Contemporary Resort Gains and Losses

Once upon a time, Walt Disney World only had two resort hotels and one theme park. There was the Polynesian Village Resort and the Contemporary Resort. These beautiful places seemed far apart and were accessible by monorail or by walking through the parking lot. Both had incredible but different views of the Magic Kingdom. In this kinder, gentler, much less expensive world, there was no need for advance reservations for attractions or dining. You could go for a visit of several days and relax during and before your visit. What a novel concept. 

Speaking of concepts, here's one captured on film by Disney Journey with Jim Shull. The sleek lines and elegant form of the main tower is lost in modern times because it sits nexts to a less spectacular structure housing Disney Vacation Club units. Ah, the things lost by wanting to gain a quick buck! 

(Concept art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

The Walt Disney World Resort I Grew to Love

 No, it wasn't Disney's Polynesian Village Resort that I had to grow to love. Anyone who knows me is aware that was an instant hit. The truth is the other original Walt Disney World Resort hotel was the one that took decades to win me over- the Contemporary Resort. (And here's a piece of rare concept art: an early plan for the exterior.)

Yes, riding the monorail through the lobby still surprises with the reveal of the Grand Canyon Concourse, but that wasn't enough. Decades after my first visit to the World in 1975, it was the sum of many smaller pieces that won me over. The energy, the bright colors, the large panes of glass that provided terrific views, the lakeside setting. 

What tipped the scales? Dinner at the California Grill back in 2009! That memorable and expensive evening became one of my favorite resort experiences. What could be more spectacular than a great meal with my beloved wife high atop it all? Only a view of the Magic Kingdom while the evening fireworks were aglow. Truly magical!

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Before EPCOT was EPCOT: The Original World Showcase Site Plan

Die hard Disney fans know that the original plans for EPCOT Center were actually two separate parks. You're looking at the site plan for World Showcase from the air, back when it was placed between the Polynesian Village and Contemporary Resorts. Not a Future World in sight! Each of the national pavilions would have equal frontage representation but could differ in actual size. It was a compelling project made even stronger when the two parks came together as one. 

EPCOT Center (long may it live on in our memories) at opening was one of the greatest achievement in Imagineering's very long list of accomplishments. If you're newer to the world of Disney parks, don't confuse this with the Epcot you see now. Do some research. You'll be amazed and then amused at the latest choices that have been made to transform it.

It's still my favorite theme park, and there are scores of additional articles, photographs, trips reports and lots of concept art celebrating was what and what is. Hopefully, this year's D23 will provide the what will come!

The Forgotten Walt Disney World Resort

There's a Walt Disney World resort that guests totally forget about. And it's quite a beautiful place as these photographs prove. I know I have not thought about this place until recently. Have you been there? Or do you even know about it? Let's take a look at this place. I can assure you that it may make you look more than once to trying to get a reservation.

The Golf Resort- a premium destination.

The Shades of Green resort was once known as the Golf Resort. Back in 1973 when it added rooms and was no longer just a clubhouse for the courses, it was the premier location to play a few rounds, stay in a peaceful environment and enjoy all the associated amenities of a resort that was not geared toward children. The resort may have been off the monorail route and a bit of a distance from Disney's Polynesian Village Resort, but that was part of its secluded charm. Think of a resort that had the original Disney Village vibe (the predecessor to Disney Springs), and you'll get an idea of how it all felt.

In the mid 1980's, the number of resort rooms doubled in size and the name was changed to the Disney Inn as an attempt to get more non-golfers to stay at the intimate resort. Later in 1994, the U.S. Military was pleased to lease and later purchase the resort as a new Armed Forces Recreation Center. The name was changed to Shades of Green to reference the color of uniforms all soldiers wore from different branches of the military.

The lobby waterfall at Shades of Green.

The rustic waterfall area of the lobby reminds me a bit of the original waterfall in the center of the Polynesian Village. Instead of a tropical theme, there's a Rocky Mountain look reminiscent of the Gaylord Rockies Resort in Denver. It's a peaceful place, a very relaxed environment giving the resort and elegant and restful flavor.

The photos above and the video below come from the excellent WDW Explore and Chill video site. Be sure to check it out for other great tours after you've finished touring Shades of Green. Enjoy!

World Class Look at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort

Ah, Disney's Polynesian Village Resort, the original hotel that Walt Disney World dreams are made of! You're looking at what it looks like now as of mid-March 2023 in a great photo by Bioreconstruct. The new Honolulu high rise tower is being built in the upper right hand corner. It will not only change the sight line, but it will remove the sense of separation from Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Spa.

