The Magic Kingdom, December 1982
Thanks to Lou and Sue, I have a whole bunch of beautiful photos from Florida's Magic Kingdom, from 1982's Christmas season. 39 years ago!
Here's a nice view of what I believe is East Center Street - the Magic Kingdom's Flower Market was located on the east side rather than Disneyland's long tenure on West Center Street. The Hallmark Shop, the New Century Clock Shop, and a simple archway are decorated with garlands.
Fancy pavers were eventually installed on Disneyland's streets, but it looks like they were always in place in Florida. I guess it gives a nice cobblestone look. There's the Greenhouse, what sort of things were for sale in there?
Ribbons and poinsettias are simple but elegant decorations for some Noble Firs. I wonder if Santa Claus greeted guests in that sleigh? Or "Mickey Santa"?? Or Donny Osmond Santa?
Here's a pretty view, I'm not entirely sure if this is still East Center Street, or if Lou had turned the corner on to Main Street proper. Does it matter? Yes, it matters to ME.
Maybe those trees are actually cast members in costume. Nobody wants to give a fir tree a hug though.
OK, time for a change of scenery! Here's an unusual view in Fantasyland, with Merlin's Magic Shop dead ahead. This was run by Merlin's brother, who also happened to be named "Merlin". His daughter Merlina took the late shift. I can't tell, are the buildings to the right part of Cinderella Castle? The buildings to the left have more of a similar gothic look to me. You guys will know!
It's interesting to see a version of the "medieval faire" tents, like the kind that were used at Disneyland for nearly 30 years. Here's the exterior of "Mr. Toad's Wild Ride and Also A Message About Tooth Decay". Mr. Toad might be a reckless driver, but he hates cavities! That façade looks a little sterile to me, but it might just be due to the lack of guests.
An finally, a nice holiday view looking toward the Penny Arcade, with the Coke Corner on the... corner. Man, that looks like it was the perfect day to visit the Magic Kingdom.
MANY THANKS to Lou and Sue for more fantastic photos!
24 comments:
Major-
It does look like a perfect day to visit the Magic Kingdom-! And just enough Christmas decorations to brighten the holiday spirit.
Thanks to Lou & Sue.
In the first photo, I love all the red poinsettias and bows; very Christmas-y. Even though the poinsettias probably aren't real, or are they?
The little kid on the right has something in his hand, a small bag of goodies? Or maybe a park map?
Lou & Sue's image 2: the guy in the burgundy shirt and mauve pants (and white shoes, can't forget the white shoes!) looks a lot like actor Richard Mulligan who played a dad in the '70s sitcom "Soap".
Third photo- Major, it sure looks like you're right about that sleigh being used for Santa to greet guests, although I suppose it could've been just a photo spot for guests (without Santa).
The lady is feeling the plants to see if they're real. Tell us, lady! Tell us!
4th one: Very nice indeed. If I had been there then, I think I would've turned the camera to the 'portrait' orientation, like Lou did, and take that very same picture.
Photo #5- I really like the architecture on the portico (or whatever it's called) that surrounds the Holiday Corner sign. Perfect color, too.
Sixth one: My, Merlin's Shop is breathtaking! And there's a nice pair of Fantasyland trashcans as well. Almost everyone is carrying something in this photo. I think the guy on the left is carrying a folded-up colorful umbrella. Plus a bag that looks identical to the bag being carried by the couple in the middle.
Mr. Toad: I agree that it looks sorta half-done. Not sure I'm getting the "tooth decay" reference, Major. Unless you mean all the toothy white fringe and 'dentition' everywhere? And there's another interesting trashcan.
Final foto: That's a place I'd like to spend some time (and money) in. Very inviting. What's the scaffolding for on the Coke Corner (on the corner)? Decorations being hung? Or maybe a platform for parade spotlights. Perhaps Mickey, Donald, and Goofy are painting the building. (I hope Lou didn't get too close; we know how that will end up!)
Thanks Lou. Thanks Sue. Thanks Major.
- Jangly Bingbanglers:
Made by the Whos
To make joyous noise!
