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Smart talk and stories behind the magic of theme parks

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Visiting Walt Disney World in 1972 (Photo Essay)

05.17.2021 by Dan Heaton // 16 Comments

Cinderella Castle looked very different during its first year of operation after The Magic Kingdom opened in October 1971.
Photo by Paul Heaton

We’ve grown accustomed to modern Walt Disney World, a huge destination filled with activity and large crowds. During its early years in the 1970s, the park had a quieter look without as much visual noise. I love both versions, but it remains surprising when I see photos of the original resort.… Read more...

Categories // Walt Disney World Tags // Photo essays, Vintage Disney, Vintage Walt Disney World, Walt Disney World

Photo Essay: Family Vacations in the ’80s and ’90s

01.06.2021 by Dan Heaton // 2 Comments

The gorgeous fountain outside of Journey Into Imagination at EPCOT Center
Photo by Dan Heaton

I was born in 1976, less than five years after the opening of Walt Disney World. My parents visited in the next year and made the drive from Missouri to Florida regularly for our family vacations. One of my earliest memories is arriving at the Polynesian in 1980 and taking a golf cart to our room.… Read more...

Categories // Walt Disney World Tags // EPCOT Center, Photo essays, The Magic Kingdom, Trip Report, Walt Disney World

A Visit to Disneyland in 1959 (Photo Essay)

08.12.2020 by Dan Heaton // 8 Comments

Sleeping Beauty Castle stands tall in the middle of Disneyland in June 1959.
Sleeping Beauty Castle was Disneyland’s icon from the beginning

My parents have been longtime Disney fans, and they are one of the main reasons for my passion for theme parks. Our annual trips to Walt Disney World (and one to Disneyland in 1985) made me into the fan that I am today.… Read more...

Categories // Disneyland Tags // Disneyland, Photo essays, Vintage Disney, Vintage Disneyland, Walt Disney

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