The WDW Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World Information Station

ber who has experienced the Christmas markets river cruise to learn everything you wanted to know about river cruising, including what makes these voyages unique, from the ships to ports, excursions, guides, adventures and the Adventures by Disney and National Geographic differences. We also look at what makes our upcoming WDW Radio NatGeo Expedition on the Danube to the Christmas Markets this December extra special, what to expect, and why you should join us!

Spoiler alert… I’m a bit of a nerd. Growing up, I loved (love) video games and technology, storytelling, adventure, and the unknown… and that hasn’t changed much. More than 40 years ago, a Disney film was released that would forever change the science fiction genre, as well as animation, video gaming and the lives of many young geeks like myself. Smart, stylish and fun, the game grid of Tron was groundbreaking, and in 2010, Tron was reborn with the Tron: Legacy film (and do you remember the Tronorail at Walt Disney World, ElecTRONica at Disneyland, or what about Tron: Uprising on Disney XD… with all of them now on Disney+). So in 2012, on WDW Radio show # 277, a little, nerdy dream of mine came true, as I had the opportunity to speak in an exclusive interview with one of the original film’s stars, Cindy Morgan, who played the dual role of Lora and Yori. She may or may not have also been the subject of a bit of a boyhood crush of mine for her role in Caddyshack. Cindy joined me to talk about her career and role in Tron, as she shared stories of the making of the films, the Tron phenomenon, her fans and much more. With the opening of TRON: Lightcycle Run this week in Magic Kingdom, the timing for listening back to my conversation with Cindy (who I still love seeing at comic and conventions) seemed appropriate. I may just have to reach out to her again for the follow up conversation we discussed. Are you a fan of the original TRON? What about TRON: Legacy? Have you experienced TRON Lightcycle Run in Magic Kingdom (or Shanghai Disneyland) yet? Share your thoughts in the WDW Radio Clubhouse at WDWRadio.com/Clubhouse, or call the voicemail at 407-900-9391 (WDW1) and share your story on the show. But for now… sit back, relax, and enjoy this week’s episode from the Archives on the WDW Radio show.

I just returned from our incredible WDW Radio Adventures by Disney group trip to Italy a few days ago, and I am still reeling in the feeling of the Italian “la dolce vita.” So I went back into the archives this week to bring you along with me TO Italy… in World Showcase in EPCOT Center. For decades, Epcot’s Word Showcase has allowed visitors to Walt Disney World to visit, explore, and learn about regions, cultures, and people from all over the world, and in many cases, countries they may never get to visit otherwise. And with all things Disney, it’s rooted in story, and in the case of the pavilions of World Showcase, the history as well. We wander through replicas of villages, buildings, shops, streets, and temples, but just how close are the pavilions to the real thing? In the past, we have asked and answered this question with detailed looks at the UK on show 202, and Norway on show 236… and in 2018, on show # 528 we did it again, as we traveled to Italy. For this episode, I was joined by a friend from Italy who helps to compare and contrast the pavilion with the country. Recorded live as we wander through the pavilion, we discuss the architecture, culture, symbolism, history and stories, as we virtually tour the piazza, shops, dining options, history, architecture, and much more. It’s a fascinating look into how and where Italian culture, traditions and history are found in the pavilion itself, and the attention to detail that Disney’s Imagineers included to provide guests a truly authentic experience. Oh, and we may stop to sample an item on the menu… or two. I am actually personally very curious and interested to go back and listen to this one myself, having just returned from so many of the locations that inspired and are featured in the EPCOT version. Have you ever visited Italy? How do you think the EPCOT version compares to the real thing? Is Italy on your bucket list of places to visited? Share your thoughts in the WDW Radio Clubhouse at WDWRadio.com/Clubhouse, or call the voicemail at 407-900-9391 (WDW1) and share your story on the show. But for now… sit back, relax, and enjoy this week’s episode from the Archives on the WDW Radio show.

Gideon’s Bakehouse in Disney Springs is nothing short of a phenomenon, with wait times and lines that rival Disney’s biggest E-Ticket attractions, and delicious cookies that justify those waits. This week, I sit down with Steve Lewis, the founder (and mad scientist) behind Gideon’s to discuss its origins, journey, stories, recipes, and more!

