It's time to visit The Magic Kingdom - the one in Florida, that is. December, 1978! The park was less than a decade old.
I never tire of photos of the beautiful "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea" attraction, and those wonderful Harper Goff-designed Nautilus submarines. I'd be thrilled if I had any pictures of the dark ride portion, but those are apparently as scarce as hen's teeth.
From somewhere on Tom Sawyer Island (presumably) comes this nice shot looking toward part of the Frontierland shoreline, with a very full raft ferrying guests - are they heading to the island, or away from it? Is the photo taken from one of the raft landings?
One can't help being impressed by the gleaming white, spired cone of Space Mountain. It was four years old by this point. Notice the pylon with the RCA logo at the top, along with a sculpture of a Space Mountain rocket vehicle plummeting along a steep track.
The final three images are from the Country Bear Jamboree, an opening-day attraction beloved by many. There's Henry, the master of ceremonies.
This band is known as "The Five Bear Rugs", which is pretty gruesome when you think about it. I had to look up "who's who". From left to right we have Tennessee, Fred, Zeke, Ted, and Zeb. Baby Oscar is the little fellow to the right.
And here's Henry again, with his yellow guitar. Didn't he have a critter in his hat?
I hope you have enjoyed these vintage photos from the Magic Kingdom!
Major-
ReplyDeleteThe raft looks like it's heading toward the island, about to dock at the landing.
That would be Sammy in 'ol Henry's hat.
Thanks, Major.
Yes, Sammy the raccoon. He was sort of a "living" coonskin cap. But he only popped out of the hat, worn by the "last" Henry animatronic to appear in the show.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing these cool 1970s WDW pics, Major!
That Space Mountain Rocket Sled with astronaut passengers had to be added to the attraction’s entry pylon because too many guests early on were not understanding that this was a ROLLER COASTER and not a gentle tour of our galaxy and the future. Other changes included flashing warning signs , More audio warnings and video warnings of astronaut Gordon Cooper explaining that this was a turbulent high speed race through space with dips and turns .... and that the adventure wasn’t for everybody, but that they might also enjoy the RCA of Future Living. Even in Walt Disney World’s early years most guests were use to expecting audio animatronic Theater and atmospheric shows and attractions , and Space Mountain was the first real thrill ride for Florida and that audience needed to be educated.
ReplyDeleteLove these pics. Great memories for me as I was there in 1978. One of the things I remember just inside the entrance on Space Mountain was the RCA dog Nipper inside a flying saucer. I loved the original Space Mountain back then with it's Home of Future Living and the open view of the ride from the load area which was later sealed off from view.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Major. The 70's + WDW = magic!
We can see the Frontierland Railroad Station in the back before it was replaced by Splash Mountain. The Magic Kingdom Street View allows you to explore Tom Sawyer Island and ride the riverboat (unlike that of Disneyland), but I can't line up that post in this picture.
ReplyDeleteI like the Tomorrowland Skyway sign. It doesn't look like the attraction is open, though. Thanks, Major!
Pretty positive - enough that I'd bet the Major's fortune on it - that that raft is headed towards the island based on the orientation of the passengers. While you can't line up that picture exactly in the Google Street View, you can get pretty close. Today's raft photo was taken under the covered load area to our right in this view. The shoreline to the right has been drastically altered in the last 43 years.
ReplyDeleteRandom memory from Disneyland's 40th - Sammy popping out of Henry's hat wearing a Disneyland 40th Birthday hat like those distributed to guests on arrival that morning.
Ken, now I have "Here's To the Future and You" blasting on my mental soundtrack. "RCA...leads the way...leads the way." I always did like that scene with Nipper in the saucer.
Andrew, you beat me to the ID of the original Frontierland Depot by just a few minutes. Well done, young padwan. The Disney is strong with you.
The 20K Leagues subs were a stroke of genius and I regret never seeing them in person. I’m sad they are gone.
ReplyDeleteThe Bears were funny enough, we never missed them. My Dad always enjoyed it. But now, the soundtrack makes me cringe and I wonder how we stood it.
I was very jealous of the WDW Space Mountain since it opened so far ahead of the Disneyland version, which had been promised on my pictorial map for years. I was longing for the 67 Tomorrowland to be complete. I almost didn’t get to see it, since I didn’t realize that, after visiting 2-3 times a year, I would have a 20 year Disney Interregnum and not visit again till the 90’s.
I’m still not sure I want to ever visit WDW, or even Disneyland again, hearing how everything, even meals, has to be planned and reserved in advance.
Thank you for the pictures, Major.
JG
I remember when I first heard that they were closing the Sub Voyage at WDW. I was thinking I hope the Subs at Disneyland aren't next. They may be that horrid scuba tank yellow, but at least we still have em. Did anyone see the article about the new Star Wars themed hotel? It was titled "Sell a Kidney Visit the new Star Cruiser Hotel." That really frosted my cookies. I worry that in the future, only the rich kids will get the great memories we got. Great scans today, Major.
ReplyDeleteYes, JC, the Star Wars Hotel prices are insane. It strikes me that the Disney Company doesn't much care if it prices people out, as long as the rich ones keep coming. Pretty much exactly the opposite of what Walt's vision was.