Photo from My Favorite Disney Postcards

Back in the opening year, the Polynesian was much smaller, giving it a remote, exotic feel. The slightly color corrected version of this vintage postcard is seen below.

As any die hard Poly fan will tell you, the lobby waterfalls were much better looking and more inviting than the glass floats hanging from its ceiling guests see today. The hard to get into Trader Sam's Grog Grotto may be loads of fun, but the new vibe at the Poly is less relaxing than ever before. Still, it's a good place to hang out on a non-park day. But let's not talk about those outrageous room rates! 

(Images copyright The Walt Disney Company and Bioreconstruct.)

Streamlined Tomorrowland for the Magic Kingdom

Clean, crisp lines and stunning purity of form brings a Tomorrowland that impresses and invites guests of all ages to experience the future. At Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom, what they found at the opening in 1971 was a partially finished project. Beloved fan favorite If You Had Wings wouldn't be complete for several more months, Space Mountain, the WEDWAY Peoplemover, Star Jets, and Carousel of Progress were on the boards and planned for the future, but the guests just kept on coming. In contrast to Disneyland, park visitors could look beyond the park and see a futuristic Contemporary Resort in the distance and nothing but trees, trees, and more trees. A constant reminder that they were worlds away from the busyness of Orange County California or even Orange County, Florida.

(Photo from Gorillas Don't Blog.)

Sunset on Disney's Seven Seas Lagoon

When it comes to the old debate of "Which is Better- Disneyland or Walt Disney World?" there's one point made by East Coasters that no one on the West can argue with: The abundance of water on the Florida property and those gorgeous sunsets that shimmer on it give the point to the World. As we were taking a launch across the Seven Seas Lagoon from the Magic Kingdom on our way to the Polynesian for the evening luau, this was our view. That's the Grand Floridian on the right. Few things are more beautiful than water and sky together, proving once again, that the Greatest Imagineer, the Almighty God, has created something the best of Imagineers cannot duplicate.

(Photograph copyright Mark Taft.)

Rare Electrical Water Pageant Concept Art

One of the most delightful experiences at the opening of The Walt Disney World Resort took place late in the evening on the shores of the Seven Seas Lagoon. The Electrical Water Pageant was the wet version of the beloved Main Street Electrical Parade!  This elegant procession of sea life passing by the guests consisted of many floats, including jumping dolphins, a giant sea turtle, a whale, and King Triton being pulled by seahorses. As you can tell from the piece of concept art, thousands upon thousands of twinkling lights brought it all the life. The Imagineers once again pulled off a very successful evening event that is still a fan favorite almost 50 years later!

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Magic Kingdom's Changing Skyline

In an exciting season of change, some good and some not so good, the skyline of Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom is changing. And you don't have to be at the top of the Contemporary Resort to see it. Space Mountain will soon be joined by a version on Shanghai Disneyland's Tron Light Cycle Power Run. Here's an older, great photo showing both the futuristic resort and the iconic mountain from the side of Bay Lake. Enjoy the view!

(Photograph copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Is Disney Embarrassed Enough Yet?

How much embarrassment does it take before the management of the Walt Disney World monorail system presses the executives for a new fleet of trains? There have been a few malfunctions lately, and even further back, the more unfortunate case of a cast member being killed due to problems with the age and maintenance of their fleet. What must happen next in order the get the suits' attention?

Even Walt's original Kingdom, Disneyland, got an upgrade with some new trains fairly recently. Pretty nice, right?

And let's not get started on what you can find at the Tokyo Disney Resort! The sleek exteriors give only a small look at the themed experience found inside.

Once again, other resorts hold the lead in providing first class service and amenities compared to Walt Disney World. If I were staying at the Polynesian Resort, the Contemporary, or the Grand Floridian, I would expect more given the rates charged for the rooms! Problem is, even before the room rates skyrocketed, Disney gave its day guests a wonderfully modern and maintained Highway in the Sky. The time for new trains is now.

Rare Walt Disney World Venetian Resort Art

Feast your eyes on they beautiful piece of concept art. Walt Disney World's Venetian Resort for set to grace the lake right alongside the Contemporary and Polynesian. Would have been a lovely sight to behold! And a great way to take a gondola around from different parts of the resort. 

Naturally, a Venetian theme played into parts of Italy's World Showcase space at EPCOT Center. But unlike Tokyo DisneySea, it was minimized to just a couple of bridges and a few gondolas as props. 

