103. WDW Guided Tours - YouTube Channel

When I started Digital Disney World in the beginning of 2011, I decided that my focus was going to be connecting us to the Vacation Kingdom using modern technology. Over 100 articles later, I continue to stick to that premise and I'm "expanding" my use of technology to help you enjoy a little more Disney World in between actual trips. Way back in March of last year, I wrote an article all about YouTube. We all know that the parks that Walt built are some of the most photographed spots in the world. It stands to reason that they are also some of the most videoed as well. This is especially true since cell phone video cameras have reached the quality of many camcorders. Like most of you, I have enjoyed watching YouTube clips containing anything and everything from Walt Disney World. I am excited to announce that I've finally started my own YouTube channel to share some of my favorite videos with you.

In addition to Digital Disney World, my other primary focus has been the development of WDW Guided Tours. As I've mentioned in previous articles, I give unique "One Day World Tours" of all four theme parks. A few months ago I decided to record short clips of the attractions we see on the "Classics Tour" to produce a promotional video. I finished this little commercial last week and attached it to my website at WDWGuidedTours.com and also posted it here on the blog. After discussing it with the other members of my organization, it just made sense to publicize it on YouTube. Hence, a new YouTube Channel was born.

Now, some of you may be wondering what a YouTube "Channel" actually is. Quite honestly, I wasn't completely familiar with the term until recently. Simply stated, a YouTube channel is a dedicated spot on YouTube.com where users store and share their videos. If you want to see all of the videos posted by a specific person (or company), you go to their YouTube channel. It is somewhat similar to going to a TV channel to see a certain type of program, like ESPN for sports or The Weather Channel for weather. In the case of YouTube, you can go to the WDW Guided Tours Channel to see videos related to Walt Disney World.

Prior to the invention of the personal computer, there were very few ways to "stay connected" to Disney World, other than through pictures or home movies. My dad was on the cutting edge of technology when he purchased our family's first camcorder in 1983. It wasn't like anything you see today. He had to wear the actual "tape deck" over his shoulder, which probably weighed close to 10 pounds. Connected to this unit with a long cable was the a video camera that resembled a mini grenade launcher. However cumbersome this set up was, my dad captured some of my greatest childhood memories with it, including several Disney World trips. The apple didn't fall too far from the tree, as I also have a camcorder in my possession on a regular basis. The difference is that mine fits in the palm of my hand.
After posting my WDW Guided Tours commercial, I decided that I couldn't stop there. I have over 15 hours of Disney video taken over the last 5 years, and thought it would be fun to start sharing some of these clips. Obviously much of this is family related, but I certainly have quite a few attractions and shows in the mix. In addition to the video that I've personally shot, I have recently started converting my dad's vintage footage into digital format. I wonder if I should have asked his permission before I started posting these 30 year old classics onto YouTube? The great thing about his stuff is that there is video of attractions and shows that no longer exist. I think that Disney World nostalgics (like myself) will really enjoy these old VHS clips.

At this point, I have posted a total of six videos on the WDW Guided Tours YouTube Channel. I plan on adding more on a regular basis. All you need to do to find my channel is click on this link. You can also type "WDW Guided Tours" in the YouTube search bar and find my videos that way. Once you click on one of the videos, you can "subscribe" to the channel so that it will be easy to find in the future. I really hope you enjoy this additional way to stay connected to Walt Disney World.

Have a Disneyriffic day and remember to keep moving forward. See ya real soon!