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Circle of Parks Podcast: Talking all things Walt Disney World
Uncover the magic and mystery of Disney parks with us as we reveal enchanting secrets and stories that have shaped these beloved attractions. Imagine sporting the exclusive Figma Christmas sweater, only available at Epcot's Creation Shop, and embracing the holiday spirit while exploring its connection to Epcot's Festival of the Holidays. We'll share our excitement for this festive treasure and guide you through the strategic wonders of the Magic Kingdom, exploring its unique design features, including the man-made marvel of the Seven Seas Lagoon.Take a stroll through Magic Kingdom's Main Street, USA, where each window tells a story of innovation and legacy. We'll peek behind the curtains of these commemorative windows, celebrating Disney legends like Frank G. Wells and Walt Disney, and admire the iconic Partners Statue, a testament to Disney's collaborative spirit. Our journey shines a light on the intricate artistry of Blaine Gibson, who brought this vision to life, and the charming nods to "Fantasia" that make this statue a symbol of imagination and history.Embark on an adventure through the hidden nooks of the Magic Kingdom, where stories of resilience and creativity come alive. From the luxurious transformation of Cinderella Castle's apartment to the fascinating tales of Mickey Mouse's creation, we'll share little-known facts that offer a nostalgic glimpse into Disney's past. Marvel at the Progress City model, relive the transition of classic attractions, and celebrate the character development that defined a generation. Your Disney experience will never be the same once you discover these captivating insights.Send us a textSupport the show
It's autumn, one of our favorite seasons here in Progress City, and that means it's time to break out a number of festive traditions! In this episode we look at Disney's intersections with a number of fall favorites, including football and the state fair. We also take a trip to Sleepy Hollow for some autumnal spookiness with Ichabod Crane. From pigskin to pig races, it's the Progress City Radio Hour!
In this town hall we're thrilled to welcome historians and authors Didier Ghez, J.B. Kaufman, and Ted Thomas. They join us to discuss their newest monograph, Walt Disney & El Grupo in Latin America, and the groundbreaking 1941 Disney voyage which inspired it. We examine the importance of Walt's many travels, and also take a look at what's next for the Hyperion Historical Alliance and its busy authors. Time to buy a new bookshelf - it's the Progress City Radio Hour!
Saludos amigos! In this episode the Radio Hour heads south of the border to look at Disney's connections to Mexico. We discuss Walt's ties to the country, early Mexican representation at Disneyland and in Disney films, examine the mighty churro, and explore EPCOT's Mexico Pavilion. History, music, and more - uts talahá ané exte Mexico yanchaħ uuchich, it's the Progress City Radio Hour!
In this Town Hall we're thrilled to speak with Derric Johnson, founder and long-time leader of the Voices of Liberty at EPCOT's American Adventure pavilion. Learn about his early Disney experiences in the 1970s, special moments over the years with the Voices of Liberty, and his time directing the annual Walt Disney World Candlelight Ceremony. History, music, and more - it's the Progress City Radio Hour!
To honor the recent passing of Disney Legend Richard Sherman, this special episode of the Radio Hour is a tribute to the iconic and unforgettable Sherman Brothers. We'll take a look at some of their lesser-known work, from their time before Disney to projects such as Tinpanorama and Summer Magic, to, yes, even SMASH FLOPS! History, music, and more - bring your tuppence, it's the Progress City Radio Hour!
It's a beautiful day for baseball at Target Field and we were joined by Dustin Morse, Vice President of Communications and Content for the Minnesota Twins LIVE on site at Target Field, he provided us with the latest on Royce Lewis and his rehab assignment and we chatted about the upcoming City Connect jerseys debuting on June 10th and then we chipped away at ideas for a Twins fan singalong tune.
Ahoy! We continue our nautical theme with the return of former Imagineering and Disney Development Company exec Bob Holland! Bob joins us to talk about the early days of the Disney Cruise Line, from the shipyards of Italy to Castaway Cay. Set sail for new magic - it's the Progress City Radio Hour!
The Progress City Radio Hour sets sail for a nautical exploration of one of Disney's best features - its boats! Our salty tales include the life of Disney Legend Admiral Joe Fowler, the origin of Disney boat attractions at Arrow Development, a glimpse of life aboard a FriendShip launch, the creation of Disneyland's Submarine Voyage, and a tribute to Miss Tilly! History, music, and more - cast off the bow line and gun it Mr. Baxter, it's the Progress City Radio Hour!
The Progress City Radio Hour returns to the slopes for more snowbound adventure! We have a wintry mix of tales including a trip to Switzerland with Walt to film on the slopes of the Matterhorn, a look at Disney's involvement in the 1960 Winter Olympics, and a conversation with Greg Glasgow and Kathryn Mayer about their book, Disneyland On The Mountain, about the never-built resort at Mineral King. History, music, and more - fire up the fondue and grab that tow rope, it's the Progress City Radio Hour!
The Progress City Radio Hour mulls the wine and sets out the relish tray for our 2023 Christmas episode! This year we're hosting two very special historians and authors, Steven Vagnini and Foxx Nolte! We talk about their past, current, and future book projects, and take a look ahead at 2024. History, music, and more - from all of us to all of you, it's the Progress City Radio Hour!
Former Imagineering Show Writer Scott Hennesy returns in this month's Progress City Town Hall! In this episode Scott answers some lingering questions from last time before taking us to Tokyo to discuss his adventures there. From Juicy Lucy to Chandu, there's a lot to talk about. Pack your duffle - it's the Progress City Radio Hour!
