Connecting with Walt - A look into the history of the man behind Mickey Mouse, Disneyland and Walt Disney World
307 episodes - English - Latest episode: 3 months ago - ★★★★★ - 561 ratingsConnecting 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 Craig Williams, the show is a tribute to the man who made it all happen, Walt Disney, and his brother, Roy.
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Episodes
Disney Question & Answer
April 26, 2024 04:00 - 1 hour - 131 MBIn this episode, Michael and Craig answer your questions about Walt Disney and his family, Disney entertainment, and more! Links: Michael’s Disneyland History Segments Important DIS links and more information! Connecting with Walt on Twitter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Theme Park & Imagineering Question and Answers
April 19, 2024 04:00 - 1 hour - 107 MBIn this episode, Michael and Craig answer your questions about the Disney theme parks and Imagineering! Links: Michael’s Disneyland History Segments Important DIS links and more information! Connecting with Walt on Twitter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Find Your Happy Place with Dave Bossert
April 12, 2024 04:00 - 1 hour - 139 MBIn this episode, Michael and Craig are joined once again by Dave Bossert to discuss his new book outside of the Disney realm titled "Find Your Happy Place: The 8-Step Guide to Expanding Your Creativity through a Personal Retreat." Buy your copy of Find Your Happy Place on The Old Mill Press Links: Michael’s Disneyland History Segments Important DIS links and more information! Connecting with Walt on Twitter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Splash Mountain
April 05, 2024 04:00 - 1 hour - 151 MBIn this episode, Michael and Craig discuss the history of Splash Mountain from its origins to the end of the attraction at the domestic Disney parks. Links: Michael’s Disneyland History Segments Important DIS links and more information! Connecting with Walt on Twitter Books/Magazines: Who’s Afraid of the Song of the South and other Forbidden Disney Stories by Jim Korkis Websites/Articles: The Complete History of Splash Mountain at Disney Parks by Tom Corless A Brief History of Disne...
Walt Disney's Fantasia Pt. 4
March 29, 2024 04:00 - 2 hours - 170 MBIn this episode, Michael and Craig discuss the final two segments in Fantasia - Night on Bald Mountain and Ave Maria - as well as the film's legacy. Links: Michael’s Disneyland History Segments Important DIS links and more information! Connecting with Walt on Twitter Books/Magazines: Walt Disney’s Fantasia by John Culhane The Walt Disney Film Archives: The Animated Movies 1921-1968, Edited by Daniel Kothenschulte Walt Disney’s Fantasia by Deems Taylor The original Fantasia film prog...
Walt Disney's Fantasia Pt. 3
March 22, 2024 04:00 - 1 hour - 133 MBIn this episode, Michael and Craig continue their discussion of Fantasia moving on to the "Pastoral Symphony" and "Dance of the Hours" sequences. Links: Michael’s Disneyland History Segments Important DIS links and more information! Connecting with Walt on Twitter Books/Magazines: Walt Disney’s Fantasia by John Culhane The Walt Disney Film Archives: The Animated Movies 1921-1968, Edited by Daniel Kothenschulte Walt Disney’s Fantasia by Deems Taylor The original Fantasia film program...
Walt Disney's Fantasia Pt. 2
March 15, 2024 04:00 - 1 hour - 105 MBIn this episode, Michael and Craig continue their conversation on the classic film Fantasia picking up with The Sorcerer's Apprentice and The Rite of Spring! Links: Michael’s Disneyland History Segments Important DIS links and more information! Connecting with Walt on Twitter Books/Magazines: Walt Disney’s Fantasia by John Culhane The Walt Disney Film Archives: The Animated Movies 1921-1968, Edited by Daniel Kothenschulte Walt Disney’s Fantasia by Deems Taylor The original Fantasia ...
Walt Disney's Fantasia Pt. 1
March 08, 2024 05:00 - 1 hour - 117 MBIn this episode, Michael and Craig look at the history of Walt Disney's Fantasia and start to analyze the film in order starting with Tocatta and Fugue in D Minor and The Nutcracker Suite. Links: Michael’s Disneyland History Segments Important DIS links and more information! Connecting with Walt on Twitter Books/Magazines: Walt Disney’s Fantasia by John Culhane The Walt Disney Film Archives: The Animated Movies 1921-1968, Edited by Daniel Kothenschulte Walt Disney’s Fantasia by Deems...
