The Progress City Radio Hour

The Progress City Radio Hour - Episode 77 - Town Hall: Tim Kirk, Part I

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 04:00:00 -0400

We return to our Town Hall for a chat with artist and Imagineer extraordinaire, Tim Kirk. Tim joins us to talk about his early Tolkien illustration work and his contributions to EPCOT classics such as Kitchen Kabaret, the Disney-MGM Studios and The Great Movie Ride, Sunset Boulevard and the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, and much, much more. Time to take a Head Trip - it's the Progress City Radio Hour!

The Progress City Radio Hour - Episode 76 - The Spirit of Aloha!

Tue, 23 Dec 2025 11:30:44 -0500

Aloha! The Radio Hour is back with a look at some of Disney's brushes with the cultures of the south seas. We'll look at Walt's voyages to Hawaii, the creation of his Enchanted Tiki Room, and the many delights of the Tahitian Terrace. Come closer so you may see what magic there is in fantasy, it's the Progress City Radio Hour!

The Progress City Radio Hour - Episode 75 - A Trip Back To '75!

Tue, 29 Jul 2025 04:00:00 -0400

For our 75th episode we again turn the clock back fifty years to visit Walt Disney World in 1975. It's a time of much activity at the resort, so we look at the state of EPCOT planning back then, take a visit to the new Lake Buena Vista Marketplace, and spend a day experiencing the best of what Walt Disney World had to offer fifty long years ago! Cash those travelers' checks and we'll meet you at the Chummery, it's the Progress City Radio Hour!

The Progress City Radio Hour - Episode 74 - Tomorrowland '75!

Tue, 29 Apr 2025 04:00:00 -0400

In this episode of the Radio Hour we turn back time fifty years to the debut of Walt Disney World's Tomorrowland expansion of 1975! We take a look at the development of its three signature attractions - Space Mountain, the WEDway PeopleMover, and the Carousel of Progress. We also revisit a rather unusual television special meant to promote the arrival of Florida's First Mountain™. Now is the time, now is the best time, it's the Progress City Radio Hour!

The Progress City Radio Hour - Episode 73 - A Progress City Christmas 2024!

Fri, 20 Dec 2024 17:03:04 -0500

The Progress City Radio Hour roasts the chestnuts and figgies the pudding for our 2024 Christmas episode! This year we're hosting two special guests to talk about their new books - former president of Walt Disney Imagineering, Bob Weis, and artist/director Steve Anderson! We delve into their fascinating projects, discussing Weis's long Imagineering career and Anderson's history of the Disney studio from 1966-86. History, music, and more - from all of us to all of you, it's the Progress City Radio Hour!

The Progress City Radio Hour - Episode 72 - Autumn!

Tue, 26 Nov 2024 04:00:00 -0500

It's autumn, one of our favorite seasons here in Progress City, and that means it's time to break out a number of festive traditions! In this episode we look at Disney's intersections with a number of fall favorites, including football and the state fair. We also take a trip to Sleepy Hollow for some autumnal spookiness with Ichabod Crane. From pigskin to pig races, it's the Progress City Radio Hour!

The Progress City Radio Hour - Episode 71 - Town Hall: Didier Ghez, J.B. Kaufman, & Ted Thomas

Tue, 01 Oct 2024 05:37:40 -0400

In this town hall we're thrilled to welcome historians and authors Didier Ghez, J.B. Kaufman, and Ted Thomas. They join us to discuss their newest monograph, Walt Disney & El Grupo in Latin America, and the groundbreaking 1941 Disney voyage which inspired it. We examine the importance of Walt's many travels, and also take a look at what's next for the Hyperion Historical Alliance and its busy authors. Time to buy a new bookshelf - it's the Progress City Radio Hour!

The Progress City Radio Hour - Episode 70 - Fiesta!

Tue, 17 Sep 2024 04:00:00 -0400

Saludos amigos! In this episode the Radio Hour heads south of the border to look at Disney's connections to Mexico. We discuss Walt's ties to the country, early Mexican representation at Disneyland and in Disney films, examine the mighty churro, and explore EPCOT's Mexico Pavilion. History, music, and more - uts talahá ané exte Mexico yanchaħ uuchich, it's the Progress City Radio Hour!

The Progress City Radio Hour - Episode 69 - Town Hall: Derric Johnson

Tue, 02 Jul 2024 04:00:00 -0400

In this Town Hall we're thrilled to speak with Derric Johnson, founder and long-time leader of the Voices of Liberty at EPCOT's American Adventure pavilion. Learn about his early Disney experiences in the 1970s, special moments over the years with the Voices of Liberty, and his time directing the annual Walt Disney World Candlelight Ceremony. History, music, and more - it's the Progress City Radio Hour!

The Progress City Radio Hour - Episode 68 - The Sherman Brothers!

Tue, 18 Jun 2024 04:00:00 -0400

To honor the recent passing of Disney Legend Richard Sherman, this special episode of the Radio Hour is a tribute to the iconic and unforgettable Sherman Brothers. We'll take a look at some of their lesser-known work, from their time before Disney to projects such as Tinpanorama and Summer Magic, to, yes, even SMASH FLOPS! History, music, and more - bring your tuppence, it's the Progress City Radio Hour!

The Progress City Radio Hour - Episode 67 - Town Hall: Bob Holland, Part II

Tue, 21 May 2024 04:00:00 -0400

Ahoy! We continue our nautical theme with the return of former Imagineering and Disney Development Company exec Bob Holland! Bob joins us to talk about the early days of the Disney Cruise Line, from the shipyards of Italy to Castaway Cay. Set sail for new magic - it's the Progress City Radio Hour!

