AUTHOR: Michael Bowling
Connecting with Walt: The History of Disneyland’s Indiana Jones Adventure Attraction
Let’s go back to Disneyland’s Adventureland in the warm days of July 1994 when groundbreaking began on the banks of the Jungle Cruise for one of the most unique and exciting attractions in the park. Nine months later, on March 3, 1995, the large ornate doors on the Temple of the Forbidden Eye discovered by … Connecting with Walt: The History of Disneyland’s Indiana Jones Adventure Attraction
Connecting with Walt: The History of Walt Disney’s Dumbo (1941)
During the second season opening episode of Walt Disney’s Disneyland television series on September 1, 1955, a slightly shortened version of Dumbo was broadcast. During his introduction, Walt Disney said, “From time to time people ask me, which is your favorite of all the pictures that you’ve made? Well, it is the one that you … Connecting with Walt: The History of Walt Disney’s Dumbo (1941)
Connecting with Walt: Directing at Disney with Pete Docter & Don Peri
Do you know who directed Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Pinocchio, Cinderella, or the scene from your favorite Disney film? If it’s a classic Disney film, you may assume Walt Disney was the director. It’s true Walt directed the silent cartoons and the Silly Symphony The Golden Touch. However, as Walt became more involved … Connecting with Walt: Directing at Disney with Pete Docter & Don Peri
Connecting with Walt: The History of EPCOT’s The Land Pavilion
“Let’s listen to the land we all love, nature’s plan will shine above, listen to the land, listen to the land.” An agricultural pavilion was in the original plans for EPCOT Center and The Land was an opening day EPCOT Center pavilion focused on agriculture, horticulture, and human interaction with the Earth. Whilst The Land … Connecting with Walt: The History of EPCOT’s The Land Pavilion
‘The Legend of Sleepy Hollow’ and Disney Parks
A story that has become associated with Halloween, thanks to Walt Disney, is Washington Irving’s The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. And the story has influenced the architecture, restaurants, shops, parades, and attraction concepts of Disneyland and Walt Disney World. On a recent episode of Connecting with Walt, I talk about the origins of Washington Irving’s … ‘The Legend of Sleepy Hollow’ and Disney Parks
Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room: Before the Birds Sang Words by Ken Bruce
“I keep telling you, this isn’t a few birds! ~ Melanie Daniels, “The Birds” (1963) If I were to choose one attraction at Disneyland, the Magic Kingdom, and Tokyo Disneyland that captures the imagination, showmanship, and storytelling genius of Walt Disney, it would be Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room. This attraction is so significant in … Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room: Before the Birds Sang Words by Ken Bruce
New Documentary ‘Walt Disney: Behind the Magic’ featuring Michael Bowling
“The difference between winning and losing is most often not quitting.” ~ Walt Disney This quote from Walt Disney could be the theme of the new documentary Walt Disney: Behind the Magic, which I am proud to be part of. Connecting with Walt listeners know I have been critical of some biographies and documentaries about … New Documentary ‘Walt Disney: Behind the Magic’ featuring Michael Bowling
Connecting with Walt – D23 Expo 2024: Entertainment & Experiences
Disney fans from around the world gathered for D23: The Ultimate Fan Event from August 9 – 11, 2024, to celebrate all things Disney and discover what we can look forward to in the coming years from The Walt Disney Company and its affiliates. The most anticipated events are the announcements from Disney Entertainment about … Connecting with Walt – D23 Expo 2024: Entertainment & Experiences
Connecting with Walt: Magic Kingdom’s Hall of Presidents

“Ever since I was a small boy in Illinois, I have had a great personal admiration for Abraham Lincoln,” said Walt Disney on the December 18, 1966, episode of his Wonderful World of Color television show. On a recent episode of Connecting with Walt, Craig and I explored how Walt’s patriotism and admiration of Abraham … Connecting with Walt: Magic Kingdom’s Hall of Presidents
Connecting with Walt: ‘Call Me Walt’ by Jim Korkis
To understand a person’s accomplishments, you must understand the person. In his recent book, Call Me Walt: Everything You Never Knew About Walt Disney, Disney historian and author Jim Korkis shares stories about the people and experiences that influenced Walt Disney. This book is not about the animated characters, films, technology, and theme parks Walt … Connecting with Walt: ‘Call Me Walt’ by Jim Korkis