Tomorrowland was one of the original lands of the Disneyland park. Without question, it made its way to the Magic Kingdom park when it opened as part of Walt Disney World in 1971. It’s become a household name with favorite attractions such as Space Mountain, Carousel of Progress, and so many others. It’s kept our fascination for years, but unlike the rest of the lands at the Magic Kingdom, it has to forever evolve with the times. When Tomorrowland opened at Disneyland in 1955, the future looked similar to that of the “Jetsons” and attractions like The House of the Future, quickly became irrelevant. The world’s knowledge of our solar system, space, and what we could invent for the future was rapidly increasing, and unfortunately Tomorrowland has had to suffer because of it.

Imagineers, did however, come up with a plan in the late 1980s to solve the problem of always “reinventing tomorrow”  by creating a futuristic look from the Victorian era. A Jules Verne-like future was imagined to be a great answer. Using architecture, costuming, and paint schemes more related to today’s “steampunk” trend more than anything else. This same thinking was also put into play at Disneyland Paris. With this new look and feel, Tomorrowland would have been changed to Discoveryland, a salute to thinkers like Jules Verne, H.G. Wells, and Leonardo da Vinci. Many of the most popular attractions would stay in Discoveryland, just getting new paint jobs and overhauls. Several other ideas were planned for this area, including a concept that eventually became a Downtown Disney favorite.

The Astronomers Club was to sit between Main Street U.S.A. and Discoveryland, currently where the Tomorrowland Terrace sits. This transitional restaurant would lend to the turn-of-the-century thinking towards what would later become an infatuation with space.  Guests would be seated and would be surrounded with Victorian decor, telescopes, and murals of the solar system. This funky restaurant would not only be a work of art, but a living work of art as actors playing famous, or not so famous, astronomers throughout history would walk around talking with guests and putting on a show for the crowd waiting for their dinner. It is unclear what the menu at the Astronomer’s Club would look like, or if these actors would also be considered part of the wait staff.

So what happened? Discoveryland went from fantasy to reality at Disneyland Paris, however the Astronomer’s Club, which was also planned there, was part of a phase two expansion.  The European park floundered for its first few years, nixing any plans that were involved in phase two. At the Magic Kingdom, it was thought that changing Tomorrowland would be a big leap, both in expense and in keeping guests happy. Several themes from Discoveryland were brought in, including part of the paint scheme, but the eventual theme of Tomorrowland was brought to life in 1994 as the Headquarters for the League of Planets. The Headquarters theme gave the Florida Tomorrowland an American appeal, resembling something you’d have seen on Buck Rogers.

Along with the cost effective change in themes, the Astronomer’s Club was also nixed, keeping many of the restaurants, shops, and attractions unchanged in the 1994 re-theme. The idea did, however, morph into the very popular Adventurer’s Club that opened in 1989 when Pleasure Island opened as part of an extension at Downtown Disney. Disneyland Paris also got the similar Explorer’s Club. Unfortunately, and to much criticism, both the Adventurer’s Club and Explorer’s Club have closed. The cast from the Adventurer’s Club does make appearances from time to time but they have yet to establish a new home.

So what are your thoughts on Discoveryland? Would you have liked it to have come to Walt Disney World? Do you prefer Tomorrowland? What if the Astronomer’s Club opened in Tomorrowland now, would it work? Leave your thoughts and as always, thank you for reading.

Be sure to follow Josh Taylor on Twitter at @kidredo. You can read more from Josh at www.disneyparkhistory.wordpress.com

The post The Walt Disney World That Never Was: The Astonomer’s Club appeared first on WDW Radio - Your Walt Disney World Information Station by Lou Mongello.

Kal David (Sonny Eclipse) Interview and Walt Disney World Fact or Fiction

Hello and welcome to The WDW Radio Show – Your Walt Disney World Information Station. I am your host, Lou Mongello, and this is show #238 for the week of September 4, 2011.

