With a Spark of Inspiration

EPCOT Center Future World Tin Tray
Journey Into Imagination
1982

Here is the 4th and final Future World tin tray from my collection.  It features the Journey Into Imagination Pavilion, an opening day attraction on October 1, 1982.  Spaceship Earth, The Land and World of Motion are all part of the tray collection.  I can only assume that there was also a Universe of Energy tray but it is not in my collection.  Communicore East & West were also opening day attractions but I am not sure if they were tray worthy.

Drink Service

metal drink tray

As the holiday season approaches, it is time to pull out this drink serving tray.  It measures approximately 10 1/2 inches in diameter.  The six recessed glass holes are about 2 1/2 inches in diameter and about .25 inch deep.

If this tray looks familiar to you, it is because I previously posted the original version of this tray.  The early version was most likely pre-opening of WDW because the images were all drawings. 

All of the "lands' are still represented and use the same subjects, with the exception of Tomorrowland.  The entrance image was replaced by 'Star Jets' and 'Space Mountain."  I'm sure glad they kept the 'Jungle Cruise' vultures, though.

Mickey Tray

Metal Tray, Walt Disney World
Mickey Mouse

Metal trays and decorative plates were popular Walt Disney World souvenirs in the 1970's and 80's.  This 11" tray has a more basic design compared to the ones previously posted, featuring simply the Big Cheese and a curved Big D/Globe Head logo.

World of Motion

EPCOT Center Future World Tin Tray
World of Motion
1982

The World of Motion was an opening day attraction at EPCOT Center on October 1, 1982.  This tray shows a pre-opening drawing of the attraction. It was closed in 1996 and replaced by Test Track...possibly because the copywriters did such a lack luster job on describing the experience on the back of this tray.

Drinks for Six

Walt Disney World Metal Drink Tray

This early Walt Disney World metal drink tray serves six.  It measures approximately 10.5 inches in diameter.  The six recessed glass holes are about 2.5 inches in diameter and about .25 inch deep.

Each of the glass holders features a different scene from the Magic Kingdom.  I find the vultures from The Jungle Cruise a very appealing choice for a beverage tray.

I do not know the exact age of this piece but would assume that it is early 1970's because of the artist renderings instead of real photos and the lady's daisy dress in the Main Street, USA picture.

Spaceship Earth Tin Tray

EPCOT Center Future World Tin Tray
Spaceship Earth
1982

Here is an early souvenir from EPCOT Center, 1982.  This tin tray, made by Fabcraft, Inc., is 6" x 4 3/8".  It features an artist rendering of Spaceship Earth on the front and a description of the "Future World Theme Attraction" on the back.  The logo uses the flat Walt Disney World font without the Big D/Globe Head that was common on most of the early EPCOT Center logos.

More Hot Air

Walt Disney World Florida Tray

Hot air balloons must have been trendy in the mid-80's.  Similar to last week's post, this 11" metal tray features Mickey & friends flying over Florida.  This tray is from between 1982-89 since only the Magic Kingdom & EPCOT are shown.  This type of map was a common souvenir for the Sunshine State.

Look Out Donald

Walt Disney World Florida Tray

Mickey & friends take a day at the Florida beach on this 10 3/4" black metal tray from Walt Disney World.  The original castle logo marks the spot for the Vacation Kingdom along with many other popular tourist spots of the 1970's.  Don't get too close to the water, Donald.  Looks like you already lost one of your nephews.

Clang, Clang, Clang Went the Trolley

Walt Disney World Frame-Tray Puzzle
Whitman, No. 4545

Here are some early Main Street U.S.A. memories brought to us by Whitman.  This frame-tray puzzle, no. 4545, is still in its original packaging....almost.  Although there is no date on the piece, we can assume it is from the early 1970's because of the use of the Florida Flag version of the logo.   

The image features the trolley in front of the former Penny Arcade.  A goofy looking Goofy is standing by and throngs of guests can be seen in the background making their way to Cinderella Castle, on the sidewalks, not walking right down the middle of Main Street, U.S.A.  

Where Did Donald's Nephews Go?

Black Metal Serving Tray

This summer I posted another version of this metal souvenir serving tray.  I can't imagine why the changes.  Notice that the menacing crocodile is now gone and Donald's two nephews have been replaced by Chip and Dale.  Hmm....I wonder what happened to those ducks? 

Partnerships With 'The Land'

EPCOT Center Future World Tin Tray
The Land
1982

Our second tin tray from the pre-opening of EPCOT Center in 1982 features an artist rendering of The Land pavilion.  I am not sure exactly when or where these trays would have been purchased but I can only assume by the future tense of the description, and the fact that they used drawings instead of photos, that it was prior to Oct. 1 1982.

A Grizzly Puzzler

Walt Disney World Frame-Tray Puzzle
Whitman, No. 4583

To end our month of celebrating the Country Bear Jamboree, here is a an early 70's Whitman Frame-Tray puzzle featuring the Bear Band and the lovely Teddi Barra.  This 14 1/2" X 11 1/2" puzzle joins the similar Main Street, USA one from this collection.  Both use the early Florida Flag logo.