WEDway Radio - Walt Disney World and Disneyland Examined with some Disney History

  This is WEDway Radio episode 60, hosted by Matt and Nate.  This week we begin a new series, Disney MGM Studios 89, which looks at the (then) Disney MGM Studios in its first year.  We begin the series by looking at the development of the Studios from an idea for an Entertainment themed Future World Pavilion at Epcot Center.  This was during the 1980's when the Disney Studio was going through a lot of changes that ultimately led to new leadership, headed by Studio chief Michael Eisner and Frank Wells.  We discuss the different influences that led Disney to create the Studios and the Hollywood star power that Eisner was able to provide and finally discuss the finished product that we ended up with. Enjoy!  

In this episode Matt and Nate explore Walt Disney World's 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea submarine attraction.  Also discussed in the episode are the links between the attraction and the 1954 film of the same name.  The attraction itself was situated in WDW's Fantasyland but was greater than a traditional dark ride and offered a different view of fantasy.  Although the attraction closed in 1994 and never reopened; it is still regarded as one the greatest attractions ever at the Magic Kingdom and we will discuss some of the elements that made in unforgettable. Check out the Show Notes at http://wedwayradio.com Email the Show at podcast@wedwayradio.com Follow us on Twitter http://twitter.com/wedwayradio Like us on Facebook http://facebook.com/wedwayradio

In this Episode of WEDway Radio Matt and Nate are joined by Michael Crawford of Progress City USA to discuss Undiscovered Disneyland presented by Disney Imagineer Dave Fischer at one of the sessions from the Destination-D, D23 in September of 2010 at the Disneyland Hotel.  In the presentation a number of concepts and concept art were shared.   This show is the first in a new series that we are calling Lost Disneylandia.  We went through many of the attractions that were presented at the event and Michael got a lot pictures of the different concepts introduced.  We talked about most of them.  Check out the post that inspired this episode over at Progress City USA Show Notes at http://wedwayradio Follow us on Twitter http://twitter.com/wedwayradio Join our Facebook Page http://facebook.com/wedwayradio Email the show podcast@wedwayradio.com  Enjoy!

In this episode of WEDway Radio Matt and Nate complete the 1964 Worlds Fair Series with the final installment: Progressland and The Carousel of Progress.  This is probably the most beloved of the Disney attractions at The Fair, and the most technologically advanced.  As we wind down the series we look at not only the attraction itself but the role that the attractions played in the advancement of the Disney theme park overall. Check out the show notes and great Disney blogs at http://wedwayradio.com Email the show with your questions and comments podcast@wedwayradio.com Follow us on Twitter http://twitter.com/wedwayradio Join our Facebook page http://facebook.com/wedwayradio Enjoy!

Episode 56 of WEDway Radio features a delightful interview with someone who not only knows a lot about Walt Disney, but knew him personally, Michael Broggie.  The subject of this show focuses on the Carolwood Pacific Railroad and Walts Barn, which has been beautifully preserved in Griffith Park in Los Angeles.  Michael shares personal stories about Walt and discusses the importance that the Carolwood Pacific had in the development of Disneyland. Check out the show notes for this and every episode of WEDway Radio at http://wedwayradio.com Follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/wedwayradio Join our Facebook page http://facebook.com/wedwayradio Send us your questions and comments at podcast@wedwayradio.com Enjoy!

This week Matt and Nate look at the first commercially successful character at the Disney Studio and discuss how Oswald the Lucky Rabbit was created, was successful and ultimately lost. Show notes for this episode are available at http://wedwayradio.com Follow us on Twitter http://twitter.com/wedwayradio Like us on Facebook http://facebook.com/wedwayradio

In this episode of WEDway Radio Matt and Nate return to Epcot and discover the details of an original World Showcase pavilion; Germany.  Although it doesn't have a ride or an attraction there isn't anything lacking about this particular pavilion.  From the Fairy-Tale setting, to the Statue of St. George, to the replica Kaufhaus, to the amazing attraction that managed to made it off the drawing board but was never built, Germany is an amazing place.    Check out the show notes at http://wedwayradio.com Follow us on Twitter http://twitter.com/wedwayradio Join our Facebook Page http://facebook.com/wedwayradio Email the show podcast@wedwayradio.com 