This week, I’ll be joined by a special guest, all the way from Yew Nork City, the Biggest LIttle Star in the Galaxy, Sonny Eclipse. Actually, it’s Kal David, the voice of Sonny Eclipse from Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe in Tomorrowland. We’ll talk about how he won the role of Sonny, what the experience was like, Kal’s other voiceover work at the parks and more.

I’ll then invite another listener on to play Walt Disney World Fact or Fiction, where I ask a series of true or false trivia questions for a chance to win some prizes. I’ll then tell you how you can have a chance to play and win as well.

I’ll have some more information about our 40-Hour live broadcast from Walt Disney World on October 1 to celebrate the parks’ 40-year anniversary, as well as some additional updates before playing play more of your voicemails at the end of the show. So sit back, relax, and enjoy this week’s episode of the WDW Radio Show

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

Information and Links from This Week’s Show:

Kal David’s Web Site

Kal’s YouTube Channel

Question for YOU: Have you seen Sonny Eclipse? If so, what do you think of him? If not, why?

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The post Show # 238 – September 4, 2011 appeared first on WDW Radio - Your Walt Disney World Information Station by Lou Mongello.

I’ll open up the inbox this week and answer more of your questions about everything from the rooms at Bay Lake Tower versus Kidani Village; visiting Pixie Hollow in the Magic Kingdom; Flight to the Moon and Mission to Mars; traveling the resort using the WDW bus system; annual passes for the family; signature restaurants and the best Italian food on property; resort-specific merchandise, going alone, and so much more!

Stay tuned for a few announcements and then more of your voicemails at the end of the show, so sit back, relax, and enjoy this week’s episode of the WDW Radio Show.

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

Information and Links from this week’s show

Join us for other special events, Walt Disney World meetups and more! Get more information, Meet of the Month in Walt Disney World dates and locations here

The post Show # 181 – August 1, 2010 appeared first on WDW Radio - Your Walt Disney World Information Station by Lou Mongello.

It’s time to fire up my Walt Disney World Wayback Machine, as we travel back through time to visit some of the history of the Disney parks. This week, our time travel has a double meaning, as it is the focus of the attraction we will visit. For more than a decade, The Timekeeper in Tomorrowland took guests on a celebrity-filled, 360 degree journey through history, meeting famous figures and visiting historic landmarks along the way… before, as in true Disney fashion, something goes wrong and hilarity ensues. We will take a detailed look back at the attraction’s history, what almost came to be in Tomorrowland, thoughts on the Circle-Vision technology and much more.

I’ll play more of your voicemails and have a few announcements 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 at lou@wdwradio.com or call the voicemail TOLL FREE at 888-703-2171.

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

INFORMATION AND LINKS FROM THIS WEEK’S SHOW

Meets of the Month in Walt Disney World and other Disney Events and Meetups

To join us for a PRE-CRUISE stay in Walt Disney World before we embark on the Disney Dream on Feb. 27, 2011, visit MouseFanTravel for package information, including our Illuminations party! (Note: Package is only open to those confirmed as booked with us on the cruise. Rates INCLUDE the IllumiNations party the night before we embark)

Join us for other special events, Walt Disney World meetups and more! Get more information, dates and locations here

The post Show # 174 – June 13, 2010 appeared first on WDW Radio - Your Walt Disney World Information Station by Lou Mongello.

Walt Disney World’s Space Mountain opened recently after being closed for the summer for a refreshing of this classic attraction. This week, I’m pleased to be joined for an exclusive interview with Disney imagineer Alex Wright – a senior show designer with Walt Disney Imagineering and creative director of the Magic Kingdom’s Space Mountain update. We’ll look at the what goes into updating one of Disney’s most popular and beloved attractions, including the process of going from concept to reality. We also discuss the changes, additions, new technologies, nostalgia, as well as some of what you can and can’t see as well.

I’ll play more of your 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!