This month on the Progress City Town Hall we welcome former Imagineering Show Writer Scott Hennesy! Scott comes from a long Disney lineage, and in his time at Imagineering worked on such classic attractions as Kitchen Kabaret, Journey into Imagination, Cranium Command, and more. In this interview we talk about his history, his early Imagineering experiences, and some of his projects for Tokyo Disneyland. Cha-cha-cha, it's the Progress City Radio Hour!
Let's return to EPCOT Center for a patriotic extravaganza like no other! Join us for a look at the creation of the groundbreaking attraction The American Adventure, and the history of Americana-themed spectacles that preceded it in the 19th and 20th centuries. Then take your seat for a history of the beloved singing group Voices of Liberty! Grab those rose-colored bifocals and spare a dime - it's the Progress City Radio Hour!
Our 40th anniversary retrospective of EPCOT Center gathers one little spark of inspiration to make some memories! Follow Figment to the Dreamport as we explore the development of the classic attraction Journey into Imagination, and find out about previous Kodak promotions both at Disneyland and at the World's Fairs. And fire up the filmstrip because we're remembering the EPCOT Educational Media Company! Just an ordinary day, but all at once we're on our way - it's the Progress City Radio Hour!
We're riding on sunshine as we continue our 40th anniversary retrospective of EPCOT Center with a look at a few of the faces of energy! Cross the bridge future bound as we explore the development of the classic attraction Universe of Energy, and find out about previous energy exhibits both at Disneyland and at the World's Fairs. And take an off-topic side trip to The Chummery for the dulcet tones of the Saltwater Express! Feel the flow cause here we go, it's the Progress City Radio Hour!
In this Progress City Town Hall we welcome back animator and Audio-Animatronics programmer Davy Feiten for part two of our epic interview! This time we go into detail about the Country Bear Jamboree and its seasonal shows, plus more of Davy's work on attractions such as Visionarium. Put some pants on that bear, it's the Progress City Radio Hour!
This month on the Progress City Town Hall we're thrilled to welcome audio-animatronics wizard Davy Feiten! Davy started his career as an animator before coming to Imagineering to work on EPCOT Center, where he programmed American Adventure, World of Motion, Universe of Energy, and more. In this interview we discuss those experiences, as well as his work on Splash Mountain and on attractions for Disneyland Paris. Watch out for those tapdancing dinosaurs, it's the Progress City Radio Hour!
It's fun to be free as we continue our 40th anniversary retrospective of EPCOT Center with a celebration of the fifth freedom - mobility! Heed the call of the open road as we talk about the development of the classic attraction World of Motion. Find out about sponsor General Motors, and their previous brushes with Disney and World's Fairs. And take a listen to the silliest souvenir video ever made. Free in mind, free in spirit, it's the Progress City Radio Hour!
For this month's Progress City Town Hall we're pleased to introduce you to director, producer, and writer Bob Garner! A showbiz veteran, Bob was responsible for documenting Imagineering's work leading up to the opening of EPCOT Center. Among his many credits are the EPCOT preview center film, The Living Seas, the Captain EO preshow film, and much more. Tie down Mickey because Bob is in town, it's the Progress City Radio Hour!
We continue our 40th anniversary celebration of EPCOT Center with a look at the pavilion which today most holds true to its original intent - The Land! We'll look back at how the pavilion came to be, and some of the concepts which were abandoned along the way. We'll also talk about original sponsor Kraft, and how they had a presence at World's Fairs and with Disney long before EPCOT. We'll look at the pavilion's research under consultant Carl Hodges, and we'll revisit EPCOT musical muse Bob Moline. History, music, and more - make believe you're a tiny little seed and mayo up that salad loaf, it's the Progress City Radio Hour!
In this episode we conclude our two-part Progress City Town Hall featuring veteran Imagineer and Disney Legend Doris Hardoon! In her long career, Doris worked on projects ranging from EPCOT to Shanghai and beyond. In part two of our talk we discuss her work on EPCOT galleries, the Autry museum, Port Disney, WESTCOT, Hong Kong Disneyland, Shanghai Disneyland and more - whew! Pack your bags for a round-the-world journey, it's the Progress City Radio Hour!
This month we're happy to bring you a two-part Progress City Town Hall featuring veteran Imagineer and Disney Legend Doris Hardoon! In her long career, Doris worked on projects ranging from EPCOT to Shanghai and beyond. In part one of our talk we discuss her early life as a pop singer and model in Hong Kong, her early career in themed entertainment, and her work with Rolly Crump and others on EPCOT's The Land. Vacuum the wall carpet and I'll meet you at the potato stand, it's the Progress City Radio Hour!
We begin our 40th anniversary celebration of EPCOT Center with a look at the theme of its signature pavilion, communications! We'll look back in time to see the history of the Bell System's past offerings at World's Fairs and Disneyland itself, and talk with Imagineer Peggie Fariss about the level of research that went into the creation of EPCOT's Spaceship Earth. To top it off, we'll examine how Spaceship Earth developed from the "Future World Theme Show" to the attraction we know and love today. History, music, and more - hug a Phoenician and beware the electronic babble, it's the Progress City Radio Hour!
