Anyone know why there's no alcohol in Magic Kingdom?

[3prettyprincesses]

OK I found it...


Here is a part of Chapter 1 of Married to the Mouse

This new Disney facility would crown a larger project intended to resuscitate the city's economy. Walt liked that the project was a private-sector undertaking, planned by private business people rather than government bureaucrats, and he wanted it to succeed as a showcase for free enterprise. He had commissioned a study of the area's history to help his "imagineers" develop authentic themes for the facility. Having flown in with twelve of his executives to finalize the deal, he was busy imagineering himself. "Boy, this is going to be great," he told Adm. Joe Fowler, the vice president for construction who had built Disneyland, as they sat on Walt's hotel balcony, gazing over the site. Bubbling with enthusiasm, he talked of using paddle-wheel steamers like those in their movie "Hannibal" to ferry visitors to their gate.

That night, the Disney entourage attended a big dinner party with the politicians, businessmen, and local bankers involved in the project. It was there the offending remark was made. "Any man who thinks he can design an attraction that is going to be a success in this city and not serve beer or liquor, ought to have his head examined," said the head of the city's leading business. Hearing the remark, the mayor gasped, "Oh, my god." He turned to Adm. Fowler, who sat next to him, and apologized, saying, "I just can't control that guy."

But the damage was done. Walt hated being challenged, especially in public. Upon returning from the dinner party to his hotel suite, he asked Card Walker, another Disney vice president, "What time can we have the plane in the morning?" Surprised, Walker responded, "But you know we've got—" He tried to say they had legal papers to sign the next day, but Walt cut him off. "It's all finished," said Walt. "We're not coming. Forget about it."2 Afterwards, local bankers made three trips to California trying to change Walt's mind, all unsuccessful. August (Gussie) Busch, Jr.'s insulting remark had killed the deal—Disney World would not be in St. Louis.

Wow, I've never heard this before! Talk about interesting...

I saw that exact story on a Disney special on the Travel Channel. It was on the eve of the big party announcing the park that the head of Anheuser-Busch that told him he wouldn't be able to create a successful dry amusement park.

The show went on to tell that after the dinner, Walt called his executives to his suite and decided against St Louis. He ripped up the agreement and went home that same night.

Not to insult anyone from St Louis, but climate wise....I am glad he did.

Yeah! Now I know some more Disney trivia! It's is rather nice to keep Magic Kingdom the way Walt wanted it. I was just curious why and now I know! Thanks all!

 

[SassyCat]

I don't find it a big deal and believe me I like my drinks at night also...

I can be patient enough to wait till I get back to the resort...is it really that big a deal?

I was thinking the same thing.

I like the fact that MK has no alcohol. MK is such a children's paradise and fantasyland, alcohol would seem kinda outta place, IMO.

If I want a drink, you can get one pretty much everywhere else on property.

Plus, after getting tired walking around all day and being hot or such I don't really feel like having a drink and then walking around more in the elements.

I like relaxing at the hotel.

 

[Colleen27]

I saw that exact story on a Disney special on the Travel Channel. It was on the eve of the big party announcing the park that the head of Anheuser-Busch that told him he wouldn't be able to create a successful dry amusement park.

The show went on to tell that after the dinner, Walt called his executives to his suite and decided against St Louis. He ripped up the agreement and went home that same night.

Not to insult anyone from St Louis, but climate wise....I am glad he did.

I've never heard that before, but I'm glad too. I don't think I'd love Disney half as much if it wasn't such a wonderful escape from our often miserable Michigan weather!