Monday, December 31, 2012

My True Love Gave to Me...

Gold Souvenir Spoon
"On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me..."  One Golden Spoon.  OK, so I didn't get five golden rings but I did get five vintage WDW gifts for Christmas, including this souvenir spoon.  My wife was thrilled to find an item that I had not seen before.
The color and the fancy scroll work are both unique.  The spoon measures 4.5" long and is 1" wide at the logo.
The spoon has the word MEMENTOS on the back of the handle.  I haven't been able to find out anything about this company or when the spoon may have been produced.
The logo uses the traditional Globe Head/Big D and a colorful, yellow and red, 'geometric' version of Cinderella Castle.  I have a few pieces that use this version of the castle in color, but often it is used in a solid color.  The 'ramps' leading to the castle are also missing on this design.

Saturday, December 15, 2012

Put Your Cares & Car Keys Away!

Walt Disney World Discover Guide
1981
The second half of the Discover Guide from 1981 highlights the resorts & 'fun and recreation' outside of the Magic Kingdom.  The 2-page spread measures 16" x 9" and every other page features a photo collage from around Walt Disney World.  

The guide lists prices from 1981:
2-day Magic Kingdom Passport: $22.50
Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue: $16.00
Polynesian Review: $16.00
River Country: $6.50
Discovery Island: $3.00
All golf course green fees: $26.00

October 1, 1981 was the official launch of the Walt Disney World Tencennial where there was 'a birthday party - every day of the year!'  The guide gave a teaser of the 'ten-sational surprises' that would be coming later in the year. 


Sunday, December 9, 2012

Discover Guide - The Total Vacation Destination

Walt Disney World Discover Guide
1981
Here is a planning guide for Walt Disney World from early 1981, prior to the official launch of their Tencennial celebration.  The cover uses the right-justified Big-D/Globe Head logo similar to the GAF style logos of the mid-70's but not identical.  

"Seasons in the fun!  Choosing the right time of year to visit is an important ingredient for a great vacation."  The opening layout of the guide shares the best reasons (and images) for visiting in any season....including Winter's "sweater weather."

'Set aside two full days...to take in all six themed "lands" of the Magic Kingdom.'  The guide also highlights the EPCOT Center Preview theatre where guests may see a presentation on '...the most exciting new entertainment concept in the history of Walt Disney Productions.'  
I had the privilege of seeing the EPCOT Center Preview theatre in Town Square.  At 10, I remember thinking that it looked too 'educational.'
More from this guide, including more awesome 80's images like these, in my next post. 

Sunday, December 2, 2012

License Plate - 80's Style

Plastic Walt Disney World License Plate
Here is a personalized, hard-plastic license plate from Walt Disney World.  It measures 4 inches wide and 2 1/4 inches tall.  It has a nice Big D/Globe Head logo.  I assume Gina would have used this on her bicycle back in the 1980's.  Did any other children of the '80's collect these type of license plates?