To get ready for the release of Gen 9, Tim and AJ reimagine the four parks as Pokémon regions!Editor's Note: In Diamond/Pearl/Platinum, the actual number of Trainers in the Underground one needs to interact with to unlock Spiritomb is 32, not 50. Tim accepts no fault for this, as that is still way too many people to reasonably expect a 10 year-old to meet.Hosted by Tim O'Connor and AJ SalisburyCover art by @roboptera on TwitterFacebook: facebook.com/Standby-LineTwitter: twitter.com/StandbyLinePodInstagram: instagram.com/standbylinepodcast/Patreon: patreon.com/standbylinepodcastEmail: standbylinepodcast@gmail.com
This is it, folks - our fiftieth episode! Can you believe it? To mark the occasion we're looking back at two fiftieth anniversary celebrations of the past, 1973's 50th anniversary of Walt Disney Productions and 1978's 50th anniversary of Mickey Mouse. History, music, and more - nifty at fifty, it's the Progress City Radio Hour!
This episode we're bringing you part two of our Progress City Town Hall with veteran Imagineer Peggie Fariss! Peggie started at Disneyland in 1965 as an attractions hostess, and in her amazing fifty-year career she worked on any number of fascinating projects. In part two of our talk we discuss more of her role in putting together EPCOT's planning conferences, her work helping create the Disney Gallery, the art of dealing with corporate participants, and her time at Disneyland Paris! Head for Ice Station Cool, it's the Progress City Radio Hour!
This month we're very excited to bring you a two-part Progress City Town Hall with veteran Imagineer Peggie Fariss! Peggie started at Disneyland in 1965 as an attractions hostess, and in her amazing fifty-year career she worked on any number of fascinating projects. In part one of our talk we discuss the origins of Peggy's Disney career, her time in Florida previewing Walt Disney World in 1969, her role there as the resort opened in 1971, and her work helping develop EPCOT programming in the 1970s. Meet you at the Sunshine State Exhibitorium, it's the Progress City Radio Hour!
We're on the rails again as we continue our exploration of the production of the 1956 Disney feature The Great Locomotive Chase. Join us, Walt, and Fess in the mountains of Georgia and North Carolina for a look at the locals Walt recruited to take part in the film, some of whom he tried to bring back to California with him! We also look back at the film's multiple premiere events, and Jeff speaks to Bill Kurtz III, whose grandfather was technical advisor for the film and who himself made an actual appearance on the Disneyland television show! History, music, and more - pop open a Coca Cola, it's the Progress City Radio Hour!
Author and creative consultant Michael Crawford has lent his skillsets and knowledge of the Mouse House to write and work directly for Disney, as well as detail this knowledge across many spaces, including crafting his Progress City USA blog and writing the book The Progress City Primer: Stories, Secrets, and Silliness from the Many Worlds of Disney. He's a true Disney expert, and on this episode of Notably Disney he discusses with host Brett Nachman his career, projects, and processes in consuming and disseminating information on Disney history. Check out the Progress City, U.S.A. Blog and listen in to the Progress City Radio Hour wherever you listen to podcasts! Follow Progress City U.S.A. on Twitter (@ProgressCityUSA)! Feel free to reach out to Brett via Twitter @bnachmanreports, subscribe to the podcast, and send your feedback to notablydisney@gmail.com New episodes of Notably Disney debut on the first and third Tuesday of each month.
This month we're doing something a little different on the Radio Hour, and taking a deep dive into the production of the 1956 feature The Great Locomotive Chase. This film was a passion project for Walt, who spent two weeks playing with trains on location in the mountains of Georgia and North Carolina. Join us and our third co-host Fess Parker for a look back at the production, the locomotives, and life on set along the Tallulah Falls Railroad - and for an in-depth assessment of just how handsome is Jeffrey Hunter anyway? History, music, and more - eat our dust Johnny Reb, it's the Progress City Radio Hour!
It's time to hit the road for summer vacation, Disney style! We'll look at roadside Disney classics from Florida's welcome centers to Walt Disney World's preview center itself. We'll also hitch up our RVs at Disneyland's long-lost Vacationland campground. We revisit the Country Bear Jamboree Vacation Hoedown, and speak to artists Jason Grandt and Scott Tilley about their Little Golden Book about Disney's Orange Bird. History, music, and more - gas up the Airstream and grab all the brochures you can carry, it's the Progress City Radio Hour!
Board an elevated tram for a leisurely voyage through Tomorrowland. During your narrated tour, go behind the scenes of attractions like Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin, Space Mountain and Star Traders retail shop. See architectural models of Progress City, the prototype for EPCOT. You'll enjoy amazing up-close views of the park from a unique vantage point. https://youtu.be/xS2YZ_k1cNE
This month, the Progress City Radio Hour is setting sail for adventure with tales from the golden age of scientific romances, and the grand old man himself Jules Verne! We'll look at the making of the 1954 Disney classic 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, and revisit how that film was first represented at Disneyland with a movie set tour. We'll also look at Verne's other brushes with Disney, from Tokyo's Mysterious Island to Paris's Discoveryland. And to top it off, we'll visit the greatest unbuilt land of them all, the fabled Discovery Bay. History, music, and more - cast off the bowline Mr. Baxter, it's the Progress City Radio Hour!
