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 are joined by Michael Campbell, author of "Walt Disney's Trains: A Grand Circle Tour Through His Life and Legacy," to discuss Walt Disney's lifelong passion for trains.Links:Michael’s Disneyland History SegmentsImportant DIS links and more information!Connecting with Walt on TwitterDreams Unlimited Travel Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Inspired by a listener suggestion, Michael, Tom, and special guest Mary Jo talk about how Disney parks immerse guests in the storytelling by engaging their senses, sometimes without them even knowing it.Links:Michael’s Disneyland History SegmentsImportant DIS links and more information!Connecting with Walt on TwitterDreams Unlimited Travel Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In honor of Women's History Month, Michael shares with Tom a look at a group of artists whose contributions to Disney animation have often been overlooked.Links:Michael’s Disneyland History SegmentsImportant DIS links and more information!Connecting with Walt on TwitterDreams Unlimited TravelSources:Books:Before the Animation Begins: The Art and Lives of Disney Inspirational Sketch Artists by John CanemakerWalt Disney Imagineering Legends and the Genesis of the Disney Theme Park by Jeff KurttiWalt Disney Imagineering: A Behind the Dreams Look at Making the Magic Real by The ImagineersThe Art and Flair of Mary Blair by John CanemakerMagic Color Flair: The World of Mary Blair by John Canemaker Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Michael and Tom explore the idea that Walt Disney quietly designed Disneyland to be a classrom where people could learn without ever feeling like they were being taught.Links:Michael’s Disneyland History SegmentsImportant DIS links and more information!Connecting with Walt on TwitterDreams Unlimited Travel Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Michael shares with Tom information from two recent talks he attended at the Walt Disney Family Museum in San Francisco. The first presentation was "Memories of Mary Blair" with historian John Canemaker and Blair's niece Maggie Richardson. Next, Gregg Sherman, son of composer Richard M. Sherman, presented "Walking with Giants: The Untold Story of Mary Poppins."Links:Michael’s Disneyland History SegmentsImportant DIS links and more information!Connecting with Walt on TwitterDreams Unlimited Travel Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Michael continues his look at Woolie Reitherman as he and Tom discuss how one of Walt's Nine Old Men stepped into a leadership role during a transitional period at The Walt Disney Studios.Links:Michael’s Disneyland History SegmentsImportant DIS links and more information!Connecting with Walt on TwitterDreams Unlimited TravelSources:Books:Walt Disney's Nine Old Men & The Art of Animation by John CanemakerWalt Disney's Nine Old Men: Masters of Animation by Don HahnThe Nine Old Men: Lessons, Techniques, and Inspiration from Disney's Great Animators by Andreas Dejas Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Michael continues his series on Walt Disney's Nine Old Men as he and Tom discuss animator, director, and producer Woolie Reitherman and his contributions to the Walt Disney Studio.Links:Michael’s Disneyland History SegmentsImportant DIS links and more information!Connecting with Walt on TwitterDreams Unlimited TravelSources:Books:Walt Disney's Nine Old Men & The Art of Animation by John CanemakerWalt Disney's Nine Old Men: Masters of Animation by Don HahnThe Nine Old Men: Lessons, Techniques, and Inspiration from Disney's Great Animators by Andreas Dejas Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Michael takes Tom on a deep dive into the Carousel of Progress, not just as an attraction, but as Walt Disney's mission statement.Links:Michael’s Disneyland History SegmentsImportant DIS links and more information!Connecting with Walt on TwitterDreams Unlimited Travel Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, producer/director Don Hahn joins Michael and Tom to discuss his newest book "The Happiest Place on Earth: The Incredible Story of Walt Disney's Disneyland," the companion exhibit at the Walt Disney Family Museum, and his involvement in the Disney+ documentary "Disney Handcrafted".Links:Michael’s Disneyland History SegmentsImportant DIS links and more information!Connecting with Walt on TwitterDreams Unlimited Travel Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special episode, Michael and Tom sit down with producer Don Hahn to discuss the life and legacy of director Roger Allers, who passed away recently. Allers co-directed Disney's