I don't know why this was less publicized, but it seems it wasn't only Disneyland that Podcast live from the events last week -- I did a search at the official WDW site, and found WDW Podcasts from the Launch Event!
I finished the Disneyland ones last night (which were great!) and can't wait to sink into the WDW ones.
Here is what WDW's Podcasts offer:
Disney World® Resort Event Audio Files:
May 4, 2005 -- In this first podcast from the "Happiest Celebration on Earth" press event, we take you to the explosive grand opening of "Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show" at the Disney-MGM Studios. Plus, we have an exclusive interview with Imagineer Steve Spiegel, who helped bring the high-octane show to Walt Disney World Resort. We'll also take you to "A Whole New World," a talk-show style media briefing hosted by Wayne Brady and Meredith Vieira, with appearances by Bob Iger, Jay Rasulo, Al Weiss, Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear -- and a few surprises!
(Length: 23:17 min - Size: 10.6 MB)
May 4, 2005 -- In our second podcast, we take a nostalgic look back at the grand opening of Disneyland in 1955, and the many ways it influenced Walt Disney's planning for what would become Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. Plus, we'll take you on a tour of the state-of-the-art media center at the Disney-MGM Studios where journalists from around the world will be filing their stories during this week's press event.
(Length: 9:36 min - Size: 4.4 MB)
May 5, 2005 -- It's the kickoff of the 18-month "Happiest Celebration on Earth" and we're at Magic Kingdom for the premiere of "Cinderellabration," a lavish new stage show imported from Tokyo Disneyland, followed by the entire "simulcastle" satellite link-up between all the Disney destinations around the world (as it appeared in Florida), with appearances by Wayne Brady, Diana DeGarmo, Andrea McArdle, Jennifer Holliday and Eden Espinosa at Walt Disney World Resort, and Bob Iger, Art Linkletter and Michael Eisner at Disneyland Resort. Later, we drop in on the "State of the Family Vacation," a panel discussion of leading travel forecasters for the visiting news media.
(Length: 41:01 min - Size: 18.7 MB)
May 5, 2005 -- Come with us to Epcot for the grand opening of Soarin', hosted by actor Patrick Warburton. You'll also hear from performer -- and Walt Disney World fan -- Paige Davis. Finally, we've got an exclusive interview with Imagineer Mark Sumner, the creative tinkerer who conceived the ride system for Soarin' using old toy parts. It's all part of the first day of the "Happiest Celebration on Earth" at Walt Disney World Resort.
(Length: 7:48 min - Size: 3.5 MB)
May 6, 2005 -- The "Happiest Celebration on Earth" press event wraps up at Walt Disney World Resort with the debut of Lucky the Dinosaur at Disney's Animal Kingdom -- the world's first free-roaming Audio-Animatronics creature. Plus, we've got an exclusive interview with Imagineer Joe Rohde about Expedition Everest, the thrilling new adventure coming to Disney's Animal Kingdom in early 2006. Next, you'll hear several top Disney executives talk about the worldwide celebration and the forecast for summer travel, including Jay Rasulo and Al Weiss. Finally, we travel to New York City where we drop in on the Travel Industry Association's annual Pow Wow conference and chat with Walt Disney World fans outside the new World of Disney store on Manhattan's Fifth Avenue. (29:57 min - Size: 13.72 MB)
To get right in the middle of the action at Disneyland during it's celebration, there were longer shows:
May 3rd, 2005 (24MB MP3 file) – In this first podcast for the Happiest Homecoming On Earth, celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Disneyland, we have some great content. We start with an insightful walk down Main Street with Tim O'Day and we find out all about the hobby of pin trading. We are also fortunate enough to get an interview with Kelsey Grammer who is helping launch the 50th anniversary celebration. We get to sit down and have a great conversation with Jay Rasulo, President of Disney Parks and Resorts. We cap the evening off with the debut of Block Party Bash where Disney presents the Pixar film Pals and luckily, we have the good fortune to meet Coco, someone you'll definitely want to hear all about.
May 4th, 2005 (26MB MP3 file) – We had a great time exploring the Park today. Listen to find out about all the new attractions that were premiered. We get the chance to speak with Guests, cast members and celebrities alike. We spent the day trying to find people's "Disneyland stories". In addition to covering some of the new attractions, we were on the Gold Carpet for the celebrity arrival and also do our best to convey with words the tremendous new Remember... Dreams Come True fireworks show. It was a great day, listen to check it out.
May 5th, 2005 (25MB MP3 file) – Day 3 of the Disneyland podcast. The official kick-off of Disneyland's 50th anniversary, The Happiest Celebration On Earth. On our final day we interview Michael Eisner and Matt Ouimet, as well as cover the new attraction, Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters and its upcoming online component. We also get a chance to speak with some Disney Imagineers about the how all of this magic was created. We also talk to Duncan Wardle, the executive who made the podcast happen. Later, you get to hear from Joe Popp, our Disney Media Host. Finally, we round it all out with a live performance of Remember When by LeAnne Rimes. What a day!
For those who don't know- a Podcast - is basically like an Internet Radio show but without commercials or filler. Generally, someone walks around with a mike, filling you in on their personal experiences as they go along. What Disney has done is send out two teams to cover the 50th Launch events at both parks, and it's done very professionally and intimately, that you feel as if you are part of the action. You can download the files to listen to on your computer, or you can use an application that downloads them (and searches for new shows when available) directly to your iPod (hence the name), or any MP3 playing device.
Here are the links:
Disney World Podcasts:
Disney World Launch Event May '05
Disneyland Podcasts:
Disneyland Launch Event May '05