WDW Radio Show Disney Podcast #136 - September 13, 2009 The WDW Radio Show Disney Podcast Discuss WDW Radio Show Disney Podcast #136 - September 13, 2009 in the The WDW Radio Show forums; Hello and welcome to The WDW Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World Information Station. I am your host, Lou Mongello and this is show #136 for the week of ...

[Lou Mongello]

Hello and welcome to The WDW Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World Information Station. I am your host, Lou Mongello and this is show #136 for the week of September 13, 2009. Thank you for tuning in once again.

While I certainly believe that “There's a great, big, beautiful tomorrow,” I also subscribe to the fact that “Now is the time, now is the best time,” and for that reason, this week we are going to take a detailed look at a classic attraction – Walt Disney's Carousel of Progress. In this DSI: Disney Scene Investigation, we will look at its history, evolution, present and future, as well as its significance beyond the Walt Disney World park.

I'll play more listener voicemails at the end of the show, so sit back, relax, and enjoy this week's episode of the WDW Radio Show.

You can email the show or call the voicemail TOLL FREE at 888-703-2171.

Thanks for listening! Be sure to tune in next week!

[elbug10]

Hi Lou!

Relatively new listener and first time poster. I've owned your trivia books for a few years but just discovered the podcasts earlier this summer. I've been going back and listening to the older episodes from the beginning and they're still very entertaining even if the "news" isn't so newsy anymore!

Anyway, just had to write in and say how much I enjoyed this particular episode about the Carousel of Progress. It's one of my all-time favorite rides dating back from my first visit to WDW in 1975 at age 5. It wasn't scary to a small child like some of the other dark rides, and it was fun to sit in a theater that moved. As I got older, it remained a favorite. I honestly don't remember "Now is the Time" even though it would've been the theme song when I first rode CoP. I guess I'm a "Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow" girl.

Two years ago, I had the opportunity to introduce CoP to a WDW virgin, who at age 25 had NEVER been to The World (I know!). She's a history buff and immediately fell in love with the attraction, even pointing out details to me that I'd missed. For instance, the characters names don't really change, (except for the dog), but the daughter "Patricia" in the 1920's becomes "Patty" in the 1960's scenes. Also, "Mother" and "Father" in the 1890's scene are "Mom" and "Dad" by the end. I noticed on this last visit that the Christmas Tree lights in the final scene are now the new LED lights that most people are using today. I also never realized before that the outside wall of the theater rotates when the seats do. We were walking by the theater on our way somewhere else and I realized it was moving! How cool! It really is a remarkable attraction, considering when it was created, and I hope it always remains open at WDW. It IS part of Walt Disney history and it needs to stay open. I worry b/c it is almost always a walk-on attraction every time I've been there, and I'm concerned that today's generation doesn't understand how special CoP is.

Keep up the great work, Lou. See ya!

[Spyne]

Great show, Lou! Your new DSI: Disney Scene Investigation on Walt Disney's Carousel of Progress with Craig Wheeler was just a great listen, for sure. While I may not connect to the attraction in the same way others do, I still think it holds a big historical significance to the Magic Kingdom. For no other reason than it was one of Walt's original attractions. So again, some great points you two brought up about this classic attraction. Keep up the great work, Lou!

[bater8slater]

Hey lou. great show. I geuss I didn't sound too good on the voicemails...

[DRC2]

Great DSI Lou! Even though it would be great to see the attraction get an update, how can any Disney fan not love it and want to see its continued existence!
(Walt's touch....Sherman brothers..!!) It is nice way to show the younger generations what life was like for their parents/grandparents etc... I not against change, just total change! Great Show! Great live feeds from D23! Keep up the great work and thank you for all you do!

[Patriot Pan]

This was really one of the best shows. The COP is such a great ride. I am torn about the idea of the ride getting an update. I do like the ride just the way it is, although I can understand how it might be a little difficult for a new generation to relate to it. Plus, if disney is going to invest some time and money into updating the attraction it will almost certainly guarantee that it will be around for quite a while longer.

Thanks for an awesome show...

[GrumpyFan]

I really enjoyed this episode Lou. CoP is not exactly my most favorite attraction at WDW but I enjoy hearing about the history of it listening to trivia about it. The show prompted me to do my own re-imagineering of the attraction. But, don't panic, I didn't butcher it, the core of the attraction remains unchanged. You can check out my re-imagineered CoP at my blog.

[dzneynut]

Originally Posted by elbug10

Hi Lou!
Relatively new listener and first time poster. I've owned your trivia books for a few years but just discovered the podcasts earlier this summer. I've been going back and listening to the older episodes from the beginning and they're still very entertaining even if the "news" isn't so newsy anymore!

Lisa, when did you sneak in here?
It's good to see you here. I've been here, like forever!
Welcome aboard!

[Major Dude]

I'll echo everyone else Lou and thank you for this DSI. Carousel Of Progress has been one of my favorites for a long time. It's one of the attractions I can remember from my earliest trips to Disneyland. I can remember always having to be pulled away from the Progress City model. It was a little living city! At least to a 7 or 8 year old it was. And somehow the Peoplemover went past Progress City I think. Maybe not, I'm fuzzy on the details.

When I visit CoP now at WDW it is just a great visit to early memories and it's still a great attraction. It really IS a great big beautiful tomorrow.

[Toad's Buddy]

Great show on the CoP. I learned so much on a ride I thought I already knew so much about! Where exactly is the hidden picture of Walt Disney in the show?

[llawrence1970]

I absolutely loved this podcast on the Carousel of Progress, the sentimentality of this ride to me and obviously to imagineers and Walt continues to floor me. And sometimes when I'm humming either song at home (because of childhood memories I'm a Now is the Time girl) it brings all the magic and emotion back.

In the podcast a video was mentioned with Walt singing Big Beautiful Tomorrow? Where is this in the queue? I don't think I've ever noticed it before and would LOVE to see it on my next trip.....

Great work Lou on the podcast!
Laura

[CyclingMickey]

Just love COP!