Remembering The Big Bamboo Lounge Disney Cast Member Hangout & The Florida Project Hotel Is Reopened

The Big Bamboo & The Florida Project

[@TheDailyWoo]

Instagram- AdamTheWooATW Been wanting to cover this spot for a while now and since new construction is happening at the spot felt it was time. To be a fly on the wall in The Big Bamboo during that era of WDW would have been something else

[@JKillingITinFL]

I always hear you talking about The Florida Project, but I've never seen it. Where is is streamed? Disney+ by any chance?

[@blowsniffa4205]

@@JKillingITinFL deff not on disney plus. Lol

[@user-oe6wg5mi9f]

Netflix has it @@JKillingITinFL

[@sherriemartinez8239]

@@JKillingITinFL Netflix

[@kristaedmonson719]

As a former bartender there, I thoroughly enjoyed this. Brought back lots and lots of memories. Thank you sir!!

[@matapeake]

Thanks for covering this...I hung out with Bruce in the 90's at the BAMBOO...what a great memory...a couple of Big Bamboos (5 kinds of Rum) and you were on the floor. I know one guy who got a DWI after an evening at the BAMBOO....the coolest place I've ever been and I've been all over the world...miss Bruce and sad the BIG BAMBOO is no more.

[@kathubbard2183]

The special Big Bamboo drink was my very first drink there … I remember going out back and standing around the big spool in the humidity of the night just enjoying the company of my new Disney friends 💕💕💕

[@david_grants]

I just want to say that I appreciate the continued content throughout the years. It’s been a really cool experience watching you live your life and allowing us in. The G.O.A.T.

[@TheDailyWoo]

Very nice of you to say . Thanks for the kind words and for watching

[@NHoxworth]

When I did the college program in 1987 a lot of cast members went to the Giraffe Lounge at the Hotel Royal Plaza. "Donald Duck" checked id's and had to stand on a box so you could see him. Good memories for sure.

[@CocoBeach]

Thankyou for for covering The Big Bamboo...Went there when we stayed at The Wilson Hotel on Vacation It was fun... Lots of Memories (We called it Wally World) Anyways We ended up moving to Sun Inn & Suites to be caretakers for 11 years .. A scene of the Florida Project was filmed there, The water fountain When They kicked Hailey & Moonie off property...WE have a Picture with Willem Defoe..Living 11 years on 192...I saw alot And The families that lived in the hotels, When A explosion happened at The Carefree Inn I made about 40 Sandwiches and Big containers of Fruit Punch and bottled waters for displaced families...Thankyou SO MUCH For covering The Big Banboo..The Pictures Brought Back some memories....

[@TheDailyWoo]

Very cool! I know of the sun inn and went in when I did the location video couple years ago. Thanks for sharing all the stories

[@jessejames4011]

❤ it's incredible how many people have just watched The Florida Project for the first time (myself included). I'm not sure why it's finally getting the attention it deserves, but it's nice to see.

[@GregsGameRoom]

The Florida Project popped up on Netflix last night so I watched most of it before going to sleep. Fun seeing familiar places in a movie.

[@TheDailyWoo]

It’s a fantastic film but certainly not for everyone. The thing I love about it is how much an accurate representation of that area of Hwy 192 it really is.

[@selbyjohnson5986]

I really liked the movie but that ending was kind of weird

[@magiccheeseball]

Woo at the boo 😁 its so cool you have Chris with you again for this video! I was a cast member at Disney in the late 70s and MGM in the early 90s I always love how you're interested in Disney World History and your videos about it

[@usroadtripper]

I went to the Big Bamboo once during my time as a CM, in about 2002. It looked like a broken down shack but felt like home inside. Had I turned 21 earlier, it would have been my go to hangout spot. I also used to stay at Magic Castle when I was dirt broke in college but still wanted to visit Disney in the early 2000s. I could get a room for $25 and renew my CM ID, and make a trip for a couple of hundred bucks. I have so many good memories of the trips when I stayed there. I hate that is no longer purple but I love that it has been renovated and preserved.

[@melindamachado7728]

I rewatched the Florida Project on Netflix. It really was a good movie that reflects the issues on 192. I think it’s great that Embrace Celebration helps struggling families. I thought of this organization when they were handing out the bread in the movie.

[@drewgg7814]

This area and movie is very special to me. Thanks for sharing

[@Matt5verse6]

I loved the Big Bamboo! What a fun place. So was the Adventurer's Club. Kungaloosh!