INFORMATION AND LINKS FROM THIS WEEK’S SHOW

Click Here to Talk About This Week’s Show in the Forums

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The post Show # 148 – December 6, 2009 appeared first on WDW Radio - Your Walt Disney World Information Station by 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!

Talk about the show by visiting and posting in the WDW Radio Show message forums

INFORMATION AND LINKS FROM THIS WEEK’S SHOW

Click Here to Talk About This Week’s Show in the Forums

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The post Show #136 – September 13, 2009 appeared first on WDW Radio - Your Walt Disney World Information Station by 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 #107 for the week of February 22, 2009.

I’ll kick off this week’s show with some news from Walt Disney World, including a new attraction coming to Innoventions, information about ESPN – The Weekend, changes to Disney’s Magical Express service and a new restaurant opening soon.

Now is the time, now is the best time for another Top 10 segment, and this week, “if something can’t be done with X-S, then it shouldn’t be done at all,” so Tim Foster and I will take a look at our Top 10 Things We Love About Tomorrowland. So here’s to the future and you!

Last week marked the official grand opening of the American Idol Experience at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, but not before a star-studded world premiere event the night before. I had a chance to visit the blue carpet and meet and speak with many of the celebrities on hand, before viewing the very special show and concert. Glenn Whelan joins me to discuss the event, the attraction and what it means to the parks and its Guests.

I’ll announce the winner of our last Walt Disney World Trivia Contest, as well as present yet another series of questions to challenge you this week. Get them all right and you’ll have the chance to win a prize package and a bonus prize as well.

Stay tuned to the end of the show for some announcements including the date for our next Meet of the Month in Walt Disney World before I play back some of your voicemails, so sit back, relax, and enjoy this week’s episode of the WDW Radio Show.

INFORMATION AND LINKS FROM THIS WEEK’S SHOW

Lou Mongello, from The WDW Radio Show, was on the red (blue) carpet and backstage for the world premiere event, and here is some of his video and interviews from the event and party:

View the video and photos at DisneyWorldTrivia.com

To audition for the American Idol Experience you can sign up in person or online at www.disneyworld.com/Idol

ESPN The Weekend

Passamaquoddy blog by Glenn Whelan

Tim Foster’s Guide to the Magic

Thanks to everyone who came by and joined us for March’s

WDW Radio Show Meet of the Month!

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The post Show #107 – Feb 22, 2009 appeared first on WDW Radio - Your Walt Disney World Information Station by Lou Mongello.

Welcome to the WDW Radio Show, your Walt Disney World Information Station. This is Show #37 for the week of October 21, 2007.

This week’s show is going to begin as always with News from around Walt Disney World before we head on over to the Walt Disney World Rumor Mill, where there are a lot of very interesting and major rumors to discuss, including updates on Spaceship Earth, Space Mountain, Imagination, the FASTPASS system, two Future World pavilions, and rumored new attractions based on the Little Mermaid and Cars.

We take another trip aboard my Walt Disney World Wayback Machine, as Jeff and I explore another extinct attraction from the Magic Kingdom. This week, it’s all about flying, because we explore the history, trivia, and complete journey aboard If You Had Wings. We’ll also look at its replacements, including Delta’s Dreamflight and more. It’s a lot of fun and will likely bring back some old memories.

The next Walt Disney World Half Marathon Challenge contest starts this week, and the questions and clues are brought to you by Jonathan Dichter, who asks you to identify the Voices Behind the Magic. In addition to being able to win some great prizes, remember that this contest is to help raise money for the DisneyWorldTrivia.com Dream Team project to benefit the Make a Wish Foundation of America â„¢ to help send a seriously ill child to Walt Disney World.

As part of my continuing efforts to help you with your vacation planning, I’ll show you how you can save money on tickets to Walt Disney World, as I pose many of your frequently asked questions to an official and authorized Walt Disney World discount ticket provider.