The Progress City Radio Hour - Episode 66 - Boats!

Tue, 26 Mar 2024 04:00:00 -0400

The Progress City Radio Hour sets sail for a nautical exploration of one of Disney's best features - its boats! Our salty tales include the life of Disney Legend Admiral Joe Fowler, the origin of Disney boat attractions at Arrow Development, a glimpse of life aboard a FriendShip launch, the creation of Disneyland's Submarine Voyage, and a tribute to Miss Tilly! History, music, and more - cast off the bow line and gun it Mr. Baxter, it's the Progress City Radio Hour!

The Progress City Radio Hour - Episode 65 - Snow! Part II

Tue, 30 Jan 2024 04:00:00 -0500

The Progress City Radio Hour returns to the slopes for more snowbound adventure! We have a wintry mix of tales including a trip to Switzerland with Walt to film on the slopes of the Matterhorn, a look at Disney's involvement in the 1960 Winter Olympics, and a conversation with Greg Glasgow and Kathryn Mayer about their book, Disneyland On The Mountain, about the never-built resort at Mineral King. History, music, and more - fire up the fondue and grab that tow rope, it's the Progress City Radio Hour!

The Progress City Radio Hour - Episode 64 - A Progress City Christmas 2023!

Wed, 20 Dec 2023 04:00:00 -0500

The Progress City Radio Hour mulls the wine and sets out the relish tray for our 2023 Christmas episode! This year we're hosting two very special historians and authors, Steven Vagnini and Foxx Nolte! We talk about their past, current, and future book projects, and take a look ahead at 2024. History, music, and more - from all of us to all of you, it's the Progress City Radio Hour!

The Progress City Radio Hour - Episode 63 - Town Hall: Scott Hennesy, Part II

Tue, 14 Nov 2023 04:00:00 -0500

Former Imagineering Show Writer Scott Hennesy returns in this month's Progress City Town Hall! In this episode Scott answers some lingering questions from last time before taking us to Tokyo to discuss his adventures there. From Juicy Lucy to Chandu, there's a lot to talk about. Pack your duffle - it's the Progress City Radio Hour!

The Progress City Radio Hour - Episode 62 - Town Hall: Scott Hennesy, Part I

Tue, 26 Sep 2023 04:00:00 -0400

This month on the Progress City Town Hall we welcome former Imagineering Show Writer Scott Hennesy! Scott comes from a long Disney lineage, and in his time at Imagineering worked on such classic attractions as Kitchen Kabaret, Journey into Imagination, Cranium Command, and more. In this interview we talk about his history, his early Imagineering experiences, and some of his projects for Tokyo Disneyland. Cha-cha-cha, it's the Progress City Radio Hour!

The Progress City Radio Hour - Episode 61 - The American Adventure!

Tue, 01 Aug 2023 04:00:00 -0400

Let's return to EPCOT Center for a patriotic extravaganza like no other! Join us for a look at the creation of the groundbreaking attraction The American Adventure, and the history of Americana-themed spectacles that preceded it in the 19th and 20th centuries. Then take your seat for a history of the beloved singing group Voices of Liberty! Grab those rose-colored bifocals and spare a dime - it's the Progress City Radio Hour!

The Progress City Radio Hour - Episode 60 - Imagination!

Tue, 20 Jun 2023 04:00:00 -0400

Our 40th anniversary retrospective of EPCOT Center gathers one little spark of inspiration to make some memories! Follow Figment to the Dreamport as we explore the development of the classic attraction Journey into Imagination, and find out about previous Kodak promotions both at Disneyland and at the World's Fairs. And fire up the filmstrip because we're remembering the EPCOT Educational Media Company! Just an ordinary day, but all at once we're on our way - it's the Progress City Radio Hour!

The Progress City Radio Hour - Episode 59 - Energy!

Tue, 23 May 2023 04:00:00 -0400

We're riding on sunshine as we continue our 40th anniversary retrospective of EPCOT Center with a look at a few of the faces of energy! Cross the bridge future bound as we explore the development of the classic attraction Universe of Energy, and find out about previous energy exhibits both at Disneyland and at the World's Fairs. And take an off-topic side trip to The Chummery for the dulcet tones of the Saltwater Express! Feel the flow cause here we go, it's the Progress City Radio Hour!

The Progress City Radio Hour - Episode 58 - Town Hall: Davy Feiten, Part II

Tue, 02 May 2023 04:00:00 -0400

In this Progress City Town Hall we welcome back animator and Audio-Animatronics programmer Davy Feiten for part two of our epic interview! This time we go into detail about the Country Bear Jamboree and its seasonal shows, plus more of Davy's work on attractions such as Visionarium. Put some pants on that bear, it's the Progress City Radio Hour!

The Progress City Radio Hour - Episode 57 - Town Hall: Davy Feiten, Part I

Tue, 11 Apr 2023 04:00:00 -0400

This month on the Progress City Town Hall we're thrilled to welcome audio-animatronics wizard Davy Feiten! Davy started his career as an animator before coming to Imagineering to work on EPCOT Center, where he programmed American Adventure, World of Motion, Universe of Energy, and more. In this interview we discuss those experiences, as well as his work on Splash Mountain and on attractions for Disneyland Paris. Watch out for those tapdancing dinosaurs, it's the Progress City Radio Hour!

The Progress City Radio Hour - Episode 56 - Mobility!

