Disney had its earnings call this past week. What the numbers tell us about the future.

Bandcamp: dhipodcast.bandcamp.com

Contact: www.toddjamespierce.com

A preview of things to come.

Bandcamp Subscriptions: dhipodcast.bandcamp.com

Contact: www.toddjamespierce.com

Disney World has re-opened, but where will the resort be in three months? In this update we examine possibilities for how the resort might change in the days ahead.

Bandcamp Subscriptions: dhipodcast.bandcamp.com

Contact: www.toddjamespierce.com

After our interview with Tom Nabbe on fishing at Disneyland in 1956, we explore how the same experience now exists at Disney World.

Bandcamp Subscriptions: dhipodcast.bandcamp.com

Contact: www.toddjamespierce.com

What was it like to work at Disneyland during its first year, when Walt spent a good deal of time in the park? Tom Nabbe remembers the 1950s at Disneyland.

Bandcamp Subscription: dhipodcast.bandcamp.com

Contact: www.toddjamespierce.com

Disney World has reopened with significant changes. On this update, the "New Normal" and what it means moving forward.

Bandcamp: dhipodcast.bandcamp.com

Contact: www.toddjamespierce.com

Disney World prepares to re-open, as the situation in Florida continues to change.

Bandcamp Subscription: dhipodcast.bandcamp.com

contact: www.toddjamespierce.com

Naked animators.  Walt working out with an Olympic wrestler.  A social room for women at the studio.  What more could you want from a single episode.  Significantly updated and expanded. 

Bandcamp Subscriptions: dhipodcast.bandcamp.com

Contact: www.ToddJamesPierce.com

Disneyland cancels its reopening. Will Disney World cancel as well?

Bandcamp subscription: dhipodcast.bandcamp.com

Contact: www.toddjamespierce.com

How do you design a town whose invented history is conveyed solely through its details? The answers on today's podcast.

Bandcamp: dhipodcast.bandcamp.com

Contact: www.toddjamespierce.com

In Florida, Disney lays out plans for a reopening as infection rates around the resort rise and as the NBA presents details that reveal how 22 teams and hundreds of players will live on Disney property for months.

Bandcamp Subscriptions: dhipodcast.bandcamp.com

Contact: www.toddjamespierce.com

In Florida, Disney worked toward a reopening of its resort. And in California it presented plans for a phased reopening of the Anaheim resort, though the announcement didn't go as smoothly as some in the company had hoped.

Bandcamp: dhipodcast.bandcamp.com

Contact: www.toddjamespierce.com

With the theme park industry transforming itself during the pandemic, Disney is reshaping the way guests will experience its Florida resort. Details on some significant changes are at the center of this week's update.

Bandcamp subscription: dhipodcast.bandcamp.com

Contact: www.toddjamespierce.com

This week Disney announced wide-ranging changes to its Florida resort when it re-opens, changes that caught even industry experts by surprise. We'll explore what they are and what they mean for guests as the Disney parks in Florida prepare to re-open.

Bandcamp subscription: dhipodcast.bandcamp.com

Contact: www.toddjamespierce.com

What has Disney Springs revealed about a plan to reopen the Disney parks? And what will be different at Universal Orlando once it reopens in June? In this episode we explore how the pandemic is reshaping the world of the Florida resorts, everything from the rides to the restaurants to the stores.

Bandcamp subscription: dhipodcast.bandcamp.com
Contact: www.toddjamespierce.com

What will Disney Springs look like when it re-opens?  Will the pandemic change how we experience movies forever?  We have answers in this week's update.

Bandcamp subscription: dhipodcast.bandcamp.com

Contact: www.toddjamespierce.com

What will the Disney parks look like when they re-open? We have even more answers this time--in an episode that will bring you up-to-date in terms of how Disney is responding to the Coronavirus pandemic.

Bandcamp subscription: dhipodcast.bandcamp.com

Contact: www.toddjamespierce.com

Each spring, purple martins wing their way back to Disney World, into hundreds of nesting boxes arranged at the resort.

When might the Disney parks reopen? And what will they look like when they do? We have some (but not all) of the answers this time--in an episode that will bring you up-to-date in terms of how Disney is responding to the Coronavirus pandemic.

