In this episode, Michael shares with Tom his thoughts about two events he attended at the Walt Disney Family Museum in San Francisco. The first talk, Directing at Pixar, featured four directors discussing what it's like to direct a Pixar movie or television show. The second, Celebrating the 70th Anniversary of the Jim Henson Company, featured host Yvette Nicole Brown navigating the history of the Muppets along with Gonzo performer Dave Goelz, Jim Henson's daughter Lisa, and more. Links: Michael’...
Jun 27, 2025•1 hr 27 min•Ep. 333
In this episode, Michael and Tom continue their chat with their friends from the legacy Disneyland podcast team discussing Disneyland's 70th Anniversary Celebration, including a review of the A Story of Celebration: 70th Anniversary Guided Tour. Links: Michael’s Disneyland History Segments Important DIS links and more information! Connecting with Walt on Twitter Dreams Unlimited Travel Hilbert Museum - Banking on a Dream: Bank of America, the Disney Movies and the Birth of Disneyland Hosted on A...
Jun 20, 2025•1 hr 44 min•Ep. 332
In this episode, Michael and Tom are joined by their friends from the legacy Disneyland podcast team who share their thoughts about Disneyland's 70th Anniversary Celebration. Links: Michael’s Disneyland History Segments Important DIS links and more information! Connecting with Walt on Twitter Dreams Unlimited Travel OzCon International - Discount code: CWOZCON2025 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Jun 13, 2025•1 hr 25 min•Ep. 331
In this episode, Michael and Tom continue the celebration of the Disneyland Resort's 70th Anniversary with a look at how Paint the Night made it's way to Disneyland Park. Links: Michael’s Disneyland History Segments Important DIS links and more information! Connecting with Walt on Twitter Dreams Unlimited Travel OzCon International - Discount code: CWOZCON2025 Sources: Websites/Articles: Babes in Disneyland: Fun Facts About the New Incredibles Float in the Paint the Night Parade An Incredible Ne...
Jun 06, 2025•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 330
In this episode, Michael shares with Tom his thoughts about two events he attended at the Walt Disney Family Museum in San Francisco that focused on Walt Disney Imagineering. First up, Imagineer Eddie Sotto shares the challenges of building Disneyland Paris. Then, WDI President Bob Weis talks about his start in Imagineering through his transition to management. Links: Michael’s Disneyland History Segments Important DIS links and more information! Connecting with Walt on Twitter Dreams Unlimited ...
May 30, 2025•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 329
In this episode, Michael and Tom chat with Emmy Award winning animation producer Melinda Dilger, who got her start in the classic Disney television shows Goof Troop and House of Mouse. More recently, Melinda has worked on series for Netflix, including Arcane and Blue Eye Samurai. Links: Michael’s Disneyland History Segments Important DIS links and more information! Connecting with Walt on Twitter Dreams Unlimited Travel OzCon International - Discount code: CWOZCON2025 Hosted on Acast. See acast....
May 23, 2025•1 hr 24 min•Ep. 328
In this episode, Michael and Tom chat with author Neil O' Brien about his book After Disney: Toil, Trouble, and the Transformation of America's Favorite Media Company, which covers the years following Walt Disney's passing through the beginning of the Michael Eisner and Frank Wells era. Links: Michael’s Disneyland History Segments Important DIS links and more information! Connecting with Walt on Twitter Dreams Unlimited Travel OzCon International - Discount code: CWOZCON2025 Hosted on Acast. See...
May 16, 2025•1 hr 32 min•Ep. 327
In this episode, Michael and Tom kick off the celebration of the Disneyland Resort's 70th anniversary with a look at Davy Crockett in Disneyland, including a review of the television miniseries and theatrical releases, along with the impact the King of the Wild Frontier had in the theme park. Links: Michael’s Disneyland History Segments Important DIS links and more information! Connecting with Walt on Twitter Dreams Unlimited Travel OzCon International - Discount code: CWOZCON2025 Sources: Books...
May 09, 2025•1 hr 25 min•Ep. 326
In this episode, special guests Colin Ayres and Dwayne Burgess share information about this year's OzCon International, a convention being held this summer in Burbank which will focus on Walt Disney's connection to The Wizard of Oz series of books and celebrate the 40th anniversary of Disney's Return to Oz. Then, Michael and Tom take a look at the history of the popular Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival. Links: Michael’s Disneyland History Segments Important DIS links and more inf...