The Lion King (which Hahn produced) and co-wrote the Broadway adaptation of the film.Links:Michael’s Disneyland History SegmentsImportant DIS links and more information!Connecting with Walt on TwitterDreams Unlimited Travel Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Michael and Tom discuss how Walt Disney's optimism shaped the course of his life and kept him moving forward.Links:Michael’s Disneyland History SegmentsImportant DIS links and more information!Connecting with Walt on TwitterDreams Unlimited Travel Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Michael and Tom welcome historian and author J.B. Kaufman who delves into his newest book, Worlds to Conquer: The Art and Making of Walt Disney's Fantasia.Links:Michael’s Disneyland History SegmentsImportant DIS links and more information!Connecting with Walt on TwitterDreams Unlimited Travel Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Michael and Tom begin the new year by sharing inspirational quotes by Walt Disney or from films of his era that you might be able to relate to.Links:Michael’s Disneyland History SegmentsImportant DIS links and more information!Connecting with Walt on TwitterDreams Unlimited Travel Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Michael and Tom chat with author Todd James Pierce about his book Making Mary Poppins: The Sherman Brothers, Walt Disney, and the Creation of the Classic Film, which delves into the creative process and production of the classic 1964 film.Links:Michael’s Disneyland History SegmentsImportant DIS links and more information!Connecting with Walt on TwitterDreams Unlimited Travel Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Michael and Tom wrap up the history of the 1942 classic Saludos Amigos by covering how the film finally made it to the big screen and discussing their favorite sequences.Links:Michael’s Disneyland History SegmentsImportant DIS links and more information!Connecting with Walt on TwitterDreams Unlimited TravelSources:Websites/Articles:The Good Neighbor Films – Saludos Amigos, The Three Caballeros, maketheswitch.comA Walt Disney Production: “Saludos Amigos” by Mary MckeonSaludos Amigos (film), D23.comThe Persistence of Disney, Part 6: Saludos Amigos (1942) by Jerry Roberts for Armchair Cinema.comSaludos Amigos Holds its World Premiere in Rio de Janeiro, Walt Disney ArchivesThe Great Disney Movie Ride: Saludos Amigos (1943)Books:South of the Border with Disney: Walt Disney and the Good Neighbor Program, 1941-1948 by J.B. KaufmanVideos:Walt & El Grupo documentary directed by Theodore Thomas (available on Disney+) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Michael and Tom continue the history of the 1942 classic Saludos Amigos by chronicling the research trip to South America that preceded the animated feature.Links:Michael’s Disneyland History SegmentsImportant DIS links and more information!Connecting with Walt on TwitterDreams Unlimited TravelSources:Websites/Articles:The Good Neighbor Films – Saludos Amigos, The Three Caballeros, maketheswitch.comBooks:South of the Border with Disney: Walt Disney and the Good Neighbor Program, 1941-1948 by J.B. KaufmanVideos:Walt & El Grupo documentary directed by Theodore Thomas (available on Disney+) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Michael and Tom chat with influential animator, author, educator, and historian John Canemaker about his upcoming book The Art of John Canemaker: An Animator's Garden.Links:Michael’s Disneyland History SegmentsImportant DIS links and more information!Connecting with Walt on TwitterDreams Unlimited Travel Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Michael and Tom celebrate Halloween with a haunting look at the 1983 Ray Bradbury fantasy Something Wicked This Way Comes.Links:Michael’s Disneyland History SegmentsImportant DIS links and more information!Connecting with Walt on TwitterDreams Unlimited TravelSources:Websites/Articles:Something Wicked This Way Comes (1983) for The Great Disney Movie RideSomething Wicked This Way Comes (film), WikipediaDisney Plus-Or-Minus: Something Wicked This Way Comes by Adam JahnkeDisney’s adaptation of Ray Bradbury’s “Something Wicked This Way Comes,” 40 years later … for Musings of a Middle-Aged GeekSomething Wicked This Way Comes a movie review by James Berardinelli for ReelViewsSome Case Wicked This Way Comes, The Black Case Diaries Movie/TV PodcastRe:Vieww: Something Wicked This Way Comes by The Dark Herald for Ark Haven ComicsThrowback Thursday: “Something Wicked This Way Comes” (1983) By Tony Schaab for Science Fiction.com“It’s a thousand years to Christmas”/Something Wicked This Way Comes (1983) by