Friday, December 30, 2011

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/


Wednesday, December 28, 2011

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.'


Monday, December 26, 2011

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.


Friday, December 23, 2011

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!

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

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. 

Sunday, December 18, 2011

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.'

Monday, December 5, 2011

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