35 minutes for me today, for 500 even so far.
And we are
TEAM PINK at 76%!! (Thank you, sophy1996, for posting a
bunch of minutes!)
Now that we've learned some history in all four parks, we'll move on to lost resorts.
The Contemporary and Polynesian both opened with the park in 1971, but did you know there were supposed to be three more "Phase One" resorts built during the first five years? They were to be the Asian, Venetian, and Persian. From "an early Disney marketing booklet published in 1970" (as quoted in the Smith book I've been referencing) -
Each hotel will be a complete major attraction in itself, with its own recreation activities, entertainment, dining facilities, and resort atmosphere. Additionally, guests in any hotel will be able to enjoy facilities of all others and the attractions of the entire "Vacation Kingdom" during their stay.
In this concept picture, you can see the Contemporary (far right) and Polynesian (bottom left) as they are really located. The Asian is on the left, approximately where the Grand Floridian is now. The Venetian is nearest the center of the picture (between the TTC and Contemporary on the monorail) and the Persian is in the top right corner of the frame, with the blue dome.
Here's another depiction, on an early "Fun Map" by Paul Hartley:
Unfortunately for Disney planners, the oil crisis in the early 1970s caused a recession that slashed attendance, and kept these resorts confined to the drawing boards.
Here's a video with some more details on the resort plans and the oil crisis, as well as a surprise
fourth idea that also didn't happen:
Elizabeth Smith
piglet1979