Tue, 07 Mar 2023 04:00:00 -0500

It's fun to be free as we continue our 40th anniversary retrospective of EPCOT Center with a celebration of the fifth freedom - mobility! Heed the call of the open road as we talk about the development of the classic attraction World of Motion. Find out about sponsor General Motors, and their previous brushes with Disney and World's Fairs. And take a listen to the silliest souvenir video ever made. Free in mind, free in spirit, it's the Progress City Radio Hour!

The Progress City Radio Hour - Episode 55 - Town Hall: Bob Garner

Tue, 24 Jan 2023 04:00:00 -0500

For this month's Progress City Town Hall we're pleased to introduce you to director, producer, and writer Bob Garner! A showbiz veteran, Bob was responsible for documenting Imagineering's work leading up to the opening of EPCOT Center. Among his many credits are the EPCOT preview center film, The Living Seas, the Captain EO preshow film, and much more. Tie down Mickey because Bob is in town, it's the Progress City Radio Hour!

The Progress City Radio Hour - Episode 54 - Harvest!

Tue, 20 Dec 2022 04:00:00 -0500

We continue our 40th anniversary celebration of EPCOT Center with a look at the pavilion which today most holds true to its original intent - The Land! We'll look back at how the pavilion came to be, and some of the concepts which were abandoned along the way. We'll also talk about original sponsor Kraft, and how they had a presence at World's Fairs and with Disney long before EPCOT. We'll look at the pavilion's research under consultant Carl Hodges, and we'll revisit EPCOT musical muse Bob Moline. History, music, and more - make believe you're a tiny little seed and mayo up that salad loaf, it's the Progress City Radio Hour!

The Progress City Radio Hour - Episode 53 - Town Hall: Doris Hardoon, Part II

Tue, 06 Dec 2022 04:00:00 -0500

In this episode we conclude our two-part Progress City Town Hall featuring veteran Imagineer and Disney Legend Doris Hardoon! In her long career, Doris worked on projects ranging from EPCOT to Shanghai and beyond. In part two of our talk we discuss her work on EPCOT galleries, the Autry museum, Port Disney, WESTCOT, Hong Kong Disneyland, Shanghai Disneyland and more - whew! Pack your bags for a round-the-world journey, it's the Progress City Radio Hour!

The Progress City Radio Hour - Episode 52 - Town Hall: Doris Hardoon, Part I

Tue, 15 Nov 2022 04:00:00 -0500

This month we're happy to bring you a two-part Progress City Town Hall featuring veteran Imagineer and Disney Legend Doris Hardoon! In her long career, Doris worked on projects ranging from EPCOT to Shanghai and beyond. In part one of our talk we discuss her early life as a pop singer and model in Hong Kong, her early career in themed entertainment, and her work with Rolly Crump and others on EPCOT's The Land. Vacuum the wall carpet and I'll meet you at the potato stand, it's the Progress City Radio Hour!

The Progress City Radio Hour - Episode 51 - Communications!

Tue, 01 Nov 2022 04:00:00 -0400

We begin our 40th anniversary celebration of EPCOT Center with a look at the theme of its signature pavilion, communications! We'll look back in time to see the history of the Bell System's past offerings at World's Fairs and Disneyland itself, and talk with Imagineer Peggie Fariss about the level of research that went into the creation of EPCOT's Spaceship Earth. To top it off, we'll examine how Spaceship Earth developed from the "Future World Theme Show" to the attraction we know and love today. History, music, and more - hug a Phoenician and beware the electronic babble, it's the Progress City Radio Hour!

The Progress City Radio Hour - Episode 50 - Fifty Happy Episodes!

Tue, 18 Oct 2022 04:00:00 -0400

This is it, folks - our fiftieth episode! Can you believe it? To mark the occasion we're looking back at two fiftieth anniversary celebrations of the past, 1973's 50th anniversary of Walt Disney Productions and 1978's 50th anniversary of Mickey Mouse. History, music, and more - nifty at fifty, it's the Progress City Radio Hour!

The Progress City Radio Hour - Episode 49 - Town Hall: Peggie Fariss, Part II

Tue, 20 Sep 2022 04:00:00 -0400

This episode we're bringing you part two of our Progress City Town Hall with veteran Imagineer Peggie Fariss! Peggie started at Disneyland in 1965 as an attractions hostess, and in her amazing fifty-year career she worked on any number of fascinating projects. In part two of our talk we discuss more of her role in putting together EPCOT's planning conferences, her work helping create the Disney Gallery, the art of dealing with corporate participants, and her time at Disneyland Paris! Head for Ice Station Cool, it's the Progress City Radio Hour!

The Progress City Radio Hour - Episode 48 - Town Hall: Peggie Fariss, Part I

Tue, 06 Sep 2022 04:00:00 -0400

This month we're very excited to bring you a two-part Progress City Town Hall with veteran Imagineer Peggie Fariss! Peggie started at Disneyland in 1965 as an attractions hostess, and in her amazing fifty-year career she worked on any number of fascinating projects. In part one of our talk we discuss the origins of Peggie's Disney career, her time in Florida previewing Walt Disney World in 1969, her role there as the resort opened in 1971, and her work helping develop EPCOT programming in the 1970s. Meet you at the Sunshine State Exhibitorium, it's the Progress City Radio Hour!

The Progress City Radio Hour - Episode 47 - The Great Locomotive Chase! Part II

Tue, 23 Aug 2022 04:00:00 -0400

We're on the rails again as we continue our exploration of the production of the 1956 Disney feature The Great Locomotive Chase. Join us, Walt, and Fess in the mountains of Georgia and North Carolina for a look at the locals Walt recruited to take part in the film, some of whom he tried to bring back to California with him! We also look back at the film's multiple premiere events, and Jeff speaks to Bill Kurtz III, whose grandfather was technical advisor for the film and who himself made an actual appearance on the Disneyland television show! History, music, and more - pop open a Coca Cola, it's the Progress City Radio Hour!