Played to amuse
Who girls and Who boys!
The Livery Stable structure in image 2 - a facade for a employee backstage entrance- was one of my favorite Main Street “buildings” . It looked like it was really from the 1870’s - 1880’s ..... one of Main Street’s earlier structures. In some images a “hay bale is sonetimes seen hanging from the hay loft hook. The GreenHouse in the early 70’s sold silk /artificial house plants and was where guests paid for the artificial flowers ... but I think the actual shop was one of the first to close on Main Street USA ( after the Crepe Shop) and the GREENHOUSE sign was left as just a prop sign as the shop was long vacated by 1982.
Oooooh, Donny Osmond Santa! He's a little bit Christmas, and a little bit rock 'n' roll!
I think there actually were cast members inside those trees. In the fifth pic, we can see a human hand sticking out of the one on the far left. And the lady to the right of it, appears to be talking to the cast member inside. She might even be flirting a little, while she nervously plays with her hair.
In that Mr. Toad pic, "popcorn wagon guy" (off in the distance) is leaning against the pole of his umbrella. I wonder if they weren't as strict about that sort of thing in the Florida parks?
Thanks for the wonderful Christmas pics, Lou, Sue, and the Major, too!
- (Christmas) Tree Magic!
I've been to WDW during the Christmas season a couple of times (the last time was 6 years ago) and I can attest to all poinsettias being real on my trips.
The parks are extra "magical" during this time of year, and they still don't go too crazy with the decorations. Then again, maybe they do, and the scale of the parks handles it better?
I love the people in these shots and remember looking just like them. Now I"m grayer and dumpier. Oh well.
Thanks, Lou and Sue!
Folks, this comment is actually from our friend Chuck! Blogger is making his life miserable because his comments keep getting eaten, so he emailed it to me, and I'm sharing it for him! Here it is:
The first two photos are actually of sadly missed West Center Street. You can just make out (but not read) the gold lettering on the window of Harmony Barber Shop in the second photo to the left of the Christmas tree behind the guy with the grey mustache and wearing a blue NY Mets ball cap.
The next three are of East Center. That sleigh at the end of the street does not appear to be the same one that sits outside Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe in Liberty Square (opened 1995) today: https://www.resortsgal.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/LibertySquareMagicKingdom-12.jpg
See this 1982 MK guide (presented by Polaroid) for reference: https://4.bp.blogspot.com/_3jV5FcVqpE8/TKXlDpp2-3I/AAAAAAAARPQ/WTl48vCVRIQ/s1600/WDW_82_3.jpg
Thanks again, Lou & Sue!
Brilliant Christmas decor, not overdone, lavish, but not oppressive, and it looks like real plants etc. very nice.
The lack of trash cans in the early pics is more than made up for in the later views. Interesting to see the WDW versions of the “hip roof” model we have seen in Disneyland.
Agreeing with Stu on the 80’s people. Doesn’t seem that long ago.
Thanks Major, Lou and Sue for the seasonal views today!
JG
Nanook, I would give anything to be able to walk down the Magic Kingdom’s Main Street on an uncrowded day like that!
JB, while I have no evidence, I’d bet that those poinsettias are genuine. Then again, we’ve seen how real those fake flowers can look! I can’t tell what that kid is holding, it might be one of a number of gate handouts. I remember Richard Mulligan! I wonder if that lady really IS trying to determine if those poinsettias are real or not? I particularly like the Merlin’s Magic Shop photo because it is unlike any of the typical WDW photos that we see. I can’t even really place exactly where we are (not being familiar with the layout of the Magic Kingdom). Somehow those “medieval fair” façades look less great to me then the old ones at Disneyland did, but I admit that I am biased. There’s nothing to get about the tooth decay remark, I was just being dumb. And yes, I think that scaffolding was being used for decoration purposes.
Mike Cozart, I don’t even know which structure is the Livery Stable. Is it the one with that dark archway in the distance? I suppose that must be it, the “doors” above must be the hay loft you mentioned. Thanks for the info about the Greenhouse!