[@janerova9084]

Thank you so much for your great content Adam. Disney is my favourite, but I would watch anything you post because you are a natural storyteller and your goodness shines through. I watched the Wonderful World of Disney every Sunday night in the 1970’s here in Australia and vowed I would go there one day. Finally got there as a 50 year old and it was everything I’d hoped for. You are so lucky to live so close 😊

[@Starryeyed1801]

How very interesting! Going to check out the Florida Project!! Thanks Adam for always showing something interesting. Love that you share memories of things slowly being erased. ❤

[@parajerry]

I started at Disney in March of 1989 and opened the Studios. We used to hang out at the Boo and it was mostly Disney Cast Members. A lot of the Animators from Animation Florida based at the studios hung there as well. It was a great collection of Disney collectables, artifacts, and name tags. I wonder what happened to all that stuff (Hurricane/Fire loss?). We got older and stopped hanging out there until one day, it was just gone. We didn't;t have cell phones with cameras back then so not many pics. I might have a few polaroids somewhere we took there in 90 or 91. Have to go search. Memories.

[@parajerry]

BTW - Cast members took over the Fireworks Factory at Pleasure Island in the early days of PI. Then they tore down ZFRS Roller Skating Bar and the Fireworks Factory and I have no idea where Cast Members might have hung out after that.

[@donnytucker]

This was great I enjoyed it. It's cool to get to hang out with him and reminisce about the movie. And that's awesome there's a mural in the motel. ♥

[@denisematthews6215]

Just watched The Florida Project for my third time yesterday. I’m so glad you’re covering this area, and can’t wait until Orange World is returned to its former glory!

[@shannon3n8]

Thanks for the rando rep of my beloved Bluegrass State with the day's tee! This was an interesting tag-along, putting it on the ether before the area goes vertical and those (now) old stories become homeless hazy memories.

[@DavidWRyan]

I first visited Orlando in 1985 on a School Marching Band Trip. We stayed at massive hotel on 192. I don't remember what it was called but I'm sure it's gone now. I remember that whole stretch being so vibrant and I wanted to explore it but we were bussed to the parks and I never got to.

[@melissaculbertson9820]

Adam, loved the video and the walk down memory lane!!! We were at Disney when MGM Studio opened… they closed the park at 10:00am the first day because the park was at capacity. We were never able to go into the MGM at that visit, but eventually we did later that year. The hotel we stayed at had a restaurant called Pineapple Petes… i cannot remember the name of the hotel…

[@markedmonson3305]

The Boo!!!! So many memories. My sister was a bar tender at The Boo for a number of years. I spent many, many nights there in my early 20’s in the late 90’s. Loved it there. Toilet paper coasters…. I would always stick to bottled beer. Never order the Big Bamboo…. Didn’t know what was in it but a couple would more than do it. Other pieces of history would be the lingerie that littered the walls. There was also ‘a book’ that was dubious in its content…only the regulars would most likely know about that…. Total dive but amazing bar! Nothing compares to it.

[@Eth_666]

Awesome video!! Florida project is such a cool movie especially for an Aussie who's never gone to Florida before!

[@mushieslushie]

You have mentioned this film so many times, and I'm going to make sure I finally watch it this weekend.

[@lawrenceakini4981]

Thanks for sharing. Awesome. Happy Friday! Cheers.

[@JohnMedved]

I've been to the Boo hundreds of times between 1989 and when it closed down. It really was a magical dump, but it was ours (the locals). Bruce was the founder and he used to bring out cases of champagne on NYE and share it with the regulars that came. It was one of those places where you could spend the whole night there having a good time and the bartender would say, "Uh, just pay $15." You would see the same group of regulars there every week and everyone had their own table that they staked out. When the "parking lot" flooded they always put up a sign that said Lake Bamboo. After it was shut down someone tried to replicate it at a location in one of the resorts across the street from it, but it didn't last and wasn't the same. If you were lucky they had Tombstone pizzas in stock that they would cook and sell sometimes. Man, I miss that place. RIP Bruce.

[@brett3159]

Another amazing video packed with all the lore. Thanks Adam

[@larryfischer2972]

Big Bambu was a 1972 Cheech and Chong album. It was a 12 inch LP with the design of the Bambu rolling papers, which were also in a square package (much smaller). The album opened up and there was a single giant rolling paper inside. Some people would roll giant joints with it.

[@HotTopXTV]

Thanks Adam, finally watched the movie after watching this. I found it on Netflix. Very cool history bud. Would have loved to check out the Big Bamboo. 🎍🎍🎍

[@petesenrab5691]

Thanks Adam! Safe travels.

