From The Tickle Trunk – WDW News November 1982

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Let’s dip into the Tickle Trunk and have a look at the Walt Disney World News from November 1982. That was an exciting time in Disney history; EPCOT had just opened a month prior.

A few months ago, when we looked at the October 1982 copy, my blog focused primarily on EPCOT; I purposely ignored almost everything else in the news since most was repeated in the November edition.

So let’s see what else was going on in Disney history 32 years ago!

November 1982 Front Page
(Click on the picture for a larger view of the image)

The lead article on page 1 still spotlighted all those new sights, attractions and experiences at EPCOT but let’s take a closer look at that “Special Entertainment at Magic Kingdom”

November 1982 Magic Kingdom Entertainment

When you click on the image to zoom in for a close-up you only see the text from page 1, so I’ll quote the entire article . . . here’s what it said!

MAGIC KINGDOM – Fanciful parades, rollicking revues, and the “oom-pa-pa” of merry bands fill every nook and cranny of the Magic Kingdom. No matter where you are, chances are there’s one of a dozen different groups who perform every day just a step away.

On Main Street, U.S.A., where shops, attractions, and restaurants reflect turn-of-the-century, Victorian America, you can hear a barbershop quartet harmonizing “Dai-sy, Dai-sy, give me your answer true!” While further down the avenue a rinky-tink piano player tickles the ivories of a snow-white upright at the Refreshment Corner.

Just beyond the whispering palms, the exotic, mysterious world of Adventure-land beckons. The rousing sound of an authentic steel drum band fills the open-air bazaars and follows explorers as they penetrate the wilderness on the “Jungle Cruise,” climb high into the sky on the “Swiss Family Treehouse,” and wander Caribbean Plaza.

As guests stroll the pioneer streets of Frontierland toward Liberty Square, they just might catch the banjo-pickin’ and fiddlin’ of a country group playing up a storm along the Rivers of America.

From Frontierland and the tunes of yesteryear to Tomorrowland’s hits of the future, stop by the Tomorrowland Terrace where the rock band Tabasco spices up the menu with the space-age sounds of the Eighties. For something more down to Earth, be sure not to miss the very talented Kids of the Kingdom at the Tomorrowland Stage. In a 30-minute musical salute, they bring each land of the Magic Kingdom to life while letting you know that “Walt Disney World Is Your World.” The show also features some of your favorite Disney characters – in some rather “out of character” roles.

Of course, you’ll find Disney characters throughout the Magic Kingdom. In front of Cinderella Castle, they’ll be singing and dancing their way into your hearts with medleys from the “Best of Disney.” At the Fantasy Faire Stage in Fantasyland, Mickey, Goofy, Alice in Wonderland, and more appear several times each day in the music and comedy revues of the “Fantasy Follies.”

And the whole gang comes out for the exciting new Character Parade down Main Street, U.S.A. Each afternoon, along with marching bands and merrily whirling floats, Mickey Mouse and a host of Disney characters turn Main Street into the Fourth of July.

Plus, on November 26 and 27, the Magic Kingdom features extended hours along with the return of the sparkling Main Street Electrical Parade (9 and 11 p.m. nightly) and spectacular “Fantasy In The Sky” fireworks (10 p.m. nightly).
The Magic Kingdom is filled to the brim with fun, fantasy, and music. For an up-to-the-minute schedule of what’s happening where, check at City Hall in Town Square as you begin your journey through “the happiest place on Earth.”

Special Entertainment
November 26 and 27, the Magic Kingdom features extended hours that let you enjoy more of your favorite attractions longer – along with the sparkling Main Street Electrical Parade, 9 and 11 p.m. nightly and spectacular “Fantasy In The Sky” fireworks, 10 p.m. nightly

Special Event
Armed Forces Days
From November 1 through 30, members of the armed forces and their families receive special-value admission to the dazzling new Epcot Center and the warmth and wonder of the Magic Kingdom. With each Epcot Center ticket pur¬chased, a voucher will be issued entitling each person to one day’s admission to the Magic Kingdom anytime up to three months after their Epcot Center visit for just $8 per person. And a special Armed Forces Days ticket for just $12 per person entitles you to one day’s admission to the Magic Kingdom.”

