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Vintage Walt Disney World: What’s Your Ticket?

posted on March 7th, 2013 by Nate Rasmussen, Archivist, Marketing Resource Center

To this day whenever I get a ticket at Walt Disney World Resort, I immediately look to see who’s on it. I’m not going to lie, I’m always hoping for Mickey Mouse (He’s been my favorite since I can remember). If you’re anything like me, you save your tickets from all sorts of events. I still have my ticket from my very first visit to Walt Disney World Resort.
Vintage Walt Disney World: What’s Your Ticket?

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Vintage Walt Disney World: What’s Your Ticket?

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Vintage Walt Disney World: What’s Your Ticket?
Vintage Walt Disney World: What’s Your Ticket?
Vintage Walt Disney World: What’s Your Ticket?
Vintage Walt Disney World: What’s Your Ticket?
Vintage Walt Disney World: What’s Your Ticket?
Vintage Walt Disney World: What’s Your Ticket?

I was unsure why my Mom wrote my hometown and name on my ticket, so I called and asked her. Her response, “You expect me to remember what I did in 1988?” I’m guessing it was just in case I lost it (I can’t imagine she let a 10-year-old be responsible for his own ticket). Here’s a look at some tickets throughout the years from Walt Disney World Resort. (This is not a comprehensive look.)


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Vintage Walt Disney World: Becoming Castaway Cay

posted on February 28th, 2013 by Nate Rasmussen, Archivist, Marketing Resource Center

Today back in 1996, The Walt Disney Company acquired a Bahamian Island named Gorda Cay. For all you fans of Disney Cruise Line, you know it better as Castaway Cay. Here’s a look at the island soon after the acquisition.
Castaway Cay Shortly After Acquisition by The Walt Disney Company
Castaway Cay stretches 3.1 miles long by 2.2 miles wide, and less than five percent of the island’s 1,000 acres have been developed.
Visit Castaway Cay with Disney Cruise Line
Located 225 nautical miles from Port Canaveral, Castaway Cay continues to be the most magical island in the Bahamas.

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Vintage Walt Disney World: Saluting the Hall of Presidents at Magic Kingdom Park

posted on February 21st, 2013 by Nate Rasmussen, Archivist, Marketing Resource Center

This week we celebrated President’s Day. But every day in Magic Kingdom Park, the leaders of the United States of America are celebrated at the Hall of Presidents. Here’s a look at the original lineup of presidents from December 1971.
Original Lineup of Presidents at The Hall of Presidents in Magic Kingdom Park, December 1971

Showcasing over 220 years of history in just 25 minutes, the Hall of Presidents has added seven presidents since opening in 1971 as one of the original Magic Kingdom Park attractions during President Nixon’s term in office.
The Hall of Presidents at Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort

Fun fact: President Obama is the 44th president. So, why are there only 43 presidents on stage? Grover Cleveland’s to blame. He served two non-consecutive terms as both the 22nd and 24th President of the United States.

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Vintage Walt Disney World: Mickey’s Valentine Through the Years

posted on February 14th, 2013 by Nate Rasmussen, Archivist, Marketing Resource Center

Candy conversation hearts. Flowers. Little tiny cards asking someone to “be mine.” Ah, Valentine’s Day. Here’s a look at Mickey and Minnie enjoying the day back in 1995 at Walt Disney World Resort. Love. It never gets old.

Mickey and Minnie at Walt Disney World Resort, Valentine's Day 1995 Mickey and Minnie at Walt Disney World Resort, Valentine's Day 1995

 
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Vintage Walt Disney World: Old Maps of Walt Disney World Resort

posted on February 7th, 2013 by Nate Rasmussen, Archivist, Marketing Resource Center

Sometimes I come across things in our archives that I think look interesting, but I don’t know a lot about them. Such was the case with the following map. Turns out, my friends at the Walt Disney Archives knew plenty.
Old Map of Walt Disney World Resort Property

In the early years of Walt Disney World Resort, this artwork decorated the guest rooms of the Contemporary Resort Hotel and the Polynesian Village Resort Hotel. The piece showcases the spirit and vast, all-new offerings of the “Vacation Kingdom of the World,” including Magic Kingdom Park, golf courses, beaches, watercraft, monorail transportation, Bay Lake and its eventual Discovery Island, Fort Wilderness and Tri-Circle-D Ranch, STOLport, the Polynesian and Contemporary Resort hotels, and three “future” resorts: the Asian, Venetian, and Persian.

