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 talk about a private event leading up to Disneyland's 70th that Michael attended. The event included several presentations focusing on the history of Walt Disney and the Disneyland Resort, including Michael's discussion of the never made "Rainbow Road to Oz".Links:Michael’s Disneyland History SegmentsImportant DIS links and more information!Connecting with Walt on TwitterDreams Unlimited Travel

In this episode, Michael and Tom discuss a presentation that Michael attended at Walt Disney Imagineering and the Grand Central Air Terminal, D23 Spotlight Series: Disneyland Fond Memories of the Past, hosted by Stacia Martin and Becky Cline, the Director of the Walt Disney Archives. Michael also shares a brief history of the Grand Central Air Terminal.Links:Michael’s Disneyland History SegmentsImportant DIS links and more information!Connecting with Walt on TwitterDreams Unlimited Travel

In this episode, Michael, Tom, and their special guest Mary Jo discuss their experiences surrounding July 17th, 2025, Disneyland Park's 70th birthday, including new magic and special events.Links:Michael’s Disneyland History SegmentsImportant DIS links and more information!Connecting with Walt on TwitterDreams Unlimited TravelHilbert Museum of California Art

In this episode, Michael and Tom begin the history of Journey Into Imagination pavilion at EPCOT, including how everyone's favorite purple dragon came to be.Links:Michael’s Disneyland History SegmentsImportant DIS links and more information!Connecting with Walt on TwitterDreams Unlimited TravelSources:Websites/Articles:The EPCOT Legacy: Gather, Store, Re-Combine – A History of ImaginationThe History of the Rainbow Tunnel at Disney's Imagination Pavilion @ The Mouselets“One Little Spark”: How Epcot’s Journey into Imagination Inspired a Generation @ Park LoreBooks:The EPCOT Explorer’s Encyclopedia: A Guide to Walt Disney World’s Greatest Theme Park by R.A. PedersenTony Baxter: First of the Second Generation of Walt Disney Imagineers by Tim O’BrienSecret Stories of Walt Disney World by Jim KorkisExtra Secret Stories of Walt Disney World by Jim Korkis

In this episode, Michael shares with Tom his thoughts about two events he attended at the Walt Disney Family Museum in San Francisco. The first talk, Directing at Pixar, featured four directors discussing what it's like to direct a Pixar movie or television show. The second, Celebrating the 70th Anniversary of the Jim Henson Company, featured host Yvette Nicole Brown navigating the history of the Muppets along with Gonzo performer Dave Goelz, Jim Henson's daughter Lisa, and more.Links:Michael’s Disneyland History SegmentsImportant DIS links and more information!Connecting with Walt on TwitterDreams Unlimited Travel

In this episode, Michael and Tom continue their chat with their friends from the legacy Disneyland podcast team discussing Disneyland's 70th Anniversary Celebration, including a review of the A Story of Celebration: 70th Anniversary Guided Tour.Links:Michael’s Disneyland History SegmentsImportant DIS links and more information!Connecting with Walt on TwitterDreams Unlimited TravelHilbert Museum - Banking on a Dream: Bank of America, the Disney Movies and the Birth of Disneyland

In this episode, Michael and Tom are joined by their friends from the legacy Disneyland podcast team who share their thoughts about Disneyland's 70th Anniversary Celebration.Links:Michael’s Disneyland History SegmentsImportant DIS links and more information!Connecting with Walt on TwitterDreams Unlimited TravelOzCon International - Discount code: CWOZCON2025

In this episode, Michael and Tom continue the celebration of the Disneyland Resort's 70th Anniversary with a look at how Paint the Night made it's way to Disneyland Park.Links:Michael’s Disneyland History SegmentsImportant DIS links and more information!Connecting with Walt on TwitterDreams Unlimited TravelOzCon International - Discount code: CWOZCON2025Sources:Websites/Articles:Babes in Disneyland: Fun Facts About the New Incredibles Float in the Paint the Night ParadeAn Incredible New Float is Coming to the Paint the Night Parade by Joelyn Buhlman for D23Paint the Night – WikipediaPaint the Night – Disney Wiki

In this episode, Michael shares with Tom his thoughts about two events he attended at the Walt Disney Family Museum in San Francisco that focused on Walt Disney Imagineering. First up, Imagineer Eddie Sotto shares the challenges of building Disneyland Paris. Then, WDI President Bob Weis talks about his start in Imagineering through his transition to management.Links:Michael’s Disneyland History SegmentsImportant DIS links and more information!Connecting with Walt on TwitterDreams Unlimited TravelOzCon International - Discount code: CWOZCON2025