Kodak at WDW

EPCOT Center Guide Book
1985

Since Kodak is in the news recently, I thought we would take a look at its relationship to Walt Disney World thru the lens of this 1985 EPCOT Center Guide Book.  (pun intended)  Eastman Kodak was a very prominent sponsor in WDW from the 80's until they filed for bankruptcy in 2012.

I am sure that many of us remember the "Photo Spots" sign stanchions located all around the parks, indicating "prime photo-taking locations" containing the Kodak logo.  The Guide Book maps also highlighted these locations with a circle in a square icon.

Kodak took over after GAF gave up its sponsorship in the late 70's.  You can read more about GAF by selecting the link above.  Kodak's sponsorship included giving their own "photo tips" in the guides.  They also sponsored attractions, such as Journey Into Imagination and Mickey's PhilharMagic.  And of course, they sold Kodak film all around the parks.

Something I was not aware of until reading the back of the Guide Book: "Borrow a Kodak Camera Free!"  At the Camera Center under Spaceship Earth, you could borrow (with a refundable deposit) a Kodak Disc Camera or KODAMATIC Instant Camera.  Kodak had it good for awhile.  Now let's see what they can do with round #2.  Maybe they could sponsor the first-aid stations if the drug thing works out for them.

The Universe Before Ellen

Mickey and Goofy Explore the Universe of Energy
comic book, 1985

What better way to celebrate Earth Day than to talk about conservation from Exxon in this 1985 comic book from Epcot's Universe of Energy.  This is one item in my collection originally owned by me from a 1986 trip.  

Spring Soda Celebration

Cherry Coke can
American Adventure, 1986

As we continue our Spring celebration of EPCOT, here is a third can from the Coca-cola company designed for the 15th Anniversary of Walt Disney World.  This Cherry Coke can features American Adventure in World Showcase, which, at the time, was sponsored by Coca-cola and American Express.

Cheers to Spaceship Earth

Coca-cola can
Spaceship Earth, 1986

Let's continue to celebrate EPCOT, or should I say EPCOT Center, all this month in the same fashion that the Coca-cola Company did back in 1986.  This commemorative 15th Anniversary can highlighted "the world's first geosphere," the 18-story symbol of EPCOT Center which would have been only 5 years old at the time.

Figment's Spoon

EPCOT Center pewter spoon

Figment, like the Country Bears in Frontierland, is a Walt Disney World original...not created as a cartoon or movie but birthed as a character for a resort attraction.  In Figment's case, that attraction was Journey into Imagination at EPCOT Center in 1983.  While the attraction and the entire Imagination! Pavilion has undergone several changes over the years, Figment has held on tightly to his place as an EPCOT original.

This genuine pewter souvenir spoon by Fort measures 3" tall.  The details on both the front and back are excellent, right down to Figment's claws grasping the spoon handle.

Before the Hat

canvas map

So much Walt Disney World goodness, all in one image!  My wife gave me this several years ago for an anniversary and I finally got it framed.  And now I can share it with you.  The image, which is 17" x 11 1/2", has been copied onto a canvas.  I don't know anything about this piece but I can assume the date is around 1993 because Splash Mountain (1992) can be seen in the upper left-hand corner.  Since there is no Tower of Terror or Blizzard Beach, it is probably before 1994 or 1995.  And, of course, there is no Sorcerer's Hat in MGM.

Let There Be Peace on Earth

Walt Disney World press photo
"Holidays Around the World", 1994

Let's end 2014 with one more press photo from 20 years ago.  This one comes from EPCOT and shows Mickey and the gang in native attire from countries represented around World Showcase.  Whatever you may be celebrating, wherever you are...let there be peace on earth!  Happy New Year!

When is a Birthday Button Not a Button

13th birthday cast member name tag ribbon
1984

When is a birthday button not a birthday button?  When it is was a ribbon cast members would stick to their name tag.  In 1984, Walt Disney World broke from tradition and instead of giving cast members a pin back button to wear on October 1 for their birthday, they gave them this leather-like, 2" x 4" ribbon.  The significance of this unique design?  Well, as we have seen with buttons beginning in the 80's, the design represents a milestone or new attraction that opened that year.  In this case, the Morocco Pavilion which had just opened a month prior, September 7, 1984.  This was the first expansion of World Showcase since Epcot's opening in 1981.

Congratulations, Germany!

Daisy Duck Happy Meal Toy, 1994

In honor of Germany's World Cup win today, here is Daisy Duck dressed in German attire.  This 3 1/2" tall plastic toy comes from a 1994 McDonald's Happy Meal, "Mickey and Friends EPCOT Center Adventure at Walt Disney World."  On her back is the EPCOT Center logo.  The bags also contained the flat Walt Disney World logo.  (I don't have one from Daisy but from a few of the other characters)  There were 8 characters total, each representing a different country from the World Showcase (with a minor variation for our Canadian friends).  You can see pictures of each of the characters, taken in their respective countries at the Main Street Gazette.

The End of the World Magazine

World Magazine, 1977, back cover

The end of the World Magazine (see what I did there) from 1977 is filled with pictures and descriptions of new or upcoming or now extinct attractions at Walt Disney World.  Starting with "River Country: The Ol'Swimmin' Hole" on page 19 that was "...an excitingly new country....inside Fort Wilderness" but closed in 2001.  Page 24 introduces attractions "Just Around The Corner" including The Empress Lilly, The Main Street Electrical Parade and The Village Pavilion at the Lake Buena Vista Shopping Village, "...shaped as three adjoining hexagons, the new building will have the same weathered brick and cedar shingle exterior (with some added Victorian touches) as the rest of The Village."

In addition to these eminent new attractions, page 27 describes "World Showcase" where 10 to 30 nations may occupy the pavilions in...two facing semi-circular buildings."  Hmmm..... "Construction is scheduled to begin by late 1977."
Of course the Walt Disney World collector in me loves page 29 which highlights the various divisions that produce Disney merchandise.

Preview Edition - The Master Plan

Walt Disney World Preview Edition
1970, Back Cover

The final sections of the 1970 Preview Edition of Walt Disney World describe the resort amenities, provide a Q & A, and layout the "Master Plan" for the 43 square miles where "...Walt Disney incorporated the ideas and philosophies of a lifetime."

Pages 16 & 17 detail the entertainment, golf and convention options that would be available.  The Q & A section contains a map with the 'original' castle logo and the Big D/Globe Head marking Orlando.  There is also information on the Preview Center as well as instructions on purchasing an additional "Preview Edition" for $.65.

The Master Plan included "an airport of the future, an industrial park designed to showcase American industry at work...and an Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow,"  and new innovations, such as "the first 21st century information communication system" and vacuum tube disposal system.

Discover Guide - The Total Vacation Destination

Walt Disney World Discover Guide
1981

Here is a planning guide for Walt Disney World from early 1981, prior to the official launch of their Tencennial celebration.  The cover uses the right-justified Big-D/Globe Head logo similar to the GAF style logos of the mid-70's but not identical.  

"Seasons in the fun!  Choosing the right time of year to visit is an important ingredient for a great vacation."  The opening layout of the guide shares the best reasons (and images) for visiting in any season....including Winter's "sweater weather."

'Set aside two full days...to take in all six themed "lands" of the Magic Kingdom.'  The guide also highlights the EPCOT Center Preview theatre where guests may see a presentation on '...the most exciting new entertainment concept in the history of Walt Disney Productions.'  

I had the privilege of seeing the EPCOT Center Preview theatre in Town Square.  At 10, I remember thinking that it looked too 'educational.'
More from this guide, including more awesome 80's images like these, in my next post.