Grant Watson for Fiction MachineSomething Wicked This Way Comes, Cinefantastique MagazineSomething Wicked This Way Comes, MoviepediaSomething Wicked This Way Comes by wondersinthedark Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Michael and Tom chat with author Karen Fang about her book Background Artist: The Life and Work of Tyrus Wong, whose watercolors are featured in Walt Disney's Bambi.Links:Michael’s Disneyland History SegmentsImportant DIS links and more information!Connecting with Walt on TwitterDreams Unlimited Travel Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Michael and Tom begin the history of the 1942 classic Saludos Amigos by discussing how the film, and the research trip to South America that preceded it, came to be.Links:Michael’s Disneyland History SegmentsImportant DIS links and more information!Connecting with Walt on TwitterDreams Unlimited TravelSources:Websites/Articles:Saludos Amigos, WikipediaThe Good Neighbor Films – Saludos Amigos, The Three Caballeros, maketheswitch.comThe Persistence of Disney, Saludos Amigos by Jerry Roberts for Armchair Cinema.comBuilding Entertainment: The Animated Films of the Walt Disney Studio. Saludos Amigos and The Three Caballeros, the-avocado.orgBooks:South of the Border with Disney: Walt Disney and the Good Neighbor Program, 1941-1948 by J.B. KaufmanVideos:Walt & El Grupo documentary directed by Theodore Thomas (available on Disney+) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Michael and Tom finish up the history of Journey Into Imagination at EPCOT with a look at the updates the popular attraction has received over the years.Links:Michael’s Disneyland History SegmentsImportant DIS links and more information!Connecting with Walt on TwitterDreams Unlimited TravelSources:Websites/Articles:40 Years of Sparks - The Complete History of Journey Into Imagination by Katie Francis for WDW News Today“One Little Spark”: How Epcot’s Journey into Imagination Inspired a Generation @ Park LoreRemembering the Magic: Imagination! Pavilion by Jonathan Heigl for MouseplanetBooks:The EPCOT Explorer’s Encyclopedia: A Guide to Walt Disney World’s Greatest Theme Park by R.A. PedersenVideos:Journey Into Your Imagination (2000 Version)EPCOT – Journey Into Your Imagination – October 17, 1999Journey into Imagination with Figment – On Ride 2022 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Michael and Tom celebrate the 10th anniversary of Connecting with Walt by taking a trip back in time to the Walt Disney World of 1975. There they are joined by Tony Spittell from the legacy Disneyland Podcast and the trio plan their day at the Magic Kingdom with a classic ticket book in hand.Links:Michael’s Disneyland History SegmentsImportant DIS links and more information!Connecting with Walt on TwitterDreams Unlimited Travel Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Michael and Tom join Figment and the Dreamfinder on a ride-thru of Journey Into Imagination as the story of that EPCOT pavilion continues.Links:Michael’s Disneyland History SegmentsImportant DIS links and more information!Connecting with Walt on TwitterDreams Unlimited TravelSources:Websites/Articles:40 Years of Sparks - The Complete History of Journey Into Imagination by Katie Francis for WDW News Today“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 KorkisVideos: Journey Into Imagination Revisited - Full Ride Through Restored & Enhanced by RetroWDW Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Michael and Tom, along with special guest Anita, discuss the second and final day of this year's Destination D23 event held recently at Walt Disney World.Links:Michael’s Disneyland History SegmentsImportant DIS links and more information!Connecting with Walt on TwitterDreams Unlimited Travel Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Michael and Tom, along with special guest Anita, discuss the first day of this year's Destination D23 event held recently at Walt Disney World.Links:Michael’s Disneyland History SegmentsImportant DIS links and more information!Connecting with Walt on TwitterDreams Unlimited Travel Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Michael and Tom chat with Emmy Award winning animation producer Melinda Dilger, who got her start in the classic Disney television shows Goof Troop and House of Mouse. More recently, Melinda has worked on series for Netflix, including Arcane and Blue Eye Samurai.Links:Michael’s Disneyland History SegmentsImportant DIS links and more information!Connecting with Walt on TwitterDreams Unlimited TravelOzCon International - Discount code: CWOZCON2025 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Michael