[@kathubbard2183]

Big Bamboo 💕💕💕thank you for the memory jog of “The Boo “ wish someone would make t-shirts of the Big Bamboo with the tower and lil building. Anyone remember the toilet paper “ magnetic napkins “ ? I can honestly say it was the only bar I went to that had toilet paper for coasters 😂😂😂

[@yupper2]

Adam ... you missed a section of the old 535 still behind Publix and 711 . It was a two lane road and is still there and turned it into a dead end. I was the Breadman on 192 for over 30 years .

[@NadaSurferTube]

Haven't seen The Florida Project since it first came out, this warrants a rewatch - ooo maybe a fun Dafoe movie night marathon with Spider-man and Shadow of the Vampire! It must have been wild to watch Willem Dafoe in his element in person. How very cool that the inn pays homage to its own filming location history by leaving that spot of lavender up in the lobby.

[@briandoherty291]

Many memories at the Big Bamboo as a former CM. Thanks for this Adam. Have you ever seen the Whicker's World episode from '71 featuring Disney World prior to the Grand Opening? Since you and Micah are great at tracking down locations you should research the locations featured in that episode such as Johnny's Corner and Sun Empire Realty.

[@TheDailyWoo]

I’ll check it out for sure. If I have it’s been a while, I love all that old era wdw stuff

[@561jeffkelly]

I was a big Disney fan until 2017 and a male cast member said something inappropriate to our 7 year old grandson but I have watched that episode it’s called “Pixie dust and the Goodie Goodie land”.

[@shaneturner9336]

Omfg I’ve SEEN that whiskers world episode when I was younger ! Can’t believe someone mentioned it here ! It was great !

[@canadavey]

A couple of things... First, I recently watched The Florida Project and I'm glad I did for multiple reasons. It resignates with me for the sense of childhood adventure like I used to have once upon a time growing up in the very touristy area of Niagara Falls. Hell, to do this date I still manage to get down there and hang out with old friends and try to do the things we used to do when we were young and care free. I'm not much of a drama genre fan, but that movie, I freakin' love it. Secondly, I came across an "anti-woo" (if you will) channel lastnight... Really, it discounts a lot of vloggers that have the same style of vlogging... All I want to say about that is, Adam, never let those idiots get you down. I've liked your channel, your style, your content for at least 12 years now - don't ever change. You're usually the first thing I tune into in the morning and the first thing I re-watch whenever I need an old familiar face to pass the time with. You're a KZbin rockstar. Always will be in my books. Cheers to you!

[@TheDailyWoo]

Very kind words and nice comment . Thank you

[@Strangerthingsvehicles]

Man, I freaking love the Florida project This video is epic What a start to the day.

[@marquiese2561]

I used to hang at the bamboo every day after work in the 90s. Loved it. We had our own room in the house. We would play risk and leave the board. Milwaukees best in mason jars.

[@kathubbard2183]

Yes !!! The mason jars for glasses loved that place !

[@veromikes]

I love the local history.

[@marquiese2561]

Bruce did have small microwave pizzas. We would get sandwich items from Publix. This video had me smile. I was opening team for the Disney MGM studios parking team.

[@terryheady]

When I worked at Disney in 90s, many of my fellow cast members talked about this place. I never made it in unfortunately.

[@TheDailyWoo]

It’s a place of legends now. Pretty fascinating history

[@themoldcars]

Adam thanks for this. I finally saw the film. Thanks for your documentation. Please pass along a thanks to Chris for his work on that.

[@chuyt3893]

Adam you’re amazing, always making my day. visiting the magic castle from the Florida project it’s so weird seeing the colors go away . I’m glad I took some pics before they painted it to white . Thank you Adam

[@asixpiecenug]

Adam, you are our families favorite youtuber. We have been watching your vlogs for the better part of 10 years, I remember when you hit the 10 year mark for doing the daily vlogs, and took a well deserved break. I remember back when you were still doing the exploration of cast member only areas, and what you went through and had to suffer 3 years of being banned basically from the parks, for our entertainment. You do your homework, you give back to the community with your giveaways and things, and I have to say I appreciate your deep dives into some of the Disney history that some of us would never know about. I think its super cool what you are doing, and hopefully we get to enjoy more of your creative projects, maybe we will see some music projects, maybe we will see a different style of videos... but whatever it is, we will be here to support you, and hopefully you enjoy whatever it is you do next! Thank you from our family to yours.

[@AndyWarren]

That shirt...

