WDW Beginnings PART 2 THE EARLY YEARS 1971-1977

[tim123]

I know its better to live in the now. The present. The past is gone and the future uncertain. But I can't help thinking about how wonderful WDW was in the 1970s. To think of all the millions and millions of families and couples who have wonderful memories on that property…. is amazing to me. That to me trumps the money making aspect of WDW and that is why I love the place so much. This is my third film looking back to the beginning. I hope you enjoy this sentimental journey. The music and the imagery come from the heart. Over 700 people have watched the first film on WDW construction and about 100 have seen the EPCOT sequel. I hope you enjoy this one about the years 1971 to 1977. There are many photos from hours of research that you may never have seen before. I welcome any and all comments.
Tim

WDW Beginnings "The Early Years 1971 to 1977"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QmsjbuYEvpw


WDW Beginnings: The Construction
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F3ETQ1TPqiA


WDW Beginnings: EPCOT
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uOq_jc33WJ8

 

[JustMeFran]

Those are wonderful!
Thank you very much!

 

[BridgetBordeaux]

All three did a wonderful job of tracing the history and progress of Disney World. The colors, the fashions, the cars, the changing look of the park, were all enjoyable to see. Thanks for putting them together and posting them.

 

[tim123]

All three did a wonderful job of tracing the history and progress of Disney World. The colors, the fashions, the cars, the changing look of the park, were all enjoyable to see. Thanks for putting them together and posting them.

Thank you!
I see you went to Ft Wilderness in 1972. Do you have any photos from that trip? Also I see you like to go in September!!!!! I think that must be the best time with a number 2 crowd calendar. Thats when I would like to go if I could find someone who will come with me.

 

[fla4fun]

Thank you!
I see you went to Ft Wilderness in 1972. Do you have any photos from that trip? Also I see you like to go in September!!!!! I think that must be the best time with a number 2 crowd calendar. Thats when I would like to go if I could find someone who will come with me.

Don't wait for someone to go with you! Go solo! I get a lot more vacation than most of my friends and family, so I do a lot of solo WDW trips. Yes, it's different than going with someone, but both types of trips have their pros and cons. On a solo trip, you go where you want, when you want, eat where you want, when you want - if you want to spend the whole day taking photos, or decide you're doing nothing but snacks for your food one day, there's no one to say no. If you feel the need to share something that happens, that's what email is for! The only thing to remember is September is the peak of hurricane season, so I wouldn't plan to camp out on a September trip in case you had to evacuate (too hot and humid and rainy anyway). I go in September every year, and it's a great time to visit.

Sometimes I do theme days. One day last year I spend my time in MK hitting the classic attractions like HOP, CBJ, COP - anything that was around during those first few years WDW was open. It was like taking a trip back to my childhood.

 

[tim123]

Don't wait for someone to go with you! Go solo! I get a lot more vacation than most of my friends and family, so I do a lot of solo WDW trips. Yes, it's different than going with someone, but both types of trips have their pros and cons. On a solo trip, you go where you want, when you want, eat where you want, when you want - if you want to spend the whole day taking photos, or decide you're doing nothing but snacks for your food one day, there's no one to say no. If you feel the need to share something that happens, that's what email is for! The only thing to remember is September is the peak of hurricane season, so I wouldn't plan to camp out on a September trip in case you had to evacuate (too hot and humid and rainy anyway). I go in September every year, and it's a great time to visit.

Sometimes I do theme days. One day last year I spend my time in MK hitting the classic attractions like HOP, CBJ, COP - anything that was around during those first few years WDW was open. It was like taking a trip back to my childhood.

I travel solo everywhere…except WDW…really want to share that with someone…already taken my nieces when they were younger and their parents…went with friends in October…nobody else wants to go..they all say been there done that…they can't understand why Id want to go again!

 

[BridgetBordeaux]

I will try to dig up some old photo albums this week

 

[wiigirl]

Awesome!

 

[pheonixheart]

Amazing! Thanks for including John Lennon.....I have always wanted to stay at the Poly because of the history.......while my first visit was in 1976 and I was only a year old. These are the images in my mind of my childhood. Many trips to WDW growing up, and many more as an adult but when I am there now I really do see my childhood in the faces of the children seeing the "Magic" for the very first time.

 

[Tink-n-Belle]

Thank you so much.....ah the memories...even the first hotels " onsite" we stayed in on hotel blvd.

We used to stay at the villas too....

Love the construction photo's of MK and Epcot.

Also loved the simplicity of the world with just 2 hotels. I remember the elephant topiaries too.....the topiaries were the first thing I saw when I rode the monorail for the first time. Then going thru the contemporary......then coming out and seeing the MK for the first time......and the castle .....pure magic for a seven year old.

That is why I keep going back time and time again......

It really is amazing .....I remember my father telling me his friend stayed at the cont in a suite.......I was so envious ( in a good way) never ever thinking I would get the chance to do that with my family........thanks to DVC I do it every trip at the BLT. And I get to look out my window and watch the monorails go by and it always takes me back to those first trips...in the 1970‘s.

 

[JimmyV]

We pretty much covered all of that. From the Contemporary to the Hotels on Hotel Plaza Blvd to the spiral staircase of the Tree Houses. Many of those photos come from a souvenir book that we bought on our first visit. I still have it. Funny how some people on the FP+ threads talk about how crowds were just as big back then as they are now. Uh....no. The rocketships (now Astro Orbiter) are half empty in the photo in the video!

 

[lthiesfeld07]

These are fantastic!! Thank you so much!

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

 

[BridgetBordeaux]

I was able to scan the pics from 1972 but need to try to send them to the OP. I tried to post them here but they are JPEG files and not links.

 

[tim123]

I was able to scan the pics from 1972 but need to try to send them to the OP. I tried to post them here but they are JPEG files and not links.

can't wait to see em
thanks

 

[BridgetBordeaux]

My daughter said she would help me post them online so that I can then put the URL in this thread. Give me 24 hours and hopefully it will be done.

 

[tim123]

My daughter said she would help me post them online so that I can then put the URL in this thread. Give me 24 hours and hopefully it will be done.

thank goodness for young people!

 

[FoxyGranny]

I recall the Preview Station WDW constructed to introduce locals with a sneak peak via models and pictures. At the time I was residing in Orlando, Fl and there was much speculation over WDW.

Remember the E tickets ( still have an unused one)

Thank you so much for sharing!

 

[tim123]

I recall the Preview Station WDW constructed to introduce locals with a sneak peak via models and pictures. At the time I was residing in Orlando, Fl and there was much speculation over WDW.

Remember the E tickets ( still have an unused one)

Thank you so much for sharing!

glad you liked the videos!! It took me hours to find all those pictures….
Not a whole lot of people on these boards watched them but thats ok…I think the ones of us who remember the 'old days' can appreciate the films more..

 

[MinniesYooHoo]

Thank you SO much for these videos!!!! I actually remember those days (I'm showing my age. But I think we were the lucky ones that got to experience the birth of something wonderful). They bring back such loving and wonderful memories. I think it's one of those "you had to be there" kind of moments that some folks just won't understand today. Thanks again.

 

[BridgetBordeaux]

Lets try these pictures taken in 1972..........

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