Turn and Learn About the Walt Disney World That Never Was

Mickey Mouse and his Friends in Walt Disney World
Ideal Toy Corp., 1971

This unique pre-school 'Turn and Learn Storybook' was produced by the Ideal Toy Corp. in 1971.  It measures 11.5" x 9.5" when closed. The wheels turn and create images that correspond to the story when the numbers are lined up in the center picture frame.

The story follows Donald and his nephews thru WDW.  But Huey and his new balloon gets whisked up by a gust of wind.  Peter Pan, in order to find him, flys over "The Old Caribbean Village, The North African Market Place, Persia and Italy," locations that were planned but never completed.

Ideal clearly anticipated the completion of these planned resorts, although they were not expected in Phase One.  Based on this oversight and the early Bay Lake logo on the front, I assume this item was developed in early 1971 before WDW opened to the public.

Polynesian Luau

Polynesian Luau postcard
01110212

Inserted in the 0111 series of original chrome postcards from Walt Disney World were a few resort postcards from the Polynesian.  They followed the Main Street U.S.A. and Adventureland cards.  0111211 showed the pool at the Polynesian Village and this one features the Polynesian Luau, with "authentic Tahitian dancers and musicians" that "add the right touch to an enchanting evening of exotic food and South Sea Island fun."

Clang, Clang, Clang Went the Trolley

Walt Disney World Frame-Tray Puzzle
Whitman, No. 4545

Here are some early Main Street U.S.A. memories brought to us by Whitman.  This frame-tray puzzle, no. 4545, is still in its original packaging....almost.  Although there is no date on the piece, we can assume it is from the early 1970's because of the use of the Florida Flag version of the logo.   

The image features the trolley in front of the former Penny Arcade.  A goofy looking Goofy is standing by and throngs of guests can be seen in the background making their way to Cinderella Castle, on the sidewalks, not walking right down the middle of Main Street, U.S.A.