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.

Better Than Waiting on Hold?

Hotel Reservation Card
1975

In 1975, you used a card to 'reserve your corner of the world.'  Mailing in your reservation may not as efficient as online but look at those prices!

The resort hotels included: Contemporary ($42-$56), Polynesian Village ($42-$50), and Golf Resort Hotel ($42-$50).  Fort Wilderness Campground Resort ($12) and the Lake Buena Vista Vacation Villas ($50-$77) and Treehouses ($85-$95) could also be reserved.  The Lake Buena Vista Hotel Plaza, which included the Dutch Inn, Howard Johnson's, Royal Plaza and TraveLodge were listed as back ups if the WDW resorts were full.

Before Online Booking

'How to reserve your corner of the World'
hotel reservation card
1978

Before online booking, there was 'Central Reservations' and this handy mail-in reservation card from 1978.  To reserve 'your corner of the World,' you could select from Fort Wilderness Campground, one of the three 'Resort Hotels,' or the Lake Buena Vista Vacation & Treehouse Villas. 

For the three Resort Hotels, you could choose a 1st - 3rd choice in case your first choice was full. With the Contemporary Resort, Polynesian, and Golf Resort going for $50 - $65, it wouldn't matter where you stayed.  You can compare the rates with 1975's from a previous post.

Guided Without GAF (part 2)

Your Complete Guide to Walt Disney World, 1978
pg 16 -17

Last week, I shared the first half of this guide to Walt Disney World from 1978.  The second half highlights 'A World of Special Attractions and Events,' the resorts and recreation options.  It begins with a fun caricature type map of the entire Walt Disney World property or at least what was developed at the time.  Similar maps can be seen in the World Magazine and previous GAF guides from 1977 and a year earlier in the Vacationers Guide.  The biggest change in this newer map is the incorporation of Lake Buena Vista area into the larger map as opposed to being separated out as it was in previous editions.  Included on the map, and with its own photo and description at the end of the guide, is the Lake Buena Vista Office Plaza.  I am not sure exactly why this was important to include in the guide other than the fact that it would include a post office and Sun Bank when completed...hmmm....maybe a new sponsor to replace GAF?

The Dutch Inn

Dutch Inn matchbook
1981

When Walt Disney World opened in 1971, there were only a few Disney owned hotels.  (Contemporary, Polynesian & Fort Wilderness)  In 1972, a group of hotels opened across from what was to become, in 1975, Lake Buena Vista Village (now Downtown Disney).  The 'Americana Dutch Inn' was known for its windmill shaped swimming pool.  The hotel would change its name to the Grosvener Hotel 4 years after this matchbook was collected in 1981.  It is now operated by Wyndham.

Before Disney Springs...

Walt Disney World Village Restaurant matchbook

Before Disney Springs....before Downtown Disney....before Pleasure Island....before Disney Village Marketplace....there was Walt Disney World Village (and before that it was originally Lake Buena Vista Village).
Here is a matchbook from 1981 collected from The Verandah Restaurant with the Village Restaurant logo.  You can read more about the history of 'the village' at Walt Dated World.

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.

Put Your Cares & Car Keys Away!

Walt Disney World Discover Guide
1981

The second half of the Discover Guide from 1981 highlights the resorts & 'fun and recreation' outside of the Magic Kingdom.  The 2-page spread measures 16" x 9" and every other page features a photo collage from around Walt Disney World.  

The guide lists prices from 1981:
2-day Magic Kingdom Passport: $22.50
Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue: $16.00
Polynesian Review: $16.00
River Country: $6.50
Discovery Island: $3.00
All golf course green fees: $26.00

October 1, 1981 was the official launch of the Walt Disney World Tencennial where there was 'a birthday party - every day of the year!'  The guide gave a teaser of the 'ten-sational surprises' that would be coming later in the year.