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Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover opened July 1st 1975.The Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover, an iconic fixture of Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom since 1975, serves as a living remnant of Walt Disney's original vision for an urban transportation prototype. Originally debuting at the 1964–1965 New York World's Fair as the "WEDway PeopleMover," the attraction was designed to showcase the efficiency of linear induction motor technology, which propels the vehicles using magnetic fields rather than traditional onboard engines. When it opened in Florida, it was intended to offer guests a tranquil, elevated vantage point of the Tomorrowland cityscape, providing a sneak peek into the construction of Space Mountain and Epcot's Progress City model. Despite facing operational challenges and a temporary closure in the early 2000s, the attraction has remained a beloved fan favorite, cherished for its gentle pace, retro-futuristic aesthetic, and the nostalgic narration that offers a soothing tour through the heart of the park's most futuristic land.
CONTACT US TODAY! PATREON: http://www.patreon.com/wttmpodcast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@windowtothemagic YouTube: http://youtube.com/windowtothemagic Email: podcast@windowtothemagic.com Voicemail: 1-307-GET-WTTM (438-9886) On this episode, Paul sits down with Sam Gennawey, author of books such as "Walt and the Promise of Progress City" to discuss Sam's latest release... "Sacred Landscapes: One Van Lifer's Six-Year, 175,000-Mile National Park Journey" and they discuss how Walt Disney's theme parks are similar to America's national parks in amazing and unexpected ways. LISTEN QUICK to find out how you can WIN a copy of Sam's book. Entries must be received no later than February 15, 2026. Listen now! Enjoy!! 45 mins ))HD BINAURAL(( ABOUT THE BOOK: Sacred Landscapes chronicles Sam Gennawey's remarkable six-year, 175,000-mile, van-life journey exploring over 380 sacred locations preserved by the United States National Park Service. These remarkable parks showcase the best of America- the stunning beauty of nature, historic sites of great significance, and the stories of inspirational people who have left lasting impressions. The National Park Service sites also serve as reminders of the country's darker moments, including slavery, the Civil War, the attempted Indigenous genocide, Japanese concentration camps, and other tragedies. Sam Gennawey, a former urban planner and noted theme park historian, delves into crucial questions about "we the people" of the United States, reflecting on his experiences as he undertakes this journey through America's national memory. He has even volunteered in many parks to gain a deeper understanding of their significance and fuller appreciation for how park rangers have carefully and creatively managed the environment to highlight their stories. Combining travel experiences, insightful commentary, historical accounts, self-reflection, and practical tips for van life, Sacred Landscapes will inspire exploration, encouraging readers to visit and appreciate America's national parks' diverse and rich heritage. Take the journey of a lifetime with Sam Gennawey to learn the secrets of a park you thought you knew, or find a new one to explore.
In this episode of the Radio Hour we turn back time fifty years to the debut of Walt Disney World's Tomorrowland expansion of 1975! We take a look at the development of its three signature attractions - Space Mountain, the WEDway PeopleMover, and the Carousel of Progress. We also revisit a rather unusual television special meant to promote the arrival of Florida's First Mountain™. Now is the time, now is the best time, it's the Progress City Radio Hour!
Experts say progress is being made combatting the South Bay sewage crisis, as a number of crucial repairs have been made to the South Bay International Wastewater Treatment Plant. The City of San Diego says it is considering expanding paid parking hours in busy areas like Pacific Beach, Downtown and Old Town. After nearly seven years of business the Little Italy Food Hall is set to close it's doors today. What You Need To Know To Start Your Sunday.
WARNING: This show features adult content and is intended only for individuals 18+ years of age.
WARNING: This show features adult content and is intended only for individuals 18+ years of age.
WARNING: This show features adult content and is intended only for individuals 18+ years of age.
WARNING: This show features adult content and is intended only for individuals 18+ years of age.
WARNING: This show features adult content and is intended only for individuals 18+ years of age.
WARNING: This show features adult content and is intended only for individuals 18+ years of age.
WARNING: This show features adult content and is intended only for individuals 18+ years of age.
WARNING: This show features adult content and is intended only for individuals 18+ years of age.
WARNING: This show features adult content and is intended only for individuals 18+ years of age.
WARNING: This show features adult content and is intended only for individuals 18+ years of age.
The Progress City Radio Hour roasts the chestnuts and figgies the pudding for our 2024 Christmas episode! This year we're hosting two special guests to talk about their new books - former president of Walt Disney Imagineering, Bob Weis, and artist/director Steve Anderson! We delve into their fascinating projects, discussing Weis's long Imagineering career and Anderson's history of the Disney studio from 1966-86. History, music, and more - from all of us to all of you, it's the Progress City Radio Hour!
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!
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!
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
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!
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!