The Progress City Radio Hour - Episode 46 - The Great Locomotive Chase! Part I

Tue, 26 Jul 2022 05:00:00 -0400

This month we're doing something a little different on the Radio Hour, and taking a deep dive into the production of the 1956 feature The Great Locomotive Chase. This film was a passion project for Walt, who spent two weeks playing with trains on location in the mountains of Georgia and North Carolina. Join us and our third co-host Fess Parker for a look back at the production, the locomotives, and life on set along the Tallulah Falls Railroad - and for an in-depth assessment of just how handsome is Jeffrey Hunter anyway? History, music, and more - eat our dust Johnny Reb, it's the Progress City Radio Hour!

The Progress City Radio Hour - Episode 45 - Vacation!

Tue, 28 Jun 2022 04:00:00 -0400

It's time to hit the road for summer vacation, Disney style! We'll look at roadside Disney classics from Florida's welcome centers to Walt Disney World's preview center itself. We'll also hitch up our RVs at Disneyland's long-lost Vacationland campground. We revisit the Country Bear Jamboree Vacation Hoedown, and speak to artists Jason Grandt and Scott Tilley about their Little Golden Book about Disney's Orange Bird. History, music, and more - gas up the Airstream and grab all the brochures you can carry, it's the Progress City Radio Hour!

The Progress City Radio Hour - Episode 44 - Voyages Extraordinaires!

Tue, 24 May 2022 04:00:00 -0400

This month, the Progress City Radio Hour is setting sail for adventure with tales from the golden age of scientific romances, and the grand old man himself Jules Verne! We'll look at the making of the 1954 Disney classic 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, and revisit how that film was first represented at Disneyland with a movie set tour. We'll also look at Verne's other brushes with Disney, from Tokyo's Mysterious Island to Paris's Discoveryland. And to top it off, we'll visit the greatest unbuilt land of them all, the fabled Discovery Bay. History, music, and more - cast off the bowline Mr. Baxter, it's the Progress City Radio Hour!

The Progress City Radio Hour - Episode 43 - Brushes With Genius!

Tue, 29 Mar 2022 04:00:00 -0400

This month, the Progress City Radio Hour looks at some of the creative geniuses who have worked with the Disney studio over the years. From surrealist legend Salvador Dalí, who worked at Disney on the film Destino in 1946, to composer legends like Stravinsky and Prokofiev, many famous names sought to work with Walt in his heyday. We also look at notables of later years, such as Michael Eisner's stable of world-renowned architects and Ray Bradbury's influence on EPCOT Center! History, music, and more - prepare to step into the Schweitzer centrifuge, it's the Progress City Radio Hour!

The Progress City Radio Hour - Episode 42 - Town Hall: Tim Delaney, Part II

Tue, 15 Mar 2022 04:00:00 -0400

In this episode we welcome back veteran Imagineer Tim Delaney for part two of his town hall! We cover a lot of ground in this one, from EPCOT Center and The Living Seas to Discoveryland in Paris. There are also lots of personal stories about the boom days of Michael Eisner and Frank Wells. Hydrolators prepare for descent, it's the Progress City Radio Hour!

The Progress City Radio Hour - Episode 41 - Town Hall: Tim Delaney, Part I

Tue, 01 Mar 2022 04:00:00 -0500

This month we're happy to bring you a two-part Progress City Town Hall with veteran Imagineer Tim Delaney! Tim began at Disney in the 1970s, and worked on everything from Epcot Center to Disneyland Paris, Hong Kong Disneyland, and beyond. In this part of our talk we discuss how Tim was inspired by Walt's classic Tomorrowland television episodes, his early years at Imagineering, and some of the fascinating people he met along the way. Hop on the Moonliner and prepare for takeoff, it's the Progress City Radio Hour!

The Progress City Radio Hour - Episode 40 - Tomorrowland!

Tue, 15 Feb 2022 04:00:00 -0500

The Progress City Radio Hour turns forward the clock and jets into the new year with a visit to the great big beautiful Tomorrowland! We start off with a look at Walt's own Tomorrowland programs of the 1950s, and how they influenced the American space program. We'll also examine Walt's friendship with visionary architect Welton Beckett, tour the early entertainment offerings of the Magic Kingdom's Tomorrowland, and look at abandoned plans for the EPCOT Future World Theme Center! History, music, and more - without this faceplate our blood would literally boil, it's the Progress City Radio Hour!

The Progress City Radio Hour - Episode 39 - A Progress City Christmas 2021!

Mon, 20 Dec 2021 04:00:00 -0500

The Progress City Radio Hour spikes the eggnog and hoists the mistletoe for our second annual Christmas episode! This year our festive spectacular features visits from two of our Town Hall guests from 2021, legendary Walt Disney World performer Pat Terry, Jr. and renowned Disney horticulturalist Scott Girard. Author and historian Marcy Carriker Smothers also drops by to talk about her newest book about Walt Disney and Disneyland. History, music, and more - from all of us to all of you, it's the Progress City Radio Hour!

The Progress City Radio Hour - Episode 38 - Walt Disney World Is 50! Part IV

Tue, 23 Nov 2021 04:00:00 -0500

In this episode we wrap up our trip back through time to celebrate Walt Disney World's fiftieth anniversary! The last installation of our multi-episode event examines the 1990s - a decade of many ups and downs for the resort and for Disney itself. Not for nothing was this period known as the Disney Decade - there's a lot to talk about and a lot of developments to cover, so buckle in! History, music, and more - everything announced today in this podcast will definitely be built, it's the Progress City Radio Hour!

