The Magic Kingdom, March 1976
I've recently scanned a bunch of slides from Walt Disney World, and decided to share a few of those today. They are nice to look at, but perhaps a bit dull. You be the judge!
Cinderella Castle is spectacular, there's no doubt about it. It is also pointy, because that's how royal people like to live. Even their food is pointy (porcupine being an esteemed delicacy)! Looking at more recent photos, I see that this castle has turned pinker, just like the one in Anaheim, though I kind of admire the look of it in the picture below, as it if is made of stone (Fine marble? Though I suppose there is pink marble, now that I think about it). Anyway, it still has hints of Neuschwanstein Castle, but is perhaps even more elaborate than that famous edifice.
Man, just look at the size of the City Hall at the Magic Kingdom. That thing is imposing. On each floor, dozens of functionaries make sure that things run smoothly at the park. People speak in whispers and hold their hats respectfully in their hands. But it's not all serious - some guests walk out with a birthday button or one that says "This is my first trip to the Magic Kingdom".
It's nice to see a Flower Market in Orlando's Magic Kingdom; Floridians enjoy fake flowers too, and I find that comforting. Notice the patriotic bunting on the lamppost, this was the Bicentennial year after all. Is the lady with the red top the mother of the lady with the bare midriff? "I used to look like you", she's thinking.
The Hall of Presidents, an opening-day attraction that is still going to this day. Somehow. When I was in school, I was kind of obsessed with learning about all of the US Presidents (I could name them all in order, what a nerd), but these days, not so much! It appears to be attracting impressive crowds here.
And finally, this view with what I believe is part of the moat in the foreground, so does that mean that the castle is behind us? I'm not even sure what part of the park is in the distance, is it the end of Main Street? It looks Main Street-y!
I hope you have enjoyed today's Magic Kingdom photos.
10 comments:
Major-
My personal preference for castles is both grey and pointy - so the Cinderella Castle fills the bill perfectly.
In the final shot, you can see the red, Borden Ice Cream Parlor signage on the left side of the image, to the left of the yellow umbrella. It's location is about where Carefree Corner resides at Disneyland.
Thanks, Major.
Hmmm, the Castle does look a little chalky here. I kind of like this color combination; rather elegant. But perhaps adding a bit of blush to its cheeks is okay too. Of course, they weren't satisfied with adding a bit of color to Cindy's cheeks... they had to turn her into a "lady of the evening".
1) The couple at the far left is sitting on the railing with their feet dangling over the edge! It begs the question: Do they have a churro mine in the dungeons of this Castle like they do in Anaheim?
2) There IS some forced perspective going on here. The 2nd floor of the City Hall building is not quite as high as the 1st floor. And the 3rd floor is even shorter.
3) Miss Bare Midriff's light-colored outfit makes a nice contrast to all the colorful flowers. I wonder what went on in the "Chinese Hand Laundry"? Seems like we discussed this before on GDB.
4) I remember seeing the Hall of Presidents attraction. Quite impressive, seeing all those AA figures on the large stage. Most of the 'presidents' only had minor movements, and didn't say anything. But a select few were given their time in the spotlight. I can't help but notice those two colorful 'bucket' souvenir hats in the foreground.
5) From what I've heard, these open, grassy areas don't exist anymore(?). They had to make room for the crowds of guests to watch the fireworks, and other presentations around the Castle.
My brothers and I were at the Magic Kingdom around this time. I remember being of two minds about this Park: Yes, it's grand. But I found the sheer spaciousness to be somewhat confusing and disorienting. Thanks for the MK photos, Major.
Like JB, I noticed that couple sitting on the wall in front of the Castle (first pic). We can't see the ground below, but from what I remember, that walkway and wall is almost one story up from the ground. I wonder if a cast member said something to that couple. Or pushed them off the wall.
I'm sure I've mentioned this before, but that little side street with the Flower Market has been "filled in" with another building. The architecture looks about as appropriate as what they built in Anaheim, to replace the Global Van Lines locker building. In other words, it doesn't look right. For some reason, they haven't "filled in" the side street on the other side of Main St. But I'm sure that will happen eventually.
Yes, that is a pointy Castle. You definitely would not want to fall on it!
Thanks for the Bicentennial trip to WDW, Major!
I used to know all the presidents in order, too, but not anymore. I kind of lose track after President Bartlett.
Note the "Sorry, Folks" sign on the doorway next to the Hallmark Shop. I'm guessing the area was closed while they cleaned up a radium spill.
In that last photo, the castle is over our shoulder to our left. Main street is across that open expanse in front of us, and you can see the center tower of the Main Street Station above the tops of other buildings (well, OK, it's actually just one big building) in the center right of that image.
