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.

Guided Without GAF

Your Complete Guide to Walt Disney World
1978

Your Complete Guide to Walt Disney World is brought to you by.....Wait a minute.  What happened to GAF?  Just last year, 1977 that is, GAF, the View-master and camera people were the sponsor of these guides.

The 29 page guide is 5 1/2"x8".  The inside cover has a Transportation Schedule and a map.  Check out the key that has icons for Motor Coaches, Monorails, etc.  But try to find them on the map?  And how far is anyone going to get on the Empress Lilly?

The first few pages have 'Helpful Information' and details for '...our Blind Guests' and 'guests in wheelchairs.'  Interesting to note: "Guests in wheelchairs may await their parties inside attractions while party members go through waiting lines."

Pages 5-13 highlight each of the Magic Kingdom lands.  Each attraction is represented with a great sketch, has a short description and the ticket required.  The middle of the guide contains two great maps, the first one, Magic Kingdom, is below.  The second half will appear next week.

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.

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...even extra-magic hours.