Windows on Main Street – Morgan “Bill” Evans: Walt’s Landscaper
February 23, 2024 05:00 - 1 hour - 114 MBIn this episode, Michael and Craig discuss Disney Legend Bill Evans and appreciate how he worked so hard to make sure Disneyland and Walt Disney World look as beautiful as they do. Links: Michael’s Disneyland History Segments Important DIS links and more information! Connecting with Walt on Twitter Books/Magazines: Walt Disney’s Imagineering Legends and the Genesis of the Disney Theme Park by Jeff Kurtti Disneyland World of Flowers by Morgan Evans Secrets of Disney’s Glorious Gardens...
Windows on Main Street: Marvin Davis - Walt's Master Planner
February 16, 2024 05:00 - 1 hour - 117 MBIn this episode, Michael and Craig discuss Disney Legend Marvin Davis who worked alongside Walt planning out the layout of Disneyland and later Walt Disney World. Links: Michael’s Disneyland History Segments Important DIS links and more information! Connecting with Walt on Twitter Books/Magazines: Walt Disney’s Imagineering Legends and the Genesis of the Disney Theme Park by Jeff Kurtti The “E” Ticket Magazine Number 28: Disneyland – The First 12 Months Websites/Articles: D23.com – ...
Walt's Model Shop
February 09, 2024 05:00 - 1 hour - 112 MBIn this episode, Michael and Craig discuss the importance of Walt's Model Shop and the impact Fred Joerger, Harriet Burns, and Wathel Rogers had on it. Links: Michael’s Disneyland History Segments Important DIS links and more information! Connecting with Walt on Twitter Sources: Books/Magazines: Walt Disney’s Imagineering Legends and the Genesis of the Disney Theme Park by Jeff Kurtti The “E” Ticket Magazine Number 44: Walt’s Model Shop Websites/Articles: We Wouldn’t Have Disneylan...
Milt Kahl Pt. 2
February 02, 2024 05:00 - 1 hour - 124 MBIn this episode, Michael and Craig finish their discussion of Milt Kahl's life and the characters he brought to life! Links: Michael’s Disneyland History Segments Important DIS links and more information! Connecting with Walt on Twitter Sources: Books: Walt Disney’s Nine Old Men & The Art of Animation by John Canemaker The Nine Old Men: Lessons, Techniques, and Inspiration from Disney’s Great Animators by Andreas Deja Walt Disney’s Nine Old Men: Masters of Animation by Don Hahn and ...
Milt Kahl Pt. 1
January 26, 2024 05:00 - 1 hour - 99.8 MBIn this episode, Michael and Craig discuss one of Walt Disney's brashest Nine Old Men - Milt Kahl. Links: Michael’s Disneyland History Segments Important DIS links and more information! Connecting with Walt on Twitter Sources: Books: Walt Disney’s Nine Old Men & The Art of Animation by John Canemaker The Nine Old Men: Lessons, Techniques, and Inspiration from Disney’s Great Animators by Andreas Deja Walt Disney’s Nine Old Men: Masters of Animation by Don Hahn and Charles Solomon We...
The Living Seas Pt. 2
January 19, 2024 05:00 - 1 hour - 100 MBIn this episode, Michael and Craig finish their dive into the history of Links: Michael’s Disneyland History Segments Important DIS links and more information! Connecting with Walt on Twitter Sources: Books: The EPCOT Explorer’s Encyclopedia: A Guide to Walt Disney World’s Greatest Theme Park by R.A. Pedersen Websites/Articles: The Disney Wiki: The Living Seas Park Lore: The Living Seas: The Nautical Tale of EPCOT’s Undersea Pavilion from Concept to Clown Fish The Living Seas at ...
The Living Seas Pt. 1
January 12, 2024 05:00 - 1 hour - 152 MBIn this episode, Michael and Craig dive into the history of The Living Seas pavilion at EPCOT, what it could've been, what it became, and its legacy. Links: Michael’s Disneyland History Segments Important DIS links and more information! Connecting with Walt on Twitter Sources: Books: The EPCOT Explorer’s Encyclopedia: A Guide to Walt Disney World’s Greatest Theme Park by R.A. Pedersen Walt Disney’s EPCOT Center: Creating the New World of Tomorrow, text by Richard R. Beard Epcot: The...