Bandcamp subscription: dhipodcast.bandcamp.com

Contact: www.toddjamespierce.com

How is the pandemic affecting top management at the Disney Company? This update is focused on recent management changes inside the company and how executives are now focused on moving Disney to the other side of the crisis.

Bandcamp: dhipodcast.bandcamp.com

Contact: www.toddjamespierce.com

Before the Enchanted Tiki Room, before the construction of Disneyland, Walt created miniature, mechanical figures designed to dance and sing.  Part Four.

link to bandcamp subscription group: https://dhipodcast.bandcamp.com/

website and contact: www.toddjamespierce.com

Update and analysis on how the Disney Company has responded to the coronavirus pandemic.

Bandcamp Subscription Podcast: https://dhipodcast.bandcamp.com/

iTunes link: http://tinyurl.com/j34rl38

The third update on how the Disney Company has responded to the coronavirus pandemic.

Bandcamp Subscription Podcast: https://dhipodcast.bandcamp.com/

iTunes link: http://tinyurl.com/j34rl38

Raglan Road Employee Fund Gift Cards:

https://raglanroad.localgiftcards.com

Before the Enchanted Tiki Room, before the construction of Disneyland, Walt created miniature, mechanical figures designed to dance and sing.  Part Three.

link to bandcamp subscription group: https://dhipodcast.bandcamp.com/

website and contact: www.toddjamespierce.com

Second update on how the Disney Company has reacted to the worldwide spread of the coronavirus.

Bandcamp Subscription Podcast: https://dhipodcast.bandcamp.com/

Contact and website link: www.toddjamespierce.com

Jaleo Employee Fund Gift Cards: http://www.joseandres.com/giftcard/

Before the Enchanted Tiki Room, before the construction of Disneyland, Walt created miniature, mechanical figures designed to dance and sing.  Part Two.

link to bandcamp subscription group: https://dhipodcast.bandcamp.com/

website and contact: www.toddjamespierce.com

Updates on how the Disney Company has reacted to the worldwide spread of the coronavirus.  

Link to Bandcamp Subscription Page: dhipodcast.bandcamp.com

General link to podcast episode for social networks: http://tinyurl.com/j34rl38

The story of Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway and how Imagineer Kevin Rafferty worked, over decades, to bring the Mouse more fully into the parks.

With influences in pop music, modern dance, and drag culture, the new Magic Happens parade is a bold departure from previous in-park entertainment.  

DHI Bandcamp Subscription: http://dhipodcast.bandcamp.com/

Contact: www.toddjamespierce.com

Before the Enchanted Tiki Room, before the construction of Disneyland, Walt created miniature, mechanical figures designed to dance and sing.

link to bandcamp subscription group: https://dhipodcast.bandcamp.com/

website and contact: www.toddjamespierce.com

The story of how Walt Disney’s interest in international culture shaped his films and his park, with a focus on the CircleVision films produced for EPCOT. Part Three.

Link to DHI Bandcamp Subscription Group: https://dhipodcast.bandcamp.com/

You can contact me through my personal website at www.toddjamespierce.com

The story of how Walt Disney’s interest in international culture shaped his films and his park.  Part Two.

Link to DHI Bandcamp Subscription Group: https://dhipodcast.bandcamp.com/

You can contact me through my personal website at www.toddjamespierce.com

The story of how Walt Disney’s interest in international culture shaped his films and his park.

Link to DHI Bandcamp Subscription Group: https://dhipodcast.bandcamp.com/

You can contact me through my personal website at www.toddjamespierce.com

After a slow start, Galaxy’s Edge premieres its blockbuster attraction, Rise of the Resistance to stellar reviews and overwhelming crowds—an attraction that uses characters from the third trilogy, like Rey and Kylo Ren, to cleverly re-tell the oldest Star Wars story of them all.

Link to the official Galaxy’s Edge page at Disney World: disneyworld.disney.go.com/destinations/hollywood-studios/star-wars-galaxys-edge/

Link to POV Rise of the Resistance Ride-Through Video (posted by The Dis): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HP2yuH57kNo

You can contact me through my personal website at www.toddjamespierce.com

The story of how Walt Disney’s Skyway gave rise to the new Skyliner at Walt Disney World.

