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!

3rd Anniversary

Walt Disney World 3rd Anniversary photo
October 1, 1974

3 years ago I began sharing my Walt Disney World collection here.  What better way to celebrate than by doing it in Disney Style.  For their early anniversaries, WDW recreated their opening day cast member photo.  Up until this point that was done in front of Cinderella Castle.  But with the pending opening of Space Mountain in early 1975, the new attraction was used as the backdrop for the 3rd Anniversary photo.
These photos were given to cast members.  This one belonged to Tom Henry who worked in the Planning Department at the time.  You can read more about his work and his time at WDW on his company webpage.
Thank you for celebrating with me for the past 3 years.  I look forward to many more.

An Update on an Original

Mickey Mouse and Friends Souvenir Tray

Happy Black Friday & Happy 3rd Anniversary to my blog.  Disneystore.com is celebrating with me by releasing, or should I say re-re-releasing, an early souvenir tray from Walt Disney World.  

The Orange Bird is a new addition and the hungry crocodile has been replaced by a happy hippo.  You can compare all the changes over the years by checking out my early posts:  "Look Out Donald" & "Where Did Donald's Nephews Go?"

  

Why Can't I Find Our Car?

Parking Ticket
1977

Back in 1977, it cost 50 cents to park at Walt Disney World.  The front of the ticket had the traditional Big D/Globe Head logo and the early Bay Lake icon which can also be found on this early 1970's children's book.  If you forgot where you parked, the back of the ticket provided you with a handy map with each lot labeled with a character (sorry, Doc).  In 2011, the lots were renamed for Heroes and Villians and today it costs $17.

2nd Anniversary

Walt Disney World Second Anniversary Photo
October 1, 1973

This week marked the 2nd anniversary of my blog!  I am very thankful to have this outlet to share my collection.  To celebrate, I thought it appropriate that I show one of my favorite pieces.  This 5X7 photo, marking WDW's second birthday, is reminiscent of the infamous opening day photo.  It was given to Cast Members in a tan paper folder/frame which features the original Big D/Globe Head logo on the cover.

Where Did Donald's Nephews Go?

Black Metal Serving Tray

This summer I posted another version of this metal souvenir serving tray.  I can't imagine why the changes.  Notice that the menacing crocodile is now gone and Donald's two nephews have been replaced by Chip and Dale.  Hmm....I wonder what happened to those ducks? 

Happy Birthday(land) Mickey!

McDonald's Happy Meal Box
Mickey's Birthdayland, 1988

This week marks Mickey's 85th birthday.  For his 60th birthday in 1988, Walt Disney World celebrated with what was going to be a temporary area in the Magic Kingdom called Mickey's Birthdayland set in the town of Duckburg.  You can read more the history of this area at Walt Dated World. 

McDonald's joined in the celebration with this Happy Meal box from 1989.  The Big D/Globe Head logo was used on the top.  Each side contained activities and/or punch out characters.  The toy was one of the Fab 5 in a  'pull-back racer.'  You can see the racers and a slight variation on this box in this commercial.