Donald Duck and the Ninja Turtles?

 

Autograph Book

What do Donald Duck and the Ninja Turtles have to do with each other?  Nothing, really.  Except that theirs are the only signatures you will find in this WDW autograph book.  Presumably, obtained during the martial arts reptiles' short stint in the early 90's at the then named, Disney-MGM Studios.

Happy Day of Love

Happy Day of Love.  I hope you are able to celebrate with your favorite 'mouse'.

 

The 46th President of the United States

 

Hall of Presidents postcard
01110228

Today, the United States inaugurated the 46th President, Joe Biden.  In 1971, when the Hall of Presidents opened, Richard Nixon was the 37th President but "...all 36 American chief executives appear on stage."  How is that possible?  (Grover Cleveland served two non-consecutive terms and so he is listed twice but only appears once in the Hall)

New Year's Eve - every night!

 

Disney 25th Anniversary magazine
1996

New Year's Eve - every night!  That was how Pleasure Island operated from 1990 until 2006.  It was a separate ticketed area with multiple 'adults only' clubs.  The West End Stage was where NYE was celebrated every night with a band and fireworks.

On Top of the World!

 

Top of the World matchbook

The current California Grill at Disney's Contemporary Resort was originally the Top of the World restaurant and entertainment venue until 1993.

  

This matchbook features the original Big D/Globe Head logo in gold on the front and the early Contemporary Resort logo on both sides.

Vintage Villain Postcards

 

Watch Out Pinocchio! postcard
01110246

Disney Villains are very popular in the Parks these days, especially during the Halloween season.  But that was not the case in the '70s, the early days of Walt Disney World.  In going thru all of my memorabilia, these early postcards of Foulfellow (aka Honest John) & Gideon with Pinocchio, Brer Bear and Brer Fox and King Louie are the only depictions of villains that I could find in print.  You don't see any pictured in maps or print publications.

Jungle Book Anniversary

 

Look for the Bare Necessities postcard
01110245

The Jungle Book was released this week in 1967, 4 years before Walt Disney World opened in 1971.  So it is not surprising that characters from the movie would be highlighted in early days of the park.  You can see more of the postcard, bucket hat and coloring book by following the links.

It's All In a Day's Work

 

Eyes and Ears, Vol. 9, No. 11
March 16, 1979

In light of the sad news this week about the large number of Cast Member layoffs due to the corona virus pandemic, I thought I would share this 'Eyes and Ears' from March 16, 1979, with the ironic headline, "It's All In a Day's Work."  This 8 page, 8.5x11, newsletter was "prepared by and for the cast of Walt Disney World."

The cover article describes the Character Department and how a cast member may become a Pageant Host/Hostess, portraying a Disney Character.  Inside the newsletter are a variety of cast related stories and information, from benefits information to classified ads.

Two articles refer to St. Patrick's Day activities.  "Mardi Gras a Success...St. Pat's Day Next!" describes the menu at the Fantasyland Cafeteria and another article encourages spectators to watch the "3rd Annual St. Patrick's Day Road Race."  And don't miss the results of the backgammon tournament on page 7.

How Much Postage?

 

Ready to Mail Jigsaw Puzzle

With the mess that the USPS is going thru right now, I'm not sure I would trust this to make it to its destination but what a great souvenir.  I love the Big D logo curved on the front and in its traditional form on the back (mailing side).
There is no registered trademark on the logo and so I am assuming this piece is from the early '70's.  It still has the original price tag on the bottom of $1.50. (less than a nice postcard today)

$9 WDW T-shirt

 

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 $21.23 in 2020.  The current cost of a basic WDW tee on ShopDisney - $24.99.

Original Magic Kingdom Icons

Preview Edition: Walt Disney World "The Vacation Kingdom of the World"
1970, pg 4

In the Preview Edition: Walt Disney World "The Vacation Kingdom of the World", each land was represented by their own unique icon.  These icons also appeared at the bottom of the early DP Postcard series.  If you have seen these images appear on other items, please share!  I would love to see these logos make a return to the Magic Kingdom.

Nothing Stays the Same

 

The Vacationer's Guide to Walt Disney World
1977

Every year brings changes to WDW and 1976-77 was no exception.  Although this brochure may look very similar to the one from 1976 that I posted previously, it does contain some changes.  The left side is from 1976 and the right is from 1977.

River Country was added in 1976 and it appears that it necessitated some changes to the Ticket Books, dropping the 17 2-day option and adding a Water Adventure Ticket.  The ticket prices stayed the same except for the River Country ticket.

The inside of both brochures feature a great map surrounded by smaller cartoon images and text describing various parts of WDW.  Can you spot the differences between these two drawings of Lake Buena Vista?

The Empress Lilly riverboat restaurant opened in 1977.  It was added to the map above and to the description of 'A Shopping Village.'  Interestingly, the name 'Lake Buena Vista Shopping Village' was dropped from the '77 text.

There were clearly changes taking place in Lake Buena Vista during this time.  The '76 brochure refers to '29 cedar-shingled shops' in the opening text but on the inside text above says there are 33.  The '77 brochure is consistent with 30.

These last two images compare other changes between the '76 & '77 brochures.  See if you can spot the changes.  And remember, nothing stays the same.