If you enjoy our podcast—these extended explorations into the life of Walt Disney, the history of animation, and the Disney Parks—please support us by subscribing on Bandcamp.  You can put in any amount you like, starting at $3.50.  In return, you’ll find podcast episodes and full series not available on iTunes.  https://dhipodcast.bandcamp.com/

You can contact me through my personal website at www.toddjamespierce.com

Special thanks go out to Robbie Von Roll for research help with this episode.

In the late 1950s, Walt Disney decided to move into live action comedies, a decision that would forever change Disney films and even Disneyland.  On this episode, the story of The Shaggy Dog and the start of the Disney comedies.

DHI Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/disneyhistoryinstitute/

DHI Bandcamp Subscription Podcast: http://dhipodcast.bandcamp.com/

My personal webpage: www.toddjamespierce.com

On this episode we conclude the story of Don Dorsey, Gavin Greenaway, Ron Logan, Eric Tucker and others who created “Reflections of Earth.”

If you are interested in watching Illuminations: Reflections of Earth, you can find the official Disney Parks multi-camera video of it on YouTube at www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Bw4j1r7iaI

You can also see a video of the temporary replacement show, Epcot Forever, on YouTube at www.youtube.com/watch?v=37YQSN_Z4IE

You can find (episode guest) John King’s podcast, The Drunken Odyssey on contemporary literature at thedrunkenodyssey.com

You can always contact me through my personal website at www.toddjamespierce.com

DHI 079 – EPCOT: Reflections to Forever – Part Two

On this episode we explore the career of Don Dorsey and the EPCOT Lagoon shows, as they develop toward “Reflections of Earth.”

If you are interested in watching Illuminations: Reflections of Earth, you can find the official Disney Parks multi-camera video of it on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Bw4j1r7iaI

 You can support the podcast by signing up for a DHI Bandcamp subscription, which includes exclusive episodes not available on iTunes or other outlets.  Episodes are easy to download or can be streamed, via the free Bandcamp app, to a smart phone.  You can support the podcast for any amount you choose, starting at $3.50 a month.  Just go to this link: Dhipodcast.bandcamp.com

 You can contact me through my personal website at www.toddjamespierce.com

DHI 078 – EPCOT: Reflections to Forever – Part One

On this episode we explore the career of Don Dorsey and the early EPCOT Lagoon shows, as they develop toward “Reflections of Earth.”

 IF you are interested in watching Laserphonic Fantasy, you can find a 1986 home video of it on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HKRO-juPqf8

If you enjoy our podcast—these extended explorations into the life of Walt Disney and the history of the Disney Studio and parks—please support us by subscribing over on Bandcamp.  You can put in any amount you like, starting at $3.50.  In return, you’ll find podcast episodes and full series not available on iTunes or anywhere else.  You can support us at dhipodcast.bandcamp.com 

You can contact me through my personal website at www.toddjamespierce.com

This episode tells the story of how fireworks first came to the Disneyland resort in 1957, including interview audio with Mickey Aronson, one of two men who launched the show in its early years.  The photo graphic for this show comes from 1958, the second year of the park’s summer fireworks.

If you enjoy our podcast—these extended explorations into the life of Walt Disney, the history of animation, and the Disney Parks—please support us by subscribing on Bandcamp.  You can put in any amount you like, starting at $3.50.  In return, you’ll find podcast episodes and full series not available on iTunes.  The DHI Bandcamp subscriptions are not a way to make money—but to bring this podcast up to the point where it simply breaks even and covers its own costs.  https://dhipodcast.bandcamp.com/

You can contact me through my personal website at www.toddjamespierce.com

After a summer of troubles at Disneyland, Galaxy’s Edge opens at Disney World.  On the podcast, the story of this unique land’s journey from California to Florida, as well as a full review of the newly-opened land.  Link to the official Galaxy’s Edge at Disney World: https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/destinations/hollywood-studios/star-wars-galaxys-edge/

If you enjoy our podcast—these extended explorations into the life of Walt Disney, the history of animation, and the Disney Parks—please support us by subscribing on Bandcamp.  You can put in any amount you like, starting at $3.50.  In return, you’ll find podcast episodes and full series not available on iTunes.  The DHI Bandcamp subscriptions are not a way to make money—but to bring this podcast up to the point where it simply breaks even and covers its own costs.  https://dhipodcast.bandcamp.com/

You can contact me through my personal website at www.toddjamespierce.com

The process of creativity takes many paths.  In this episode, I explore the particular approach to creative development that Walt often used when exploring large projects and how Walt’s particular approach framed the later culture of Imagineering.

