Connecting with Walt - A look into the history of the man behind Mickey Mouse, Disneyland and Walt Disney World

In this episode, Michael and Tom are joined by special guest Mary Jo to explore the history of EPCOT's Mexico Pavilion, then take a journey inside.Links:Michael’s Disneyland History SegmentsImportant DIS links and more information!Connecting with Walt on TwitterDreams Unlimited TravelSources:Books/Papers:Walt Disney’s EPCOT Center: Creating the New World of Tomorrow, Text by Richard R. BeardThe EPCOT Explorer’s Encyclopedia: A Guide to Walt Disney World’s Greatest Theme Park by R.A. PedersenThe Hidden Magic of Walt Disney World by Susan VenessExtra Secret Stories of Walt Disney World by Jim KorkisMore Secret Stories of Walt Disney World by Jim KorkisRecognizing and Representing Mexico at EPCOT Center’s Mexico Pavilion by Randal SheppardWebsites/Articles:Mexico Pavilion at EPCOT - GrokipediaWho Actually Owns the World Showcase Pavilions in EPCOT? – Disney Food Blog

After exploring the problems with Disneyland's many iterations of Tomorrowland in last week's episode, Michael and Tom practice some armchair Imagineering and suggest some of their own ideas for updates to the troubled land.Links:Michael’s Disneyland History SegmentsImportant DIS links and more information!Connecting with Walt on TwitterDreams Unlimited Travel

In this episode, Michael and Tom explore the problems with Disneyland's many iterations of Tomorrowland, and how the land compares to similar areas in Disney Parks around the world.Links:Michael’s Disneyland History SegmentsImportant DIS links and more information!Connecting with Walt on TwitterDreams Unlimited TravelCalifornia DMV - Disneyland License Plates

In this episode, Michael and Tom are joined by Michael Campbell, author of "Walt Disney's Trains: A Grand Circle Tour Through His Life and Legacy," to discuss Walt Disney's lifelong passion for trains.Links:Michael’s Disneyland History SegmentsImportant DIS links and more information!Connecting with Walt on TwitterDreams Unlimited Travel

Inspired by a listener suggestion, Michael, Tom, and special guest Mary Jo talk about how Disney parks immerse guests in the storytelling by engaging their senses, sometimes without them even knowing it.Links:Michael’s Disneyland History SegmentsImportant DIS links and more information!Connecting with Walt on TwitterDreams Unlimited Travel

In honor of Women's History Month, Michael shares with Tom a look at a group of artists whose contributions to Disney animation have often been overlooked.Links:Michael’s Disneyland History SegmentsImportant DIS links and more information!Connecting with Walt on TwitterDreams Unlimited TravelSources:Books:Before the Animation Begins: The Art and Lives of Disney Inspirational Sketch Artists by John CanemakerWalt Disney Imagineering Legends and the Genesis of the Disney Theme Park by Jeff KurttiWalt Disney Imagineering: A Behind the Dreams Look at Making the Magic Real by The ImagineersThe Art and Flair of Mary Blair by John CanemakerMagic Color Flair: The World of Mary Blair by John Canemaker

In this episode, Michael and Tom explore the idea that Walt Disney quietly designed Disneyland to be a classrom where people could learn without ever feeling like they were being taught.Links:Michael’s Disneyland History SegmentsImportant DIS links and more information!Connecting with Walt on TwitterDreams Unlimited Travel

In this episode, Michael shares with Tom information from two recent talks he attended at the Walt Disney Family Museum in San Francisco. The first presentation was "Memories of Mary Blair" with historian John Canemaker and Blair's niece Maggie Richardson. Next, Gregg Sherman, son of composer Richard M. Sherman, presented "Walking with Giants: The Untold Story of Mary Poppins."Links:Michael’s Disneyland History SegmentsImportant DIS links and more information!Connecting with Walt on TwitterDreams Unlimited Travel

In this episode, Michael continues his look at Woolie Reitherman as he and Tom discuss how one of Walt's Nine Old Men stepped into a leadership role during a transitional period at The Walt Disney Studios.Links:Michael’s Disneyland History SegmentsImportant DIS links and more information!Connecting with Walt on TwitterDreams Unlimited TravelSources:Books:Walt Disney's Nine Old Men & The Art of Animation by John CanemakerWalt Disney's Nine Old Men: Masters of Animation by Don HahnThe Nine Old Men: Lessons, Techniques, and Inspiration from Disney's Great Animators by Andreas Dejas