Monstrous Summer All-Nighter at Disney Parks

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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Vintage Walt Disney World: Nate’s Favorite Disney Milestones

posted on December 27th, 2012 by Nate Rasmussen, Archivist, Marketing Resource Center


Another year, another 52 blog posts (give or take a few). It is difficult to choose my Top 5 (they’re like children … do you really ever have a favorite?). Who am I kidding? One was my favorite; let’s count them down.

#5: A Huey, Dewey, and Louie Milestone. I love when I learn something new. Even after working here for over 12 years, I had no idea that until Ducktales starting airing, Donald’s nephews didn’t always wear the same color shirt. Cool Disney fun fact!
“Huey,

 
#4: Filming the ‘The Mickey Mouse Club’ at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. It’s always fun to reminisce about items from childhood, and just the fact that the MMC was filmed here in Florida makes it all that more cool.
Production of 'The Mickey Mouse Club' at Disney's Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort

 
#3: Pooh’s Hip, Hip Pooh-Ray! This year’s presidential race seemed to last forever. If only Winnie the Pooh was running, it would have been a lot more fun. That’s one campaign trail I would have liked to follow!
Winnie the Pooh Runs for President in 1972 at Magic Kingdom Park

 
#2: Introducing Dreamfinder. I love when I write something and it resonates with fans. Dreamfinder did just that with 7,400 Facebook likes – a record for Vintage Walt Disney World. (The only post to get more comments was about Figment. Imagine that.)
Dreamfinder, from the Original Journey Into Imagination Attraction at Epcot

 
#1: Making 24 Memories in 24 Hours at Magic Kingdom Park. Magic Kingdom Park open for 24 hours? I’m in. If you haven’t seen this yet, enjoy my spin on the teacups around 5 a.m. I’m clearly in need of sleep!
“Making

There you have it, my Top 5. Thanks for reading all year long.

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Vintage Walt Disney World: A 1970s Look at the Christmas Parade

posted on December 20th, 2012 by Nate Rasmussen, Archivist, Marketing Resource Center


Magic Kingdom Park has celebrated the holidays with a Christmas Parade since opening in 1971. Here’s a look at the parade back in 1976 traveling down Main Street, U.S.A.

A 1970s Look at the Christmas Parade at Magic Kingdom Park

A 1970s Look at the Christmas Parade at Magic Kingdom Park

While the parade’s name has varied through the years, one thing has always remained the same – the holiday cheer it brings to guests every holiday season.

 
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Vintage Walt Disney World: A Look Back at Past Holiday Seasons

posted on December 13th, 2012 by Nate Rasmussen, Archivist, Marketing Resource Center


The holidays around Walt Disney World Resort in the 1980s were a lot like they are today.

Decking the halls? Check.
Holidays Around Walt Disney World Resort in the 1980s

Trimming the tree? Almost there.
Holidays Around Walt Disney World Resort in the 1980s

Powering up the holiday lights? Done.
Holidays Around Walt Disney World Resort in the 1980s

If only I had a few Disney friends on hand to help me with all my holiday chores. I’m sure Daisy would make the perfect personal shopper.


Keep an eye on the Disney Parks Blog for more updates on the holiday season at Disney Parks, and join the conversation on Twitter by using the hashtag #DisneyHolidays.

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Vintage Walt Disney World: Celebrating Dumbo the Flying Elephant at Magic Kingdom Park

posted on December 6th, 2012 by Nate Rasmussen, Archivist, Marketing Resource Center


Today, we celebrate the grand reveal of New Fantasyland in Magic Kingdom Park. But one iconic elephant has been flying high above Fantasyland since the park opened in 1971. Here’s a look at Dumbo the Flying Elephant back in 1973.
Dumbo the Flying Elephant at Magic Kingdom Park in 1973

Now flying in Storybook Circus, Dumbo soars daily, continuing to provide amazing aerial views high above Fantasyland.
Dumbo the Flying Elephant at Storybook Circus in Magic Kingdom Park

 
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Vintage Walt Disney World: Taking a Spin Through Tomorrowland

posted on November 29th, 2012 by Nate Rasmussen, Archivist, Marketing Resource Center


Today, back in 1974, Star Jets opened at Magic Kingdom Park in Tomorrowland. Below is a look at the attraction still under construction in June 1974.
“Star

Scaled-down Apollo-Saturn replica rockets propelled guests up to 60 feet above Magic Kingdom Park.
“Star

While guests can no longer hop aboard a Star Jet, the Astro Orbiter continues the legacy of space flight in Tomorrowland.

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Vintage Walt Disney World: Mickey and the Mammoth Pumpkin

posted on November 22nd, 2012 by Nate Rasmussen, Archivist, Marketing Resource Center


Ah, Thanksgiving – turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and of course pumpkin pie. Here’s a photo from 1994 in The Land Pavilion at Epcot of Mickey Mouse with this mammoth pumpkin.
Mickey Mouse at The Land Pavilion in 1990

While the above pumpkin weighs in at 510 pounds, 1.1 billion pounds of pumpkin are produced every year in the United States. That’s a lot of pie crust and whipped cream needed to make this a very happy Thanksgiving!

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Vintage Walt Disney World: Big Thunder Mountain Debuts at Magic Kingdom Park

posted on November 15th, 2012 by Nate Rasmussen, Archivist, Marketing Resource Center


Today in 1980, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad opened at Walt Disney World Resort.
The Grand Opening of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Magic Kingdom Park in 1980

Covering over two acres and rising almost 200 feet above sea level, this iconic Magic Kingdom Park attraction was inspired by Monument Valley, Arizona.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Magic Kingdom Park in 1980

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad was the second mountain to rise into the sky at Magic Kingdom Park (behind Space Mountain and before Splash Mountain).
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Magic Kingdom Park in 1980

Even today, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad continues to live up to the old miner’s proclamation of being “the wildest ride in the wilderness.”


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Vintage Walt Disney World: Robin Hood and Friends Visit Magic Kingdom Park

posted on November 8th, 2012 by Nate Rasmussen, Archivist, Marketing Resource Center


Today, back in 1973 Walt Disney Studios released the film “Robin Hood” across the United States.

'Robin Hood,' Released by Walt Disney Studios in 1973

Here’s a look at Little John, Prince John, Robin Hood and Friar Tuck walking near Cinderella Castle in Magic Kingdom Park from 1979.

Robin Hood and Friends Visit Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort

I bet Sir Hiss is bummed he missed this gathering. He would have loved slithering in the grass. He Sherwood.

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Vintage Walt Disney World: Pooh’s ‘Hip, Hip, Pooh-Ray!’

posted on November 1st, 2012 by Nate Rasmussen, Archivist, Marketing Resource Center


Americans head to the polls next week to cast their vote for president, but back in 1972, Pooh threw his hat into the race here at Magic Kingdom Park.
Winnie the Pooh Runs for President in 1972 at Magic Kingdom Park

Pooh’s formal nomination with the Demo-Pooh-blican Party came from 50 kids under the age of 7, and was announced at the forecourt of Cinderella Castle in Magic Kingdom Park. His platform? Disclosing the “Bear Facts,” and bottomless honey jars.


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