Drink Service

metal drink tray

As the holiday season approaches, it is time to pull out this drink serving tray.  It measures approximately 10 1/2 inches in diameter.  The six recessed glass holes are about 2 1/2 inches in diameter and about .25 inch deep.

If this tray looks familiar to you, it is because I previously posted the original version of this tray.  The early version was most likely pre-opening of WDW because the images were all drawings. 

All of the "lands' are still represented and use the same subjects, with the exception of Tomorrowland.  The entrance image was replaced by 'Star Jets' and 'Space Mountain."  I'm sure glad they kept the 'Jungle Cruise' vultures, though.

Before Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom

Pluto and the Adventure of the Golden Scepter
a Little Golden Book, 1972

Before there was Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom, the current interactive role-playing game, there was Pluto and Morty Mouse setting out on a quest through the various lands of the Magic Kingdom.  This Little Golden Book from 1972 highlighted the various themed lands of this new vacation destination in Florida by sending Pluto on an adventure looking for the missing scepter of  'the King' that lived in Cinderella's Castle.  Pluto mistakes Mickey's drum major mace on Main Street, Minnie's tour guide riding crop in Tomorrowland and so on.  (I don't want to ruin the ending for you)
Since this Magic Kingdom had just opened a few months prior, the book used the Walt Disney World logo with the Florida Flag to separate itself from its sister park in California.  (Something that still confuses people today)

Danger-filled Adventureland

Elephant Bathing Pool postcard
01110209

It has been awhile since I posted any postcards.  So here are the final two Adventureland cards from the original 0111 series.  Both highlight animals from the Jungle Cruise.  You can see that they are from two different printings, with the Python card using the Florida Flag logo on the back.

Preview Edition Map

Walt Disney World Preview Edition
1970, pg. 12

In the middle of the 1970 Preview Edition of Walt Disney World is this most excellent caricature map of the Magic Kingdom, the two original themed resorts and the recreation that surround the "2,500 acres of resort and recreation land."

The map is filled with representations of opening day attractions.  The image was used by Kevin Kidney & Jody Daily for a set of dinner plates to celebrate WDW's 40th.  You can see those and other great retro-disney inspired art work on Kevin's blog.

The text is taken from  the perspective of the 'Walt Disney World-Alweg Monorail...riding over a scenic 'highway in the sky.'  Apparently the editor must have felt the text was too imaginative and so there is a disclaimer at the beginning.  It's worth a read if you can pull yourself away from looking at the great images.

Before the World Began

Walt Disney World Preview Edition
1970

I am celebrating my 100th blog post with the quintessential piece of early Walt Disney World memorabilia:  The Preview Edition of Walt Disney World "The Vacation Kingdom of the World" printed in 1970.

This 20 page, full color booklet measures 11" X 8.5".  The cover features an architectural rendering of Bay Lake, the five 'planned' resorts that would surround it, and part of the Magic Kingdom.  (notice the lack of color and detail in the upper left corner and the multi-spired Space Mountain)

The booklet describes 'a new concept in vactionlands...' where 'visitors will not only play - they will also stay....'  There is a mixture of pen and ink drawings and artists sketches from many aspects of the park and a few photos of Imagineers working on Audio-Animatronic figures.

The first several pages are dedicated to The Magic Kingdom and its lands, '...each an individual, thematic realm unto itself.'  The headings for each land include an early icon that can also be found on the back of postcards from the DP series such as this one from Main Street, USA or from Adventureland.
  
More to come from this piece and other items from my collection in my next 100 posts!  Thanks for reading.

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. 

Hunter Becomes the Hunted

Trapped Safari postcard
01110208

Happy Halloween!

OK, so this postcard has very little to do with Halloween but it does just so happen to be the next postcard up in the 0111 series.  It also has an ominous caption, 'Hunter becomes the hunted....'  Walt Disney World did not celebrate villains back in 1971 the same way they do today.  So this unhappy rhino will have to serve as our Halloween villain.