TokyoMagic!, Donny Osmond is a little TOO rock ’n roll for my tastes. Give me Pat Boone instead. Sometimes the tree costumes had “malfunctions”, and you’d see various appendages sticking out. Think about it. You always think that people are flirting with the cast members! ;-) It seems awfully strict if a Popcorn Wagon Guy can’t even lean a little bit, he has to stand for hours!
Stu29573, they must get a real deal on their poinsettias. My mom bought some at Walmart, and while they were certainly large, they cost $20 apiece! For poinsettias! That seemed pretty outrageous to me. Christmas at the parks is always a great time, that used to be the time of year that I generally visited Disneyland.
Chuck, thank you for the correction on the various Center Streets. I was unsure of whether we were facing north or south. Or east or west for that matter. Pretty much my usual discombobulated state. That sleigh (in the photo you linked to) sure is a nice one. Just perfect for riding around on my 400-acre estate!
JG, I guess I understand the desire for spectacle, but I do prefer the Christmas decorations here, they feel more like the kind you might seen in a real town. Once you start adding crazy lights and icicles and sparklies, it feels like an amusement park. Not the end of the world.
Blogger keeps deleting Chuck's comments because he uses too many bad words. He just won't learn. ;o)
I love the people in these shots and remember looking just like them. Now I'm grayer and dumpier. Oh well.
--Stu, we're probably all in the same boat [except for our Andrew], but we're having fun!
Christmas TM! I can never look at Christmas trees without thinking of you dancing in one. And getting stuck on Main Street. I love it!
Thank you, all, for the nice comments...I'll be back later...I need to put up some more Christmas decorations...
In the sixth image, the structure to the right is the back of Cinderella Castle. You just didn't recognize it b/c it's not pink...
Lou was standing in the courtyard behind the castle facing east. The carrousel would be to his left. Here's a current view
You can stop at the Penny Arcade, House of Magic, and Tobacconist, all in a row!
Even if the facade is underwhelming, with two tracks, I'm sure the other Mr. Toad was amazing. Thanks, Lou and Sue.
Three months before my first visit! All the Christmas decorations were gone by the time I got there, but this is the park that burned itself into my memory. Pristine and uncluttered. I can practically still taste my Coca-Cola Corner hot dog.
"This was run by Merlin's brother, who also happened to be named "Merlin". His daughter Merlina took the late shift."
Reminds me of the time I was playing some fantasy game with my high school friends, and we named all the characters things like "Merlene M. Merlin-Murlynne" and "Merle N. Muirline."
Won't Donny Osmond Santa's purple socks clash with his red suit?
Awesome post today!
Andrew, yes, it was, particularly when the CMs timed the release of cars to make you think you were going to collide with another car in the first room. I am really sorry you never had a chance to experience it. I love that version of the Pooh ride, but I really wish they had been able to find somewhere else to put it.
Oh, so NOW Blogger likes my comments!
I also never rode Mr. Toad. When I had the opportunity, I wrote it off as a “kiddie ride.” By the time I found out what I had missed, it was too late.
Major: yes : the Livery Stable - to the right of THE GREENHOUSE - is the burgundy and rust colored building with the giant entry “barn doors” and gabled hay loft above. It location and address are referenced in the National Car Rental MAIN STREET VEHICLES poster of the 70’s and 80’s. “ horseless carriages available at Main Street Station and West Center Street Livery.” Disneyland also used this same poster but the fictional livery stable location was relating to Walt Disney World.
I live the refined and simple Victorian Christmas decor of this Main Street. Today it’s all “gilding the gilding on the gilding of the gilding of the Lilly” .....Christmas decoration.
I remember visits to both Walt Disney World and Disneyland where the crowds weren’t that bad and you could enjoy a relaxing visit to one of the Magic Kingdoms....the only reservation you might need was for the Diamond/Golden Horseshoe Revue .... King Stephan’s Banquet Hall and maybe The Blue Bayou. And the reservations could easily be made that same day...... not 9 months in advance .
