NEW SHOW - Connecting with Walt hosted by Michael Bowling

[ConeyLighthouse]

Thank you for this show! It's very interesting and entertaining. I am a novice Coney Island historian, mainly because my grandfather was the lighthouse keeper in Coney Island for 43 years, and I have become friends with many of the people who work in Coney Island, at the museum, etc.

Walt & Coney Island - I have been researching early Coney Island and one of the things that I found out is that supposedly, Walt visited Coney Island to see what it was like, when he was planning Disney Land or Disney World - I am not sure which. Apparently though, he hated it, because it was very seedy at the time. Do you know anything about that? I am curious if this is true and if there is a good source for details on this. So far all I have been able to find are people saying this happened, but no actual documentation of when he went, where he went, etc.

Anyhow, thank you and thanks again for a great show!

 

[beastlyprince]

Fascinating episode 4. Love all of the details. I had watched the "E.P.C.O.T. Film" a few
years ago and found that extremely interesting (I had to watch it again. Thanks for linking
it with the podcast).

I had not heard about that "9 month residency" clause. Very bizarre. Perhaps the name
should have been E.P.R.O.T. - Experimental Prototype Rental Of Today.

Nice observation about the senior center. Of course at the senior center there would be
"workshops" in creating Mickey rice crispy treats, stitching names on the back of Mickey ears,
and making animal towels.

E.P.R.O.T.'s brochure would have read "... One does not retire at E.P.R.O.T. Retiring is
for quitters."

 

[Tonyz]

This is an incredible series; some of the best podcasting I've ever heard. Thank you so much Michael and Craig.

I haven't listened to episode 4 yet, but is there gonna be a 5th one since we have 5 Fridays this month?

 

[Disney Enabler]

This is an incredible series; some of the best podcasting I've ever heard. Thank you so much Michael and Craig.

I haven't listened to episode 4 yet, but is there gonna be a 5th one since we have 5 Fridays this month?

Michael and Craig will have a 5th episode.

 

[Tonyz]

Awesome!

 

[SorcererHeidi]

Have listened to the first 2 episodes so far, and all I can say is "BRAVO"!!!! Stellar work, Michael and Craig. Entertaining, informative, just an awesome way to spend a lunch hour at work. I even have a co-worker now listening with me, that's how good and interesting the series is. Keep up the wodnerful work, and thank you for all you do!!

 

[Merry Mousketeer]

Awesome!

Yes, there'll be a 5th episode as we end our first series, but it'll be a tough one.

 

[Merry Mousketeer]

Have listened to the first 2 episodes so far, and all I can say is "BRAVO"!!!! Stellar work, Michael and Craig. Entertaining, informative, just an awesome way to spend a lunch hour at work. I even have a co-worker now listening with me, that's how good and interesting the series is. Keep up the wodnerful work, and thank you for all you do!!

Thank you so much for listening, Sorcerer Heidi, and for taking the time to share your kind thoughts about the show. And you've recruited another member into The DIS family! Well done!

 

[Merry Mousketeer]

Thank you for this show! It's very interesting and entertaining. I am a novice Coney Island historian, mainly because my grandfather was the lighthouse keeper in Coney Island for 43 years, and I have become friends with many of the people who work in Coney Island, at the museum, etc.

Walt & Coney Island - I have been researching early Coney Island and one of the things that I found out is that supposedly, Walt visited Coney Island to see what it was like, when he was planning Disney Land or Disney World - I am not sure which. Apparently though, he hated it, because it was very seedy at the time. Do you know anything about that? I am curious if this is true and if there is a good source for details on this. So far all I have been able to find are people saying this happened, but no actual documentation of when he went, where he went, etc.

Anyhow, thank you and thanks again for a great show!

What a good question. Although I have read Coney Island was one of the many amusement parks Walt visited as he was seriously thinking about what he wanted and didn't want in his park, I have not found anything specific about his Coney Island visit. I do know that for Disneyland and Disney World, Walt did not want them built near the seashore. He didn't want to compete with the beach, have certain types of beach folk in his park, have to deal with the sand and dirt that would inevitably be tracked in to the park, and have the harshness of the salt air and coastal weather take its toll on the park. I would suspect his visit to Coney Island deepened his resolve on this. If I come across anything in my research, I will let you know. Thank you for listening to the show and for letting us know you have been enjoying it.

 

[LadyLove]

((( gratitude to all who created this series )))

 

[LadyLove]

Just discovering these »» thank you

Tom Bell had put this list together a bit ago but it will get you started if you are looking for some of Michael's previous shows.