The Progress City Radio Hour - Episode 37 - Walt Disney World Is 50! Part III

Tue, 02 Nov 2021 04:00:00 -0400

Join us as we continue our journey through fifty years of Walt Disney World history! For this momentous occasion we're embarking on a multi-episode event which will take us through the decades to revisit moments from the resort's past. For part three we look at the 1980s - a decade of much change at Disney and at Walt Disney World. And we welcome Michael Eisner and Frank Wells to the family! History, music, and more - hullo, I'm Michael Eisner, it's the Progress City Radio Hour!

The Progress City Radio Hour - Episode 36 - Walt Disney World Is 50! Part II

Tue, 19 Oct 2021 04:00:00 -0400

Our Walt Disney World golden anniversary celebration continues! For this momentous occasion we're embarking on a multi-episode event which will take us through the decades to revisit moments from the resort's past. For part two we explore the years between the resort's opening in 1971 and the debut of Epcot Center in 1982. It's a decade of expansion and of much promise, as well as much silliness. History, music, and more - let us take you on a moonlit ride, it's the Progress City Radio Hour!

The Progress City Radio Hour - Episode 35 - Walt Disney World Is 50! Part I

Tue, 05 Oct 2021 04:00:00 -0400

It's finally here - the golden anniversary of Walt Disney World! For this momentous occasion we're embarking on a multi-episode event which will take us through the decades to revisit moments from the resort's past - some significant and some decidedly less so. For part one we explore the years between the announcement of the "Florida Project" in 1965 and its grand opening in 1971. We also talk to Ron Miziker, the entertainment impresario who helped pull off those fantastic opening celebrations. History, music, and more - tune up the 1,076 trombones and prep the festoonery, it's the Progress City Radio Hour!

A Progress City Extra - Memories Of Roy O. Disney!

Fri, 01 Oct 2021 11:06:33 -0400

To celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of Walt Disney World and the man who made it possible, Roy O. Disney, we're putting out a Progress City Extra featuring some memories of Roy by people who worked with him. Included are clips from our Progress City Town Halls with Frank Stanek and Scott Girard, featuring some elements that have not been previously broadcast. We hope you enjoy these reminisces, and join us next week for the first of our fiftieth anniversary celebration episodes!

The Progress City Radio Hour - Episode 34 - Town Hall: Pat Terry, Jr.

Tue, 21 Sep 2021 04:00:00 -0400

It's no secret we love Disney park music, so we're very excited to bring you our interview with long-time Walt Disney World banjoist and Disney Legacy Award winner Pat Terry, Jr. Pat started off at Disneyland before helping open Walt Disney World alongside his father, with whom he played for more than a decade before striking out on his own. Along the way he's had some fabulous experiences and got to meet some fascinating people. From the streets of New Orleans Square to the stage of Pioneer Hall - tune up folks, it's the Progress City Radio Hour!

The Progress City Radio Hour - Episode 33 - The Vacation Kingdom! Bay Lake

Tue, 07 Sep 2021 04:00:00 -0400

The Progress City Radio Hour catches a blue-flagged motor launch for a look at the Vacation Kingdom via the waterways of Bay Lake! We remember an eccentric occupant of the area before Disney arrived, dig into the origins of Fort Wilderness, and explore Bay Lake's entertainment offerings of the 1970s. We also check in with legendary Walt Disney World entertainer Pat Terry, Jr. for some memories about the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue. History, music, and more - peel some shrimp and tune your banjo, it's the Progress City Radio Hour!

The Progress City Radio Hour - Episode 32 - Town Hall: Scott Girard, Part II

Tue, 24 Aug 2021 04:00:00 -0400

In this Progress City Town Hall we continue our discussion with veteran Disney landscaper and horticulturalist Scott Girard. Topics of discussion include Scott's influence on the landscapes of EPCOT Center and Tokyo Disneyland, some of his projects outside Disney, and his time spent as head of Disney Horticulture in the 1990s. From the gardens of Canada to the forests of Japan - plant those tiddlywinks, it's the Progress City Radio Hour!

The Progress City Radio Hour - Episode 31 - Town Hall: Scott Girard, Part I

Tue, 10 Aug 2021 04:00:00 -0400

Landscaping is a fundamental part of the Disney themed experience, so we're thrilled this month to bring you a two-part Progress City Town Hall with veteran Disney landscaper and horticulturalist Scott Girard. Scott started at Disneyland in 1964, and went on to become part of the team that helped create Walt Disney World. In this part of our talk we discuss those early experiences, including encounters with Walt and Roy Disney themselves. From the orange groves of Anaheim to the swamps of Florida - stay off those topiaries, kids, it's the Progress City Radio Hour!

The Progress City Radio Hour - Episode 30 - The Glorious Fourth!

Mon, 12 Jul 2021 04:00:00 -0400

The Progress City Radio Hour picks up our fife and drum for another celebration of the Fourth of July! In this patriotic episode we'll look back at how Disney parks celebrated the Bicentennial, and examine some very early concepts for Epcot's American Adventure. We'll also walk you through a lengthy televised spectacle of Americana from 1991. History, music, and more - strike up the band, it's the Progress City Radio Hour!