and Tom chat with author Neil O' Brien about his book After Disney: Toil, Trouble, and the Transformation of America's Favorite Media Company, which covers the years following Walt Disney's passing through the beginning of the Michael Eisner and Frank Wells era.Links:Michael’s Disneyland History SegmentsImportant DIS links and more information!Connecting with Walt on TwitterDreams Unlimited TravelOzCon International - Discount code: CWOZCON2025 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Michael and Tom kick off the celebration of the Disneyland Resort's 70th anniversary with a look at Davy Crockett in Disneyland, including a review of the television miniseries and theatrical releases, along with the impact the King of the Wild Frontier had in the theme park.Links:Michael’s Disneyland History SegmentsImportant DIS links and more information!Connecting with Walt on TwitterDreams Unlimited TravelOzCon International - Discount code: CWOZCON2025Sources:Books:Walt Disney and Live Action: The Disney Studio’s Live-Action Features of the 1950s and 60s by John G. WestThe Wonderful World of Disney Television by Bill CotterThe "E" Ticket Magazine Number 33Websites/Articles:The Davy Crockett Craze by Joyska Nunez-Medina for the Tennessee State MuseumFess Parker - D23.comDavy Crockett (miniseries) Wikipedia Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, special guests Colin Ayres and Dwayne Burgess share information about this year's OzCon International, a convention being held this summer in Burbank which will focus on Walt Disney's connection to The Wizard of Oz series of books and celebrate the 40th anniversary of Disney's Return to Oz. Then, Michael and Tom take a look at the history of the popular Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival.Links:Michael’s Disneyland History SegmentsImportant DIS links and more information!Connecting with Walt on TwitterDreams Unlimited TravelOzCon InternationalSources:Books:Secret Stories of Walt Disney World by Jim KorkisWebsites/Articles:Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, WikipediaThe First EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival by Morgan Flaherty for WDW MagazineTopiary, The Disney WikiWDW Chronicles: The History of Disney Topiary by Jim Korkis for AllEars.net Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Michael and Tom take a walk down Main Street in Disneyland and the Magic Kingdom to look at several of the windows that honor developers and planners of the theme parks.Links:Michael’s Disneyland History SegmentsImportant DIS links and more information!Connecting with Walt on TwitterDreams Unlimited TravelSources:Books:People Behind The Disney Parks: Stories of Those Honored with a Window on Main Street, USA by Chuck SnyderMain Street Windows: A Complete Guide to Disney's Whimsical Tributes by Jeff HeimbuchWebsites/Articles:Hidden Tributes Revealed: The Story Behind Disneyland’s Main Street Windows for MiceChatSkyway to Wonderland: Windows on Main StreetWDW Mousing – Magic Kingdom – Windows on Main Street Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Michael and Tom sail to Little Mermaid's Island, an unaired television show that was developed for the Disney Channel with the cooperation of Jim Henson's creature shop.Links:Michael’s Disneyland History SegmentsImportant DIS links and more information!Connecting with Walt on TwitterDreams Unlimited TravelSources:Books:Disney Never Lands: Things Disney Never Made by Jim KorkisWebsites/Articles:This 35-Year-Old Disney Classic Has a Forgotten Muppet-Style Remake by Melody DayLittle Mermaid’s Island: The Abandoned Jim Henson Disney Channel TV Show Pilot, Storybook AmusementJim Henson Made a ‘Little Mermaid’ Show and, Yep, It Was Weird by Cameron GormanVideos:Little Mermaid's Island: Sebastian's BirthdayLittle Mermaid's Island: To Tell the Truth Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Michael and Tom head back into their digital mailbox to answer the last of the listener questions, this week discussing a variety of topics including questions about the Disney family.Links:Michael’s Disneyland History SegmentsImportant DIS links and more information!Connecting with Walt on TwitterDreams Unlimited Travel Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Michael and Tom head back into their digital mailbox to continue answering more listener questions, this week tackling inquiries regarding the entertainment side of the Walt Disney Company.Links:Michael’s Disneyland History SegmentsImportant DIS links and more information!Connecting with Walt on TwitterDreams Unlimited Travel Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.