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.

His & Her's EPCOT Buttons

EPCOT Center Button

In case you and your EPCOT Prince or Princess are having trouble deciding which EPCOT Center buttons you are going to wear this weekend in celebration of EPCOT's 30th, here are matching His & Her options.(pin-back buttons not advised for children under 8 years of age)

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.

Figment Celebrates EPCOT Center Opening

EPCOT Center Figment Patch
1982

Continuing our week long celebration of EPCOT Center's 30th Anniversary, here is another patch from 1982. This one features the unofficial ambassador of EPCOT, Figment.

I have also seen this same design on a pin-back button and in a larger (pennant-like) felt wall hanging.  Neither of those have found their way into my collection, yet.

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.

EPCOT Center Patch

EPCOT Center Patch
1982

This 1982 EPCOT Center patch is in its original wrapper and still has the fine early '80s colors of that great logo.  The packaging uses the plain Walt Disney World font stacked on the EPCOT Center logo.

Figment & Mickey EPCOT Center Button

EPCOT Center Button
1982

I love this pin-back button from the opening year of EPCOT Center.  Maybe because it is a contrast from the colder 'futuristic' look of much of the early EPCOT Center items or the whimsical wink from Mickey or just seeing he and Figment together that make me smile.  Regardless, I hope you enjoy it too!

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.

The 21st Century Begins Oct 1, 1982

EPCOT Center License Plate
Pre-opening, 1982

In honor of EPCOT's upcoming 30th Anniversary, here is a license plate announcing the opening date, October 1, 1982.  'The 21st Century Begins October 1, 1982' tag was used on several pre-opening brochures and posters.  You can see a few examples at www.2719Hyperion.com.

Throughout the week I hope to post many other early EPCOT Center pieces from my collection.

Grab the Brass Key Chain

Brass Walt Disney World Key Chain

This brass key chain features the Big D logo on the front, divided so it would fit on the 1 1/8" x 2 3/8", and the Magic Kingdom/Epcot logo on the back.  Based on this, we can assume this item is from between 1982 & 1989 (the openings of EPCOT & Hollywood Studios).

WDW T-shirt Only $9.00

15 Years Ringer T-shirt
1986

This '15 Years' ringer t-shirt still has its original price tag & wrapper.  Based on the CPI Inflation Calculator, this shirt, selling for $9 in 1986, should sell for $18.81 in 2012.  The current cost of a basic WDW tee - $21.95.

How Do I Get There From Here?

Your Complete Guide to Walt Disney World
Compliments of GAF Corporation
1977

Here is the second half of 'Your Complete Guide to Walt Disney World: Compliments of GAF Corporation' from 1977. This section uses the same caricature map as 'The Vacationer's Guide to Walt Disney World.'

 
The labels on the map have been added as well as the parking lot section names like Grumpy & Bashful.  Pages 18 - 21 feature the 'GAF Photo Tips' and 'Extra pointers for movie fans.'

My favorite movie tip: 'Wind motor after each scene.'  Favorite photo tip: 'Some pictures don't need the family.'
Pages 22 - 27 highlight the resorts with better photos but less info compared to the 1975 edition.

Page 28 has an ad for two new Disney movies, including 'The Rescuers....a triumph in Disney animation!'  The 'Transportation Schedule' map replaced a great caricature map but this one appears to be more functional.

1977 View of Walt Disney World

Your Complete Guide to Walt Disney World
Compliments of GAF Corporation
1977

As Walt Disney World grew, so did the GAF Corporation's guide.  The 1975 version was 3.75"x8" but this 1977 edition is 5.5"x8".  The content is very similar but the wider format allows for more images. 

Page 4 was a new addition. "Getting Around at Walt Disney World: A special guide for guests in wheelchairs."  Coincidence, do you think, that 1977 saw nationwide sit-ins calling for changes to the Rehabilitation Act of 1973?

Each area of the Magic Kingdom had its own page.  Somehow Liberty Square's title was lost on page 9.  My copy has the notes from the original 'dizzy' owners.  Apparently they rode Mad Tea Party 'about 15 times.'

The cover features the 'right-justified' Big D/Globe Head logo that was commonly used on GAF products.  I have not found any other items that use this 'right-justified' version.  More to come from this 29 page brochure...