In this episode Matt and Nate bring on http://wedwayradio.com blogger to discuss the history of the Autopia in its different incarnations throughout Disneyland history and in other Disney theme parks.  Topics discussed include: Bob Gurr's influence, The Disney Afternoon Avenue,  This episode is present to you in mp3 (not enhanced) format. Follow WEDway Radio on Twitter http://twitter.com/wedwayradio Join our Facebook page http://facebook.com/wedwayradio Email the show podcast@wedwayradio.com

In this episode Matt and Nate make their third installment in their Walt Disney and the 1964 Worlds Fair series by exploring the different influences and the Disney Imagineers that played a role in shaping one of Disney’s most beloved attractions: It’s A Small World.

Join Matt and Nate this week as we discuss some of the reveals from the recent Destination D event about the upcoming Star Tours 2.0, and why the Peoplemover track in Disneyland will not pass California safety standards. Then we are joined by another Disney Legend as Chief Archivist Dave Smith spends some time with us in his final two weeks before retiring as the founder of the Disney Archives. Dave lets us in on the history of the archives, what types of artifacts are held in the archives and tells some interesting stories regarding questions that people have written to the archives. Show Notes for WEDway Radio are available at http://wedwayradio.com Got a question or comment? Email the show at podcast@wedwayradio.com Follow WEDway Radio on Twitter http://twitter.com/wedwayradio Join our Facebook Page http://facebook.com/wedwayradio If you have a chance please rate the show iTunes.

Matt and Nate have the pleasure this week of discussing Disneyland from an Imagineers perspective with Disney Legend Rolly Crump.  Mr. Crump moved from Disney animation in 1959 and was intricately involved in such classic attractions as Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room, It's a Small World, The Haunted Mansion and Mr. Toads Wild Ride.  Listen we explore some Disney history with someone who helped to create a great deal of it.  Thank you for supporting us through our first 50 episodes! Visit our website http://wedwayradio.com for Show Notes and to check out our the blogs Email the show at podcast@wedwayradio.com Follow WEDway Radio on Twitter http://twitter.com/wedwayradio Like our Facebook Page http://facebook.com/wedwayradio

Matt and Nate go beyond a usual attraction study and take a look at one of the best themed restaurants in Walt Disney World; The 50's Prime Time Cafe.  The 50's Prime Time Cafe captures so much of what are nostalgic about when it comes to the 1950's; television, kitschy decor and home cooked food.  Listen as we discover the many details and influences that played a role in this amazing restaurant.  Also this week we look at the recently released Star Tours 2 video and the renovation of One Mans Dream exhibit/attraction at the Disney Hollywood Studios.  Enjoy!

Matt and Nate take a look at the progress made at Disney California Adventure.  We originally looked at this topic in March of 2010, but much has changed since our original show covering the California Adventure expansion/refurbishment and Nate takes us on a tour through the changes after a recent trip.   Be sure and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/wedwayradio  Join or Facebook Fan Page http://facebook.com/wedwayradio You can email the show at podcast@wedwayradio.com You'll find all these links and much more at http://wedwayradio.com

Wedway Radio Episode 47 - Tour de Disneyland Paris!

In Episode 46o Matt poses the question 'Which Disney Films Have Inspired the Most Attractions?' In true WEDway Radio fashion we set out to tour the parks and determine the origin of different attractions answer this question.  In the news this week we discuss the Last Tour of Endor which is rapidly approaching and the plans that Celebration V has for a final sendoff for Star Tours 1.0.  Also in the news we discuss a film, Waking Sleeping Beauty, that is touring the country.  The film examines the rise of Disney Feature Animation from its depths in the early 1980's to the release of The Lion King in 1994.  Enjoy!