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.

4th of July, Walt Disney World Style

World magazine, 1977
pg. 26

Happy 4th of July, Walt Disney World style.  "When it comes to entertainment at Walt Disney World, your convention and banquet entertainment is limited only by your group's imagination."  Clearly the group in the picture above had some wild patriotic ideas.  This photo, from the 1977 World magazine, is taken from the Convention Magic section.  You can see more details, and awesome 70's photos, from the magazine in earlier posts: Welcome to Our World & The Other Side of the World.

Happy 4th of July

World magazine, 1977
pg. 26

Happy 4th of July, Walt Disney World style.  "When it comes to entertainment at Walt Disney World, your convention and banquet entertainment is limited only by your group's imagination."  Clearly the group in the picture above had some wild patriotic ideas.  This photo, from the 1977 World magazine, is taken from the Convention Magic section.  You can see more details, and awesome 70's photos, from the magazine in earlier posts: Welcome to Our World & The Other Side of the 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.

Backwards or Forwards in Time

Walt Disney World Promotional Postcard
1977

Your pal, Mickey has sent you a postcard from the future (the 21st Century) or maybe 1977.  Either way, "you can go backwards or forwards in time" at WDW!  This 7x5 promotional postcard highlights the Contemporary Resort and the new River Country with "old-fashioned swimmin' hole."

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. 

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.