Every year as this website grows older, we reflect upon the accomplishments, impact, and incredible growth of WDWNT. It has now been 8 years since WDW News Today launched on July 8th, 2007. What was founded on the website you see before you and built on the back of daily news and information about Walt Disney World is now a vibrant collection of websites, podcasts, radio programs, streaming original programming, & more. The last year in particular has been a memorable one, as we were the first to tell you about many important changes for Walt Disney World, including the closures of the Backlot Tour, Maelstrom, and the Magic of Disney Animation. We even set new records in traffic for our websites and podcasts this year, as well as brought you the best live coverage of many big events. Oh, and did I mention the $4,354.98 total we raised for Toys for Tots in the last year bringing our fundraising total to over $20,000.00?
In the world of Disney, our site has covered some huge stories in the last 12 months (mostly revolving around Frozen additions and the ongoing overhaul of Disney’s Hollywood Studios). We also said goodbye to long-running attractions such as Maelstrom, the Studio Backlot Tour, many World Showcase entertainers, and the infamous Sorcerer’s Hat at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Tonight, we will continue our annual tradition of presenting a special anniversary edition of the WDWNT Live! show at Listen.WDWNT.com. The show begins at 9PM EST and will last until 12AM EST. During this show, we will be interacting with you live through our live chat-room, taking any questions you may have about the Disney Parks, the Walt Disney Company, or about what we do at WDWNT. We hope you will join us for that tonight as it is always a very fun event!
On a personal note, the 8 year journey of this website, the podcast, and the entire family that makes up WDWNT has been the greatest experience of my life. I’d like to thank the incredible volunteer staff of hundreds of people that have worked tirelessly to get us where we are today and the loyal readers & listeners who are to thank for our great success. I am very proud of what we have accomplished in the last 8 years and amazed at where it has taken me today. I’m looking forward to many more years of “Bridging the Gaps Between You and the Disney World”. As a great song once said, “We’ve just begun to dream!”
Tom Corless
CEO & Founder of WDW News Today