In this episode of 90s Disney, we kick off a new tradition by hopping back exactly 30 years to explore what Walt Disney World was like in 1996. We talk about what was new, what was changing, and what was on the horizon, as Walt Disney World continued to grow into a true multi-day destination. From evolving attractions and live entertainment to shifting priorities across the resort, 1996 captures Disney in a moment of transition, balancing experimentation, expansion, and the expectations of a rapidly growing audience.Outside the parks, we also dig into how the resort itself was expanding, with new places to stay, shop, and spend time that reshaped how guests experienced Walt Disney World beyond the gates.

Along the way, we share memories, listener emails, and reflections on how this era of Disney felt at the time, and how it looks in hindsight. Whether you lived it firsthand or are discovering it through old photos and home videos, this episode is a relaxed, nostalgic look at a year that helped define the Disney we know today.

00:00 Introduction and Hosts

00:57 New Year Celebrations and Banter

02:18 Walt Disney World in 1996

03:54 Magic Kingdom Updates

07:04 Epcot Changes and Closures

12:04 Disney MGM Studios Highlights

13:53 Resort Hotels and Downtown Disney

25:29 Universal Studios Florida in 1996

27:56 Disneyland's 40th Anniversary and Park Comparisons

29:38 Future Disney and Universal Park Developments

32:36 Mailbag: Listener Questions and Memories

45:08 Wrapping Up and Future Plans

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