I’ll have time for just a few of your emails before I play some voicemails at the end of the show, so as always, please sit back, relax enjoy this week’s episode of The WDW Radio Show.

Links and Information from this week’s show:

For updates and more information about ABC Super Soap Weekend, guests may call the Super Soap Hotline recording at 407-397-6808 or check online at abcdaytime.com.

For more information about Festival of the Masters, contact 407-824-4321 or visit www.disneyworld.com/artfestival

More information about The Wilderness Back Trail Adventure is available by calling 407-WDW-TOUR.

While most tour are for Guests over 16, younger Guests can take the Family Magic Tour. You can learn more about it at Disney’s web site.

For more information about If You Had Wings, visit these resources:

Widen Your World

Martin Smith’s Video Tribute search

Extinct Attractions Club DVD

You Tube Video 1 and 2

Magic Kingdom commercial with Orson Wells narration

The post Show #37 – Oct. 21, 2007 appeared first on WDW Radio - Your Walt Disney World Information Station by Lou Mongello.

 

Welcome to the WDW Radio Show, your Walt Disney World Information Station. This is Show #31 for the week of September 9, 2007.

In Walt Disney World News this week, we’ll look at some exciting new things happening with pin trading, some interesting new patent applications filed by Disney that just may be bringing about some changes to the FASTPASS system, some Playhouse Disney concerts and more.

In the Walt Disney World Rumor Mill, we’ll see what’s going on over at the Haunted Mansion as more details emerge, stop by Tomorrowland and see what may be coming to Space Mountain and the rumored new E-Ticket attraction, talk about Disney and Apple and lots more.

This week, Jeff Pepper and I are going to do a very different kind of DSI: Disney Scene Investigation, as we take a look at the story and details not behind an attraction or pavilion, but a resort hotel. We will not only review the hotel, its amenities, dining options and rooms, but look at the details and hidden treasures that make it an attraction in and of itself. It’s one of our favorites, and one of the best themed hotels on property – Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort.

We’ll look at another of Walt Disney World’s Hidden Treasures this week with the help of Dan and Eric from MouseGuest, who share in my love for the Tomorrowland Transit Authority, and explain why they believe it truly is one of WDW’s overlooked experiences.

I’ll get through some more of your emails and voicemails as well, so sit back, relax enjoy this week’s episode of The WDW Radio Show.

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

Read some of Jeff Pepper’s posts about the Lodge at 2719 Hyperion

Links to other resources from the show:

Audio-Animatronics: WDW Radio Show and Article on DisneyWorldTrivia.com

Touring Plans.com

Digital FASTPASSes being considered (Orlando Sentinel article)

Religious services at Walt Disney World – The Mouse For Less.com

MouseGuest Weekly

You have from between From Sept. 6 through Oct. 5, 2007, to get your application in to www.disneyworldmoms.com and in 300 words or less in answering three questions, explain why you should be considered for the Walt Disney World Moms Panel.

2nd Annual NFFC Disneyana Convention, Show and Sale

Official Disney Pin Trading - Mickey’s Mystery Pin Machine DETAILS!

View all of the pins HERE

Jeff’s fan club in the forums:

A salute to all Lou’s guests but mostly Jeff Pepper.

More Notes from this week’s Show:

http://ifwecandreamit.blogspot.com/

Disney Pin Celebration 2007 - Where Dream HapPin

Visit the official Celebration 25 Event page

Celebration 25 Updates

Celebration 25 Merchandise

Orlando Sentinel article

Also join us for the NFFC Show & Sale and Convention Sept. 27-30, 2007

See the entire Florida Convention 2007 Schedule of Events

Epcot’s 25th Anniversary Celebration

See where it all got started…

Jeff Pepper’s Acknowledge the Legacy: Restore the Dream Epcot tribute

The post Show #31 – Sept. 9, 2007 appeared first on WDW Radio - Your Walt Disney World Information Station by Lou Mongello.