Disney History Institute Podcast

The story of a massive entertainment complex that Disney designed for Burbank but never built.

Direct download: DHI_Special_-_Backlot_Part_1.m4a
Category:general -- posted at: 5:01pm PDT

1955 - To premiere his park, Walt Disney arranged for Disneyland’s grand opening to be broadcast on live TV—a show called “Dateline: Disneyland.” On the DHI Podcast, the never-before-told story of how this historic telecast nearly fell apart at the last minute.

Direct download: DHI_017_Dateline_Disneyland_Final_1.m4a
Category:general -- posted at: 11:03am PDT

Two stories from Frontierland: First, is the Golden Horseshoe Saloon a re-creation of the saloon in the western film Calamity Jane or a re-creation of the most famous burlesque girlie club in the world?  Then, the story of a boat that Walt originally wanted to build for his Disneyland river, a boat that never made it off the drawing board.

Direct download: DHI_016_-_Secrets_of_Frontierland.m4a
Category:general -- posted at: 1:00am PDT

In this podcast three things: Star Wars Land, a section of Disneyland that Walt created but never built, and the Frontierland that never was.

Direct download: DHI_015_The_Frontierland_That_Never_Was.m4a
Category:general -- posted at: 1:00am PDT

The story of the first female Imagineer - with Bob Gurr, Rolly Crump and Blaine Gibson.

Direct download: DHI_013_-_Harriet_Burns.m4a
Category:general -- posted at: 12:30am PDT

The story of Walt Disney's participation in the 1966 Rose Parade in Pasadena--the start of his final year.

Direct download: DHI_013_Walts_Last_New_Years_-_1966.m4a
Category:general -- posted at: 1:00am PDT

The forthcoming American Experience on Walt Disney has many interviews with men and women who worked with Walt Disney.  But it also includes cultural critics whose commentary may not match a historical understanding of Walt.

Direct download: DHI_012_Race_and_Culture_at_Disneyland.m4a
Category:general -- posted at: 10:01am PDT

So who was Pinto Colvig?  The voice of Goofy, the voice of multiple dwarfs in Snow White, the voice of practical pig, a sound effects man, and an animator.  One of my projects for this past year was to edit and introduce Pinto Colvig’s memoir (written in the 1940s) for publication.   This is the earliest known book-length memoir by a Disney artist.  The book is out.  And now here is the Pinto Colvig Story podcast. 

Direct download: DHI_011_Pinto_Colvig_Story_Tuesday.m4a
Category:general -- posted at: 9:41am PDT

Earlier this month, Blaine Gibson, Disney animator and sculptor, passed away at the age of 97.   I was lucky enough to interview Blaine multiple times.   I’ve assembled this podcast as a tribute to him.   I’ve always felt that voice was a window into personality.   Here, Blaine narrates his own story at the Disney studio, giving special attention to his efforts on the iconic Partners statue that graces Disneyland, the Magic Kingdom in Florida, and the Disney Studio in Burbank.

Direct download: DHI_010_Blaine_Gibson_FINAL_FINAL.m4a
Category:general -- posted at: 11:46pm PDT