Still, this piece of Imagineering art still gives us fodder for dreams of coffee table books. So instead of waiting, go to the real Venice. It is one amazing place! (Check out the blog for my photos!)

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

The First Walt Disney World Map

Here it is for your viewing pleasure: the very first map I ever saw of Walt Disney World. Looking at this illustration of the soon to open Magic Kingdom was all it took for me to convince my folks to take a trip to Central Florida. It still has its charms with its very distinctive 1960's design aesthetic. 

Just look at 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea up at the top with its huge lagoon and mysterious caverns! Liberty Square and the Hall of Presidents. A brand new castle and the Country Bear Jamboree. So much to see, not counting the futuristic Contemporary Resort and the tropical Polynesian Village.f

Passport to Dreams Old and New is one heck of a site. One that provided this map. In fact, there's a whole article about the first ten year's of Magic Kingdom maps, and it can be found here.  But there's more on this site worth your time: in depth articles, rare photographs, and investigative reporting. One of the best out there is you love Walt Disney World history.

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Overlooked Attractions at the Magic Kingdom

After having so much fun telling you about my favorite Overlooked Attractions at Disneyland, I thought I would move on and share my favorite ways to enjoy the smaller attractions and special experiences in the  Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World. 

By most accounts, the incredible men and women of Imagineering were tasked with designing a different Magic Kingdom than Disneyland, a park for a different audience and for a different purpose. Remember, Walt Disney had his thoughts focused on an EPCOT that truly was an Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow. The theme park was to be the weenie to draw folks to it.

Perhaps its this explanation that answers the question as to why there are fewer smaller, charming attractions at the park versus its older sibling. They are not fully forgotten, just fewer in number and different in nature. Let's look at a few:

1- Tom Sawyer Island. No pirates here, just old fashioned fun with Tom, Huck Finn, and Becky Thatcher. It's one of the last remaining old school attractions. The only mistake? Removing Aunt Polly's patio- a great place to get a drink and watch the World go by. Or take a long leisurely look at the creepy Haunted Mansion perched high up on that bluff across the river.

2- Liberty Square. This Walt Disney World original still charms me. Even without riding its two landmark attractions, Mansion and Hall of Presidents, the place seems to cry out for exploration. There are sleepy little corners for sitting and watching the world go by. Small discoveries like the Liberty Tree and its thirteen lanterns help ground the Disney fantasy into a bit of history. 

3- Pinocchio Village Haus. Granted, navigating Fantasyland in the afternoon hours when its not a necessity may be crazy. Yet there's something sweet about taking an upstairs table, sipping a Coke, and watching the boats cruise into It's a Small World. 

4- Walt Disney World Railroad / PeopleMover. Either of these transportation systems provides a welcome relief from the crowds that by nature follow the "E Ticket" attractions. In the Florida heat, a journey on both provide a nice breeze as well as sights not available to those walking the park. This includes a view of the Contemporary Resort outside the Magic Kingdom- reminding guests we are at Walt Disney World, after all.

5- Swiss Family Treehouse. What is there to be said that hasn't already been said? While Disneyland transformed its version into Tarzan's Treehouse, cooler and wiser heads prevailed in its younger sibling. (It does happen!) Jungle sights, jungle sounds, and the iconic Swisskapolka. It doesn't get much better than walking high above it all, listening, dreaming, remembering.

6- The Crystal Palace. Just the sight of this restaurant, and I'm taken back to another time and place. A leisurely meal here is now expensive, but to sit back in the corner and view the building's details reminds me of the care and artwork that went into designing Disney's second kingdom. The glass elements of the atrium domes are gorgeous. Obviously well designed and well loved.

7- Monorails / Ferry Boats. Arriving at the park via one of these systems is a delight! The monorails cruise high above it all, and a trip through the lobby of the Contemporary Resort never fails to impress. On the other hand, a waterborne journey across the Seven Seas Lagoon to the Magic Kingdom is an attraction in its own right. The mild waves, the boaters enjoying the water, and the ground level view of each resort with the castle up ahead builds anticipation for a great day at Florida's number one park. Which do I prefer? It's a toss up! And something no other Disney resort has!

As you can tell, beyond the headlining attractions, much of my enjoyment of the Magic Kingdom is sightseeing in the truest sense. That's part of the secret of enjoying the whole World- slow down, relax, and enjoy the sights and sounds of the number one attraction in the world.

