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 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 SegmentsImportant DIS links and more information!Connecting with Walt on TwitterLos Angeles Christmas MarketMetrolink Holiday Express Train

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 SegmentsImportant DIS links and more information!Connecting with Walt on TwitterSources:Books/Magazines:The Epcot Explorer’s Encyclopedia: A Guide to Walt Disney World’s Greatest Theme Park by R.A. PedersenThe Hidden Magic of Walt Disney World 3rd Edition by Susan VenessWebsites/Articles:The Land – The Mickey WikiRemembering the Magic: The Land Pavilion by Jonathan Heigl for MouseplanetThe History of EPCOT’s Defunct Kitchen Kabaret by Matt N. for Storybook Amusement

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 SegmentsImportant DIS links and more information!Connecting with Walt on TwitterSources:Books:A Magical Half-Century: Stories Celebrating Walt Disney World’s First 50 Years by Christopher E. SmithWebsites/Articles:What Inspired “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow”? by Lesley KennedyIrving’s Legend: The Story Behind the Story for the Historic Hudson ValleyThe True History Behind “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” by Richard KlinThe Legend of Sleepy Hollow – The Disney WikiDisney’s “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” by Jim KorkisDisney’s “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” Remains a Halloween Treat at 75 by Meagan NavarroThe Legend of Sleepy Hollow at Walt Disney World by Jim KorkisVideo:Walt Disney’s “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” (Intro and Washington Irving Segment only)

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 SegmentsImportant DIS links and more information!Connecting with Walt on TwitterBefore the Birds Sang Words official websiteBefore the Birds Sang Words on Amazon

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 SegmentsImportant DIS links and more information!Connecting with Walt on Twitter

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 SegmentsImportant DIS links and more information!Connecting with Walt on TwitterSources:Books/Magazines: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 3rd Edition by Susan VenessWebsites/Articles:Kitchen Kabaret – The Disney WikiThe Land – The Mickey WikiRemembering the Magic: The Land Pavilion by Jonathan Heigl for MouseplanetThe History of EPCOT’s Defunct Kitchen Kabaret by Matt N. for Storybook AmusementTake a Retro Journey to The Land Pavilion with this 1987 EPCOT Teacher’s Guide by Matthew Soberman for WDW News TodayEPCOT Center: The Land Early Concept Model Pictures by Guy Selga

In this episode, Michael and Tom chat with special guests Louella, Patty and Trish about their experiences at this year's D23 Expo. This week, the team shares their final thoughts, including discussions of the show floor, shopping opportunities, D23 Day at Disneyland, and more.Links:Michael’s Disneyland History SegmentsImportant DIS links and more information!Connecting with Walt on Twitter

In this episode, Michael and Tom chat with special guests Louella, Patty and Trish about their experiences at this year's D23 Expo. This week, the team discusses the panels they attended at the Anaheim Convention Center on the third day of the Expo. Included are discussions of the Sherman Brothers, Disney character voices, inside Imagineering, and a chat with Stacia Martin.Links:Michael’s Disneyland History SegmentsImportant DIS links and more information!Connecting with Walt on Twitter