For this episode of DisneySpace, Jeff and Mark invite RetroWDW's and DisTwitter-notable How Bowers along for a visit into EPCOT's brand new World Celebration (or World Nature?) as we reimagine the Journey into Imagination with Figment pavilion into something new, and something old - made new. Jeff plays the role of our Master of Ceremonies “Shark Tank” co-host and weighs How's idea of a completely reimagined space against Mark's idea of a next-generation Figment and Dreamfinder attraction. Get ready for a show full of extraordinary surprises and journey with us as we reimagine! Follow How Bowers on Twitter @GoAwayGreen Follow RetroWDW on Twitter @RetroWDW and @RetroWDWphotos Subscribe to and listen to the RetroWDW podcast and enjoy all of their amazing shows of Walt Disney World in those treasured yesteryears. RetroWDW will be hosting RetroMagic at the Contemporary Resort in Walt Disney World in April of 2022. https://www.retrowdw.com/events/retromagic-50/ Follow How's YouTube channel Liquid Luau for learning how to make your very own special mixed drinks https://youtube.com/c/LiquidLuau Follow Jeff on Twitter @WDWscope And WDWScope on Instagram Follow Mark on Twitter @6MilesTall Check out every old video of Journey into Imagination at SixMileTall's YouTube Channel https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLeCDRk6O2hhP_5mzvcFE1IwrkYCa8rhNI See all of EPCOT in its original 1980's glory at this day-long YouTube playlist https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLeCDRk6O2hhM3PRv-xXhIGRQ7_FBBrI73 Playlist of EPCOT's Entrance Plaza music on Apple Music (credit Blog Mickey) https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/new-epcot-entrance-loop/pl.u-xRjrkFlm87A On Spotify (credit Schmooferino) https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4sAQbdOzlS8XBUiARsdb7h?si=OM-bk6VyQma19uZz8GTQUg YouTube playlist of music used in Sparks of Imagination https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLeCDRk6O2hhNtkGlEBNgw1jBgxfcnr-Yj Red Dot Design Museum in Singapore https://museum.red-dot.sg Disney's Planes - Teaser Trailer https://youtu.be/bssstn218EA Disney's Planes 2 - Teaser Trailer https://youtu.be/9XMJ1D7AXYQ Peter Pan's Flight Shanghai Disneyland https://youtu.be/0CBtwwCX4Wc EPCOT 1966 showing Progress City and the Tower https://youtu.be/UEm-09B0px8
We here at the Dice Fiends stand against the Rampant Transphobia coming from Texas and the rancid Imperialism that is Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Both are vile ideologies that perpetuate human suffering for the gain of the few.You can donate to the Trevor Fund hereYou can donate to the International Rescue Committee hereCheck out the Itch bundle for Trans Rights in Texas here (5 days left as of time of publishingFor you DnD Heads out there, there's also a Dungeon Masters Guild bundle for Ukraine here, it is benefiting Doctors without Borders.Thanks to @KeylligraphyInk for the logo design. The tracks used in this episode are Enemy Spotted by Jess who you can find on twitter @ oneshotminiboss, Dog Star by Distemper, and Living Nightmare (Snowflake Mix) by Blue Wave Theory. Dog Star and Living Nightmare (Snowflake Mix) are from Freemusicarchive.org and are licensed under Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0)Masks is by Magpie Games, you can find them hereFind Us Online:Twitter: www.twitter.com/dicefiendsDiscord: https://discord.gg/j54FrbhTwitch: www.twitch.tv/thedicefiendsCast and Crew:GM: EricDibs: ShannonSalma/Cosmic Horror: LavVivian/ Gloom: LillieNathaniel/Kid Resonate: Daniel About Us: Welcome to Dice Fiends, we are an actual play podcast that runs games in over a dozen systems with a rotating and diverse cast of players. But one thing's for certain: whether we're powered by the apocalypse or grabbing as many d6's as we can hold in shadowrun: We're fiends for the sounds of rolling dice. You can find us every other Wednesday on Itunes, Spotify, or wherever you get good podcasts.
This month, the Progress City Radio Hour looks at some of the creative geniuses who have worked with the Disney studio over the years. From surrealist legend Salvador Dalí, who worked at Disney on the film Destino in 1946, to composer legends like Stravinsky and Prokofiev, many famous names sought to work with Walt in his heyday. We also look at notables of later years, such as Michael Eisner's stable of world-renowned architects and Ray Bradbury's influence on EPCOT Center! History, music, and more - prepare to step into the Schweitzer centrifuge, it's the Progress City Radio Hour!
We here at the Dice Fiends stand against the Rampant Transphobia coming from Texas and the rancid Imperialism that is Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Both are vile ideologies that perpetuate human suffering for the gain of the few.You can donate to the Trevor Fund hereYou can donate to the International Rescue Committee hereCheck out the Itch bundle for Trans Rights in Texas hereThere's also the Itch bundle for Ukraine here,It is ending in about a day as of time of publishing so go donate if you haven't already.For you DnD Heads out there, there's also a Dungeon Masters Guild bundle for Ukraine here, it is benefiting Doctors without Borders. Thanks to @KeylligraphyInk for the logo design. The tracks used in this episode are Enemy Spotted by Jess who you can find on twitter @ oneshotminiboss and Living Nightmare (Snowflake Mix) by Blue Wave Theory. Living Nightmare (Snowflake Mix) is licensed under Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0)Masks is by Magpie Games, you can find them hereFind Us Online:Twitter: www.twitter.com/dicefiendsDiscord: https://discord.gg/j54FrbhTwitch: www.twitch.tv/thedicefiendsCast and Crew:GM: EricDibs: ShannonSalma/Cosmic Horror: LavVivian/ Gloom: LillieNathaniel/Kid Resonate: Daniel About Us: Welcome to Dice Fiends, we are an actual play podcast that runs games in over a dozen systems with a rotating and diverse cast of players. But one thing's for certain: whether we're powered by the apocalypse or grabbing as many d6's as we can hold in shadowrun: We're fiends for the sounds of rolling dice. You can find us every other Wednesday on Itunes, Spotify, or wherever you get good podcasts.