The Progress City Radio Hour - Episode 29 - Frontierland! Part II

Wed, 23 Jun 2021 04:00:00 -0400

The Progress City Radio Hour sets sail down the mighty Mississippi for more wild west excitement in Frontierland! In part two of this month's episode we look at how Mark Twain influenced Walt Disney's youth. We'll also look at Frontierland dining options from Disneyland's past, hear a catchy ditty about Nature's Wonderland, and continue our retrospective tour of Walt Disney World's Frontierland! History, music, and more - send down another bag of golden corn, Klondike, it's the Progress City Radio Hour!

The Progress City Radio Hour - Episode 28 - Frontierland! Part I

Tue, 08 Jun 2021 04:00:00 -0400

The Progress City Radio Hour hits the dusty trail in search of frontier adventure! In part one of our Frontierland episode we look at the musical legacy of some of Disney's western offerings and revisit the televised exploits of Texas John Slaughter. We also begin our trip back through time to Remember the Magic of Frontierland's past at Walt Disney World. History, music, and more - prepare for the wildest ride in the wilderness, it's the Progress City Radio Hour!

The Progress City Radio Hour - Episode 27 - Adventureland! Part II

Tue, 25 May 2021 04:00:00 -0400

The Progress City Radio Hour wakes up the glee club and returns to the wilds of Adventureland! In part two of our Adventureland episode we examine the careers of two individuals who had a great influence on this land's history - Imagineer Harper Goff and horticulturalist Bill Evans. We'll also revisit the filming of the Disney classic The Swiss Family Robinson, and Jeff holds a Polynesian feast! History, music, and more - we're offering two heads for just one of yours, it's the Progress City Radio Hour!

The Progress City Radio Hour - Episode 26 - Adventureland! Part I

Tue, 11 May 2021 04:00:00 -0400

The Progress City Radio Hour starts the show rolling and embarks on a safari into Adventureland! In part one of our Adventureland episode we look at the True-Life Adventures which first inspired this exotic land and Remember the Magic™ of some of the area's past offerings. We also look at the history and lore of the Orange Bird, and examine Walt Disney World's citrus ties. History, music, and more - wave goodbye to the people at the dock, it's the Progress City Radio Hour!

The Progress City Radio Hour - Episode 25 - Town Hall: Tom Morris, Part II

Tue, 04 May 2021 04:00:00 -0400

Here we return to our Progress City Town Hall two-part interview with Imagineer and historian Tom Morris. In part two of our talk we discuss a number of major projects that he worked on, most notably Disney Studios Paris, DisneyQuest, and Hong Kong Disneyland. We also discuss his huge new research project about the roots of Imagineering, and some of the important names you may never have heard about until now. History, music, and more - long live the theme park, it's the Progress City Radio Hour!

The Progress City Radio Hour - Episode 24 - Town Hall: Tom Morris, Part I

Tue, 27 Apr 2021 04:00:00 -0400

This month, the Progress City Town Hall brings you a two-part interview with Imagineer and historian Tom Morris. Tom not only worked on a wide range of projects from EPCOT to Hong Kong Disneyland and beyond, but he's embarked on a major research project about the roots of Imagineering. In this part of our talk we discuss several of his early projects including World of Motion, Journey into Imagination, and a slew of Disneyland experiences. From Splash Mountain to Star Wars - follow Figment to the Progress City Radio Hour!

The Progress City Radio Hour - Episode 23 - Fantasyland! Part II

Tue, 20 Apr 2021 04:00:00 -0400

The Progress City Radio Hour returns to Fantasyland in the second part of our 50th anniversary retrospective! This week we examine some unbuilt attractions from "The Fantasyland That Never Was" and continue to Remember the Magic™ of past Fantasyland offerings such as Mr. Toad's Wild Ride, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, and the Skyway. This month's special guest, historian and Imagineer Tom Morris, returns with more insight into the creation of the Magic Kingdom's Fantasyland. History, music, and more - we're on our way to nowhere in particular, it's the Progress City Radio Hour!

The Progress City Radio Hour - Episode 22 - Fantasyland! Part I

Tue, 13 Apr 2021 04:00:00 -0400

The Progress City Radio Hour sprinkles some pixie dust and heads straight into the happiest land of them all! In part one of our Fantasyland retrospective we look at the European adventures which inspired Walt's storybook tales and Remember the Magic™ of some of Fantasyland's past offerings. This month's special guest, historian and Imagineer Tom Morris, also drops in with some insight into the design of the Magic Kingdom's Fantasyland. History, music, and more - head for the second star to the right, it's the Progress City Radio Hour!

The Progress City Radio Hour - Episode 21 - Town Hall: Eddie Sotto, Part II

Tue, 30 Mar 2021 04:00:00 -0400

This month's Progress City Town Hall continues with part two of our interview with designer and former Disney Imagineer Eddie Sotto. Eddie started at Disney in 1986 and rose to be Senior Vice President, Concept Design. In this episode we discuss his memories of Michael Eisner, talk about why someone leaves Imagineering, and analyze some of the issues facing the industry today. From one Progress City to another - make room for Shrunken Ed, it's the Progress City Radio Hour!

The Progress City Radio Hour - Episode 20 - Town Hall: Eddie Sotto, Part I

Tue, 23 Mar 2021 04:00:00 -0400

This month's Progress City Town Hall features our interview with designer and former Disney Imagineer Eddie Sotto. Eddie started at Disney in 1986 and rose to be Senior Vice President, Concept Design. In our wide-ranging talk we discuss everything from the unique appeal of Knott's Berry Farm to what, exactly, he was cooking up in his Imagineering Concept Development Studio. From Six Flags Power Plant to Pooh's Hunny Hunt, from Herb Ryman to Tony Baxter - we have ignition, it's the Progress City Radio Hour!