AGD 6 – Backstage Tours – Part One

In this episode, I explore the history of backstage tours at Disneyland and Disney World, with stories going back to the year Disneyland opened.

This AGD episode focuses on the Backstage Magic tour at Disney World.  You can find more information and current pricing for Backstage Magic at: https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/events-tours/backstage-magic/

If you are attending the D23 Expo, on Sunday, August 25, from 5:30pm to 6:30pm, I will be presenting at the D23 Expo with Joe Campana on Disneyland ’59.  https://d23.com/d23-event/d23-expo-2019/

If you have a book I wrote and would like it signed at the D23 Expo or just want to stop by and chat, come by the Ryman Arts / HHA Table on Saturday, August 24 from 11:30PM to 12:30PM or Sunday, August 25 from 12:00PM to 1:00PM.  

You can find the expanded DHI subscription at https://dhipodcast.bandcamp.com/

On Bandcamp you’ll find hours of content not available on iTunes.  Every subscription to Bandcamp also helps support our show.

You can contact me through my personal website at www.toddjamespierce.com

The AGD sub-series is a guide designed to help frequent travelers find hidden gems at Disney World.  In the third episode of this new sub-series, we explore unique bars designed and built by Disney.

The story of how Disney World transformed American theme park culture to become a culinary destination. Part Two.

The story of how Disney World transformed American theme park culture to become a culinary destination. Part One.

Now that Galaxy's Edge is open to all, here's our guide to best manage the new reservation and boarding group system.  

Have you ever wondered how Disney artfully transforms history into fantasy? A revealing discussion of the Disney design process on the DHI podcast.

Now that Galaxy's Edge is open, here's my full review of the new land--as well as a strategy guide to optimize your visit to Batuu.

The story of Disney animators whose work, in the 1950s, helped create a national space program and, eventually, NASA.  Part Three.

The story of Disney animators whose work, in the 1950s, helped create a national space program and, eventually, NASA. Part Two.

The story of Disney animators whose work, in the 1950s, helped create a national space program and, eventually, NASA. Part One.

The final episode in this four part series on Galaxy's Edge explores the shops, restaurants, and bar, as well as the coming Star-Wars-themed hotel in Florida.  

The story of Galaxy's Edge continues.  Part Three reveals how cutting edge technology was used to design and create the land.

The story of Galaxy's Edge continues.  Part Two reveals how the land was designed and developed.

The story of how Galaxy's Edge was designed and built, along with a walk-through of the forthcoming attractions, restaurants, and shops.

The story of the devastating animators' strike of 1941, an event that tore apart the Disney Studio.  Part Two.

The story of the devastating animators' strike of 1941, an event that tore apart the Disney Studio.  

The making of Snow White--from the perspective of lead Disney animator, Ward Kimball.

PART TWO: Journey back to the early 1930s as legendary animator Ward Kimball joins the Disney Studio and learns to survive in the land of cartoons.

Journey back to the early 1930s as legendary animator Ward Kimball joins the Disney Studio and learns to survive in the land of cartoons.

A full walk-through of the lost Tomorrowland attraction, The World Beneath Us, and a discussion of how Walt Disney's interest in Tivoli Gardens gave rise to Disneyland and beyond.  

To complete our "Disney vs. Russia" series, what can we learn about Walt's style of creativity by exploring how Cinerama gave rise to Disney's circular theaters?  Find out in this DHI Bonus Episode.

In the late 1950s, Disney was hired to define American culture through film--a film that would be shown at the World's Fair, directly across from the Russian Pavilion.

In the late 1950s, Disney was hired to define American culture through a film--a film that would be shown at the World's Fair, directly across from the Russian Pavilion.

How did American animation get its start? Find out in this five-part series that follows animation pioneer, Dick Huemer as he moves from early New York animation studios to Disney, where he helps oversee story development on Fantasia, Dumbo and other classic films.

How did American animation get its start? Find out in this five-part series that follows animation pioneer, Dick Huemer as he moves from early New York animation studios to Disney, where he helps oversee story development on Fantasia, Dumbo and other classic films.

In this five-part series, follow animation pioneer, Dick Huemer as he moves from the early New York animation studios out to Disney’s where he eventually helps oversee story development for Fantasia, Dumbo and other classic films. 

