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)

A Visit to Walt Disney World in Florida

A Visit to Walt Disney World
Whitman Punch-Out and Play Game
1971

This Whitman game came out the year Walt Disney World opened.  It uses the early logo that featured the Florida flag so that people would not confuse WDW with its older sister park in California.

The punch-out and play game came with a 30'x30' play mat map of the Magic Kingdom & 6 crayons.  The original owners only colored the two Main Street, USA buildings.  

Six characters and two children cut outs are still with my edition of the game along with the Swiss Family Tree House and parts of Cinderella Castle.  Based on the box cover, there may have been a cut out train and steam boat as well.

Most of the lands are represented by a 'weenie' punch-out or attraction to color: Grand Prix Raceway, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, Hall of Presidents, and the Sunshine Pavilion.

WDW Souvenir Catalog 2

Gift Catalog, pg 2
1976

Here is the apparel section of the gift catalog from 1976, pages 2-5.  I especially like the 'Mickey & Minnie Love Is T-shirt' selling for $2.25.  Unfortunately they only come in children's sizes.  But it is going on my must-have list.

Item 3A features an image that can also be found on a postcard.  3B has a cartoon drawing of Mickey & Goofy flying over a photo of Tomorrowland.  3J uses the very bland 'Cinderella Castle' logo. The adult sweatshirt sold for $7.

'The Walt Disney World Collegiate Collection' on page 5 doesn't have the WDW logo but they do have some groovy 70's images of Mickey playing baseball, Goofy playing football & basketball, and Donald playing golf while one of the nephews sprays him with a hose.

WDW Souvenir Catalog 4

Gift Catalog, pg 10
1976

These final pages of the 1976 gift catalog have some excellent logo items.  The Dinnerware, Thermo Assortment, and Carry-All Bag are all fairly common finds.  If you have any of these items or remember them from the 70's, please feel free to share your thoughts. 

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.  

Postcards With Character

Welcome to the Magic Kingdom postcard
01110236 dp 79905-c

All this month I have been sharing postcards from the early Walt Disney World 0111 series featuring characters 'come to life' in the park.  So I thought we would take a look back at some of the earlier cards that also had 'character.'  You can read more about these cards, at the following links:
Welcome to the Magic Kingdom
Goofy Goes for a Spin
Fun on Bay Lake

Best of 2015

Walt Disney World: a coloring book
Golden, 1983

Based on the popularity of Adult Coloring Books this year, it should be no surprise that the most popular items from my blog in 2015 were from the 1983 Walt Disney World: a coloring book posts.

Coloring Main Street - March 21

Coloring Frontierland - March 27

Coloring Long Lost Attractions - April 3
 

Coming in a close second to the coloring book posts, was the Water Recreation pre-opening postcard that Bob sent his friend Al.  If you missed it, you can revisit it at this link: Sorry, Al - August 7.

Happy 4th Anniversary!

4th birthday button
America On Parade, 1975

This week marks the 4th Anniversary of my blog.  To celebrate, I shall do as Walt Disney World did on their 4th birthday with this cast member birthday button.

Below are the top three viewed posts over the past 4 years.  Apparently diet drinks are popular Walt Disney World commemorative items.

 

Drink Up Me Hearties: October 12, 2013

Japanese Small Plate: September 21, 2013

Nutra-Sweet Daisy: September 7, 2013

Happy Anniversary and thanks for sharing some of the magic with me!