The Progress City Radio Hour - Episode 19 - Main Street, U.S.A.!

Tue, 09 Mar 2021 04:00:00 -0500

The Progress City Radio Hour marches right down the middle of Main Street for a look at this area's influences and history! We'll examine what there is to see in Marceline, Missouri, take a trip with Walt to the 1948 Chicago Railroad Fair and Greenfield Village, listen to the soundscape of Main Street, and Remember the Magic™ of past Main Street offerings such as the Walt Disney Story and Penny Arcade. We even talk Main Street with this month's special guest, Eddie Sotto! History, music, and more - put on your Sunday clothes, it's the Progress City Radio Hour!

The Progress City Radio Hour - Episode 18 - Town Hall: Bob Holland

Tue, 16 Feb 2021 04:00:00 -0500

This month's Progress City Town Hall features our interview with former Disney Imagineer and executive, Bob Holland. Bob got his start during the construction of Epcot Center and retired after 26 years as the Vice President of Resort Development. He talks us through many of his projects from the built to the unbuilt, and tells tales of an array of architectural personalities as well as Disney icons such as Michael Eisner and Dick Nunis. From Epcot to the Mediterranean Resort, from the Grand Floridian to Lava Lagoon - mind the muck wave, it's the Progress City Radio Hour!

The Progress City Radio Hour - Episode 17 - The Vacation Kingdom! Seven Seas Lagoon

Tue, 02 Feb 2021 04:00:00 -0500

The Progress City Radio Hour hops aboard the monorail for a tour of Walt Disney World's Vacation Kingdom in the early 1970s! We'll look at how the Walt Disney World experiment began with Denver's Celebrity Sports Center, explore how the Seven Seas Lagoon was developed, examine some unbuilt resort hotels, and Remember the Magic™ of past offerings at the Contemporary Resort and Polynesian Village Resort. History, music, and more - pour yourself a Monorail Pink and get your hula skirt ready, it's the Progress City Radio Hour!

The Progress City Radio Hour - Episode 16 - Liberty Square and the Presidents!

Tue, 12 Jan 2021 04:00:00 -0500

The Progress City Radio Hour powders its wig for a look at Liberty Square and Disney's relationship to the presidency! We'll stroll the halls of history examining how Walt interacted with the presidents, look at how his Imagineers created the Hall of Presidents, recount important presidential moments at Walt Disney World, and Remember the Magic™ of Liberty Square's past. History, music, and more - buckle your breeches and summon the electors, it's the Progress City Radio Hour!

The Progress City Radio Hour - Episode 15 - A Very Merry 1986 Christmas Parade!

Tue, 22 Dec 2020 04:00:00 -0500

The Progress City Radio Hour strikes up the band and hits the parade route for a retro Christmas viewing party! In this trip down holiday memory lane we discuss a classic Progress City favorite, the 1986 Walt Disney World Very Merry Christmas Parade. See what the resort was like as it celebrated its 15th anniversary, as well as the 50th anniversary of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. History, music, and more - open up the Jungle Berk and set sail on Herbie the Love Boat, it's the Progress City Radio Hour!

The Progress City Radio Hour - Episode 14 - A Progress City Christmas!

Tue, 08 Dec 2020 04:00:00 -0500

The Progress City Radio Hour decks the halls and dishes the figgy pudding for our very first Christmas episode! In this festive spectacular we welcome some very special guests including Director of the Walt Disney Archives Becky Cline and historian and author Jeff Kurtti. Our wacky neighbor Jay even drops in with some wintery film recommendations for the Disney fan. History, music, and more - dontcha kinda love December? It's the Progress City Radio Hour!

The Progress City Radio Hour - Episode 13 - Town Hall: Randy Thornton

Tue, 24 Nov 2020 04:00:00 -0500

The latest installation of the Progress City Town Hall features our interview with Disney music producer and historian extraordinaire, Randy Thornton. Randy walks us through his career at the Disney studio, including some of his big projects and how he evolved the theme park soundtrack album. You'll also hear stories about the greats from Tutti Camarata to Annette to Richard Sherman, and get a hint at where he'd like to take Disney music in the future. Straight from the vaults in an undisclosed salt mine - it's the Progress City Radio Hour!

The Progress City Radio Hour - Episode 12 - The 1980 Park Soundtrack! Side B

Tue, 10 Nov 2020 04:00:00 -0500

The Progress City Radio Hour keeps the hits coming and flips the disc for a new trove of musical treasures! We return to 1980's The Official Album of Disneyland/Walt Disney World, this time examining the musical influences and historical development of each track on side B. Our aural odyssey takes us from brass bands to America Sings to Mr. Lincoln, and features some clips from our interview with Disney Records impresario Randy Thornton. History, music, and more - come home Bill Bailey, it's the Progress City Radio Hour!

The Progress City Radio Hour - Episode 11 - Town Hall: Don Dorsey

Tue, 27 Oct 2020 04:00:00 -0400

This episode of the Progress City Town Hall features our interview with musical maestro and entertainment producer extraordinaire Don Dorsey. Don walks us through his career of legendary entertainments, beginning in the days of America on Parade and culminating in EPCOT's iconic IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth. You'll get the inside scoop on the Main Street Electrical Parade, the Electrical Water Pageant, Carnival de Lumiere, the original IllumiNations, Don's solo projects, and more. Coming at you in electrosynthomagnetic musical sound - it's the Progress City Radio Hour!