In this episode we welcome back veteran Imagineer Tim Delaney for part two of his town hall! We cover a lot of ground in this one, from EPCOT Center and The Living Seas to Discoveryland in Paris. There are also lots of personal stories about the boom days of Michael Eisner and Frank Wells. Hydrolators prepare for descent, it's the Progress City Radio Hour!
We here at the Dice Fiends stand against the Rampant Transphobia coming from Texas and the rancid Imperialsim that is Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Both are vile ideologies that perpetuate human suffering for the gain of the few.You can donate to the Trevor Fund hereYou can donate to the International Rescue Committee hereThanks to @KeylligraphyInk for the logo design. The tracks used in this episode are Enemy Spotted by Jess who you can find on twitter @ oneshotminiboss and Living Nightmare (Snowflake Mix) by Blue Wave Theory. Living Nightmare (Snowflake Mix) is licensed under Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0)Masks is by Magpie Games, you can find them hereFind Us Online:Twitter: www.twitter.com/dicefiendsDiscord: https://discord.gg/j54FrbhTwitch: www.twitch.tv/thedicefiendsCast and Crew:GM: EricDibs: ShannonSalma/Cosmic Horror: LavVivian/ Gloom: LillieNathaniel/Kid Resonate: Daniel About Us: Welcome to Dice Fiends, we are an actual play podcast that runs games in over a dozen systems with a rotating and diverse cast of players. But one thing's for certain: whether we're powered by the apocalypse or grabbing as many d6's as we can hold in shadowrun: We're fiends for the sounds of rolling dice. You can find us every other Wednesday on Itunes, Spotify, or wherever you get good podcasts.
Soundscapes: Tomorrowland Follow along with the show notes below! Want More Here With The Magic? Visit The Website: https://herewiththemagic.com Watch Here: https://www.youtube.com/HereWithTheMagic Connect on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/herewiththemagic Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/herewiththemagic/ ---------- (0:00) The age-old question inevitably posed to any visitor to the Magic Kingdom is this: which way do you go first? Once you've stepped off Main Street U.S.A. and into the Cinderella Castle hub, there are several stories that circumvent the sparkling turrets and elegant courtyards that call to us with equal vigor and intrigue. Some hear the tinkling of a carousel and head straight toward the Castle, over the drawbridge and into Fantasyland. Others are enticed by the sound of tiki drums and a resounding “Yo Ho” from Adventureland. Still others enjoy stepping back in time, whether into America's inaugural moments or the tumbleweed towns of the Wild West. Then, there are those whose insatiable curiosity is not fed by scenes from the past, nor by wandering the medieval villages of fairytales brought to life. These are the ponderers, the ones who yearn for the future and what unknown wonders it might hold. As Walt Disney once put it, these are the people who “savor the challenge and promise of the future.” They resist the gravitational pull of the terrestrial, the time-worn traditions of the past. They look to Tomorrow, and it is there that they find inspiration and delight. Today, we are among them. (3:15) There is a bridge on the eastern side of Cinderella Castle, complete with a silver archway and otherworldly rock formations jettisoning off on either side. The shining words emblazoned at its peak read “Tomorrowland,” and our curious minds awaken suddenly in excitement and utmost attentiveness. A land of discovery and off-the-charts imagination, Tomorrowland is distinctly unlike every other corner of the Magic Kingdom. Our eyes are drawn upward and all around. Here, the sky is most certainly not the limit; we have an entire universe beyond to explore. All along the walkway toward Rockettower Plaza, a streetcar in the sky glides by, smoothly and serenely escorting passengers to their various destinations across the galaxy. A friendly, robotic voice narrates a grand circle tour of Tomorrowland, pointing out popular attractions and must-sees on your visit to this futuristic destination. (4:49) As we pass the Monster's Incorporated Laugh Floor, the indomitable Roz drawls in apathetic tones that do not invite us to linger. An otherworldly symphony of sounds provides the rhythm for our journey, intriguing and unlike anything we might hear around the rest of the park. Synthesized and unrecognizable as being produced by any Earthly instrument, we catch glimpses of familiar tunes, including the Sherman Brothers classic that inspired so much of this place: “There's a Great, Big, Beautiful Tomorrow.” (6:37) Up ahead, Rockettower Plaza is a technicolor tower of unrelenting kinesis. Planets and moons of all sizes and hues orbit each other, while rockets circle below, round and round the hub of Tomorrowland - a perfect bird's eye view of the action below. The Tomorrowland Transit Authority: PeopleMover sails along, around the edges of the plaza and off toward the spires of Space Mountain gleaming in the distance. (8:30) Tall and formidable and undoubtedly the marquee attraction of Tomorrowland, Space Mountain is a thrill and a wonder for all. How else can you imagine to fly alongside swirling galaxies and among millions of stars, all within the span of several minutes? Those shining spires call to the daring, the curious, and those who simply feel as drawn as Walt Disney was space: America's last frontier. Come, let's see what lies in store in the great, galactic unknown. (9:20) An enchanting Star Tunnel plays us a peaceful lullaby, pulling us into a trance as we make our way throughout the space station and toward the loading dock. Constellations float along in tandem with the music on either side, utterly mesmerizing and celestial. Let's pause Here for a moment, among the Magic of the stars. Adventure awaits, but it can always spare a moment of stillness and serenity. (11:38) Onward we go into the depths of Space Mountain. We can hear control tower happenings from our position at the launch, directing travelers all across the galaxy. (14:10) Suddenly, we find ourselves at the helm of our very own rocket, secured and ready (or not) for our own flight across space and time and the grand enigma of the universe. 