Connecting with Walt - A look into the history of the man behind Mickey Mouse, Disneyland and Walt Disney World

Connecting with Walt - A look into the history of the man behind Mickey Mouse, Disneyland and Walt Disney World

Connecting with Walt is a podcast focusing on the life and creations of Walt Disney. Episodes include the history of Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Walt Disney Imagineering, Disney movies, and more! Hosted by Michael Bowling and Tom Bell, the show is a tribute to the man who made it all happen, Walt Disney, and his brother, Roy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episodes

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.


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March 21, 2025 65 mins

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.


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Books:

  • People Behind The Disney Parks: Stories of Those Honored with a Window on Ma...
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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.


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Books:

  • Disney Never Lands: Things Disney Never Made by Jim Korkis

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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.


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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.

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In this episode, Michael and Tom head back into their digital mailbox to continue answering more listener questions, finishing up questions about the theme parks.


Links:



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

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In this episode, Michael and Tom open up their digital mailbox and begin answering the first of several batches of listener questions. This week's focus is on the theme parks.


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

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February 7, 2025 60 mins

In this episode, Michael and Tom discuss the history of Walt Disney's The Reluctant Dragon. The 1941 classic combined both live action and animated segments, taking movie goers inside the shiny new Walt Disney Studios and behind the scenes of some several films that were currently in production, including Bambi and Dumbo.


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In this episode, Michael and Tom take a trip into the Temple of the Forbidden Eye as they continue their look into the history of the Indiana Jones Adventure in Disneyland Park.


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Books:

  • The “E” Ticket Magazine Number 46: Disneyland’s Indiana Jones Adventure

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In this episode, Michael and Tom dig into the history of the revolutionary Indiana Jones Adventure in Disneyland Park, including a discussion of the challenges that came with building the massive attraction.


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Books:

  • The “E” Ticket Magazine Number 46: Disneyland’s Indiana...
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January 17, 2025 64 mins

In this episode, Michael and Tom continue their discussion of Walt Disney's Dumbo, including a look into some of the film's more memorable, and possibly troublesome, scenes.


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  • Taschen’s The Walt Disney Film Archives: The Animated Movies 1921-1968
  • The Disney Films by...
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January 10, 2025 76 mins

In this episode, Michael and Tom fly into the new year to begin their discussion of Walt Disney's Dumbo, including stories behind the making of the animated classic.


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Books:

  • Taschen’s The Walt Disney Film Archives: The Animated Movies 1921-1968
  • The Disney Films by Leonard Maltin

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December 6, 2024 89 mins

In this episode, Michael and Tom discuss some of their favorite Christmas movies and shows from the Disney family of companies, with each creating a suggested "playlist" for holiday viewing.


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In this episode, Michael and Tom are joined by author Don Peri and Pixar Chief Creative Officer Pete Docter to discuss their new book DIrecting at Disney.


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November 22, 2024 80 mins

In this episode, Michael and Tom march through the history of music in Walt Disney's animated productions, from Silly Symphonies to Snow White and beyond.


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Books:

  • The Musical World of Walt Disney by David Tietyen
  • Disney Melodies: The Magic of Disney Music by Karl Beaudry

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    In this episode, Michael and Tom continue their chat with former members of our Disneyland podcast family Mary Jo, Nancy, and Louella. The team discusses their favorite things about the holidays at the Disneyland Resort, plus a couple of holiday Day Six options.


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    In this episode, Michael and Tom catch up with former members of our Disneyland podcast family, including Mary Jo, Nancy, and Louella. The team discusses their thoughts about recent news and upcoming events at the Disneyland Resort.


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    In this episode, Michael and Tom explore more history of The Land pavilion at EPCOT Center and discover why Food Rocks!


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    Books/Magazines:

    • The Epcot Explorer’s Encyclopedia: A Guide to Walt Disney World’s Greatest Theme Park by R.A. Pedersen
    • The Hidden Magic of Walt Disney World 3rd Edition...
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    October 25, 2024 65 mins

    In this episode, Michael and Tom celebrate Halloween by discussing Washington Irving's "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" and how Walt Disney helped the story become more closely associated with Halloween.


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    Books:

    • A Magical Half-Century: Stories Celebrating Walt Disney World’s First 50 Years by Chr...
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    October 19, 2024 118 mins

    In this episode, Michael and Tom chat with author Ken Bruce about his new book Before the Birds Sang Words, a definitive history of Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room.


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