Thanks for this side trip to WDW!
Chuck, wasn't there a pair of presidents, with the name "Bartlett"? ;-)
JB, number 2) That's why they take off their hats.
What this blog needs is more bare midriffs! And pointy castles, I suppose.
TM, you stole my joke! One must get here early for all the good puns.
Thanks, Major,
Most of the WDW buildings look excessively tall and spiky to me. There’s something about the proportions that says “1970’s” to me, it’s kind of a quiet muttering so you probably can’t hear it. I prefer the Anaheim Park designs, but it’s all in what we are used to, I guess. Subtle colors are always better too, except a few cities in the Mediterranean region.
Another thing I noticed, not one trash can in any of these pics. Are people in Florida neater?
President Bartlett had two terms, and was followed in office by President Comice.
Thanks for these WDW views, Major. Nice change of pace!
JG
Chuck is correct, that picture is likely from the walkway between the Caste and Liberty Square. Likely about here today. As JB mentioned, the Hub's been much expanded to reduce crowding during fireworks and shows at the castle. (I've been there and it was truly claustrophobic)
TM, the sidestreet opposite the Flower Market is where they set up things like the caricature and silhouette artists to keep them out of the shuffling throngs on Main Street, so I think they'll keep it for a while.
Nanook, Walt Disney World should rebrand as “The Pointiest Place on Earth”. No need to send me money, Disney! Thank you for the ID of the Borden Ice Cream Parlor, I think I have shared a Lou and Sue photo of that, but otherwise I would have had zero knowledge of it.
JB, there is no such thing as a subtle change at the Disney parks these days. It’s not worth doing if people don’t notice it! It’s the visual equivalent of being hit on the head with an anvil. Re: the couple on the railing: isn’t this area now marred by a big ugly stage? Maybe it’s not there anymore. Not sure. Yes, there is forced perspective, but it is kind of amazing how well it work; once you are aware of the trick, though, it is hard to ignore. I’ll bet the Chinese Hand Laundry is gone, not that there is anything shameful about owning a laundry business, but it might smack of sterotyping. The Hall of Presidents - my friend thinks it is time for this attraction to go away. For various reasons. I’ve seen brief video clips in which most Presidents nod a little, and that’s about it. Maybe one or two of them do “finger guns” when they are mentioned?
TokyoMagic!, whoa, I didn’t think that those people were that high above the ground, but folks don’t think they’ll ever fall. I was once visiting a ruined castle in France (seriously!), and a girl I knew walked on a thick stone wall that had a 200 (?) foot drop on one side. I was having a heart attack the whole time just imagining her tripping. I hate that the Flower Market street has been filled in, I guess there just wasn’t enough room for all of the plush characters and coffee mugs that they needed to sell?
Chuck, I don’t know who President Bartlett is, but I’m assuming he fought Hulk Hogan at some point. They really missed a trick closing the Hallmark Shop during that radium spill; “You’ll go home glowing!”. And ah yes, now that you mention it, I do recognize the cupola/tower of Main Street Station in the distance. Thanks Chuck!
TokyoMagic! - did they tag-team Hulk Hogan?
zach, I do like a bare midriff. I mean, sometimes I don’t, but in general, yes! I’m crying tears of frustration because I don’t get TM’s joke. If only there was a way to look up “President Bartlett”, but there isn’t.
JG, I’ve always wondered what the mandate was for Main Street in Florida. It’s wasn’t just “turn of the century, but bigger”. Or was it? It almost feels like a more cosmopolitan town, or even a fantasy World’s Fair “White City” thing. I do love my Anaheim Main Street, but as you said, we love what we are used to. I’ve heard accounts of regular WDW visitors seeing Disneyland for the first time and being very unimpressed. Huh, what is up with the lack of trashcans?? I can’t contribute to the President Bartlett fun, but I did eat a Bartlett pear (from Trader Joes) yesterday.
Dean Finder, gosh, the two scenes look so different to me, but as you said, there have been many changes over the decades. I suppose that they just have to deal with the reality of drastically-larger crowds compared to what they got in 1976.
Tokyo!, I vote for "pushed them off the wall".
Chuck, I hear they stuck President Bartlett in the West Wing of the Hall of Presidents attraction.
Tokyo!, I think you're conflating President Bartlett with President Bosc.
Zach, or bare castles and pointy midriffs.
JG is our resident architecture whisperer. I thought Comice was Vice President?
Dean, thanks for the Google Map link. That curve in the cement bank of the water does look like the bank in Major's photo today.
Major, besides "finger guns", Nixon does his trademarked, double armed 'victory' sign just before he's whisked away in the helicopter. Most people think that the helicopter leaving the stage is the high point of the show.
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