Maybe I ought to take a look at Epcot next...

(Art copyright Walt Disney Company.)

An Epcot Adventure

About a year ago, my wife and I renewed our contract with T-Mobile and were rewarded with four free airline tickets. We used one set to go to South Carolina, where we went to Charleston and Hilton Head, including the Disney Vacation Club there. (See my blog report for lots of pictures and details.) With two tickets left to use before March 1 and a very limited and mostly unappealing choice of locations, we chose to head off to Walt Disney World for four days sans kids. We booked our getaway in October. This was to be our first visit alone in two decades. (Not knowing we would be in California for Christmas - and at the Disneyland Resort at the time of booking.)

Having saved for a couple of years, we decided to splurge a bit and stay at one of the moderate resorts. After much discussion, we chose Port Orleans Riverside. Our last visit staying on the property was at All Star Sports in 2007- a great choice since we had our youngest son with us. Previously, we had stayed at the Caribbean Beach in 1989 when the price was an unbelievable $59 per night!

Mid-February was a new time of the year for a visit. We really didn't know what to expect aside from the fact we planned to take it easy, sleep in, eat at some nice restaurants, go swimming and enjoy the parks. What a great opportunity to get out of a Colorado winter and see some green landscape.

Arriving at 11:55pm into Orlando, of course we were glad to be making use of Magical Express to get to our hotel. The trip would end of taking two hours- arrival at 2am! We thankfully chose to carry on our luggage and felt quite bad for other folks who hadn't, as they wouldn't see their bags until morning.

After a quick check in and a glance around the lobby, we strolled through the silent gardens of the resort passing the tree lined grounds by moonlight. Very romantic! Onto the Alligator Bayou section, we found building 28 and our room rather quickly.
(Later in the week, I would discover this to be a perfect location- close to the pool and the West bus stop but far enough away from all the activity when we chose to sleep in. Easy access to what we needed while still feeling remote and uncrowded.)

Opening the door, we were pleasantly surprised by a nice sized, well appointed room. As I sat my bag down on my side of the bed, I discovered a little treasure just for me: a previously unseen piece of concept art by Herb Ryman for Disneyland's Blue Bayou restaurant. Although we were thrilled with our choice and anxious for our first day at our favorite Florida park, we were exhausted and collapsed into our luxuriously soft king sized bed.

Awaking at 9:30am, we settled into a schedule that would truly be a blessing: staying out late playing, then sleeping in the next day. There was no real agenda that drove us to early arrival at the parks, so we took each day as it came. Quite a different approach compared to when we would visit with our kids! If you are looking for a lot of action, this trip report may not be what you're looking for.

It was quite a treat to leave dry and brown Denver and wake up to a green and warm Orlando. Epcot was up first. Since our initial visit to this park in 1983, it was instantly and has remained our favored destination on the property. Beginning with Spaceship Earth, there is an air of elegance and sophistication here that appeals to us, a unique element that is not found in the other parks. Yes, we really enjoy each of the four themed playgrounds, but Epcot stands tallest. Admittedly, it is not the park it once was, however, there continues to be much to enjoy.

Our mid-morning arrival at 10:30am was unprecedented. So was our choice for breakfast- tasty Strawberry Shortcake and delicate Orange Creme Brule from the Land's food court. Dessert for breakfast! One of the benefits of traveling without children is breaking the rules just because you can! In years past, we'd head off to the Land Grille Room (or The Good Turn, if you are old enough to remember the revolving restaurant in its earliest incarnation) for a relaxing and unique way to start the day, but now in the time of Disney's cost-cutting, this is no longer possible as the location only serves meals beginning with dinner!

Just looking around this park fills the senses with a bit of wonder and enchantment that doesn't rely on characters to deliver it. Although the buildings of Future World mostly seem a bit dated and the landscaping is now more natural than manicured, the quiet beauty of the place is still breathtaking. There is a spaciousness found here that is lacking in California's Disneyland. The scope and scale of the parks and the resort as a whole is very different - it is a different setting, different place with its own unique advantages and disadvantages. Certainly, any observant guest knows they are in Disney World versus Land.

Our first attraction of the day was aboard a clamshell through the seas of little Nemo. In December, we had just journeyed through the renewed Submarine adventure in California. I must say, we both prefer Epcot's voyage by a wide margin. Instead of the overblown build up to the fairly overated experience created at Disneyland, we found the simple intimacy of the Florida version adds to the storytelling, all the while keeping expectations in line with the end result. We decided to leave the rest of the pavilion for later but in fact, we never returned.

