75.5 - A chat with Ray DeForest

75.5 - A chat with Ray DeForest

Author: Lake Buena Vista Historical Society June 28, 2022 Duration: 1:10:30

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: YouTubeInstagramWebsite – Ray’s Instagram


The Retro Disney World Podcast from the Lake Buena Vista Historical Society is a deep, conversational dive into the layers of history embedded in the Vacation Kingdom. Each monthly episode gathers four hosts with a shared passion for peeling back the contemporary veneer to examine what came before. Their discussions are less about listing facts and more about reconstructing the experience of a place in time, focusing on the architectural choices, attraction designs, and overall atmosphere that defined eras from the ambitious pre-opening plans up through the resort's evolution roughly twenty-five years ago. This isn't just a nostalgia trip; it's a thoughtful look at how the park's physical and imaginative landscapes were built, changed, and live on in collective memory. You'll hear detailed recollections and analysis of spaces that are now closed but whose influence persists, understanding why certain elements resonate so powerfully. The podcast operates at the intersection of cultural study, travel memory, and societal observation, making it a unique resource for anyone who believes the story of a place is found in its details, transitions, and vanished corners. Tune in for a consistently engaging and richly specific exploration of Walt Disney World's past, thoughtfully preserved in audio form.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 138

Retro Disney World Podcast
Podcast Episodes
36 - Polynesian Dreams Part I [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:19:40
Corrections Japan Concept ArtBrian mentioned a song last month, from the holiday special. We found out the correct song title and reveal we were about 85% correct regarding 1970s theater. Big thanks for all the messages…
35 - Christmas Around the World Part II [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:31:40
Welcome to Episode 35 of the Retro Disney World Podcast: "Christmas Around The World - Part II" - We appreciate your support and hope you have been enjoying each and every episode. Be sure to check out some of our previo…
34.5 - You Can Find me on Main Street [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:31
This is one of our periodic mini-episodes featuring an interview with a supporter of the show who has an interesting story to tell to our listeners. Tammy Tuckey is an actress, singer, writer, director and Emmy Award win…
34 - Dreamflight [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:39:19
Welcome to Episode 34 of the Retro Disney World Podcast: "Dreamflight" - We appreciate your support and hope you have been enjoying each and every episode. Be sure to check out some of our previous shows. Corrections & L…
33.35 - Looking Back at Tomorrow - EPCOT35 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:02:32
Welcome to Episode 33.35 of the Retro Disney World Podcast: "Looking Back at Tomorrow" - We appreciate your support and hope you have been enjoying each and every episode. Be sure to check out some of our previous shows.…
33 - Retro Food [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:10:12
We start off on the Seven Seas Lagoon & Bay Lake, taking you to each resort and discussing what has come and gone over the years. The offerings at time are very interesting and unique, while some are still the same to th…
32.5 - Mike McKee of Delta Rae talks Retro Disney with us [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:28
Delta Rae drummer Mike McKee sat down with Brian and Todd the other night to discuss a bit about the band, retro Disney, and the much missed SpectroMagic parade; find out why his mom uses the chords in the theme song to…
32 - Riding on Sunshine - Universe of Energy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:14:48
Welcome to Episode 32 of the Retro Disney World Podcast: "Riding on Sunshine" - We appreciate your support and hope you have been enjoying each and every episode. Be sure to check out some of our previous shows. Correcti…
Ep 31.35 - RetroWDW EPCOT35 Event Details and Ticket Information [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:25
Join Todd and Brian for a quick episode where we discuss the details of our upcoming event at EPCOT Center on September 30th, 2017! In November 2016 the RetroWDW podcast held a special event at WDW, specifically our Lake…
31 - Mission to Mars [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:27:10
Welcome to Episode 31 of the Retro Disney World Podcast: "Mission To Mars" - We appreciate your support and hope you have been enjoying each and every episode. Be sure to check out some of our previous shows. Corrections…