ReplyDeleteNow, on to more fun things:
I loved 20,000 Leagues, even though it was pretty much the same as the DL sub ride.
Raft is coming to the island. Folks are looking that way. Wake in right direction.
The interesting thing about the Space Mountain's sign rocket is that nowhere in the ride do you drop that steeply. It is pretty much a standard "Wild Mouse" coaster. Lots of twists and turns with a few quick drops.
I always see the Country Bears, but they're not my favorite. Their a/c is wonderful, though!
Nanook, my confusion stems from the fact that the rafts do a 180 turnaround at some point, but I do think you are right. Sammy? No Frank or Dino?
ReplyDeleteTokyoMagic, a living coonskin cap, yuck! What does it do when it has to go to the bathroom? I ask the important questions that others are afraid to ask.
Mike Cozart, jeez, with all of the publicity for Space Mountain, it seems hard to comprehend that any guests wouldn’t be aware of the fact that it was a roller coaster! BUT… then again, I’m a fan who follows that sort of thing, and “normal” people might not have given it so much as a moment’s thought. So I do believe it! Still… an interesting bit of trivia.
K. Martinez, oh cool, I did not know that Nipper showed up in Space Mountain at all! I’ve always wanted a nice big, antique Nipper advertising figure, but the genuine examples are $$$$. I also know nothing about the “Home of Future Living” that you mentioned.
Andrew, thank you for pointing out the Frontierland Railroad Station! Super cool, I would have never known that it was eventually replaced by Splash Mountain. Street View is an amazing feat of technology, but it still has its limitations. I’m often a little frustrated by it, until I remember how incredible it is that it exists at all! Thanks Andrew.
Chuck, well see? It is confusing! Also, you are supposed to bet TokyoMagic’s money. It’s traditional. And of course, now that you point it out, I realize that you are right. Do I still get class credit? How about a “pass” in a “pass/fail” test? Thanks for that great Google Street View angle! Chuck, as we have seen… the student has become the Master!
JG, it is almost unbelievable that the beautiful 20,000 Leagues ride was removed. It’s one of those big elaborate attractions that I would have thought would be “bulletproof”. Clearly, nothing is sacred. I’m genuinely worried about Storybook Land at Disneyland. I’ve mentioned before that I was never the biggest fan of the Country Bears, but acknowledge that many people have fond memories. I don’t want to rain on their parade! I’ve heard many people say that the Disneyland version of Space Mountain is better than the Florida version, but I have no personal experience with the Florida version so I can’t say.
Jonathan, I genuinely believe that it is only a matter of time before the Nemo subs are removed from Tomorrowland in Anaheim; I just don’t get the sense that it is that popular, and it’s probably incredibly expensive to operate. I didn’t read the article about the Star Wars themed hotel, but I’m not surprised that it will cost an arm and a leg.
Stu29573, the Star Wars hotel is another example of the folks currently in charge wanting to only cater to the rich. How many little families can afford that sort of price? Why would they blow all that hard earned cash to stay in a damn hotel? I don’t care HOW nice or fancy it is, for me it would not be worth it. I’m sure they’ll do some neat things, but there’s an evil part of me that wants it to fail. And I’m a shareholder (a tiny little insignificant shareholder, but still!).
ReplyDeleteYes, the Star Wars hotel at $1500 per person per night, minimum two night stay ($6000 for two people) is beyond the average family, even with meals included. It is a full-on continuous LARP (Live Action Role-Playing), you can't leave the hotel, so it is not just an overnight while going to the Parks, it is more like a cruise than conventional lodging, but still... waugh.
ReplyDeleteBut stays at any Disney properties (in Anaheim at least) are very very expensive, and add the park entrance pass and food, probably will run close to half that per person per day if you stay at Grand Californian. I'm glad our kids were young a long time ago.
Major, you are right, it is a huge bet that there will be enough rich enthusiasts to keep such a thing running. Even cruises are cheaper.
I think a Swiss Family Robinson "Immersive Experience" where you sleep in a treehouse and shoot cannons at Malay pirates would be more fun.
JG
OK...I'll admit it...I liked Country Bear. Or maybe it was the girls who ran it back then while I worked Canoes. Too much testosterone can mix one up I guess! LOL KS
ReplyDeleteJG, I did not even know that guests were not supposed to leave the Star Wars hotel... what an odd thing. You're right, it's more like a cruise. At least a stay at any other Disney hotel lets you choose any one of a number of options. You have to REALLY be into Star Wars to be immersed in it for two days. I wonder what the maximum stay is, assuming that there is such a thing? Your Swiss Family Robinson treehouse idea is a good one!
ReplyDeleteKS, ha ha, it never hurts when a few pretty girls are involved.
I enjoyed the Country Bear’s Christmas program, a few years back.
ReplyDeleteI wouldn’t be surprised if some wealthy fans/nuts spend months in that hotel.
Major, as I understand it, the Star Wars hotel is a LARP experience where every guest is given some kind of Star Wars identity (not sure if a costume or props are provided) and then a story takes place with the hotel staff and CM's all in costume and character. It is like a cross between a cruise ship and one of those murder-mystery dinner theater things where the guests figure out the crime. You are IN the Star Wars Universe, like WestWorld without robots.
