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.

Spring Soda Celebration

Cherry Coke can
American Adventure, 1986

As we continue our Spring celebration of EPCOT, here is a third can from the Coca-cola company designed for the 15th Anniversary of Walt Disney World.  This Cherry Coke can features American Adventure in World Showcase, which, at the time, was sponsored by Coca-cola and American Express.

Cheers to World Showcase

Coca-cola can
World Showcase, 1986

As the 23rd annual EPCOT International Food & Garden Festival kicks off this week, lets raise a glass.  Okay, lets raise a can of Coke, specifically this 30 year old can celebrating Walt Disney World's 15th Anniversary.  This is just one of several commemorative cans produced by Coca-cola in 1986.  You can view my previous posts here.  Cheers!

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!

When is a Birthday Button Not a Button

13th birthday cast member name tag ribbon
1984

When is a birthday button not a birthday button?  When it is was a ribbon cast members would stick to their name tag.  In 1984, Walt Disney World broke from tradition and instead of giving cast members a pin back button to wear on October 1 for their birthday, they gave them this leather-like, 2" x 4" ribbon.  The significance of this unique design?  Well, as we have seen with buttons beginning in the 80's, the design represents a milestone or new attraction that opened that year.  In this case, the Morocco Pavilion which had just opened a month prior, September 7, 1984.  This was the first expansion of World Showcase since Epcot's opening in 1981.

Congratulations, Germany!

Daisy Duck Happy Meal Toy, 1994

In honor of Germany's World Cup win today, here is Daisy Duck dressed in German attire.  This 3 1/2" tall plastic toy comes from a 1994 McDonald's Happy Meal, "Mickey and Friends EPCOT Center Adventure at Walt Disney World."  On her back is the EPCOT Center logo.  The bags also contained the flat Walt Disney World logo.  (I don't have one from Daisy but from a few of the other characters)  There were 8 characters total, each representing a different country from the World Showcase (with a minor variation for our Canadian friends).  You can see pictures of each of the characters, taken in their respective countries at the Main Street Gazette.

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.

World Showcase Button

EPCOT Center World Showcase Button
1982

 
All of the excitement this past week for EPCOT's 30th seemed to be focused on Future World.  So as to not leave it out of the celebration, here is an original World Showcase button from 1982.