One of my favorite regular features on my WDW Radio Show and series of articles that I like to write (when I can find the time, usually somewhere between 3:15 and 3:45 a.m.), is my Walt Disney World Wayback Machine. Here, I like to take you back in time to visit WDW in days gone by, and look at some of the extinct attractions, closed shops, or even just take in the surroundings that may have changed dramatically over the years.

So I thought that in addition to the segments and articles, I could post a series of photos here on my blog, maybe just highlighting something from way back when.

Today, I thought that I would start off with something a little patriotic - The Fife and Drum Corps. In addition to marching in parades, as in this photo, they were featured in a daily ceremony in Liberty Square. You can learn more about the Corps in our Fife and Drum Corps entry in the trivia section of the site. 

One of the reasons I picked this photo was one of the little details in the background. See the Borden sign? They were, at one time, the sponsor of the Main Street Ice Cream Parlor, now sponsored by Edy's.

The shop opened in 1971 as Borden's Plaza Ice Cream Parlor, and remained under that name until 1981, when it changed sponsors and names and became the Sealtest Ice Cream Parlor. In 1993, it took on its current, simpler moniker of the Plaza Ice Cream Parlor. 

An article in this morning's Orlando Sentinel by Scott Powers reveals what was rumored (and greatly anticipated), which is that the Treehouse Villas, which are set to be demolished and then completely rebuilt, WILL be available for rentals by Guests. The article also gives a brief history of the Villas, and how they arrived at their current state of disrepair.

On a personal note, I must admit that I am very excited to hear that the Villas will not only be rebuilt and keep their signature look and ambiance, but that they will be made available to Guests. I hope to be one of the first in line to enjoy what will arguably be one of the most unique resort experiences on property when they reopen.  

I know that I try to keep the site, articles, and of course, my new little blog forcused primarily on Walt Disney World, but something caught my eye this morning that I wanted to share, especially because I think we will be seeing this little guys (and lots of him) in the WDW theme parks very soon.

So here's a link to the Slashfilm Cool Stuff site, where they have posted some first-look pictures of a Wall-E action figure. Me personally? Even though I've only seen the trailer a couple of times, I have to admit that I am really looking forwrd to this film, and think that this little guy might make a nice addition to my office toy.. I mean "collectibles" collection.

Oh, and if you like this one, you have to check out their look at the Ultimate WALL-E Animated Programmable Robot. 

I know... I'm a geek, and this is why I didn't date much in high school...

Jeff Pepper has a great post about yet another one of Walt Disney World's "Hidden Treasures", as he takes a close look an an often-overlooked, yet interesting detail that Guests riding the Liberty Square Riverboat probably never notice. Check it out at 2719Hyperion.com