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Tag Archives: 1970s

July 30

July 30, 1973 – Time Magazine Posts Article “Disney After Walt is a Family Affair.”

“The financial fellows think we’re going to fall on our faces without Walt…well, we’re going to fool them.”

On July 30, 1973, Time Magazine published its latest issue, featuring an article entitled “Disney After Walt is a Family Affair.” After Walt passed away in 1966, there were serious worries about how the company could survive. The article interview Roy O. Disney and talks about how the company managed to survive and thrive in the years since Walt’s death.

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July 18

July 18, 1978 – Lake Buena Vista Office Plaza Opens

On July 18, 1978, the Lake Buena Vista Office Plaza opened in Walt Disney World. Also known as the Sun Bank Building and the SunTrust Building, the office was shared by Sun Bank (currently known as SunTrust), which operates the ground floor, and Disney, who keeps their offices on the upper floors. This building was Disney’s attempt to build many office complexes in the Lake Buena Vista area.

June 12

June 12, 1975 – The Walt Disney Story Featuring Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln Opens in Disneyland

“Encounter the Great Emancipator as he returns to tell the tale of generations past and share his stirring vision of the future.”

On June 12, 1975, the popular Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln attraction returned to Disneyland and reopened as The Walt Disney Story Featuring Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln. The attraction originally closed on January 1, 1973, to be replaced by The Walt Disney Story. However, the attraction was brought back due to the demand from guests. The original attraction was created for the New York World’s Fair, presented at the State of Illinois pavilion, and opened in Disneyland on July 18, 1965. Since its combination with The Walt Disney Story, the attraction remains open and remains one of the most popular attractions within the park.

April 5

April 8, 1973 – The Walt Disney Story Attraction Opens in Disneyland

“But good ol’ Walt, he was the best friend a mouse could have. He gave me my start, you know.”

On April 8, 1973, the Main Street attraction The Walt Disney Story opened in Disneyland’s Opera House. Taking the place of Great Moments wit Mr. Lincoln, the attraction was a movie narrated by Walt Disney himself, providing insight into his life. The attraction also included memorabilia from the Walt Disney Archives, including letters, awards, and a replica of his office in Disney Studios, which was created thanks to photographs and blueprints. Guests, however, missed the Lincoln attraction, and the film ended its run on February 12, 1975; Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln returned to the theater soon after. The film was also an attraction in Walt Disney World from April 15, 1973 through October 5, 1992.

April 1

April 1, 1978 – The First Disney Films are Shown on Pay-TV

On April 1, 1978, the first Disney films were shown through pay-TV services, and served as a precursor to what would become the Disney Channel. Disney had been interested in creating their own cable channel since 1977, but instead made a deal with HBO to air several pieces from the Disney catalog. The idea for the Disney Channel was revived in 1981, and would finally launch in April 18, 1983.

March 22

March 22, 1975 – The Store Posh Pets Opens in Lake Buena Vista Village

Image credit: d23.com

On March 22, 1975, the specialty pet store Posh Pets opened in the Lake Buena Vista Village shopping area of Walt Disney World. The shop not only sold accessories and had grooming appointments, but also sold unique and exotic live animals, such as varieties of fish, parrots, and albino skunks. The store closed on October 9, 1976, and was quickly replaced by Toys Fantastique.

March 14

March 14, 1975 – The Magic Carpet ‘Round the World Film Attraction Closes in Walt Disney World

On March 14, 1975, the film attraction Magic Carpet ‘Round the World, located in the Tomorrowland Circle-Vision Theatre, officially closed. Open since March 16, 1974, the 360-degree film gave guests majestic views of some of the world’s most beautiful places. After it was closed, it was replaced by an updated version of the attraction’s predecessor, America the Beautiful. The film would be revived in Tokyo Disneyland, opening on April 15, 1983, and closing on May 16, 1986.

March 2

March 2, 1976 – Walt Disney World Welcomes 50-Millionth Guest

On March 2, 1976, Walt Disney World welcomed its 50-millionth guest to the park. 13-year-old Susan Brummer from Virginia was the lucky guest welcomed in. This was quite a feat for the park, as it had only been open under five years. Tourism continued to grow for the parks at this stage, as new attractions and resort locations were added every year to keep interest high. The 100-millionth guest would arrive at the park only three years later.

January 9

January 9, 1977 – The New Mousketeers Perform at Super Bowl XI

“Ladies and gentlemen, the entire audience of Super Bowl XI presents from the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, a greeting to the world of peace, joy, and love.”

On January 9, 1977, Super Bowl XI was held at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. This halftime show was produced by Disney, and was used to promote the revamp of the Mickey Mouse Club by featuring the New Mousketeers performing alongside the LAUSD All-City Band. The presentation centered around the theme of the it’s a small world attraction, including the themes of “peace, joy, and love.” For the first time in a halftime show, the audience of the game was invited to participate through the waving of colored placards.

December 29

December 29, 1974 – John Lennon Signs Papers at Walt Disney World Dissolving The Beatles

On December 29, 1974, it is widely believed that John Lennon, who was staying on vacation at Walt Disney World’s Polynesian Resort, signed the paperwork that effectively dissolved the partnership of the band the Beatles. Although the rest of the band had signed the papers at Apple Headquarters, Lennon had been a no-show at the meeting, and instead had gone to celebrate Christmas at Walt Disney World with his secretary and lover May Pang.