[@shaneturner9336]

Florida project was great !

[@MyBackyardScience]

Loved the history! It must have been cool to hang out there! 😊

[@noisemaker19]

Hi from Kentucky!!!!!!!! 🎉 Come visit the Slugger museum or Keeneland Race Track!

[@lizlocher3612]

This was VERY interesting, as I myself, at age 66 n as frequent Florida visitor for years in the 1960's n 1970's, never knew of!!! You would think that some of the original cast member patrons, as a group,would have restored, saved, moved it if necessary to preserve it for posterity n history!!! These wonderful icons of our country from the early days if roadside attractions should be preserved at all costs, because nothing they create now can compare to the originality n eclecticism that characterized the progress of our country in its early development d d

[@TLS93]

Thank you for the 192 videos. I remember most after moving to Florida in 1974. Love your Kentucky shirt!

[@stevemundy9886]

Like a little history thank you

[@Project-Jaden]

Loved this! Always love learning new history especially on Disney

[@breadbutterpickle]

I've watched The Florida Project a number of times too. I love it. I first watched it off your recommendation. Thanks!

[@catherineaw143]

Thnx to Adam and Tampa Jay I know so much about Florida. So much to see and discover. I love anything orange 🍊There was orange shaped building in San Jose, Ca that sold hot dogs for years called Mark’s.

[@ericruby3088]

I worked at Jungle Cruise in the 90’s. The Boo was our favorite place for after hours fun. Great memories there. Hurts the heart it’s gone.

[@chrisbrown2191]

The Magic Kingdom College Program was at Snow White village 1982-1988. Nickel beer night at the Big Bamboo.

[@CocoBeach]

We also were very good friends with Roland Dempsy,,,The Painter Of all The Gift Shops on 192 The Wizard, The Whale, Many others...Also Jeff Howell who once owned The Red Dog, Now The Mad Hippo Saloon on The Corner of 535 & 192..Where they had moved the Ice Cream , "Twistee Treat Cone " (The one in The Florida Project Movie that was on 192) too into the parking lot which is no longer there...

[@Strangerthingsvehicles]

So much brand new information

[@lorisnow4829]

I remember the big bamboo. As a cast member in the 90s, we all knew that place. ❤

[@candarianpumpkin]

The mural was such a nice surprise and in that gorgeous purple! Fascinating that Mr. Muir had intended to be an FBI agent and then flew fighter planes during WWII (24:21). He must have had a lot of fantastic stories.

[@TrvlGK224U]

The Florida Project was a fantastic, yet sad, movie! We drove around there a few years ago and saw the Magic Castle when it was still purple.

[@bexchick]

I love that you think people want to know about the sidewalks! You’re funny!

[@vacation_fun_makers]

Adam this video is great I really truly enjoyed the movie The Florida Project as a frequent visitor to Florida and Disney and driving around the area it always fascinated me the background looks from this movie. Thanks for posting this video

[@alexbradmckay]

I was on the Disney college program in 1995 and I visited this bar once. I wish I had gone more.

[@glenshinn1396]

Where did you get your shirt from this video and when. We live in ky and are just interested and thought it was cool to see. Thanks

[@Jeff-bv1ek]

Wow. For a huge Florida Project fan, this was an amazing video. Thank you Adam!

[@todhunt182]

Thanks for the Big Bamboo memories! I frequented it in the late 70's where I enjoyed my "go to" drink,kamikaze. At that time,it was really out in the middle of nowhere. Sorry to see it go😢. Thanks again, Adam.

[@oldtimefreedom]

Big Bamboo is a classic Mento Tune by the Jolly Boys...

[@Parkasaurus]

Really enjoyed this episode. Can you imagine just being a fly on the wall in The Big Bamboo?! Also went back and rewatched The Florida Project after this.

[@MikesVegas]

Happy TGIF 2024 Adam 😎👍

[@mineallmine1038]

12th!!🎉🎉🎉Always ready for Woo and his daily adventures into life!

[@jumbome7420]

Yes the continuing day after day of the same old Disney is getting very old.

[@mineallmine1038]

​@@jumbome7420😮

[@cathyspratling4254]

G'day from hot Melbourne Australia😃

[@4q2pab]

I am Big Bamboo Class of 1999! ;)

[@Tammy-oi2pp]

Great video Adam Thank you for showing all your finds I really appreciate your time invested I'm always learning something something. ,your friend in PA

[@TexasChillbilly]

I would like to see you go down a journey of checking out old dive bars. That would be a cool series.

