A blast from the past

[TwoOldPoohs]

We all have photos of attractions and shows that have closed, of performers that no longer appear in WDW, of one-time events or year-long events (think castle cake ). Let's see them! I'll start.

This photo of my dad was taken in 1991, when characters in costume roamed freely throughout the World Showcase.

Here's one taken in the mid-70's, I think, from the Skyway.

 

[Kelly Grannell]

OT, but why they don't roam freely anymore? I find it strange.

 

[TwoOldPoohs]

OT, but why they don't roam freely anymore? I find it strange.

I don't know for sure, but I would guess it's for their own safety, as well as for purposes of crowd control. During that same trip in 1991, when my nephews were 3 and 6 years old, they were able to run up to all the characters for a hug and a photo. There were no lines, which made it hard for the older one, since he was quite shy and other kids were always getting to the characters before him. And that was when the parks were empty. I can't imagine how confusing it would have been if the parks were crowded.

 

[ndelaware]

I think they would get mobbed now if they just wandered. It seems to me it was really hard to see Mickey back then.

 

[NJDad18]

This has happened to us many times in the past. The characters are roaming freely and you see the character and go over to him/her and somebody is there. So you wait for your turn, as you're waiting another group comes over, usually a mother and children and the mother pushes the kid(s) right up to the character. We used to say, "Hey, we're next, you can wait behind us." It was VERY frustrating. This happened before we had kids. Our oldest will be 10 in September and I can't remember if this ever happened when we took her. Her first trip was just before she turned 3.

I like the cast members with the characters because it maintains order.

 

[Greg K.]

This has happened to us many times in the past. The characters are roaming freely and you see the character and go over to him/her and somebody is there. So you wait for your turn, as you're waiting another group comes over, usually a mother and children and the mother pushes the kid(s) right up to the character. We used to say, "Hey, we're next, you can wait behind us." It was VERY frustrating. This happened before we had kids. Our oldest will be 10 in September and I can't remember if this ever happened when we took her. Her first trip was just before she turned 3.

I like the cast members with the characters because it maintains order.

I imagine it's easier on the characters, too. Easier for Mickey to take much-needed breaks for cheese. Or whatever.

 

[makinorlando]

OT, but why they don't roam freely anymore? I find it strange.

For sure for saftey reasons. It amazes me with what exuberance some folks will chase down characters for a photo and autograph. They are normally only out for a certain length of time, and when the CM that is with them says the character is leaving after the next such and such families, I have seen almost riots, especially on hot days, with long lines, and popular characters. Children cry, parents curse... not MAGICAL at all.

We saw 8 characters at AK yesterday, 4 at a character breakfast where they come to your table, no need to wait in line, but again, they always have a CM with them. Two others at the main entrance and two at Rafiki's Planet Watch - at three of those four folks tried to "budge" in line (as Tara says) without waiting their turn, and were all reprimanded by the CMs.

I try to fight my battles in life, and let the small things go, but when we have waited our turn in line, and someone thinks for some reason they should not have to do the same, that bothers me!!! Like their kid is more special than my child, and therefore should not have to wait! Yes, we all know they are just people in costumes (as I am reminded by Tara), but it's the photo op, and memories for years to come that make it special for me! When the lines are very long, and the parks are very busy - we do not normally get in the lines, unless we see a rare or unusal character that we have not yet had the opportunity to meet!

(I never went to Disney as a child - actually not until I was 45 - so I guess I'm re-living my childhood at Disney through Tara!!!)

 

[Kelly Grannell]

Okay, enough of me hijacking the thread. Thank y'all for the info... but where are the old pics of WDW? C'mon, I know some of you must have some pics buried somewhere.

Show me, show me, show me!

 

[WillCAD]

August of 1990. I never did see this one actually open:

 

[Kelly Grannell]

Wasn't that the tracks for 20k Leagues Under the Sea?

 

[ndelaware]

I believe you are right Kelly. I went on it once in 1996, the smell of diesel fuel was so strong in that sub it was almost sickening.

Some history: http://www.20kride.com/history.html

Here it is with water (from the above website):

 

[WillCAD]

Wow, ndelaware, your pic was taken from almost EXACTLY the same point on the Skyride as mine! Look how closely the perspectives line up; it's a little spooky.

 

[RadioNate]

Once I get a new scanner I'll post some. Cool idea!

 

[Carrieannew]

I love old photos!!! keep them coming!

 

[ndelaware]

Wow, ndelaware, your pic was taken from almost EXACTLY the same point on the Skyride as mine! Look how closely the perspectives line up; it's a little spooky.

Sorry Will, I didn't mean to give the impression the pic was mine. I got off the website I linked to and was really struck by how close it was to yours.

Also from the site, one of the subs:

 

[Dznefreek]

 

[Dznefreek]

 

[Dznefreek]

AA Gardens before the theater was built.

 

[ndelaware]

I have that one on film from 92. It was always one of my favorites.

Here they are this past December:

 

[TwoOldPoohs]

Keep them coming folks!

Here's a view of the Great Movie Ride ... pre-Sorcerer's hat

and a huge birthday cake in honor of Walt's 100th birthday

(we missed the ceremonies ... we were having lunch and forgot all about it!)

OT: oh look at that! and .. how long have they been available?