Sign up to save your podcasts
Or
Share 75.5 - A chat with Ray DeForest
Share to email
Share to Facebook
Share to X
Share to email
Share to Facebook
Share to X
Or
75.5 - A chat with Ray DeForest
On this episode, we are joined by Disney entertainer Ray DeForest. Ray spent many years in Walt Disney World entertainment and has a large number of stories and tales we are so excited to hear. Throughout this episode, we discuss how Ray got his start with the Walt Disney Company in Washington, DC, and then how he made his way to central Florida. As you will learn, Ray was a pioneer in WDW entertainment, working in everything from characters, dancing, performing in the two theme parks, and more. We also hear some great side stories about flying in ‘The Mouse’, where the entertainment offices are, and also how he was able to beat the heat performing in front of the castle.
Ray has two areas of performance that caught our attention though; The Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue and the opening day celebration at EPCOT Center. Ray talks with JT in detail about these two exciting but different opportunities he was given at Walt Disney World. If you have ever seen any of the guide books with photos of the opening of EPCOT Center, you have seen Ray on stage ushering in the 21st Century in 1982. The Hoop-Dee-Doo segment of this interview has Ray sharing some fond memories, giving a few secrets, and also paying tribute to some other amazing cast members.
Ray shared with us a number of great photos from his time at Walt Disney World. He really was part of something special back then and we are so lucky we were able to discuss all of this with him. To find Ray online, take a look at the following sites:
– Doris Dear: YouTube, Instagram, Website
– Ray’s Instagram
View all episodes
By Lake Buena Vista Historical Society
4.8
549549 ratings
On this episode, we are joined by Disney entertainer Ray DeForest. Ray spent many years in Walt Disney World entertainment and has a large number of stories and tales we are so excited to hear. Throughout this episode, we discuss how Ray got his start with the Walt Disney Company in Washington, DC, and then how he made his way to central Florida. As you will learn, Ray was a pioneer in WDW entertainment, working in everything from characters, dancing, performing in the two theme parks, and more. We also hear some great side stories about flying in ‘The Mouse’, where the entertainment offices are, and also how he was able to beat the heat performing in front of the castle.
Ray has two areas of performance that caught our attention though; The Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue and the opening day celebration at EPCOT Center. Ray talks with JT in detail about these two exciting but different opportunities he was given at Walt Disney World. If you have ever seen any of the guide books with photos of the opening of EPCOT Center, you have seen Ray on stage ushering in the 21st Century in 1982. The Hoop-Dee-Doo segment of this interview has Ray sharing some fond memories, giving a few secrets, and also paying tribute to some other amazing cast members.
Ray shared with us a number of great photos from his time at Walt Disney World. He really was part of something special back then and we are so lucky we were able to discuss all of this with him. To find Ray online, take a look at the following sites:
– Doris Dear: YouTube, Instagram, Website
– Ray’s Instagram
More shows like Retro Disney World Podcast
View all
WDW Radio: Your Guide to the Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise and More Disney Magic!
3,177 Listeners
DIS Unlimited
2,551 Listeners
The WDW News Today Podcast - without News Today
676 Listeners
Be Our Guest WDW Podcast
1,766 Listeners
Unlocking The Magic: Talking all things Disney Parks, Universal and Cruising
2,171 Listeners
The Jim Hill Media Podcast Network
1,383 Listeners
Disney History Institute Podcast
584 Listeners
Connecting with Walt - A look into the history of the man behind Mickey Mouse, Disneyland and Walt Disney World
775 Listeners
Rope Drop Radio: A Disney Travel Podcast
765 Listeners
The 3028: Theme Park History & Pop Culture Listory
1,164 Listeners
Imagination Skyway
805 Listeners
Main Street Magic - A Walt Disney World Podcast
697 Listeners
The Disney Dish with Jim Hill
1,038 Listeners
Podcast: The Ride
1,767 Listeners
The DVC Show
463 Listeners