Living with the Land remains one of our must do Epcot experiences. It reminds us of days gone by when a healthy and interesting dose of "edutainment" came with each experience. It is at once old school and simple- a refreshing change from the recent Future World move toward thrill rides and film-based attractions. Must say, we miss the gentle theme song that played for years as you cruised by the ending scenes.

Grabbing Fastpasses for Soarin', we headed to Test Track. What a rush! Although this replaced a much loved attraction that I wish was still around, here is my new favorite attraction at Epcot. Neither the sickness inducing Mission:Space nor the lengthy but boring Ellen's Energy Adventure nearby can compare. The queue is detailed and interesting, the pre-show amusing without being saccharine, and the ride itself thrilling but not over the top. It took awhile, but eventually I was able to photograph some vehicles on the outdoor portion of track upon exiting the building.

What to do next? Well, Energy was closed as was the now defunct Wonders of Life. Mission:Space was a walk-on, but with lunch coming up, we passed. Besides, this version of a flight simulator doesn't excite me in the least and leaves me longing for the Space pavilion that should have been.

After a short stop at Mouse Gear to look around- and buy none of the fairly generic merchandise to be found all over the resort- we decided to checkout the new Kim Possible attraction. We were to begin in Norway right after our lunch at Canada's Le Cellier. It was close to our reservation time, so off to Canada we walked.

Victoria Gardens looked much like we remembered Butchart Gardens. It was spotless and beautiful, as was the rest of the park. As we walked into the restaurant, our greeter took our information, welcomed us, and began to play a question and answer game on Canadian trivia. It is also the people interactions in Epcot's World Showcase that make the park interesting visit after visit. We were not the winners, but we didn't bomb all the questions either.

Le Cellier was a brand new and glorious experience. The Maple Barbecue Chicken was unique and tasty and the warm pretzel bread a winner. My wife said her steak and salad was her favorite meal on our visit (and that included a very pricey one at the Contemporary Resort's California Grill later in the week). Although I loved my selection and agreed we would now come back on each subsequent visit, it was the other guests that helped make this a memorable experience.

Two tables away sat Phil Stacey of American Idol. Cool but not earth shattering. It was the diners at the table behind me, however, that made me slightly giddy. Walking right past me was Imagineer Eric Jacobsen. He was joining a table of five other Disney executives or Imagineers that I did not recognize, but Eric was one face I knew from his many appearances in Walt Disney World cable television specials. If only I could have leaned backward to listen to the conversation without being too obvious...

Moving beyond my fanboy experience, we decided it was time to check out the Martin Short version of O Canada. Walked into the mine past a waterfall that was turned off. Poor show. As for the new film, it is certainly a friendly one but it trades dignity and grace for humor that will age poorly. The scenery is stunning but the treatment of the subject diminishes the art. Shades of The Enchanted Tiki Room: Under New Management. This direction was an unfortunate decision, and don't even get me started on what they did to Mexico's El Rio del Tiempo! We left satisfied for seeing the film but even more perplexed that the upper levels of the showcase were closed to guests. More cost-cutting measures?


Our half an hour solving the Kim Possible mystery was a do-only-once experience. It will make World Showcase more interesting for tweens and kids, much like pin trading or those Kidcot stops, but for an adult, it won't hold much interest. One nice touch: an interaction with a hostess in the China showcase and a very flavorful clue-infused fortune cookie.

Picking up where we left off, we journeyed to the U.K. and enjoyed the scenery and some music by British Invasion. Although we wish there were more World Showcase attractions, the people, streetscapes, entertainment, shopping and dining make this our favorite slice of Walt Disney World acreage. For folks like us whom traveling is an extravagance, this is a sweet reminder of trips past or hoped for.

Stopping at the International Gateway, we decided to take a short break and cruise over to the Boardwalk area for a change of scenery. Surprisingly, the trip was very short! We had never done this before and were stunned by how close Epcot was to the area. After a short stroll down the Boardwalk, we walked back to the park when my eye caught sight of the Eiffel Tower from a whole new angle.

Without question, the France showcase continues to be one of our most appreciated. Impressions de France is a lovely film that sorely needs to be updated. The print is of poor quality after 25 years, and the theater in which it is presented needs repair. After what was done to the centerpiece attractions of the Mexico and Canada pavilions, however, I am cautiously suggesting this. Please don't lose the gorgeous soundtrack or insert inane jokes or out of place characters! We exited the film, took a brief look around, and realized our Faspasses for Soarin' were due. No worries. We knew we would return here.