While announced to the public in 1969, the Asian, Persian, and Venetian Resort hotels never materialized. Eventually, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa would open on the site of the Asian Resort, and the sites for the Venetian and Persian Resorts would remain undeveloped. Here’s a look at our property as it’s been developed today.
Map of Walt Disney World Resort as It's Been Developed Today

As Disney legend goes, because so many of the original Walt Disney World Resort maps were printed for guest rooms, a cast member used the excess ones as wrapping paper for Christmas presents one year. Steven Miller, did you read that? Not a bad idea.


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Vintage Walt Disney World: A Touchdown! at Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort

posted on January 31st, 2013 by Nate Rasmussen, Archivist, Marketing Resource Center

With the big game this coming weekend, football is on a lot of minds, including mine. And while the field in New Orleans will provide plenty of action, there’s another larger-than-life field at Walt Disney World Resort where guests can have some football fun of their own.
The Touchdown! Section of Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort Under Construction in March 1994

Above is a look at the Touchdown! section of Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort still under construction back in March 1994, with the Grand Slam Pool in the foreground.
The Touchdown! Section of Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort

You would need a football player who stood 200 feet tall in order for those football helmets to fit proportionally. Now that’s a tall order.


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Vintage Walt Disney World: A 1984 Ski Trip with the Country Bears

posted on January 24th, 2013 by Nate Rasmussen, Archivist, Marketing Resource Center

Wintertime is upon us at Walt Disney World Resort, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a great time to go snow skiing here in Central Florida. Just ask Liver Lips, Wendell and Terrance from the Country Bear Jamboree.
PHOTO CAPTION

Those casts seem to stem from a bad attempt at skiing down Big Thunder Mountain Railroad – not the brightest crayons in the box now, are they? Even Melvin the Moose looks a little confused by the situation.


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Vintage Walt Disney World: Disney’s Vero Beach Resort Opens to Guests

posted on January 17th, 2013 by Nate Rasmussen, Archivist, Marketing Resource Center

Today in 1996, grand opening ceremonies were held for Disney’s Vero Beach Resort. Here’s a look at an early rendering of the resort from our archives.
“Early

With the Atlantic Ocean as its backdrop, Disney’s Vero Beach Resort was the first Disney Vacation Club Resort located outside Walt Disney World Resort property. The Resort’s design and theme reflect the Treasure Coast region where the resort is situated.
“Mickey,

Ground breaking took place on July 28, 1994, where Mickey, Minnie, Chip and Dale were all in attendance for the big moment.
“Disney’s

With 175 Villas, Disney’s Vero Beach Resort is a great place to unwind, relax and enjoy the Florida sunshine.

 
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Vintage Walt Disney World: Happy Anniversary, Walt Disney World Marathon!

posted on January 10th, 2013 by Nate Rasmussen, Archivist, Marketing Resource Center

This year marks the 20th Walt Disney World Marathon presented by Cigna. The race has grown over the years from 8,200 runners to more than 55,000 participants today.
“Walt

Dubbed the most magical 26.2 miles on Earth, the race wound through all three Walt Disney World Resort Theme Parks at the time.
“Walt

The route isn’t the only thing that has changed over the years. The finisher’s medal also has evolved. Below is a look at the very first Mickey medal awarded to runners as they crossed the finish line at the inaugural running of the marathon took place on January 16, 1994.
“Walt

The Walt Disney World Marathon continues to be the only marathon where you have a pretty good chance of seeing this guy rooting you on while you run; you just might recognize him.
“Mickey

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Vintage Walt Disney World: New Year’s Resolutions

posted on January 3rd, 2013 by Nate Rasmussen, Archivist, Marketing Resource Center

Another year begins, and most likely, another set of New Year’s resolutions have been made. Here at “Vintage Walt Disney World,” we’re going to let some vintage Epcot attractions inspire you to keep those resolutions throughout 2013.

Promised to exercise more? If only you could still hop on one of these Wondercycles. These video-enhanced exercise bikes allowed guests to enjoy a light workout when visiting the Wonders of Life Pavilion. (Apparently, walking around Epcot isn’t workout enough on vacation.)

Wondercycles at Epcot

Maybe, you’ve decided to eat better. If Food Rocks was still presented daily at The Land, you’d be able to hum along with Neil Moussaka as he sang “eat your spinach, yes its true cuz’ vegetables are good for you.” Making your vegetable eating a whole lot more fun.

Food Rocks at The Land

Possibly, you want to stay in touch with friends and family. The “holographic telephone” in Horizons might have come in use. Wouldn’t our Audio-Animatronics friends from this attraction be amazed by our smartphones of today?

Horizons at Epcot

Whatever your resolution, here’s to a healthy and prosperous 2013!

 
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