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| photo courtesy of Google Images |
The Eisner Era, TWO new parks, the Mickey Ice Cream bar! Plus leg warmers and big hair!! It's Disney World in the 80s!!!! The 80s saw many changes and major expansions at Walt Disney World. By the end of the decade, there would be two new parks, new icons, new attractions and 3 times the magic and memories.
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| photo courtesy of Google Images |
1980 would see the close of the Mickey Mouse Revue and also the Admiral Joe Fowler riverboat retired from operation.
However, before the year ended the next iconic mountain, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, opened in Magic Kingdom.
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| photo courtesy of Google Images |
1981 - Disney releases a film titled A Dream Called Disney World as a souvenir. Also, the EPCOT preview center in Magic Kingdom begins showing A Dream Called EPCOT. By the 10th anniversary of it's opening, attendance at Walt Disney World reaches 126 million. Finally, the live stage show, Disney World is Your World begins playing in Tomorrowland.
1982 saw the opening of Walt Disney World's second park, EPCOT. Although Walt's vision of this Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow was for it to be a real, working community, the finished product was much different. But what would it be exactly? Some Imagineers thought the park should represent the cutting edge of technology. Others thought it should celebrate international customs and culture. In the end, both won out and EPCOT became a park with two parts, Future World and the World Showcase.
In Future World, Spaceship Earth opens and becomes the "icon" of EPCOT. The Journey Into Imagination pavilion included Image Works and the Magic Eye theater showing the 3D film Magic Journeys. The Land pavilion included Listen to the Land, Tomorrow's Harvest tour, Kitchen Kabaret show, the Harvest Theater showing the film Symbiosis along with the Farmer's Market food court and the Good Turn restaurant. The Universe of Energy pavilion features multiple films. The World of Motion pavilion features a film and a General Motors auto display. Displays also open in Communicore East and West.
1983 - The Journey Into Imagination attraction opens at EPCOT along with the Horizons pavilion. The Horizons pavilion included the films Choose Your Tomorrow and Omnisphere. A New World Fantasy Show debuts on the World Showcase Lagoon and the Plaza Swan Boats closes at Magic Kingdom.
1984 - Bistro de Paris restaurant opens in the France pavilion, the Laserphonic Fantasy show debuts in the World Showcase Lagoon, and Morocco is added at the 10th country represented in the World Showcase.
In Magic Kingdom, the Frontierland Shootin Arcade opens and the Country Bears Christmas Special Show debuts.
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| photo courtesy of mealtrip.com |
1985 - Lotus Blossom Cafe and Nine Dragons Restaurant are added to the China pavilion in EPCOT's World Showcase.
Disney Clothiers Shop opens in Magic Kingdom.
That same year, Disney announces it's plans to build a third Hollywood-style theme park.
1986 - The 3D film, Captain EO, starring Michael Jackson debuts at the Magic Eye Theater.
The Living Seas attraction also opens which includes a 5.7 million gallon aquarium, multiple movies and the Coral Reef restaurant.
Merlin's Magic Shop opens in Magic Kingdom and construction begins on Disney-MGM Studios park.
1987 - If You Had Wings is closed in Magic Kingdom and replaced by If You Could Fly.
Also, Disney Dollars debut in EPCOT and Disneyland.
1988 - IllumiNations debuts on the World Showcase lagoon. The Norway pavilion joins the World Showcase as the 11th and final country to date.
Mickey's Birthdayland opens as the 7th themed land in Magic Kingdom.
The Grand Floridian Resort and Caribbean Beach Resort hotels open.
1989 - If You Could Fly closes at Magic Kingdom replaced by Delta Dreamflight and Tony's Town Square Restaurant opens in Magic Kingdom.
Typhoon Lagoon water park opens. Pleasure Island opens.
In EPCOT, the Wonders of Life pavilion opens which includes Body Wars and Cranium Command.
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| photo courtesy of funaticstv.com |
On May 1, 1989, Disney-MGM Studios park opened. Opening day attractions included:
The Great Movie Ride
The Backstage Studio Tour
The Magic of Disney Animation Tour
The Monster Sound Show
The SuperStar Television attraction
The Disney Classics Theater
The Theater of the Stars
The original layout of Disney-MGM Studios was created in the shape of a Mickey head that could be seen from the air. The opening also featured many specialty shops and restaurants including: 50's Prime Time Cafe, Studio Catering Co., Min & Bill's Dockside Diner, Hollywood and Vine and the Hollywood Brown Derby.
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| 1986 Lisa Mumme |
PARADE TIMELINE:
Walt Disney World's Tencennial Parade 1981 - 1982
Mickey Mouse Character Parade 1983
Donald's 50th Birthday Parade 1984
Mickey's Street Party 1985 - 1986
Walt Disney World's 15th Anniversary Parade 1986
Spirit of America 1987-1988
Mickey's All American Birthday Parade 1988 - 1990
Here are some great 80s photos submitted by our SUPER fans for you to enjoy!
Stay with us as we explore all the exciting changes at Walt Disney World in the 1990s!
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