOMORROWLAND.

This set of 5 slides turns out to be from 1956/57 (thanks to the gang for helping narrow it down). The first shot is a nice overview of Tomorrowland centered on the Clock of the World. Pic 2 focuses on two young men near the New York flag pole, with a Dumbo poster on the left. The dude on the left has probably left his job at the garage to go to the park (Goofus); preppy man on the right has left his fraternity for the day to spend time with the family (Gallant. Points to anyone who knows what I'm referring to).

Fifty years later, Tomorrowland isn't nearly as exciting.

Check out the photos HERE.


--CJW
RetroDisney.com
Explore the links, relive the magic, and choose your own tomorrow, today!

Article - "Jungle Cruise Fla. BTS" PASSPORT TO DREAMS OLD AND NEW

FoxFur over at PASSPORT TO DREAMS OLD AND NEW has posted a new article featuring a behind the scenes look at Walt Disney World's JUNGLE CRUISE.

...here are some images related to the building of the Florida Jungle Cruise. There are several images of the building of the California version and one of the Florida version which are pretty commonly circulated, so here are some more obscure items for your perusal.

Fabulous pics!

Check it out HERE.


--CJW
RetroDisney.com
Explore the links, relive the magic, and choose your own tomorrow, today!

Article - "Workshop of Ideas" GREAT BIG BEAUTIFUL TOMORROW

Rod over at GREAT BIG BEAUTIFUL TOMORROW has posted a new article in the ongoing JOURNEY INTO IMAGINATION series.

"Flying along in his whimsical contraption that gathers elements and materials from the universe, the Dreamfinder introduces us to the marvelous hidden world of the imagination..."

Includes some great concept art from the attraction.

Check it out HERE.


--CJW
RetroDisney.com
Explore the links, relive the magic, and choose your own tomorrow, today!

THE BEST OF LAST WEEK 10/30-11/05/06

If you missed last week's Disney Podcasts, News Flashes, and/or Articles, here are some of the highlights from 10/30-11/05/06

BEST LINK
Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow
"World Of Motion Blog Series"
WHY? It's been a busy week for discovering new blogs. GBBT is another exceptional blog dedicated to future of yesteryear. Last week's World of Motion Series was a treat!

BEST NEWS
LaughingPlace.com
"Epcot Wand to Come Down"
WHY? The power of Christ compels you! The power of Christ compels you!

BEST PODCAST EPISODE
Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Pod
"Halloween Disney Villains Special"
WHY? This episode serves as reminder of how delightfully dark and effective early Disney villains were.

BEST DOWNLOAD
Stuff From the Park
"SOP Submarine Voyage"
WHY? SFTP is an amazing blog that popped up on my radar this week. On Saturday they posted the full 'Standard Operating Procedure' book from the original Disneyland Submarine Voyage. Quality info.

Till next week...


--CJW
RetroDisney.com
Explore the links, relive the magic, and choose your own tomorrow, today!

Podcast - "Disneyland Kiddie Rides" MEANDERING MOUSE

Jeff over at the MEANDERING MOUSE has posted a new Podcast episode featuring ride-through audio of some Disneyland kiddie rides.

EPISODE #40: I decided to act like a big kid one morning at Disneyland and take in nothing but kiddie rides. Come along with me on a glorious morning at Walt's original park and feel like a child all over again. Highlights include: -Some Amazing Listener Voice Mails -Me getting stopped in the park by a fan of the show -Storybook Canal Boats -Casey Junior -Gadget's Go-Go Coaster -King Arthur's Carousel.

It's not often that Podcasts are dedicated to these small Fantasyland attractions.

Check it out HERE.


--CJW
RetroDisney.com
Explore the links, relive the magic, and choose your own tomorrow, today!

Article - "16 Suggestions for Fixing EPCOT" EPCOT CENTRAL

EPCOT CENTRAL has posted a new article featuring 16 things Disney needs to accomplish in order to fix EPCOT.

It doesn't have to be this way. Disney does not need to invest tens of millions of dollars into whipping Epcot back into shape. As EPCOT Center (and the lower-cased Epcot) prepares to celebrate its 25th anniversary, there are some ways Disney could show good faith in what used to be its crowning theme-park achievement.

Below are 16 suggestions I have that don't require massive capital-intensive investment… or, frankly, even a whole heck of a lot of work, for the most part.

I'd have to say I agree with everything. Top on my list: Change Epcot back to EPCOT Center. Lowercase Epcot makes no sense. Amen.

Check it out HERE.


--CJW
RetroDisney.com
Explore the links, relive the magic, and choose your own tomorrow, today!

Article - "Sea Base Memories" EPCOT CENTRAL

EPCOT CENTRAL has posted a great retro video featuring the original LIVING SEAS pavilion.

Here's a wonderful look back at The Living Seas as it was in 1989, just a few years after opening.

Listen to the kids responding eagerly to the sights they encounter while on the Sea Cabs. Notice how much more interesting and enticing the presentation in the Sea Base is because it's being done by a real person.

Check it out HERE.


--CJW
RetroDisney.com
Explore the links, relive the magic, and choose your own tomorrow, today!

Article - "Disney's Taurus" EPCOT CENTRAL

EPCOT CENTRAL has posted another fine EPCOT CENTER article relating Ford's Taurus sedan to Disney's EPCOT.

The {Ford} Taurus and EPCOT Center were both products of an odd era in corporate American history, one in which decades of bold innovation were about to be laid to waste by marketing-driven business decisions. In the Taurus and EPCOT, two American icons offered one final showcase of ingenuity and creativity. Beginning in the early 1990s, each company would be driven not by the desire to create the best and most innovative products, but by pleasing shareholders with the best possible financial performance.

Check out the full article HERE.


--CJW
RetroDisney.com
Explore the links, relive the magic, and choose your own tomorrow, today!

Podcast - "Haunted HalloweenTime" MICECAST

MiceCast has posted a new audio Podcast.

Greg and Mike (and a long lost host) get into the spirit of the season and go on a Ghostbuster tour of Disneyland. This is another "live" in-the-park episode that lasts approx. 1 hour 40 minutes.

Get ready for more excitable banter from Mike & Greg.

Check it out HERE.


--CJW
RetroDisney.com
Explore the links, relive the magic, and choose your own tomorrow, today!

News - "EPCOT Wand To Come Down?" LAUGHING PLACE

I don't want to get too excited because this is just an early rumor, but LaugingPlace.com has reported that EPCOT'S unsightly wand attachment to Spaceship Earth will be taken down in 2007.

We've heard that engineers have been assigned to the Spaceship Earth wand at Epcot to assess what is the most practical way of removing the icon in 2007.

If this is true, visitor photos of the 18oft geosphere can once again be abomination free! The "Mickey Wand" has been a part of the EPCOT skyline since September of 1999.


--CJW
RetroDisney.com
Explore the links, relive the magic, and choose your own tomorrow, today!