Major, "...and you’d see various appendages sticking out. Think about it." My, my. It may be true that Gorillas Don't Blog, but they DO get risqué!
Chuck, the bribes must have worked!
Pic #2 Coaches shorts and Dolphin shorts colliding. I miss the 80’s! I loved Coaches shorts and wore them into the 90’s much to the chagrin of any human being I knew. Dolphin shorts had a shorter life- I think they just disinigrated when washed. Empty days like like were typical in the olden days. Before the actual season started, and before the 55K “in-parks”. Which was the term used for how many bodies were in the park at any given time. A 55 in park is very very all consuming insane- generally that week every day between Christmas and New Years. Hell like you’ve never seen before. Poinsettias flourish in that climate- when I lived in LA I had huge Pointsettia bushes year after year. They grow to giant size and don’t need too much attention. It always baffled me why they changed the order of the shops on Main St. from Disneyland to Walt Disney World. Why is the tobacco shop wayyyyy up there? Don’t people need their cigs right away? This was back in the day when we could smoke in the office- literally steps away from an onstage room. Maybe people didn’t register the smell of nicotine back then. That was before I started, so I didn’t partake in that club. Fantasyland is stark…I always thought so. I’m not sure “bigger is better”, although the Disney hard cores on the East coast seem to think so. Full scale lacks the charm, but I suppose you needed all that indoor queuing space to escape the Hell Fire Caves of Floridian heat. Not particularly a fan of it, but back in the day I also had my dolphin shorts and tank top to stay cool. Thanks for the Holiday pics today Lou and Sue. Btw: you absolutely could not lean as a vendor…ever. That guy in the pic is actually sitting on a railing…that was absolutely verboten, and you would be written up. Things were beyond strict back then (when you got caught…and therefore, doing shenanigans was even more of a thrill.)
Speaking of Merlin and his brother Merlin (what Major said)...and the names Melissa mentioned she and her friends used...
There have been a couple occasions when my friend (whose name is also Sue--or Suzanne) and I have been with my dad - when he's introduced us both by our names to his friends - and then those friends have asked if we're both his daughters.
Following up on the comments regarding the emptiness of the Magic Kingdom, there were times in the early 1990s, during the first week of December (which was known to be WDW's slowest week of the year, during that era), when my husband and I were the only ones in some of the gift shops. We have video to prove it. Those were the BEST years for visiting WDW, IMO.
Dean Finder, the colors of the current castle really do make me cringe. Those colors do NOT go together, they clash horribly.
Today it’s all “gilding the gilding on the gilding of the gilding of the Lilly” .....Christmas decoration.
Mike, I agree.
Thank you, everyone, for all your fun comments and links. I'm enjoying this holiday season with all of you!
Sue, one of my favorite WDW trips was the week after Thanksgiving. Crowds were low, holiday decorations were up, the Candlelight Processional and all of the World Showcase storytellers were up and running, and the Florida weather was actually comfortable. The day after Thanksgiving was also my sister’s birthday, so it was just a really special trip all around.
Melissa, what year was that trip?
Sue, Major, and JB, speaking of "appendages"......during the time that I was a Christmas tree at DL, one of the other trees did stick their hand outside of their tree to wave at someone. I don't know if they were waving at someone they knew, along the parade route, or if they were just waving at one of the many guests who would shout out, "Hi, Mister Christmas Tree!" But we were all spoken to, about the incident. Apparently, a "parade captain" had spotted the hand coming out of the tree and waving. I never did find out who it was that did it. I knew that something like that was a huge "no, no," but I guess someone else didn't.
Melissa, you are right about the purple socks! And not just regular purple....deep purple! ;-)
Sue, that would have been 2012. TM, I would have been so delighted to see a Christmas tree wave at me!
Melissa, I wasn’t there that year. The last time I went, for that ‘slow week right after Thanksgiving,’ was in 2002. I didn’t get back to WDW again, until 2019. A WHOLE WORLD (no pun intended) of difference in crowd levels, when I went back in 2019. I was shocked. TOO crowded!
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