Mar 28, 2025•1 hr 34 min•Ep. 325
In this episode, Michael and Tom take a walk down Main Street in Disneyland and the Magic Kingdom to look at several of the windows that honor developers and planners of the theme parks. Links: Michael’s Disneyland History Segments Important DIS links and more information! Connecting with Walt on Twitter Dreams Unlimited Travel Sources: Books: People Behind The Disney Parks: Stories of Those Honored with a Window on Main Street, USA by Chuck Snyder Main Street Windows: A Complete Guide to Disney...
Mar 21, 2025•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 324
In this episode, Michael and Tom sail to Little Mermaid's Island, an unaired television show that was developed for the Disney Channel with the cooperation of Jim Henson's creature shop. Links: Michael’s Disneyland History Segments Important DIS links and more information! Connecting with Walt on Twitter Dreams Unlimited Travel Sources: Books: Disney Never Lands: Things Disney Never Made by Jim Korkis Websites/Articles: This 35-Year-Old Disney Classic Has a Forgotten Muppet-Style Remake by Melod...
Mar 14, 2025•1 hr 33 min•Ep. 323
In this episode, Michael and Tom head back into their digital mailbox to answer the last of the listener questions, this week discussing a variety of topics including questions about the Disney family. Links: Michael’s Disneyland History Segments Important DIS links and more information! Connecting with Walt on Twitter Dreams Unlimited Travel Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Mar 08, 2025•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 322
In this episode, Michael and Tom head back into their digital mailbox to continue answering more listener questions, this week tackling inquiries regarding the entertainment side of the Walt Disney Company. Links: Michael’s Disneyland History Segments Important DIS links and more information! Connecting with Walt on Twitter Dreams Unlimited Travel Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Feb 28, 2025•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 321
In this episode, Michael and Tom head back into their digital mailbox to continue answering more listener questions, finishing up questions about the theme parks. Links: Michael’s Disneyland History Segments Important DIS links and more information! Connecting with Walt on Twitter Dreams Unlimited Travel Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Feb 21, 2025•1 hr•Ep. 320
In this episode, Michael and Tom open up their digital mailbox and begin answering the first of several batches of listener questions. This week's focus is on the theme parks. Links: Michael’s Disneyland History Segments Important DIS links and more information! Connecting with Walt on Twitter Dreams Unlimited Travel Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Feb 14, 2025•1 hr 18 min•Ep. 319
In this episode, Michael and Tom discuss the history of Walt Disney's The Reluctant Dragon. The 1941 classic combined both live action and animated segments, taking movie goers inside the shiny new Walt Disney Studios and behind the scenes of some several films that were currently in production, including Bambi and Dumbo. Links: Michael’s Disneyland History Segments Important DIS links and more information! Connecting with Walt on Twitter Dreams Unlimited Travel Sources: Books: The Disney Films ...
Feb 07, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 318
In this episode, Michael and Tom take a trip into the Temple of the Forbidden Eye as they continue their look into the history of the Indiana Jones Adventure in Disneyland Park. Links: Michael’s Disneyland History Segments Important DIS links and more information! Connecting with Walt on Twitter Dreams Unlimited Travel Sources: Books: The “E” Ticket Magazine Number 46: Disneyland’s Indiana Jones Adventure Websites/Articles: Indiana Jones Adventure: Legends From Inside the Temple of the Forbidden...
Jan 31, 2025•1 hr 16 min•Ep. 317
In this episode, Michael and Tom dig into the history of the revolutionary Indiana Jones Adventure in Disneyland Park, including a discussion of the challenges that came with building the massive attraction. Links: Michael’s Disneyland History Segments Important DIS links and more information! Connecting with Walt on Twitter Dreams Unlimited Travel Sources: Books: The “E” Ticket Magazine Number 46: Disneyland’s Indiana Jones Adventure Websites/Articles: Indiana Jones Adventure: Legends From Insi...
Jan 24, 2025•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 316
In this episode, Michael and Tom continue their discussion of Walt Disney's Dumbo, including a look into some of the film's more memorable, and possibly troublesome, scenes. Links: Michael’s Disneyland History Segments Important DIS links and more information! Connecting with Walt on Twitter Dreams Unlimited Travel Sources: Books: Taschen’s The Walt Disney Film Archives: The Animated Movies 1921-1968 The Disney Films by Leonard Maltin The Art and Making of Dumbo by Leah Gallo Websites/Articles: ...
Jan 17, 2025•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 315
In this episode, Michael and Tom fly into the new year to begin their discussion of Walt Disney's Dumbo, including stories behind the making of the animated classic. Links: Michael’s Disneyland History Segments Important DIS links and more information! Connecting with Walt on Twitter Sources: Books: Taschen’s The Walt Disney Film Archives: The Animated Movies 1921-1968 The Disney Films by Leonard Maltin Websites/Articles: Why Labor Strife Was the Elephant in the Room for Disney’s Original ‘Dumbo...
