Tuesday, May 4, 2010

List #7: Disney TV Specials

I love watching documentaries, especially when they are about topics as they relate to Disney, specifically Disney World or other Disney theme parks. So I most definitely take time to watch TV specials about Disney, and luckily the Travel Channel regularly airs Disney-related specials.

Here are all of the Disney-related TV specials I have recorded onto DVD:

1. Ultimate Walt Disney World
Travel Channel, 2004
This special examined Walt Disney World's thrill rides, including Tower of Terror, Dinosaur, Test Track, and Space Mountain. Also included was Mission: Space. This one-hour special featured interviews with Imagineers and guests, talking about what makes these attractions so thrilling and so popular.


2. Disney Cruise Line
Travel Channel, 2003
This TV special tells the story of the creation of the Disney Cruise Line ships. Cameras go into "off-limits" areas and show viewers behind-the-scenes looks at the ship's galley, engine control room and other backstage areas. Also discussed is the story of Castaway Cay, and how Disney turned this deserted island into a private Disney oasis in the middle of the Caribbean.


3. Disney's Animal Kingdom
Travel Channel, 2002
This one-hour special gives viewers a behind-the-scenes look at Disney's Animal Kingdom theme park, from its early days in the drawing rooms to the finished product. Imagineers discuss the huge tasks and complications involved in this ambitious park, and discuss the technology involved in shows and rides such as Dinosaur and the Tree of Life.


4. Walt Disney World Resort: Behind the Scenes
Travel Channel, 2002
This special gives viewers an exclusive look behind the scenes of many of Walt Disney World's most popular attractions, including The Haunted Mansion, Test Track and the Tower of Terror. It also explores the design and construction problems, discussed by Disney Imagineers.


5. Disney's Dream Weddings
Travel Channel, 2009
This program features celebrity party planner David Tutera giving viewers a behind-the-scenes look at Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings unit. From food to décor, there are so many ways to add a little magic to these weddings.

6. Undiscovered Walt Disney World
Travel Channel, 2003
This program explores the many off-the-beaten-path experiences guests can have at Walt Disney World. Beyond the parks and resorts, there is so much to explore. Downtown Disney is filled with entertainment. You can even book a private safari! It's all explained in Undiscovered Walt Disney World.


7. Unwrapped: Walt Disney World Resort
Food Network, 2003
The popular show Unwrapped goes to Disney World! Host Marc Summers gives viewers a look at how those famous Mickey Mouse ice creams are made, and how elaborate wedding cakes are made for Disney Fairy Tale Weddings. This special is a great overview of all the tasty treats offered at Walt Disney World.

8. Samantha Brown's Disney Favorites
Travel Channel, 2008
Popular travel hostess Samantha Brown takes viewers to Disneyland and Walt Disney World to visit her favorite parks, ride her favorite attractions, and eat at her favorite restaurants. She picks her top 15 "favorites" and offers helpful advice on making the best of any Disney trip.

9. Disney Holiday Magic with Samantha Brown
Travel Channel, 2007
Travel Channel star Samantha Brown takes viewers to Walt Disney World to explore the many holiday festivities. Viewers are treated to interviews with Cast Members about what makes these holiday celebrations so magical. Included are The Osbourne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights, Epcot's Candlelight Processional, and the elaborate decorations at many of Disney's resort hotels.


10. Modern Marvels: Walt Disney World
History Channel, 2006
The popular Modern Marvels show takes an in-depth look at the backstage areas of Walt Disney World. Viewers are given behind-the-scenes looks at the incredible technology and engineering of the entire Walt Disney World Resort. From the tunnels beneath the Magic Kingdom to the advanced Audio-Animatronics figures, plenty of "insider scoops" are offered in this TV special.

11. Disney on a Dime
Travel Channel, 2009
This TV special follows families on vacation at Walt Disney World, and offers money-saving tips for vacationers on a budget. From budget hotels to booking dinner reservations, a number of tips and tricks are offered to make the most of your money at a Disney park.

12. Project Xtreme: Disney Cruise Ship Overhaul
DIY Network, 2009
Contractor host Matt Blashaw helps Disney Cruise Line give one of its ships a massive overhaul, and takes viewers along for the ride on this enormous project. He shows the amount of work and energy that goes in to the restoration and maintenance of the Disney Magic during its seventeen-day dry dock.

13. Yard Crashers: Disney Epcot
DIY Network, 2009
In this one-hour special, landscape contractor Ahmed Hassan takes viewers on a behind-the-scenes look at the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival. He surprises a lucky family with a trip to Disney World in exchange for their help in "crashing" a garden in the Flower & Garden Festival. He shows how much work is involved in transforming Epcot into a colorful collection of gardens, flowers and character topiaries.


14. What You Get for the Money: Walt Disney World
Fine Living Network, 2009
This TV special shows viewers how to get the most out of their money on a Walt Disney World vacation. The program examines various vacations and experiences available at Epcot, Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios and the Magic Kingdom... all based on a budget of $1,600.

15. Behind the Magic: Disney Holidays
HGTV, 2009
This program explores how the holidays are a year-round business at Walt Disney World. Even at Thanksgiving, crews have been working for 8 months getting ready for the Christmas season. Viewers are given a behind-the-scenes look at the enormous amount of time and hard work that goes into the decorations and celebrations around Walt Disney World for the holidays.

16. House Crashers: Disney Holiday Special
DIY Network, 2009
Hosts Josh and Trey, along with a lucky family, transform an empty space in the Magic Kingdom into a Lilo & Stitch-themed "holiday oasis" for Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party. Viewers get a behind-the-scenes look at decorating the Magic Kingdom for the holidays, and learn the secret to making it snow on Main Street, even in Florida weather.

17. Food Network Challenge: Disney Celebration Cakes
Food Network, 2009
On this episode of Food Network Challenge, four cake artists are given the task of designing a cake for a Disneyland guest and their celebration. The winning designer wins the $10,000 prize and a gold medal.

2 comments:

Lauren said...

I love ALL of those! I have my say my favorites are Undiscovered Walt Disney World and Walt Disney World Resort: Behind The Scenes. I've must have seen them a million times! They're coming out with a box set in June!
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0036K9CM8/stitking-20

I'm considering pre-ordering it!

Anonymous said...

I wish I have cable TV so I can watch these!!!!!

-Olympianbabe

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