3-2-1, blastoff! We are one among the cosmos, soaring and winding our way past the Milky Way as it glimmers against the star-strewn blanket of atmosphere. Arrestingly beautiful and oddly serene, it is awe-inspiring to imagine what it must be like to leave the world and all we know behind in pursuit of interstellar discovery. (15:34) A truly unforgettable thrill, Space Mountain leaves us both wind-blown and mind-blown upon our return to Earth. Then it's back out into Tomorrowland and Rockettower Plaza in pursuit of our next adventure. (17:25) Perhaps it's time at last to climb aboard the PeopleMover for a spin around Tomorrowland. Day or night, these views of the Magic Kingdom cannot be beat, and a relaxing, languorous journey is the just what we need after heart-pounding, high test Space Mountain. (19:37) A cool, evening breeze is a welcome relief as our chariot sweeps us away from Rockettower Plaza. Our first stop is a showcase of Progress City, Walt Disney's original inspiration for what later became EPCOT Center. Though his vision for a utopian community was never fully realized, the ideals, themes, and design elements are present throughout Walt Disney World, especially Here in Tomorrowland. (20:22) Gliding along, we watch young and ambitious future motorists taking their place behind the wheel for the first time in a tribute to the growing automotive industry of Walt's day. The Tomorrowland Speedway may not contend with the speed and stimulation that thrill-seekers crave, but the littlest drivers can't get enough. (21:20) And just like that, we're whooshed back to the rocket launch of Space Mountain, watching the rockets on their ascent to take off as we coast toward outer space. From the control tower, we hear that classic last-minute passenger being located. “Paging Mr. Morrow, Mr. Tom Morrow…Please contract Mr. Johnson in the control tower to confirm your flight to the moon.” Hoping Mr. Tom Morrow makes it before the day is through, we circle past shooting stars and rockets hurtling toward their lunar destinations. Then, it's back into the fading light of Tomorrowland, the spires of Space Mountain glinting in the setting sun. (24:32) Soon, we hear that jaunty Sherman Brothers tune rise up from the theater below, daring us not to sing along as we pass. The Magic Kingdom iteration of Walt Disney's exhibition at the 1964 New York World's Fair, the Carousel of Progress is not only a beacon of the ideals that governed Walt throughout his life and career, but of the ones that still hold true at Disney parks all across the world today. Though nearly six decades have passed since its debut, the Carousel of Progress remains a whimsical, timeless reminder of what can happen when we let our dreams take flight on the wings of Progress and innovation. (25:38) Leaving the notions of America's golden age of industry behind, we speed off toward an epic space mission, accompanied by the one and only Buzz Lightyear. Space ranger and galactic hero, Buzz has enlisted us to aid him in his quest to save the galaxy. Aliens and extraterrestrial volcanoes below promise a spectacular adventure. 27:30) With one final glimpse of the Kingdom beyond, our guided tour of Tomorrowland comes gently to its end. We're back on our own to feet, which may come as a relief after all of the excitement of soaring through the cosmos. Every sharp line and towering obelisk looks significantly larger from this vantage point, and suddenly we gain some perspective on our position in the vastness of the universe beyond. (29:30) A final destination calls to us today, before our journey through Tomorrowland can fully be considered complete. As night falls and neon lights burst into fluorescent life, music spilling out from a galactic hotspot invites us in for a spell. Offering casual indulgences and plenty of seating, Cosmic Ray's is a great place to kick back and enjoy the ambience of an alien night club. (30:45) Our host, the famous and celebrated Sonny Eclipse, takes his place at the piano for a rousing number he affectionately calls the “Planetary Boogie.” An obviously popular favorite amongst the regulars, this snappy, swinging number has even the humans tapping their feet and nodding along between sips of soda and bites of shoestring fries. Get up and dance, why don't you? Don't worry for a moment about embarrassing yourself - you'll never see any of these aliens again, anyway. (32:14) Appetites satisfied and sillies all shook out, we make our way back into the blanket of nighttime. Stranger Things have happened than to find ourselves among otherworldly creatures and stories in the course of a day at the Magic Kingdom, but we can't wait to do it again. We'd be remiss if we didn't allow these moments to enrapture us, call out our childlike wonder and fill us with lasting joy. This place is nothing if not memorable, whimsical, wonderful, inspiring. That is the promise of Tomorrowland: that we who seek to be a part of building the future must employ our imaginations as much as anything else. That the future is a promise built on what becomes of today, and Tomorrow is just a dream away.
