In the Parks - Magic Kingdom Attraction Posters

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Attraction Poster
Magic Kingdom Entrance

Here are some additional original logos that I searched out on my recent trip to WDW.  They are on attraction posters located at the entrance to the Magic Kingdom under the train station.  Most guests would recognize this area as the place to pick up 'guidemaps' and 'times guides' as they rush toward 'Town Square.'

These attraction posters are made to resemble 'Coming Attractions' movie posters.  After all, you are stepping into a show.  Why else do you think the pavement is red (carpet) and there is a popcorn cart right inside the park (theater) entrance?
Note the "Snow White's Adventures" carries the original name with the Scary omitted.

I don't know how original these posters are or if some of them are reproductions.  A few of them did have copyright dates.  You can see the 'Big Thunder Mountain Railroad' poster below dated 1979, a year before the ride's opening.  Making this a true 'Coming Attraction' poster.
You can read more about Disney Park Attraction Posters at: http://attractionposter.blogspot.com/

In The Parks - On The Ground

Manhole Cover
Adventureland, Magic Kingdom

On my most recent trip to Walt Disney World, December 2011, I was on the hunt for any of the original logos.  I found several Big D or Globe Head logos on the ground.  The manhole cover on the left was found in Fantasyland between 'it's a small world' and 'Peter Pan's Flight.' 

There are also several survey markers all over WDW.  This one is located outside of 'The Land' at EPCOT.  You can see the location of many other "Disney Benchmarks" at: http://www.wintertime.com/OH/GC/Disney/disneymarks.html.

The manhole cover below is from Disney's Hollywood Studios to the right of 'The Great Movie Ride' on the way to 'Walt Disney: One Man's Dream.'

Vintage Walt Disney World Christmas Gifts

Christmas Gifts 2011

Santa (aka my wife) was very good to me and my collection this year.  I will feature each of these items in more detail but I wanted to share a little bit of my most recent additions right away.

'A Visit to Walt Disney World' a Milton Bradley Board Game.
Donald Duck hat with working squeaker bill.  (my favorite)
'it's a small world' music box.
'America On Parade' slides.
Cocoa brown tumbler glass.
Metal drink serving tray.

Walt Disney World Night Before Christmas

T'was the Night Before Christmas
Cast Member Parody

And finally, my holiday gift to you from page 6 of the December 1972 Food Division Newsletter.  A Cast Member's parody of T'was the Night Before Christmas.

Merry Christmas!

Silver Bags

Silver Bags
Cast Member Parody of 'Silver Bells'

On page 4 of the Food Division Newsletter from December 1972 (see previous post) is a Cast Member's parody of 'Silver Bells' entitled 'Silver Bags.'  The author, Ginger Burgin, worked in Tomorrowland Terrace which clearly sold hot dogs in lovely silver bags in 1972.  Enjoy this cast member humor.

See them squirm........

Watch them burn......

Soon it will be supper time. 

Christmas Newsletter 1972

Food Division Cast Member Newsletter
December 1972

To celebrate the holiday season, I thought I would share this Food Division cast member newsletter from December 1972.  The first article talks about American Christmas traditions.  Pages 2 & 3 share examples of "Christmas Around The 'World.'"

The newsletter also includes an article on Hanukkah & information for cast members on picking up their 1973 main gate passes (the only date mentioned).
I will post more from this newsletter throughout the week, including their WDW version of 'Silver Bells.'

In The Parks

In The Parks

In a slight deviation from my regular posts of my personal collection of early WDW memorabilia, I would also like to highlight some images of the original logo as they appear around Walt Disney World.  On my upcoming trip, I plan to capture as many photos of the Big D/Mickey Head Globe as I can to bring back with me and share with you here.  The above image was taken from a 2009 trip.  Can you guess where it appears?

Fire Hydrant
Disney's Port Orleans - French Quarter

Bucket Hat

Bucket Hat

This child's bucket hat features the Big D logo and the early castle icon which was prominent on many early postcards, mugs, plates and other souvenirs.
  
The simple sketches of the characters are unique.  The Jungle Book came out in 1967 and so Baloo would have still been popular in the early 70's.
  
I have seen this same item with the Disneyland logo and one WDW version that had a tag indicating it was made for both parks.  This hat has no signs of ever having a tag.


If you have any thoughts about this item, please feel free to leave a comment.

Surprise for Mickey Mouse

Surprise for Mickey Mouse
a Little Golden Book
1971, Second Printing 1972

This Golden Book tells the story of Mickey Mouse and his invitation to direct the orchestra at the Mickey Mouse Revue at WDW.  This copy is a second printing from 1972.  The first printing was in 1971.  Note the 'Florida Flag' used on the logo.

Mickey is excited to receive his telegram and shares it will all of his friends.  Minnie, Horace, the 3 Little Pigs, Geppetto, Pinocchio, Donald and his nephews, Dumbo & Timothy and Daisy don't seem to care.

**SPOILER ALERT**

When he gets to the Magic Kingdom and meets the orchestra, it turns out to be all of his friends.

Check out more about the now extinct Mickey Mouse Revue at Walt Dated World.

Mickey's Philharmagic now occupy's the Revue's original space.  Notice the 'foreshadowing' in the last picture of the book.

Riding Down Main Street, U.S.A.

Riding Down Main Street, U.S.A.
(01110202 dp 79902-c)

This early postcard features one of the Main Street, U.S.A. vehicles, "a new-fandangled" fire engine.  It also highlights some of the nifty outfits of the early 70's.
The logo on the back has the 'Florida Flag,' added to distinguish Walt Disney World from the west coast Disneyland.  This series of postcards (01110000) was printed both with and without the 'Florida Flag.'

Based on the hand-written date of October 6, 1971, it appears that this card was purchased during the opening week of Walt Disney World.
Also note the pot-belly stove at the bottom of the card indicating this card was from Main Street, U.S.A. Each 'land' in the Magic Kingdom had its own icon.

Balloon Bag

Balloon Gift Shop Bag
1972

This is one of my favorite flea market finds.  It was in a bag of various Florida vacation items (maps, postcards etc.).  The lady was surprised when I told her I really only wanted the bag.
I love the 70's colors and the use of the globe head as balloons.

I was thrilled to find this receipt from the 'Vacation Kingdom' inside the bag dated June 17, 1972.  It appears the purchase was for 15 cents with a penny tax.  Postcards, maybe?
I really like the Big D logo on the receipt.