My favourite parade was there – The Main Street Electrical Parade! I don’t recall that “spicy” rock band Tabasco, but I do remember the Kids of the Kingdom and their exciting musical revue. I wonder what those talented kids are doing today?

November 1982 Page 2

Page 2 describes a dazzling show at the Top of the World.

November 1982 Top of the World

The picture is captioned “Five exciting entertainers will take you on a musical tour through the show stoppers of “The American Musical Theatre”.

I remember this show from a visit in 1983; it was high-energy and very entertaining. This was my very first dinner show at Walt Disney World and I distinctly recall how impressed I was!

November 1982 Page 3
Page 3

Fort Wilderness had a lot to offer in 1982! River Country and Discovery Island were exciting destinations, but this article looked at the many other things to do at Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground.

Great Outdoors

Fort Wilderness is still one of Disney’s hidden gems; most visitors to Walt Disney World have no idea the campground exists. Many of those who do know of the resort are not aware of all the activities available. There is even more to do now than there was 32 years ago. It really is a wonderful place; come on over and see for yourselves!

November 1982 The Village

The area we know as Downtown Disney (currently transforming into Disney Springs) was still known as “The Village” in 1982. It was a busy spot . . . click on the image to read what was going on!

Gosh . . . a $5.00 beverage minimum, what a quaint concept!

The Village was a very busy area in 1982. Many of the shops and restaurants have changed over the years, but the popular Festival Of The Masters is still presented each year in November. The festival draws hundreds of talented artists from around the world. It’s a cornucopia of sights, sounds and flavors!

From the very beginning EPCOT staffed the international pavilions around World Showcase with young people from the various countries represented there. Here’s an article describing the benefits of having these young people represent their home countries.

November 1982 International Representatives

Disney talked about “a true family of man” and “a spirit of international fellowship” and their description is as accurate today as it was all those years ago. The young people working in every country around the lagoon are wonderful ambassadors for their nations!

November 1982 Page 4
Page 4

November 1982 Character Breakfasts

There were three different character breakfasts to choose from . . . Wow – only $5.50 for adults.

I really enjoy looking back at these old newsletters; they bring back some very fond memories of happy times. They also give me cause to reflect on how things have changed; look at those prices! A $5.00 beverage minimum and a character breakfast for $5.50. Today a single adult beverage costs more than $5.00 and the character breakfasts at most locations now cost about $30.00 for adults!

Of course, I also reflect on the many things that have not changed. Prices are higher, but the value is unchanged! The wholesome family atmosphere, the quality, the attention to detail, the “magic” which Walt Disney built into everything he did – it’s all still there!

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Gary hails from Canada and he’s a lifelong Disney fan. In the 1950s he watched the original Mickey Mouse Club and The Wonderful World of Disney on a snowy old black-and-white television. Gary was mesmerized by the Disneyland that Walt introduced to the world during those Sunday night shows! In 1977 he took his young family to Walt Disney World for the first time and suddenly that Disney magic he experienced as a child was rekindled. Since then Gary and his wife Carol have enjoyed about 70 trips to Walt Disney World, 11 trips to Disneyland and 11 Disney Cruises.

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2 Replies to “From The Tickle Trunk – WDW News November 1982”

  1. I remember the Coconino Cove at the Contemporary. They had a live Mexican band. and The Monorail purple drink at the old “Top of the World”
    And when you could watch the fireworks with music piped in, at the Polynesian lounge (where Ohana is now) while sipping your Lapu Lapu (Which I am happy are still there) That was the best view. Now there are tree’s in the way.
    River Country and Discovery Island I have fond memories of those. Isn’t it funny how this place WDW can bring back so many different memories for lot’s of people.

  2. Wow! I remember being at the Empress Lily for breakfast with the characters. We had gone to Florida with my grandparents around Easter and I remember that my grandmother was not very happy with Goofy because he was messing up her hair, and NO ONE messed with her hair!! She passed away 3 years ago at the age of 98 , but I will always have that wonderful memory of her and Disney. Thanks for bringing it to mind!
    Happy Thanksgiving!!

    [Gary writes: Thanks Claire, Happy Thanksgiving to you too!]