Soundscapes: Grand Circle Tour Follow along with the show notes below! Want More Here With The Magic? Visit The Website: https://herewiththemagic.com Watch Here: https://www.youtube.com/HereWithTheMagic Connect on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/herewiththemagic Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/herewiththemagic/ ---------- [02:46] The Most Magical Place on Earth is known to be full of surprises and delights for all ages. A simultaneous sense of peace and excitement washes over the young and young at heart, wrapping us in a warm embrace and inviting us to assume our roles as the ensemble of the enchanting tale that is told anew here each and every day. Anticipation escalates as we approach the Walt Disney World Railroad Station, gateway to the Magic Kingdom and prologue to the magnificent story that we can sense is about to unfold. Our heart skips (and so do our feet) as we approach the station, just in time to hear that familiar "Choo Choo!" of the train whistle as it steamrolls into its stop on Main Street, U.S.A. [04:33] Our walk through the train station tunnel sets the scene for our cinematic journey, a preview of the story about to unfold. Just as you would see as the precursor to a feature film, "coming attractions" line the walls as we travel back to turn-of-the-century America, offering glimpses of all the Magic and wonder that lay ahead. We step out into a bright, sunny day in the early 20th century, alive with all the friendliness and charm of small town U.S.A. Locals greet us as we meander past City Hall, while the town's merriest residents situated around Town Square to greet the newcomers, offer direction, and simply welcome us into the place they call "home." The atmosphere is light and joyful, playful and peaceful in simultaneous synchronicity. Show tunes and ragtime melodies amplify the whimsy of this place, reminding us of bygone days that somehow feel so familiar, although we never lived through the eras of their depiction. [04:52] As we leave Town Square, we herald a passing trolley car, which pauses on its journey right down the middle of Main Street, U.S.A. to welcome us aboard. This is the heart of America at the start of its entertainment heyday. A glimpse into the age of whimsical new discoveries designed to captivate all ages, Main Street U.S.A. is a step (back) in time. After centuries of toil, foraging and rebuilding to create the America of modern day contexts, folks who were hardly making time to enjoy a moment to themselves could be found on a Saturday afternoon in penny arcades, licking ice pops in the heat of the day and catching a cartoon in the cinema with the whole family. We can smell a sticky, sweet aroma drifting through the trolley, its caramel scent tempting our departure. The Confectionary is truly a Main Street, U.S.A. destination, a whimsical candyland where delectable temptations are dipped, decorated and displayed for passersby to lure them into indulgence. On the left, the Main Street Emporium is a treasure trove of sundries and souvenirs to remember a day spent in the Vacation Kingdom. [7:31] The clip-clop of horses and clang-clang of a bell lets us know that another trolley is approaching, and you never know who you might see aboard as it passes by. Waving in welcome and pausing to disembark and greet visitors with a song and dance, the young lovers of small town, U.S.A. are celebrating our arrival. Dressed in their Sunday best and spruced up for the season, you can't help but feel their infectious joy as jazzy brass and foot-tapping percussions make you want to sing and dance along. [12:45] As we continue to make our way up the street, the Plaza Ice Cream Parlor wafts the scent of waffle cones out into the street to entice visitors out of the heat and into an ice cream sundae. Casey's Corner is batter up with ballpark favorites, hearty fare to remind us of summertimes at a ball game, complete with Cracker Jacks and ice-cold soda pop. Minding we don't succumb to the chasms of trolley tracks, we make our way from Main Street into the Hub, a vast, sprawling courtyard filled with fountains and trees and grassy lawns for a picnic or a brief respite. [17:31] Up ahead, the gleaming spires of Cinderella Castle shine brilliantly in the sunlight. It's breathtaking, striking in both beauty and a sort of unreality that is both intriguing and enchanting. Still, adventure is calling, and the distant sound of tiki drums is too inviting to ignore. And so we bid our trolley car engineer a warm adieu and head in the direction of the percussive pandemonium. [18:19] Welcome to a land of mystery and discovery, brought to life by bongos and exotic songbirds, rushing waterfalls and the “yo-ho” of swashbuckling pirates. [19:47] An impressive treehouse climbs up through the tallest, widest limbs of Adventureland, stretching skyward in an entanglement so inseparable from the tree that it looks to have simply grown that way. The thatched roof, netted walls and mismatched brick-a-beach give all evidence to a hideaway for the most resourceful adventurers, of which we are surely included. [20:37] Beyond, we see the resident tiki gods are whistling in hollow, wooden tones as adventurers pass on their way to the World-Famous Jungle Cruise. Whether or not they return from this exotic foray…well, the tiki gods are always hedging their bets. [21:10] In the distance, we hear the unmistakable belt of a steamboat roaring into motion. Still, our attention is occupied by the Agrabanian marketplace we've stumbled into, ornate lamps and jewels scattered on groaning tables in tents for our perusal. Overhead, some mystical, enchanted carpets soar above Adventureland with passengers tipping this way and that. This is obviously the best way to get a bird's eye view, but be warned about the camels: they spit. [24:05] A jaunty accordion calls us away from the Arabian marketplace and into a Caribbean Mercado by the sea. Welcome to Tortuga, the stomping grounds of pillaging, plundering pirates. A seaside fortress clearly overtaken by the conquering seafarers, we'll have to keep our possessions close as we pass through; these pirates are not to be trusted. And so we continue, from the muggy shores of the Caribbean islands and into the parched desert of the American West. [25:48] Welcome to Frontierland. A town straight out of an old wild, wild western film and just as riddled with playful confusion, Frontierland