Disney 100 Films
December 01, 2023 05:00 - 2 hours - 216 MBIn this episode, Michael and Craig discuss their favorite Walt Disney Animation Studios and live-action films along with their favorite shorts! Links: Michael’s Disneyland History Segments Important DIS links and more information! Connecting with Walt on Twitter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The History of Bambi Pt. 3
November 17, 2023 05:00 - 1 hour - 118 MBIn this episode, Michael and Mary Jo once again return to the history of Walt Disney's animated classic - Bambi. Links: Michael’s Disneyland History Segments Important DIS links and more information! Connecting with Walt on Twitter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Walt Disney Family Museum Talks
November 10, 2023 05:00 - 1 hour - 143 MBIn this episode, Michael is joined by special guest Trish to discuss some of the recent presentations he's experienced at the Walt Disney Family Museum! Links: Michael’s Disneyland History Segments Important DIS links and more information! Connecting with Walt on Twitter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
From the Archives: Disneyland After Walt Pt. 1
November 03, 2023 04:00 - 1 hour - 97.8 MBIn this episode from the archives, Michael discusses Disneyland moving into the 1970s and beyond after the passing of Walt Disney. Links: Michael’s Disneyland History Segments Important DIS links and more information! Connecting with Walt on Twitter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas with Dave Bossert
October 27, 2023 04:00 - 1 hour - 128 MBIn this episode, Michael and Craig are joined once again by author Dave Bossert to discuss Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas to coincide with the release of Dave's visual companion! Links: Michael’s Disneyland History Segments Important DIS links and more information! Connecting with Walt on Twitter Buy Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas Visual Companion Find Dave's Books at The Old Mill Press Follow along with Dave Bossert Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy f...
Disneyland Team Reunion Fall 2023 Pt. 2
October 20, 2023 04:00 - 57 minutes - 78.8 MBIn this episode, Michael is joined by Tom Bell, Nancy Johnson, Louella Laureola, and Tony Spittell to wrap up their Disneyland Team reunion! Links: Michael’s Disneyland History Segments Important DIS links and more information! Connecting with Walt on Twitter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Disneyland Team Reunion Fall 2023 Pt. 1
October 13, 2023 04:00 - 1 hour - 83.7 MBIn this episode, Michael is joined by Tom Bell, Nancy Johnson, Louella Laureola, and Tony Spittell for another Disneyland Team reunion episode! Links: Michael’s Disneyland History Segments Important DIS links and more information! Connecting with Walt on Twitter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The History of Bambi Pt. 2
October 06, 2023 04:00 - 1 hour - 43.7 MBIn this episode, Michael and Mary Jo continue their discussion on the history of one of Walt Disney's most beautiful animated films - Bambi. Links: Michael’s Disneyland History Segments Important DIS links and more information! Connecting with Walt on Twitter Resources Book: Walt Disney’s Bambi: The Story and the Film by Ollie Johnston and Frank Thomas Websites/Articles: How Bambi Changed Disney’s Animation by Matt Millikan Bambi by John Wills 10 Facts from Walt Disney’s Bambi by ...
The History of Bambi Pt. 1
September 29, 2023 04:00 - 1 hour - 41.2 MBIn this episode, Michael and Mary Jo begin their discussion on the history of one of Walt Disney's most beautiful animated films - Bambi. Links: Michael’s Disneyland History Segments Important DIS links and more information! Connecting with Walt on Twitter Resources Book: Walt Disney’s Bambi: The Story and the Film by Ollie Johnston and Frank Thomas Websites/Articles: How Bambi Changed Disney’s Animation by Matt Millikan Bambi by John Wills 10 Facts from Walt Disney’s Bambi by Jim...
