Retro Disney World Podcast

Lake Buena Vista Historical Society
  • 4.8 (566)
  • Places & Travel
  • Updated Monthly

A monthly trip back in time to Walt Disney World - From pre-opening to 25 years ago; your four retro hosts discuss now closed, but not forgotten attractions, designs, architecture and more! Come experience the Vacation Kingdom of the World...the way it was...and the way it is in your memories!

  1. 104 - Orange Bird

    May 23

    104 - Orange Bird

    Find out all about the Orange Bird, the former mascot of the Florida Citrus Growers who once appeared on merchandise everywhere around Florida and at the Sunshine Tree Pavilion at Walt Disney World. We'll talk about his origins, his work promoting citrus, and his eventual disappearance and later new lease on life at Disney's parks, first in Tokyo, and finally Walt Disney World.

    1h 37m
  2. 101 - Downtown Disney West Side

    Apr 20

    101 - Downtown Disney West Side

    Take a walk around Downtown Disney West Side as it was on opening day in 1997. The Virgin Megastore dominated the corner block, but there were fun smaller stores too like Magnetron and Starbillias. West Side was a ‘90s diners‘ paradise with themed restaurants like Bongos, Forty Thirst Street and Wolfgang Puck Grand Cafe. We go into detail about each location, including when they closed, what they became, and where they were in relation to today's West Side. We also discuss the state of retail shopping in the 1990s and 2000s, the demographics that made Disney shopping boom, and how West Side's strategy of having tenants instead of Disney-run stores set up what Disney Springs would become.

    2h 19m

  3. Apr 4

    103 Archive, Events and More! Oh My!

    Retro Disney World Podcast

    53 min

  4. Feb 4

    102 - The Bicentennial at WDW

    Step back with us to Walt Disney World during America’s 1976 birthday celebration, when the parks were dressed to the nines for the United States Bicentennial. We relive the sights and sounds of the era—patriotic parades and float details, nighttime fireworks, and the red-white-and-blue bunting and decorations that transformed Main Street and beyond. Expect lots of vivid nostalgia, deep-cut observations, and the little design choices that made the Bicentennial feel uniquely Disney.

    1h 47m
  5. 100 - RetroMagic 10 Recap

    11/30/2025

    100 - RetroMagic 10 Recap

    Retro Disney World Podcast

    1h 40m

  6. 09/22/2025

    99 - Orlandoland

    This month How leads a discussion about the selection process that brought Walt Disney World to Orlando, the different sites in the area that were considered for purchase, and some of the alternate locations that were considered. He also talks about when Walt Disney World almost helped build a city of the future and theme park in Palm Beach Gardens in 1959!

    1h 7m

  7. 07/03/2025

    98.5 RetroMagic June Update

    This episode of the RetroWDW Podcast is somewhat unique and calls for a different type of introduction. Our team has been hard at work planning for RetroMagic, which will take place from September 26th to September 28th, 2025.  For this show, we thought we would give you a little behind-the-scenes update, some sneak peeks of upcoming panels, and even some new things that have not been announced yet. This is going to be our biggest event yet and we look forward to seeing all of you again very soon.  All the information is in the 35 minute episode, but as you listen, be sure to check out the following, as we have a few places you can look for information: www.RetroMagic.net – Main source for information & tickets RetroWDW Info Page – Has some extra tidbits about the event LBVHS Donations – Support our mission and get some amazing gifts TeePublic Store – Grab some gear for the upcoming event RetroMagic on YouTube – Relive some of our past events and see how fun they are for attendees

    35 min

  8. 06/18/2025

    98 - The Disney Difference

    This one has been in the works for quite some time, and we are excited to bring it to you. Years ago, Disney was just a different type of place to vacation, and we all have our memories of things we have lost over the years, the little touches we remember, and more. While we are going to be cautious to not turn this into a gripe session/complaint episode, we are going to hit on some things that are both dissapointly gone and other things that maybe nobody misses. Either way, we hope you enjoy this look back at things that no longer exist.  As you listen to this episode, we invite you to take a stroll down memory lane with us. Jot down anything we mention that sparks a forgotten moment or brings back a wave of Disney nostalgia. Maybe it’s something we overlooked—an old perk, a beloved resort amenity, or a little detail that meant the world to you. Whatever it is, we want to hear about it. Share with us the one feature, service, or special touch from the past that you miss the most. These stories are what keep the magic alive, and we’d love to include your memories in future episodes or discussions. Let’s keep the conversation—and the memories—flowing.

    2h 31m
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4.8
out of 5
566 Ratings

About

A monthly trip back in time to Walt Disney World - From pre-opening to 25 years ago; your four retro hosts discuss now closed, but not forgotten attractions, designs, architecture and more! Come experience the Vacation Kingdom of the World...the way it was...and the way it is in your memories!

Information

  • Creator
    Lake Buena Vista Historical Society
  • Years Active
    2014 - 2026
  • Episodes
    140
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright Lake Buena Vista Historical Society. All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Retro Disney World Podcast

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