is home to singin' country beats, a briar patch full of laughing critters, and a runaway mine train you'll hope doesn't go awry when you decide to climb aboard. A lively hoedown of banjos, mandolins and an unmistakable fiddle bring this tumbleweed town to life. A resounding “yee-haw” would not be out of place here, accompanied by the mechanical gunshots of players at the Frontierland Shootin' Arcade. Here, folks are accustomed to takin' it easy, and that sounds mighty fine to us. [28:42] Now, we could find ourselves a rocking chair on the porch of Pecos Bill's Tall Tale Inn and relax the day away, but there is much more to discover. We are once again traveling back in time, though back further than the turn-of-the-century. It is 1776, the birth year of America, and we are in the midst of a patriotic palaver that could only be called Liberty Square. Delicate four-four time signatures compose the waltz of this colonial town, redolent with signs of freedom and pride, from the Liberty Bell proudly displayed in the shade of the Liberty Tree and its 13 lanterns to the Hall of Presidents, a hallowed tribute to the nation's leaders across the centuries. We've found the source of the steamboat whistle; the stately Liberty Belle awaits embarkation for a trip down the Rivers of America. [31:02] We, however, are working our way upstream. Past the handsome mansion on the hill that rumor has it is ghoulishly haunted, and under the viaduct that separates Liberty Square from a place less rooted in history and more in, well, fantasy. Stepping out into the sunlight once more brings us right into the heart of every fairytale and “happily ever after” we've ever known. Welcome to Fantasyland. [31:27] It's off to Neverland upon entering this daydream come to life. A tower in the distance calls to mind the wistful maiden who brushed seventy feet of hair each day and longed for the chance to live a life beyond her narrow confines. The children of the world dance and play in harmony together on the musical tour of nations, it's a small world. And isn't it, though? How far and wide we've traveled, and how much more there is to see! [32:51] A clock chimes us into the afternoon as we make our way into the heart of Fantasyland, where a carousel stands as a talisman of childlike delight. Young and old riders choose their regal steed as our favorite fairytale melodies twinkle from some invisible calliope. [35:50] Beyond the castle walls and out of earshot of carousels and clock tower chimes lies a peaceful, quiet village on the edge of an undoubtedly enchanted forest. A quaint little cottage emits curious puffing and whirring sounds, and a fountain at the center of the village spills water out of triumphantly raised steins, held aloft by a most imposing figure and his crony. Violins lilt and twirl out the notes of a catchy waltz, a tribute to the enchanted objects that inhabit the castle in the mountains beyond, and their yearning desire to be “human again.” [37:43] All at once and yet seamless in its transition, those violins give way to a trance of woodwinds. Here we find a charming palace by the sea, extended by elegant stone archways that serve as aqueducts to let water rush in and out of the rocky harbor. A cascade of waterfalls climb over mossy rocks and half conceal a mysterious grotto, where legend tells that mermaids swim and gather treasures from the world above. [38:45] To the South, we hear the tinkering of seven diligent dwarves in a nearby diamond mine, their resounding “heigh-ho” the sign of the workday's end. It is evening, and as the sun gleans closer to the horizon behind us, we carry on. [39:23] The day's end does not draw a line under the fun, apparently, because it seems we've stumbled upon the Big Top circus as its rolled into the Magic Kingdom. The exuberant brass band music invites us to “step right up, step riiight up” and enjoy the marvelous wonders (and cool air) of Pete's Silly Sideshow. This place is perhaps the most colorful and whimsical of all we've visited today, with fortune tellers and snake charmers and magnificent flying elephants taking to the skies. The young and the young at heart find much to entertain them here, laughter a constant vibration above the din and echoing all around. [45:24] The future is calling, and for that we bid the circus farewell and head into our last stop in the Magic Kingdom. This intergalactic adventure is unlike anything we've seen yet. From Star Command to Progress City, this place is a vision of the future that we get to experience in our present. Welcome to Tomorrowland. [47:20] Instead of taking our tour of Tomorrowland on foot, we welcome you aboard yet another highway in the sky: The Tomorrowland Transit Authority: PeopleMover. A spacious and open air carriage in the clouds, the views up here (and the breeze) can't be beat. As dusk settles onto the Magic Kingdom, we watch the sun sink low and golden hour turn to blue as we make our way around Tomorrowland. [47:37] We speed past the hum and purr of the Tomorrowland Speedway, an attraction often smelled before it is heard. (If you know, you know.) The otherworldly spires of Space Mountain exude an iridescent glow in the fading light, enticing the curious into the cosmos. All around Tomorrowland, the familiar voices of monsters and space rangers can be heard amid the disembodied voice of our guide and the robotic, xylophonic music. So much to see and discover, this was the only way to catch it all while still adhering to Roz's “tight schedule.” [52:00] And so our grand circle tour of the Magic Kingdom comes to a whirlwind conclusion as we find ourselves back once again swaying to the ragtime swing of Main Street, U.S.A. We've had quite the adventure, traveling through time and space to spread the wings of our imaginations and experience the wonder so often lost at the culmination of childhood. The Magic Kingdom is a place that grants permission to those who have been told that whimsy is for weekends and fantasy is to be associated with ignorance. This is truly a place of yesterday and tomorrow, of fairytales come to life, of endless possibility. We hope you've enjoyed our journey through the Most Magical Place on Earth. We hope it has brought nostalgia and provided a space for joyous reflection. We hope it inspires your own imagination to awaken once again and soar to new heights. It is always Here for you, as are we - Here, With the Magic. See ya real soon!