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Published on:

9th Nov 2023

WDW Radio # 755 - Disney Legend Dave Smith Interview - From the WDW Radio Archives

WDW Radio # 755 - Disney Legend Dave Smith Interview - From the WDW Radio Archives

As part of our celebration of the Disney 100 year anniversary, it's only appropriate that this week I go way back into the Archives for an interview with Disney Legend Dave Smith, the founder of the Walt Disney Archives. 13 years ago, I was at work and literally had to lock myself in a closet at my office to interview Dave, who I had known for some time. His name is, and always will be, synonymous with Disney history. From founding the Walt Disney Archives in 1970, to authoring numerous books, Dave Smith’s 40 year career with the company afforded him the opportunity to help preserve the magic that began with Walt himself. Dave and I discuss his career, including not just his role in the creation and legacy of the Archives, but its challenges, personal highlights, changes and his future, as he prepares to retire from this “temporary” job that lasted four decades. It’s a fascinating conversation not just about the Archives, but the person who made it a reality, and was the guardian of Disney's most treasured memories. Dave sadly passed away in 2019 leaving behind a treasure trove of Disney lore for generations to come.

If you could visit the Walt Disney Archives, what is the one item from Disney history you would like to see?

Share your thoughts in the WDW Radio Clubhouse at WDWRadio.com/Clubhouse, or call the voicemail at 407-900-9391 (WDW1) and share your story on the show.

But for now... sit back, relax, and enjoy this week's episode from the Archives on the WDW Radio show.

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THANK YOU for your support by voting WDW Radio Best Travel Podcast for 9 consecutive years! Sit back, relax, and enjoy this week's episode of the WDW Radio show. Thanks for listening! Be sure to tune in next week!

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About the Podcast

WDW Radio: Your Guide to the Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise and More Disney Magic!
Award-Winning Disney podcast dedicated to the magic of the Disney Parks, Disney Cruise Line, Movies, Marvel, Star Wars, and more!
WDW Radio is the award-winning Disney podcast that brings the magic of Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, Marvel, and Star Wars to life. Since 2005, hosted by Lou Mongello – Disney expert, author, speaker, and Podcast Hall of Fame inductee – has been your trusted guide through the parks and beyond.

Each week, tune in for Disney news, vacation planning tips, interviews, trivia, deep dives into Disney history, attraction and dining reviews, hidden park secrets, and more. From first-timer visitors to lifelong fans, this family-friendly podcast shares the tips, stories, secrets, and insights to help you plan smarter, experience more, and feel the magic like never before.

Voted Best Travel Podcast 9 years in a row, WDW Radio also features a blog, videos, live shows, community meetups, group cruises, and special Disney fan events around the world.

WDW Radio has welcomed legendary guests including Julie Andrews, Tony Baxter, Marty Sklar, Alan Menken, Richard Sherman, Paige O’Hara, Jodi Benson, Kevin Feige, Ashley Eckstein, and countless Imagineers, Cast Members, actors, producers, and creators who bring Disney magic to life.

Explore Lou’s books (Walt Disney World Trivia, The Disney Interviews, 102 Ways to Save Money For and At Walt Disney World) and virtual Audio Tours at WDWRadio.com.

Lou is also the founder of the Dream Team Project, which has raised more than $550,000 to grant wishes for children to visit Walt Disney World through the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Start listening now to discover the stories, secrets, and magic that make the Disney Parks, Cruise Line, Marvel, and Star Wars truly unforgettable.

🎙️ Learn more at WDWRadio.com

✨ Lou Mongello is an acclaimed keynote speaker and founder of Momentum – a transformative platform of events, coaching, courses, content, and community. He provides creators and entrepreneurs with practical guidance and inspiration to help turn passion into profession, build an audience with purpose, and grow a meaningful, sustainable business.

As a speaker, Lou shares powerful business and leadership lessons from the Disney Parks and Walt Disney himself, helping organizations improve storytelling, customer experience, company culture, and innovation through unforgettable, actionable presentations.

🔗 Discover more at LouMongello.com

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Lou Mongello