Jan 10, 2025•1 hr 17 min•Ep. 314
In this episode, Michael and Tom discuss some of their favorite Christmas movies and shows from the Disney family of companies, with each creating a suggested "playlist" for holiday viewing. Links: Michael’s Disneyland History Segments Important DIS links and more information! Connecting with Walt on Twitter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Dec 06, 2024•1 hr 30 min•Ep. 313
In this episode, Michael and Tom are joined by author Don Peri and Pixar Chief Creative Officer Pete Docter to discuss their new book DIrecting at Disney. Links: Michael’s Disneyland History Segments Important DIS links and more information! Connecting with Walt on Twitter Directing at Disney Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Nov 29, 2024•1 hr 46 min•Ep. 312
In this episode, Michael and Tom march through the history of music in Walt Disney's animated productions, from Silly Symphonies to Snow White and beyond. Links: Michael’s Disneyland History Segments Important DIS links and more information! Connecting with Walt on Twitter Sources: Books: The Musical World of Walt Disney by David Tietyen Disney Melodies: The Magic of Disney Music by Karl Beaudry Websites/Articles: Evolution of Disney Music From “When You Wish Upon a Star’ to ‘Let it Go,’ Disney ...
Nov 22, 2024•1 hr 21 min•Ep. 311
In this episode, Michael and Tom continue their chat with former members of our Disneyland podcast family Mary Jo, Nancy, and Louella. The team discusses their favorite things about the holidays at the Disneyland Resort, plus a couple of holiday Day Six options. Links: Michael’s Disneyland History Segments Important DIS links and more information! Connecting with Walt on Twitter Los Angeles Christmas Market Metrolink Holiday Express Train Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more informati...
Nov 15, 2024•1 hr 13 min•Ep. 310
In this episode, Michael and Tom catch up with former members of our Disneyland podcast family, including Mary Jo, Nancy, and Louella. The team discusses their thoughts about recent news and upcoming events at the Disneyland Resort. Links: Michael’s Disneyland History Segments Important DIS links and more information! Connecting with Walt on Twitter Hilbert Museum Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Nov 08, 2024•1 hr 13 min•Ep. 309
In this episode, Michael and Tom explore more history of The Land pavilion at EPCOT Center and discover why Food Rocks! Links: Michael’s Disneyland History Segments Important DIS links and more information! Connecting with Walt on Twitter Sources: Books/Magazines: The Epcot Explorer’s Encyclopedia: A Guide to Walt Disney World’s Greatest Theme Park by R.A. Pedersen The Hidden Magic of Walt Disney World 3rd Edition by Susan Veness Websites/Articles: The Land – The Mickey Wiki Remembering the Magi...
Nov 01, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 308
In this episode, Michael and Tom celebrate Halloween by discussing Washington Irving's "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" and how Walt Disney helped the story become more closely associated with Halloween. Links: Michael’s Disneyland History Segments Important DIS links and more information! Connecting with Walt on Twitter Sources: Books: A Magical Half-Century: Stories Celebrating Walt Disney World’s First 50 Years by Christopher E. Smith Websites/Articles: What Inspired “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow...
Oct 25, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 307
In this episode, Michael and Tom chat with author Ken Bruce about his new book Before the Birds Sang Words , a definitive history of Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room. Links: Michael’s Disneyland History Segments Important DIS links and more information! Connecting with Walt on Twitter Before the Birds Sang Words official website Before the Birds Sang Words on Amazon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Oct 19, 2024•1 hr 58 min•Ep. 306
In this episode, Michael and Tom prepare for their upcoming trip to Disneyland by answering hard hitting questions about Disneyland Park such as how long is too long to wait for a parade, which entrance tunnel is better, and what is the most overrated attraction. Links: Michael’s Disneyland History Segments Important DIS links and more information! Connecting with Walt on Twitter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Oct 11, 2024•1 hr 56 min•Ep. 305
In this episode, Michael and Tom dig into the history of The Land pavilion at EPCOT Center and take a tour of the original version that lasted just 10 years. Links: Michael’s Disneyland History Segments Important DIS links and more information! Connecting with Walt on Twitter Sources: Books/Magazines: Walt Disney’s EPCOT Center: Creating the New World of Tomorrow, text by Richard R. Beard The Epcot Explorer’s Encyclopedia: A Guide to Walt Disney World’s Greatest Theme Park by R.A. Pedersen The H...
Oct 04, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 304