[@561jeffkelly]

Excellent Vlog From Liverpool UK and have been to Florida 14 times since 1995. Always stayed in the hotels on international drive. My best times was 95 - 99 on 192 ie Old town and car show, Flea market half way down 192, the Air boats long gone now across the road from the flea market, the old farmer and flea market in Kissimmee just down from Rodeo stadium. Loved the old Universal still lick going to universal and Disney before 2017 and it all went wrong for my family at Disney with a cast member who was inappropriate to our 7 year old grandson. Loved the movie “Florida project”watched when released in 2017. Keep up the great work 🤩🤩🤩

[@karlsteev]

I like your videos! They are very nice. My favorite videos of yours are of when you drive across the country showing small towns, roadside attractions, and roadside oddities.

[@marquiese2561]

We had a parking cone signed by the team there. It was a lamp.

[@James52637]

I had my 21st birthday at the Big Bamboo. My grandfather loved to go there and actually made friends with Ralph Kent who actually worked with Walt. I remember they only played 50's Big Band music. Long after it closed I went back and grabbed the 'COCKTAILS' sign you see in the pictures and still have it up in my attic. If the still have the other location at Minute Maid park I’d be glad to give it to them.

[@ronalddeany5829]

so cool love your videos, down here right now visting. love the 192 history

[@ericruby3088]

It’s the Houston Astros who were regulars at Big Bamboo during Spring Training. They opened a Big Bamboo at their stadium to honor this bar. It really held true to Jungle Cruise skippers and they made it their watering hole. Same era theme.

[@jennifermcneil8349]

When are we hitting the road again, Adam?

[@kvon432k]

Great video Adam! I was lucky enough to do a video there a couple months ago because of you. Can’t believe how close everything is on that road. Word of caution… some place don’t enjoy cameras! 😮😅

[@MF.Animal.Mother]

I grew up on 192 starting in August of 81. We visited twice a year from Buffalo NY. Would have loved to visited the Big Bambo. Imagine the madness that went on. Orange World is a prominent memory. Great job Adam!

[@katstrutt]

Adam, I find this video so interesting, thank you for covering it. I don’t understand some of these peoples comments, I am a Disney adult i enjoy all the things you cover. Thank you again, have a good day.

[@mikey76710]

Hi Adam I am a big fan of your channel you show me things I'll never see myself and I learn so much from you thanks for everything with love from the UK

[@chadaustin8343]

My dad and step mom lived in Kissimmee, and when I was kid I would stay with them every summer. Being from Mississippi, I always thought 192 was a magical place. Id never seen so many things to do. Great memories.

[@Bowling_Dude]

The Florida Project is one of my favorite films.

[@sightseeingjourneys23]

Good Morning Adam enjoy watching your videos every day. About the markers, locals know the area but as tourist the markers are very helpful to us 😊 I always use them.

[@thecoolestdad]

Adam I was fortunate enough to go in the Xanadu House while it was still open. It was in 1987 which was my first trip to Disney. I thought the house was really cool. I'd love to have one just like it.

[@davie941]

another interesting Vlog Adam , really well done and thank you again Adam 😊

[@DavidWRyan]

I wonder what happened to all those hats and name tags in the Big Bamboo

[@MrPAULONEAL]

It originally opened as a gas station in 1971.

[@MovieMaster2008]

If using Apple Maps you will see red lines meaning closed, the same thing when Marketplace and Edwards Ave were closed, I've had the movie for a while. Keep your videos coming let's keep those big wheels turning.

[@MrPAULONEAL]

The building was converted into an orange shape in 1988.

[@travissapp4961]

Have fun

[@catherinetozzi8056]

Thanks Adam for class today on Big Bamboo,very interesting. ❤️🌴🐿️

[@paulwilson1193]

I was 1st at the banboo 25 years ago. I was 22 and just moved to Kissimmee. Loved that place!

[@kimsinclair9100]

I love these history lessons on Disney and 192.

[@lisacraze1]

Wasn't expecting this video to be quite so fascinating...but I learned a lot and was very entertained. MISSION ACCOMPLISHED, ADAM!

[@bobbyhand1]

HEY ATW...TWO EPISODES AGO, YOU SAID "A BLU HUE", and I was wondering if that was a reference to a comment made by Will Ferrell when he was playing a character in Eastbound and Down? If it is, MAN, that's a deeeeeep cut. Where's the golf cart in today's episode?

[@g67lan]

I used to work at that hotel at the Big Orange, used to be a Travelodge. I remember the Bamboo Bar. Never went there but drove past it many times.