Happy Birthday With the Seven Dwarfs

16th Birthday Button

This week, Walt Disney World celebrates its 43rd birthday.  Each year, cast members are given commemorative pin back buttons to celebrate.  The image on the button often reflects something significant from the year.  For their 16th birthday in 1987, Walt Disney World recognized the 50th anniversary of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.  It is only fitting that I share this button now for the 43rd birthday with the opening of the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train.  Hmm....possibly a foreshadowing of this year's design?  I happen to be traveling to Orlando for work this week, so maybe I will find out first hand.

Before the FAQ...

"Questions we figured you'd ask!"
1978

Before the FAQ, Walt Disney World had Questions We Figured You'd Ask (QWFYA).  This 'booklet,' as they describe it, was an insert to the 8 1/2" x 11" full color magazine that was mailed out in 1978, similar to this World Magazine from 1977.

The 4 panel spread has information on ticket prices (adult 2-day $17) and parking (.50/car).  The Contemporary, Polynesian Village & Golf Resort rooms ranged from $50 - $65.  What about camping, you ask?  Fort Wilderness Campground Resort - $16/night.

Saving Your Pennies For WDW

Mickey Mouse change purse

For all of the Maelstrom fans mourning today, here is a smile to brighten your day.  This Mickey Mouse change purse measures 5 inches from ear to ear and 4 1/2 inches from chin to the top of the ears.  I estimate it would hold about $3.50 in change.  More if you could stuff his ears.  The smile is great but the best part of this plastic treasure is the squeaker inside.  When you push Mickey's nose, he squeaks like...well, a mouse.

The Happiest Land of Them All

Cinderella Castle - Fantasyland postcard
01110233 dp 79903-c

This is the second card in the original Walt Disney World postcard series with this same name and subject.  01110232 is a vertical card.  This image, most likely taken prior to the park's opening in October of 1971, shows very different foliage than what you would see today.  Notice how much of Fantasyland can be seen on either side of the castle.

This Dexter Press (dp) postcard was printed with and without the Florida Flag logo on the back and in both blue and black ink.  The dp card has the Fantasyland icon of the castle on the back.  The Florida Flag postcard from my collection has a postmark of Feb 1972, just 4 months after the park opened.