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.