Destination D23 Recap Pt. 2
September 22, 2023 04:00 - 2 hours - 82.9 MBIn this episode, Michael and Anita break down the second day of Destination D23 at the Walt Disney World Resort including thoughts on the new short Once Upon a Studio and so much more! Links: Michael’s Disneyland History Segments Important DIS links and more information! Connecting with Walt on Twitter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Destination D23 Recap Pt. 1
September 15, 2023 04:00 - 2 hours - 97.6 MBIn this episode, Michael and Anita break down the first day of Destination D23 at the Walt Disney World Resort including a ton of Disney Parks news and so much more! Links: Michael’s Disneyland History Segments Important DIS links and more information! Connecting with Walt on Twitter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Our Disney Summer Playlist
August 04, 2023 04:00 - 1 hour - 58.9 MBIn this episode, Michael and Craig discuss which Disney songs or albums they have on their summer playlist! Links: Michael’s Disneyland History Segments Important DIS links and more information! Connecting with Walt on Twitter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
#265 - Walt Disney Family Museum Cats and Dogs Exhibition
July 28, 2023 04:00 - 1 hour - 53.2 MBIn this episode, Michael and Louella are joined by guests from The Walt Disney Family Museum to talk about the new Disney Cast & Dogs exhibition! Links: Michael’s Disneyland History Segments Important DIS links and more information! Connecting with Walt on Twitter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Walt Disney Family Museum Cats and Dogs Exhibition
July 28, 2023 04:00 - 1 hour - 53.2 MBIn this episode, Michael and Louella are joined by guests from The Walt Disney Family Museum to talk about the new Disney Cast & Dogs exhibition! Links: Michael’s Disneyland History Segments Important DIS links and more information! Connecting with Walt on Twitter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Walt's Plane
July 14, 2023 04:00 - 1 hour - 63.8 MBIn this episode, Michael and Mary Jo are joined by Mark Malone and Dexter Francis to discuss the history and fun stories about Walt's plane! Links: Michael’s Disneyland History Segments Important DIS links and more information! Connecting with Walt on Twitter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Enchanting Disney
July 07, 2023 04:00 - 1 hour - 55.5 MBIn this episode, Michael and special guest Spencer Wright discuss his latest book, The Enchanted Disney, where he chronicles the lives of several Disney live-action actors who began their careers during the Golden Age of Hollywood. Links: Michael’s Disneyland History Segments Important DIS links and more information! Connecting with Walt on Twitter Enchanted Disney - Amazon Enchanted Disney - BearManor Media Spencer Wright - Instagram Spencer Wright - Facebook Hosted on Acast. See ...
261 - Disney Neverland: Mountains
June 30, 2023 08:00 - 1 hour - 52.4 MB06/30/23 - In this episode, Michael and Mary Jo discuss Disney Mountains that never came to fruition like Fire Mountain, Villains Mountain, and more! Michael’s Disneyland History Segments Important DIS links and more information!
Disney Neverland: Mountains
June 30, 2023 04:00 - 1 hour - 52.4 MBIn this episode, Michael and Mary Jo discuss Disney Mountains that never came to fruition like Fire Mountain, Villains Mountain, and more! Links: Michael’s Disneyland History Segments Important DIS links and more information! Connecting with Walt on Twitter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
#260 - From the Archives: The Future Has Arrived
June 23, 2023 08:00 - 1 hour - 73.2 MB06/23/23 - In this episode from the archives, Michael shares the history of Tomorrowland 1967 at Disneyland which is what he believes to be the best version of the land. Michael’s Disneyland History Segments Important DIS links and more information!
From the Archives: The Future Has Arrived
June 23, 2023 04:00 - 1 hour - 73.2 MBIn this episode from the archives, Michael shares the history of Tomorrowland 1967 at Disneyland which is what he believes to be the best version of the land. Links: Michael’s Disneyland History Segments Important DIS links and more information! Connecting with Walt on Twitter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
#259 - History of Disneyland's Mine Train
June 16, 2023 08:00 - 1 hour - 66.7 MB06/16/23 - In this episode, Michael and Louella are heading to the wild, wild west as they discuss the history of Disneyland's Mine Train attraction! Michael’s Disneyland History Segments Important DIS links and more information!
History of Disneyland's Mine Train
June 16, 2023 04:00 - 1 hour - 66.7 MBIn this episode, Michael and Louella are heading to the wild, wild west as they discuss the history of Disneyland's Mine Train attraction! Links: Michael’s Disneyland History Segments Important DIS links and more information! Connecting with Walt on Twitter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
#258 - History of Walt Disney's Pinocchio Pt. 4
June 09, 2023 08:00 - 1 hour - 63.4 MB06/09/23 - In this episode, Michael and Nancy finish the discussion on the history of Pinocchio and reflect on the legacy of one of Walt's greatest films. Michael’s Disneyland History Segments Important DIS links and more information!
