Kodak at WDW

EPCOT Center Guide Book
1985

Since Kodak is in the news recently, I thought we would take a look at its relationship to Walt Disney World thru the lens of this 1985 EPCOT Center Guide Book.  (pun intended)  Eastman Kodak was a very prominent sponsor in WDW from the 80's until they filed for bankruptcy in 2012.

I am sure that many of us remember the "Photo Spots" sign stanchions located all around the parks, indicating "prime photo-taking locations" containing the Kodak logo.  The Guide Book maps also highlighted these locations with a circle in a square icon.

Kodak took over after GAF gave up its sponsorship in the late 70's.  You can read more about GAF by selecting the link above.  Kodak's sponsorship included giving their own "photo tips" in the guides.  They also sponsored attractions, such as Journey Into Imagination and Mickey's PhilharMagic.  And of course, they sold Kodak film all around the parks.

Something I was not aware of until reading the back of the Guide Book: "Borrow a Kodak Camera Free!"  At the Camera Center under Spaceship Earth, you could borrow (with a refundable deposit) a Kodak Disc Camera or KODAMATIC Instant Camera.  Kodak had it good for awhile.  Now let's see what they can do with round #2.  Maybe they could sponsor the first-aid stations if the drug thing works out for them.

Cheers to Spaceship Earth

Coca-cola can
Spaceship Earth, 1986

Let's continue to celebrate EPCOT, or should I say EPCOT Center, all this month in the same fashion that the Coca-cola Company did back in 1986.  This commemorative 15th Anniversary can highlighted "the world's first geosphere," the 18-story symbol of EPCOT Center which would have been only 5 years old at the time.

80's Retro Box

Walt Disney World gift box
1986

Every decade has its look back to a previous time.  Walt Disney World is experiencing a lot of that now with the return of the Big D logo.  Well the 80's at WDW saw a return of the retro 70's look with this gift box design from 1986.  The Big D logo in the oval, the three stripes, flowers, and Mickey are almost identical to a souvenir box design I shared from 1978.  Of course the 70s version did not show Spaceship Earth.
"Together at Disney: the World's Greatest Resort" is the tag line.  That is one that I have not seen used elsewhere.  The box is approximately 7 inches long, 3 1/2 inches wide, and 1 1/2 inches deep.  I'm not sure what its intended contents would be.  A watch, perhaps?  Regardless, the box itself is now just as priceless as the contents it was made to carry home from "the World's Greatest Resort."

A Cup of Celebration

15 Years insulated mug
1986

In 1986, Walt Disney World celebrated their 15th anniversary in a big way.  This week I am celebrating the scheduling of our latest trip.  (I was one of the few this week that did get thru to schedule a free dining trip)  
The "15 years" logo with Cinderella Castle and Spaceship Earth was used on a variety of give-aways and souvenirs like this 4" insulated coffee cup style mug.  The Mickey and confetti design can also be seen on this $9 t-shirt.   

Let There Be Peace on Earth

Walt Disney World press photo
"Holidays Around the World", 1994

Let's end 2014 with one more press photo from 20 years ago.  This one comes from EPCOT and shows Mickey and the gang in native attire from countries represented around World Showcase.  Whatever you may be celebrating, wherever you are...let there be peace on earth!  Happy New Year!

More Hot Air

Walt Disney World Florida Tray

Hot air balloons must have been trendy in the mid-80's.  Similar to last week's post, this 11" metal tray features Mickey & friends flying over Florida.  This tray is from between 1982-89 since only the Magic Kingdom & EPCOT are shown.  This type of map was a common souvenir for the Sunshine State.

Happy Birthday, Walt Disney World

Walt Disney World 11th Birthday Button
1982

Today is the 41st anniversary of the opening of Walt Disney World and the 30th anniversary of EPCOT Center.  This hard plastic, pin-back button from 1982 celebrated the 11th Birthday of WDW and the opening of EPCOT Center with this combined image of Cinderella Castle and Spaceship Earth & Monorail that connected the two.  These birthday buttons have been a tradition since the first anniversary in 1972.

Happy Birthday Walt Disney World & EPCOT Center! 

Spaceship Earth Tin Tray

EPCOT Center Future World Tin Tray
Spaceship Earth
1982

Here is an early souvenir from EPCOT Center, 1982.  This tin tray, made by Fabcraft, Inc., is 6" x 4 3/8".  It features an artist rendering of Spaceship Earth on the front and a description of the "Future World Theme Attraction" on the back.  The logo uses the flat Walt Disney World font without the Big D/Globe Head that was common on most of the early EPCOT Center logos.