07/12/15 - Disneyland at 60: Disneyland & Pixie Dust
04/19/15 - Disneyland at 60: The World's Fair
03/29/15 - Kay Kamen & Mickey Mouse
02/22/15 - Windows on Main Street: Rolly Crump
01/25/15 - Disneyland at 60: The First Decade
11/06/14 - Disneyland at 60: Disneyland Hotel-Part 1
11/13/14 - Disneyland at 60: Disneyland Hotel-Part 2
09/11/14 - Disneyland at 60: The First Year
08/21/14 - Little Golden Books & Disney
07/17/14 - Disneyland at 60: Opening Day
06/26/14 - Lady and the Tramp
05/22/14 - Disneyland at 60: Building the Magic
04/10/14 - Animation Pioneers
03/27/14 - Disneyland at 60: Walt's Idea
02/13/14 - Walt's Olympics
01/30/14 - Disneyland at 60: Poppins
01/23/14 - Roger Rabbit's 20th
01/16/14 - A Tribute to Annette

I hope you enjoy listening to Michael.

Carol
It's a great day to be alive!!!

 

[SorcererHeidi]

Thank you so much for listening, Sorcerer Heidi, and for taking the time to share your kind thoughts about the show. And you've recruited another member into The DIS family! Well done!

Guess you can see by my name I also share your love for all things Sorcerer Mickey, and have collected things with his likeness on it for years. By the way - I also find your voice awesomely relaxing to listen to!

 

[Accident]

Yes, there'll be a 5th episode as we end our first series, but it'll be a tough one.

I happened to be listening in the background to this weeks episode and it went directly into pete's solo show. It sparked an idea that maybe a 6th email/voicemail show everytime you do an installment would be nice. I know there is 1 or 2 spots I would love to ask a question or two about to better understand. Of course we can just ask them here also so not sure it's worth a show.

 

[HubbDave]

Thanks for listing books, films etc for those who want to learn more

I am growing more respect for Craig as these go

 

[ConeyLighthouse]

What a good question. Although I have read Coney Island was one of the many amusement parks Walt visited as he was seriously thinking about what he wanted and didn't want in his park, I have not found anything specific about his Coney Island visit. I do know that for Disneyland and Disney World, Walt did not want them built near the seashore. He didn't want to compete with the beach, have certain types of beach folk in his park, have to deal with the sand and dirt that would inevitably be tracked in to the park, and have the harshness of the salt air and coastal weather take its toll on the park. I would suspect his visit to Coney Island deepened his resolve on this. If I come across anything in my research, I will let you know. Thank you for listening to the show and for letting us know you have been enjoying it.

I have been researching this a bit, and apparently I found out a couple of things (that may not be 100% accurate, but I am trying to get specifics).

Supposedly, Walt visited Coney Island in June of 1956.
Walt signed a guest book, probably from Steeplechase park in Coney Island, and this guest book was put on display in 2008 - here is an article about the exhibit - https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct...KYIeptgFgJ3ouw&bvm=bv.106130839,d.cWw&cad=rja

Page 36 says:
"At the exhibit they will be displaying the collection of artifacts and memorabilia from the Paul and Nancy Brigandi of the Coney Island Museum, in addition to other exciting items, including an Illions horse from the Dinger Collection, an authentic Steeplechase horse and an original guest book with signatures from Walt Disney and Ed Sullivan."

 

[Kimly]

Great series. I've been going through the ones on the Disneyland podcast that Michael did because I can't get enough of the history.

 

[backsideofwater88]

I love this new show!!!! Why does it only last a month? It should be year round

 

[Tonyz]

I love this new show!!!! Why does it only last a month? It should be year round

Well there's a LOT of research that goes into these shows. Michael doesn't skimp on the details. They can't do them every week for a year. Honestly, I think I enjoy these shows more than the PBS documentary. They're phenomenal.

 

[SorcererHeidi]

Well there's a LOT of research that goes into these shows. Michael doesn't skimp on the details. They can't do them every week for a year. Honestly, I think I enjoy these shows more than the PBS documentary. They're phenomenal.

Yep - I agree with what Tony said about the massive amounts of research that obviously go into them. And personally - I think the anticipation is worth it in the end, and makes them more special (for me, at least). Kind of like if I went to WDW every day it might (eventually) get a little less special (especially while trying to live a "normal life" as Kevin/John talked about a few times on podcasts) - now - waiting and planning for a trip just builds the excitement, just like we'll have to do, waiting for the new group of shows. (Pet's solos are like that for me too - never know when they're going to happen, so they're always a nice surprise!)

 

[OKW Lover]

Well there's a LOT of research that goes into these shows. Michael doesn't skimp on the details. They can't do them every week for a year. Honestly, I think I enjoy these shows more than the PBS documentary. They're phenomenal.

Agree with this. Michael does have a real job and we are fortunate that he finds time to share some of his free time on the DIS.