260 episodes

A weekly look at a different fascintating topic in Florida History
Cover art photo by Derek Reese. @DR928

The Florida History Podcast The Florida History Podcast

    • Society & Culture
    • 4.0 • 74 Ratings

A weekly look at a different fascintating topic in Florida History
Cover art photo by Derek Reese. @DR928

    Episode 252: The Country Bear Jamboree

    Episode 252: The Country Bear Jamboree

    We discuss one of the most beloved attractions at the Magic Kingdom, the Country Bear Jamboree.

    • 14 min
    Episode 251: Disney in the 1980's - The Dark Age and MGM

    Episode 251: Disney in the 1980's - The Dark Age and MGM

    Disney is a media company and Florida wants more film and television in the state - so the simple solution is for Disney to be incentivized to build a film studio as a "third gate" on its property.



    However things don't go to plan as Disney itself is in a rotten period as a company.

    • 23 min
    Episode 250: EPCOT center development problems and opening

    Episode 250: EPCOT center development problems and opening

    EPCOT Center was a grand vision of Walt Disney. But the eventual park was not only not true to Walt's vision but dramatically scaled-down and over-budget from what had been planned in the 1970's.

    We discuss the original plans, then the plan for 30 nations in the World Showcase and where it went wrong.

    We also focus on Florida at the time, and how EPCOT became a grand project for the vision of 1970's and 1980's Florida - forward looking, progressive in terms of diversity and foreign commerce, futuristic and cutting-edge.

    • 25 min
    Episode 249: Disney World opens but it's not all positive

    Episode 249: Disney World opens but it's not all positive

    This week we discuss the opening of Walt Disney World in 1971 including the popularity of some of its original attractions like its a Small World, Carousel of Progress and Country Bear Jamboree but also discuss the environmental and traffic impact of the park which angered local residents.

    • 21 min
    Episode 248: The Florida Project

    Episode 248: The Florida Project

    Walt Disney's Florida Project is thrown into doubt with Walt's untimely December 1966 passing, but brother Roy Disney keep pushing toward a 1971 opening of the Magic Kingdom. But EPCOT will have to wait.

    • 18 min
    Episode 247: Walt Disney targets Florida

    Episode 247: Walt Disney targets Florida

    In the first episode of our new season on Florida amusement parks, we discuss the years between 1959 and 1965 when Walt Disney began looking for a site for a second Disney park, and the process to finally arrive at a Central Florida site.

    • 23 min

Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5
74 Ratings

74 Ratings

Cameron_BC ,

Great content! But poor audio

Fascinating and nuanced telling of Florida history. I’m a Floridian and I didn’t know this history at all!

Those complaining that this show is “too political” are simply not comfortable with history. Good luck finding an alternative to coddle your fragile worldview 💕 this ain’t Fox News.

Scottnj1966 ,

Enjoy the history but not the personal political views

Most of the podcasts are some great learning experiences of our great, butcrazy at times, state.

I’ve learned so much listening but it seems some political views sometimes comes out.
Of course everyone can believe what they want but this isn’t supposed to be a political show. Keep That out of it and it would be perfect.

You must know things that were done in the past cannot be held accountable to the people of today that had nothing to do with it. People and society evolve.

Chhodges ,

Disappointing

I am a 6th generation Floridian who was so very looking forward to learning and enjoying this podcast. Unfortunately, like everything else these days. The hosts obvious political bias and commentary permeates everything. Very disappointing.

C. Hodges

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