History of Walt Disney's Pinocchio - Pt. 4
June 09, 2023 04:00 - 1 hour - 63.4 MBIn this episode, Michael and Nancy finish the discussion on the history of Pinocchio and reflect on the legacy of one of Walt's greatest films. Links: Michael’s Disneyland History Segments Important DIS links and more information! Connecting with Walt on Twitter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
#257 - History of Walt Disney's Pinocchio Pt. 3
June 02, 2023 08:00 - 1 hour - 68.3 MB06/02/23 - In this episode, Michael and Mary Jo continue the discussion on the history of Pinocchio and things are getting a bit villainous this time around. Michael’s Disneyland History Segments Important DIS links and more information!
History of Walt Disney's Pinocchio - Pt. 3
June 02, 2023 04:00 - 1 hour - 68.3 MBIn this episode, Michael and Mary Jo continue the discussion on the history of Pinocchio and things are getting a bit villainous this time around. Links: Michael’s Disneyland History Segments Important DIS links and more information! Connecting with Walt on Twitter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
#256 - From the Archives: Living History with Ben Harris Pt. 2
May 26, 2023 09:00 - 1 hour - 66.2 MB05/26/23 - In this episode from the archives, Michael continues his conversation with Ben Harris who was a Cast Member starting in 1958 and had plenty of stories and experiences with Walt Disney. Michael’s Disneyland History Segments Important DIS links and more information! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
#255 - From the Archives: Living History with Ben Harris Pt. 1
May 19, 2023 08:00 - 1 hour - 65 MB05/19/23 - In this episode from the archives, Michael has a conversation with Ben Harris who was a Cast Member starting in 1958 and had plenty of stories and experiences with Walt Disney. Michael’s Disneyland History Segments Important DIS links and more information! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
#254 - History of Walt Disney's Pinocchio Pt. 2
May 12, 2023 08:00 - 1 hour - 63.7 MB05/12/23 - In this episode, Michael and John continue their discussion about the history of Walt Disney's Pinocchio! Michael’s Disneyland History Segments Important DIS links and more information! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
#253 - History of Walt Disney's Pinocchio Pt. 1
May 05, 2023 08:00 - 1 hour - 54.4 MB05/05/23 - In this episode, Michael and John discuss the history behind Walt Disney's Pinocchio! Michael’s Disneyland History Segments Important DIS links and more information! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
#252 - Disney 100 Years of Wonder Celebration
March 31, 2023 11:00 - 1 hour - 67.4 MB03/31/23 - In this episode, Michael and John are joined by Becky Cline and Bruce Steele to discuss the book "The Story of Disney 100 Years of Wonder" and Michael shares his thoughts on the Disney 100 Years of Wonder Exhibition. Michael’s Disneyland History Segments Important DIS links and more information! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
#251 - Windows on Main Street: Women of Disney
March 24, 2023 08:00 - 1 hour - 55.9 MB03/24/23 - In this episode, Michael and John discuss the women of Disney who made a great enough impact to receive windows on Main Street! Michael’s Disneyland History Segments Important DIS links and more information! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
#250 - Rolly Crump Interview
March 17, 2023 08:00 - 1 hour - 69.6 MB03/17/23 - In this episode, Michael and John listen back to a 2015 episode of the DIS Unplugged: Disneyland Edition where Michael had the chance to interview the late, great Disney Legend Rolly Crump. Michael’s Disneyland History Segments Important DIS links and more information! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
#249 - Disneyland Team Spring Reunion Pt. 2
March 10, 2023 09:00 - 54 minutes - 40.7 MB03/10/23 - In this episode, the DIS Unplugged: Disneyland Edition team finishes up the conversation from their spring reunion and focus heavily on Pixar Pier! Michael’s Disneyland History Segments Important DIS links and more information! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
#248 - Disneyland Team Spring Reunion Pt. 1
March 03, 2023 09:00 - 1 hour - 68.2 MB03/03/23 - In this episode, the DIS Unplugged: Disneyland Edition team gets together once again to check back in on all things Disneyland, but this time with a special guest who hasn't been heard in many years! Michael’s Disneyland History Segments Important DIS links and more information! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.