ReplyDeleteYou can't leave the hotel since it is a "spaceship", and the story plays out over three days and two nights. Guests have an identity bracelet that records some of the events of your visit so future interactions are modeled on what happened or what you did before, so everyone has a different script and no experience is duplicated.
Galaxy's Edge was going to have a similar feature where the way you behaved in the attractions affected how the GE CM's interacted with you. You were either Empire and Dark Side, or Rebellion, etc. I'm not sure that has been implemented now or not.
Anyway, that's partly why the thing is so expensive, it isn't "just" themed lodging, it's a whole trip destination all in itself. Anyway, probably 2/3s the fee is gravy to Disney.
I sort of want to go do it, but I don't have to worry about doing so.
JG
20,000 Leagues to Star Wars...times have changed...perhaps. I have very vivid memories as a kid watching the Wonderful World of Disney and the opening credits had THAT sub in it going under a waterfall...I was sooooo entranced and jealous of those living in Florida who would have a chance to go. What a spectacular ride with a more than tragic ending. I'm trying to remember if I ever rode on it on my later in life trips to WDW...and I can't seem to remember. Perhaps the underwater experience was so similar to Disneyland that I am mixing them up (?) When the TSI raft had too many people it would list and be flooded with water. I LOVED when that happened! Lots of screaming kids, and teenage boys wanting the raft to go deeper into the Rivers of America. Well...I would have liked it to go deeper too...not capsize, just a little soaked. The Country Bears were 20 minutes of Air Conditioning. Back row, shoes off...fall asleep. I know the show absolutely verbatim "...presented by Pepsi Cola and Frito Lay". I listened to that record adnaseum and I must have seen that show in person (literally) hundreds of times. Not a huge fan, but did love the very tiny employee break area behind the Teddi Beara Swinging Arcade in Disneyland. Star Wars immersive Hotel/experience sounds like being locked up in a panic room where the panic is actually going on INSIDE the room. Not my thing, will never be my thing...and so weird to me. I just joined a new team at work and am working with a former imagineer who worked on that project for a couple of years. I'm not sure if she is sworn to secrecy on these things, but I am going to probe. In my lifetime, I have paid over that amount of money for a night in a hotel (I am very reluctant to admit...I would never do it today). I will say, it was the most incredible hotel room of my life...and I didn't have some wookie, or robot, or an alien creature trying to pick me up or mess with me- the whole thing completely creeps me out. Just my POV. I'm sure the StarWar-eez (or whatever they call themselves) will shell out twice the going rate for this very unique experience. Good for them, and I'm sure it will be an amazing experience.
ReplyDelete...Space Mountain was the first real thrill ride for Florida and that audience needed to be educated.
ReplyDeleteMike, I wish they would've educated the audience for the ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter - and then left it as it was originally!! I know I've mentioned it before, but while standing in line for it, I'd warn parents NOT to bring their little kids in. They NEVER listened...and their kids would be terrorized - screaming and crying, by the time they got out of it.
I’m still not sure I want to ever visit WDW, or even Disneyland again, hearing how everything, even meals, has to be planned and reserved in advance.
JG, I think you would still find things to enjoy at either WDW or DL, but you would have to go with the mind-set that they are both very different from the Parks we knew, grew up with, and loved. The few times we've gone in more-recent years, we went with other friends and relatives - and managed to still have lots of fun and laughs. (Though, I must admit that while there, I do sometimes shed tears, thinking of the wonderful times with my folks, and missing their presence there with me.)
I think a Swiss Family Robinson "Immersive Experience" where you sleep in a treehouse and shoot cannons at Malay pirates would be more fun.
JG: Or even a couple nights on a sub!
Major : The RCA Home of Future Living was a series of Audio Animatronics scenes of the entrance and interiors of a house of the future. It was viewed by guests exiting Space Mountain via the Speedramps back to Tomorrowland. It was also visible to guests as a preview along the WEDWAY PEOPLEMOVER. It featured a it’s own theme song and music “LET YOUR DREAMS LEAD THE WAY / RCA LEADS THE WAY”.
ReplyDeleteThe attraction originally was a stand-alone attraction concept like the famous WED computer show concept ( a CIRCLE-VISION format)also proposed for RCA sponsorship. A Tomorrowland WDW computer control central show attraction had also been developed - but RCA never bit...... until Space Mountain - RCA loved it and that it really fit the company’s message at the time..... satellites, wireless communication ....but they felt it left out the “home” and WED watered down the early RCA HOME OF BETER LIVING concept as a exit show.
A Stand alone home of the future was designed for EPCOT CENTER.
And the exit of MEET THE WORLD at Tokyo Disneyland featured a National Panasonic Home of Future living. It showed guests predictions of the Japanese and family home of the future.
I've only been to WDW once and that was in 1981. EPCOT was still under construction. Strangely, due to the way life works, all my Disneyland stuff from the 70s is gone but my 4 rolls of WDW photos has survived.
ReplyDelete