Immediately after our wonderful flight, we encountered a five minute wait for Spaceship Earth. Here was the EPCOT Center of our younger days, and the park's premier attraction was back in top form. Everything looked, sounded, and smelled terrific. Bravo to the Imagineers who updated this without losing what made it so special to begin with. There has been much criticism of the ending of the attraction, yet we found it to be a fun touch. In fact, we enjoyed our journey so much that we immediately got back into line for another one.

After a short stop for a Mickey Ice Cream bar (a family tradition), we walked by Imagination on our way back to France. No stopping this time, as this once wonderful series of attractions has been reduced to a disheartening reminder of what once was there. Whether ride, film or exhibit area, what each has become is just painful to see. (This includes the awful paint job on the building!) The rumored updates to this place cannot happen soon enough- and it needs to be done right this time.

Back to France to continue our World tour. We spent some time inside the shops and savored a small taste of a country we have loved visiting. Exiting our final one, dusk began to appear, and the true magic of Epcot was about to begin.

Daytime in the park is a very pleasant experience, but it is at night when the beauty of Epcot becomes most evident. The park quiets as guests begin to settle into their chosen dining locations and lighting begins to accentuate the gardens and architecture. It is a wonderful time for a leisurely and romantic stroll through each nation represented and a great time for photographs.

We made our way slowly around the lagoon, stopping near China (with Margaritas in hand from the nearby stand in Mexico) just in time for Illuminations. The music is inspiring and the fireworks stunning, the ultimate Epcot experience. There is nothing else quite like viewing this show and watching the countries light up at the finale- or so I thought, but that is a story for another day's report.

As folks started streaming out of the park, we moved toward the Japan showcase for our evening dinner. Although we had made reservations at Tokyo Dining, we decided that a large meal was not appealing to us. In its place, we settled for a small snack from the tea house back in the gardens. What a great idea! Sitting on the patio with two very quiet parties, we enjoyed the warm evening under the stars. Eventually, we were the only ones left. The small latterns illuminated just enough to be enchanting and the bubbling stream provided a sweet serenade. I was instantly brought back to our first anniversary trip many years ago when we searched out the hidden gems of the park while others rushed off for the next attraction.

Our conversation turned sweet and sentimental. My wife and I were accutely aware that many years had passed but also extremely thankful to the Lord that after all our married years, we were still very much in love and still prefered each other's company. In our minds, "soul mates" is something that is built by years of staying together, choosing to serve and trust each other through life's joys and difficulties. The rush of new romance is fun, but it is only a taste of what can be ahead.

Slowly, we circled the lagoon and enjoyed the environments of each country. Every glance across the water reminded me how beautiful this park is and why it remains our favorite. Eventually reaching Norway, the Maelstrom was a brief two minute wait, so we hopped on. The ride's in bad shape, plain and simple- and the short film wasn't even running.

It was time to leave the park as we wanted to head back to our resort ahead of the crowds. Spaceship Earth practically sparkled in the night sky. Turning around for one last look, I snapped a few more photos, then we quickly boarded the resort bus. It was a perfect day to start our trip, and we hated to see it end.

(All photos copyright Mark Taft.)

Polynesian Village Plans

All this talk of Disney building at the Ko O'lina resort area got me thinking about Disney's original hotel plans for Florida. The Contemporary Resort was first named "Tempo Bay", with the second planned resort, the "Polynesian Village" forming the first two resorts to be built. This seldom seen piece of art shows a high-rise project instead of the warmer, lower, more island friendly feel of what the public found on the property in 1971.

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

A Tale of Adventures to Come: 1997

As mentioned last week, change is on the way to Florida. New enticements will be announced to Walt Disney World property, as the suits continue to encourage the shareholders by guaranteeing visitors will keep returning and dropping their hard earned dough beyond a one day visit to the iconic Magic Kingdom. Particularly important in a troubled economy.

Disney News, a company produced glossy magazine, existed for many years prior to the internet. The intent was clearly promotion- and the folks behind the project knew how to build excitement among the fans. The Spring 1997 issue included a full color version of this collectable map (seen above) detailing what was to come for the new summer season and to additionally plug the upcoming opening of Disney's Animal Kingdom. The graphics are well done, combining an emphasis on childlikeness with a slightly retro adult look. Quite fun!

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)