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!

Holly Jolly Holiday Fun

Walt Disney World press photo
"Holly Jolly Holiday Fun", 1994

Here is another press photo from 1994 highlighting holiday celebrations at WDW.  This time it is the Jolly Holidays Dinner show held in the Fantasia Ballroom at Disney's Contemporary Resort that ran from 1992-1998.  The show was a "...magnificent musical extravaganza featuring a cast of more than 100."  You can read Jim Korkis' reminiscence of the show on Mouse Planet & even see an amateur video of the hour long show shot in 1994.  (The Dancing Hippos are at 26:00)
Have a Holly Jolly Holiday, everyone!

Christmas Toy Land

Walt Disney World press photo
'Toy Land', 1994

You know that it is almost Christmas when the filming of the Christmas Day parade has been completed at Walt Disney World.  Here is a press photo from 1994 showing the iconic toy soldiers marching around the hub in front of Cinderella Castle.  The rocking horse is still part of the parade today but it is now ridden by a cowboy/elf. 

3rd Anniversary

Walt Disney World 3rd Anniversary photo
October 1, 1974

3 years ago I began sharing my Walt Disney World collection here.  What better way to celebrate than by doing it in Disney Style.  For their early anniversaries, WDW recreated their opening day cast member photo.  Up until this point that was done in front of Cinderella Castle.  But with the pending opening of Space Mountain in early 1975, the new attraction was used as the backdrop for the 3rd Anniversary photo.
These photos were given to cast members.  This one belonged to Tom Henry who worked in the Planning Department at the time.  You can read more about his work and his time at WDW on his company webpage.
Thank you for celebrating with me for the past 3 years.  I look forward to many more.

An Update on an Original

Mickey Mouse and Friends Souvenir Tray

Happy Black Friday & Happy 3rd Anniversary to my blog.  Disneystore.com is celebrating with me by releasing, or should I say re-re-releasing, an early souvenir tray from Walt Disney World.  

The Orange Bird is a new addition and the hungry crocodile has been replaced by a happy hippo.  You can compare all the changes over the years by checking out my early posts:  "Look Out Donald" & "Where Did Donald's Nephews Go?"