I visited the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival this week, and love seeing old friends… not just wandering and grazing the promenade with me, but old friends from Walt Disney World’s past… and present. In recent years, we have seen a resurgence in nostalgia, sentiment, and love for our little purple friend with childlike innocence, Figment, as well as our favorite combination of fruit and fowl, the Little Orange Bird. And in the past 50 years, we’ve seen some pretty interesting things at Walt Disney World: A waterskiing Goofy, gunfighters shooting it out in Frontierland, singing fruit, a rapping Mickey and much more. But until 2011, many people didn’t know who the Orange Bird was, let alone remember seeing a character walking around in Adventureland with a giant orange head, leaves for arms and a green stem sticking out of his head. It started with a slow release of retro merchandise in Magic Kingdom, and in 2012, the Orange Bird returned to Sunshine Tree Terrace signage and quirky drink cups, and a new line of Orange Bird merchandise started to appear on the shelves! Also, an Orange Bird statue that was on display at Sunshine Tree Terrace in the 1970s was retrieved from the Walt Disney Imagineering Sculpture Studio in California, and is now on display in full, orange glory. This rekindled a sense of fond remembrance for our little orange friend, and now, he is not only present in our memories, hearts, and Adventureland, but is a huge fixture at this year’s Festival in Epcot. He has inspired not just a huge line of merchandise, but even some food items as well. So I went back into the WDW Radio Archives this week to 2011 and Show #250, where Jim Korkis and I took a look back in time at the Sunshine Tree Terrace and it’s one-time host (and hostess). We explore the origins of the Orange Bird, the Sherman Brothers song, why he and Anita Bryant may have flown the coop, and the (then) recent resurgence of our little orange friend. I’ll then pose a question for you to share your thoughts on as well. Do you remember seeing the little Orange Bird in Adventureland in the 70’s? Did you ever get a photo with the walk around character? Share your memories, and thoughts about this old and new unofficial mascot for the parks in the WDW Radio Clubhouse at WDWRadio.com/Clubhouse, or call the voicemail at 407-900-9391 (WDW1) and share your story on the show. But for now… sit back, relax, and enjoy this week’s episode from the Archives on the WDW Radio show.

The 2023 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival features food and fun for guests of all ages, and is a feast for all five senses in 360°. This week, join me live from the first day of the Festival, as we sample and share our top five foods you need to try at this year’s event… including a few, wonderful, delicious, and unexpected surprises!

After visiting EPCOT this past week, and in thinking about the future of that park, specifically the Imagination pavilion, I went way back into the WDW Radio Archives to being you one of my earliest interviews. Let’s go back to 2007 and Show # 30, when, as part of my Legends of Disney Imagineering feature, I shared my conversation with former Imagineer Steve Kirk. Steve helped come up with the initial concepts for Figment and the Dreamfinder, as well as the Journey Into Imagination attraction, and also helped develop some of Disney’s most memorable characters, attractions, pavilions, and even complete theme parks, including being the creative leader of Tokyo DisneySea. We also talk about Epcot, the Studios and so much more. I would later come to interview his brother, Tim Kirk about his work at Imagineering, specifically at the Disney-MGM Studios, but that is another trip to the archives for another day. For now, sit back, relax, and enjoy my conversation (and forgive my voice), with the fascinating and talented Steve Kirk.

I open up the inbox this week and answer more of your emails about topics including: father/son activities in Walt Disney World, Disney’s Contemporary Resort and a discussion of possible themed rooms in Disney Resorts, secret lounges, crowd levels and best times to visit WDW, and a Disney dream trip around the world.

From the WDW Radio Archives… There is always be a great, big beautiful tomorrow, but now is the time, now is the best time to explore the history, legacy, details and future of Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress that is part Walt Disney World Wayback Machine, and part DSI: Disney Scene Investigation, and I leave you with some questions that I encourage you to share your thoughts on.

An episode that I wasn’t sure I would ever do, this week we look at the Top Ten Restrooms in Walt Disney World. From what makes a great restroom, to the where and why it’s on our lists, it’s where to go when… well… ya know.

From the WDW Radio Archives… one of my all-time favorite interviews, and one that listeners reference all the time, Disney Legend, Alice Davis. I had the honor of spending the day with Alice Davis in her home, where we discussed her fairy tale story of how she came to work for and with Walt Disney through her marriage to Marc Davis, one of Walt Disney’s Nine Old Men. In addition to discussing her relationships with both, we also closely examine her work on classic films such as Sleeping Beauty, and attractions such as it’s a small world and Pirates of the Caribbean. Alice shares her very personal stories and humorous anecdotes about her work and life, from her early beginnings to the World’s Fair, to her ongoing connection to Disney enthusiasts today. It is the only episode and guest I ever had to bleep…. listen and find out why. Sadly, Alice Davis passed on November 3, 2022, so I consider it a privilege and a gift to have been able to capture her stories in her own words… more importantly, in her own voice, and be able to share it with you. You can listen to the original episode in it’s entirety at WDW Radio # 193

I continue my conversation with former Disney executive Djuan Rivers, as he shares stories and lessons from his time in Disneyland Paris, and as Vice President of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, including working with Joe Rohde, opening Pandora - The World of Avatar, and his window on Main Street, USA. He not only reflects on what he learned, but inspiration we can take from the Disney Parks as well. Djuan’s adventures continue to mountains, marathons, planes, and talking about not being afraid to jump.

Adventure is out there… and Djuan Rivers has experienced it as an executive in the Walt Disney World Resorts, theme parks, Aulani, Disneyland Paris, Disney Cruise Line, and beyond. This week, he shares stories and lessons from his time at Disney… and the power of saying yes. We’ll celebrate WDW Radio’s 18th anniversary this week with something new… and old?

Our musical tour of Disney’s Hollywood Studios continues this week. From Big Bands to themes from the screens, to background music from a galaxy far, far away, to some of our favorite shows and attractions, we talk about the impact of the musical place-setting, mood, emotion, and more.

We continue our musical journey through the Disney Parks this week, as we tour Disney’s Hollywood Studios. In the first part of our virtual visit, we will talk about the overall feel and theming of the park and how the music plays such an integral part. We’ll also look at changes over the years, and travel from the park entrance, down Hollywood and Sunset Boulevards, looking at and listening to the background themes and stories.