The story of how Winsor McCay helped create the field of American animation.

The surprising history of the American flag at Disneyland and Walt Disney World.

Journey through the never-built Disney attraction, Symphony of America.

Did a 1934 exhibition of mechanical presidents inspire Walt Disney to build his own Audio-Animatronics?

In 1966, Walt's team laid out plans for the Florida resort--plans for hotels very different than those built years after his death.

In 1950, Roy Disney visited Florida and had an experience that may have changed the course of the Disney empire.

In this, the first of four episodes partially recorded live at Walt Disney World, I look at the fabulous Grand Canyon Concourse Mural by Mary Blair.  I also explore the mystery of the five-legged goat.

The story of Larry Watkin, the lead Disney screenwriter in the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s.

In the 1930s, artists saw "The Sweatbox" as the practice that pushed Disney's animation beyond work produced by rival studios.  

Pirates of the Caribbean.  Haunted Mansion.  Adventure Thru Inner Space.  These are a few of the attractions that X Atencio helped create.  The surprising story of his career, from animation to Imagineering, on the DHI Podcast. 

In 1932, the Technicolor Corporation created a unique process system to present full-color presentations using images captured only on black-and-white film.  Instead of looking to one of the major studios to premiere their full-color process, they looked to Walt Disney and animation.  The story of Technicolor and its longtime connection with Walt Disney Productions is the subject of this special two-part podcast.  

In 1932, the Technicolor Corporation created a unique process system to present full-color presentations using images captured only on black-and-white film.  Instead of looking to one of the major studios to premiere their full-color process, they looked to Walt Disney and animation.  The story of Technicolor and its longtime connection with Walt Disney Productions is the subject of this special two-part podcast.  

The story of how the Walt Disney Company finally built Pandora at Disney's Animal Kingdom.

The story of how the Walt Disney Company finally built Pandora at Disney's Animal Kingdom.

Two final stories about the wire - The Mechanical Pixie & Flight Comes to Florida

Stories from women who rode the wire as Tinkerbell--featuring Mimi Zerbini.

The surprising story of the 70-year-old woman who flew as Disneyland’s first Tinkerbell.

Disney Legend, Bill Sullivan tells stories of the early days of Disneyland.

In the early 1960s, Walt Disney explored building a tourist attraction in Monterey, California.  The story of that never-built project on the DHI Podcast. 

Five years after Disneyland opened, Walt explored building a series of micro parks across the country, parks roughly three to four acres in size and filled with Fantasyland-style attractions for kids. The story of these never-built micro parks, known inside the company as Project Satellite, on the DHI Podcast.

The story of Disneyland's first Christmas.

In 1960, when two ex-Disneyland designers tried to develop a massive theme park just east of Disneyland, local ministers and rabbis attempted to shut them down.

The making of Snow White--from the perspective of lead Disney animator, Ward Kimball.

<< Part Three >>
August 6, 1970 – One of the most famous days in the history of Disneyland, the day the Yippie Movement invaded the park. The ideals of post-war conformity and consumerism set against the activism of America’s counterculture. With concerns of guest safety, Disneyland management turned park security over to the Anaheim Police Department who dispatched 150 officers in full riot gear onto Main Street.

<< Part Two >>
August 6, 1970 – One of the most famous days in the history of Disneyland, the day the Yippie Movement invaded the park. The ideals of post-war conformity and consumerism set against the activism of America’s counterculture. With concerns of guest safety, Disneyland management turned park security over to the Anaheim Police Department who dispatched 150 officers in full riot gear onto Main Street.

August 6, 1970 – One of the most famous days in the history of Disneyland, the day the Yippie Movement invaded the park. The ideals of post-war conformity and consumerism set against the activism of America’s counterculture. With concerns of guest safety, Disneyland management turned park security over to the Anaheim Police Department who dispatched 150 officers in full riot gear onto Main Street.

The History of It's A Small World.  // Part Three: California and Beyond.

The History of It's A Small World.  // Part Two: The Music and the Fair.

The History of It's A Small World.  // Part One: The Designers.

In 1955, there was only one female designer who walked the site each week with Walt while Disneyland was being built.  Her name, Ruth Shellhorn, a landscape architect who designed large sections of the park.  On this episode of the DHI Podcast, her story.