The Progress City Radio Hour - Episode 10 - The 1980 Park Soundtrack! Side A

Tue, 13 Oct 2020 01:43:10 -0400

The Progress City Radio Hour warms up the hi-fi and spins a platter full of musical delights! We take a deep dive into side A of 1980's The Official Album of Disneyland/Walt Disney World, complete with in-depth looks at the musical influences and historical development of each track. From the Main Street Electrical Parade to the Country Bear Jamboree we hit all the stops, and feature a few choice clips from our interview with Disney musical legend Don Dorsey. History, music, and more - in high fidelity stereophonic electro-syntho-magnetic musical sound, it's the Progress City Radio Hour!

The Progress City Radio Hour - Episode 9 - Town Hall: Bob Baranick

Tue, 22 Sep 2020 04:00:00 -0400

This episode of the Progress City Town Hall features our interview with themed entertainment veteran and former Imagineer Bob Baranick. Bob takes us from his days before Disney working on regional attractions such as the Six Flags Power Plant through his time as a model builder for Disneyland Paris's Phantom Manor and beyond. You'll hear tales of his stint as an art director at Disneyland, including many unbuilt attractions from the "Disney Decade" as well as legendary experiences such as the Indiana Jones Adventure. Memories and insights from an industry pro - it's the Progress City Radio Hour!

The Progress City Radio Hour - Episode 8 - Ah, Wilderness!

Tue, 08 Sep 2020 04:00:00 -0400

The Progress City Radio Hour grabs its musket and coonskin cap and heads off into the wilderness! We have a wide frontier of adventure awaiting you including the life and lore of Davy Crockett, a visit to Frontierland circa 1956, a trip through Marc Davis's unbuilt Fort Wilderness attraction Adventure House, a stop at Trail's End, and a bit about a never-built Frontierland attraction from former Imagineer and veteran designer Bob Baranick. History, music, and more - butter up the cornbread and set down the mighty Mississippi, it's the Progress City Radio Hour!

The Progress City Radio Hour - Episode 7 - Town Hall: Frank Stanek, Part II

Tue, 25 Aug 2020 04:00:00 -0400

This episode continues the Progress City Town Hall featuring part two of our interview with long-time Disney executive Frank Stanek. In this episode, Frank takes us from the construction of Walt Disney World through his time leading the development of the Tokyo Disneyland project, and gives us a rare insight into the transition from Ron Miller's time at Walt Disney Productions to the dawn of the Eisner age. More tales from a legendary career - it's the Progress City Radio Hour!

The Progress City Radio Hour - Episode 6 - Town Hall: Frank Stanek, Part I

Tue, 18 Aug 2020 03:00:00 -0400

Join us for our inaugural Progress City Town Hall, part one of our interview with long-time Disney executive Frank Stanek. In Frank's 25 years at Disney he went from part-time pancake flipper at Disneyland to corporate vice-president of research and planning, and along the way influenced such projects as the 1964/65 New York World's Fair, Mineral King, Walt Disney World, and Epcot. He also led the development of the Tokyo Disneyland project. Later he joined Universal as their president of international business development, and he was the 2013 recipient of the THEA Buzz Price Award – Recognizing a Lifetime of Distinguished Achievements. Tales from a legendary career - it's the Progress City Radio Hour!

The Progress City Radio Hour - Episode 5 - Snow!

Tue, 04 Aug 2020 03:00:00 -0400

The Progress City Radio Hour concocts a wintry mix to bring you Christmas in August! We have an avalanche of snowy fun with a look at Walt's history with skiing, a musical trip down an Arctic river with Marc Davis's unbuilt Enchanted Snow Palace, a journey through Epcot's proposed Switzerland pavilion, a Disney figure skating fantasy from 1992, and a tidbit about Mineral King from longtime Disney executive Frank Stanek. History, music, and more - turn down the air conditioning and stoke the fire, it's the Progress City Radio Hour!

The Progress City Radio Hour - Episode 4 - The Spirit of America!

Wed, 01 Jul 2020 00:01:00 -0400

The Progress City Radio Hour forgets to set its alarm and groggily awakes from a prolonged snooze. We shake off the cobwebs and tackle our new format with a timely look at Disney patriotism with stops under the Liberty Tree, a stroll down Liberty Street, and a trip back to 1988 with the Walt Disney World 4th of July Parade. History, music, and more - look in our eyes to see Old Glory wavin', it's the Progress City Radio Hour!

The Progress City Radio Hour - Episode 3

Mon, 28 Jun 2010 21:25:00 -0400

The Progress City Radio Hour returns from the wilderness with the third episode of our Original Trilogy. More discussion than dissertation, this episode finds the Progress City gang recapping recent events and discussing our last trip to Walt Disney World. News, music, discussion and more - you are not the first to pass this way, nor shall you be the last, it's the Progress City Radio Hour!

The Progress City Radio Hour - Episode 2

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 14:25:00 -0500

The Progress City Radio Hour faces the sophomore slump with bravado in our second episode. We continue our examination of Disneyland through the eyes of two Walt Disney World veterans, and stop by EPCOT Center for a look - and listen - at the history of Horizons. We tip our hat to Disney's animated "Robin Hood", and open the Progress City mailbag for the first time. News, music, discussion and more - please step onto the moving platform, it's the Progress City Radio Hour!

The Progress City Radio Hour - Episode 1

Sat, 20 Feb 2010 10:58:00 -0500

On this inaugural episode of the Progress City Radio Hour, we look at the first visit to Disneyland by two Walt Disney World veterans. The Sherman Brothers "Meet the World", Phil Hartman encounters aliens, and we all get a dose of HARD FACTS. News, music, discussion and more - welcome, foolish mortals, to the first episode of the Progress City Radio Hour!