Bob Iger said what???? Interesting Bloomberg article and some personal comments about myself.

[Deleted member 107043]

Its official title is the Most Magical Place on Earth, as opposed to Disneyland, which is the Happiest Place on Earth.

Oh brother.

 

[Phroobar]

Its official title is the Most Magical Place on Earth, as opposed to Disneyland, which is the Happiest Place on Earth.

 

[Darkbeer1]

Speedy recovery Mr. Darkbeer!!!

On the MK thing, yeah gotta agree with the others... DL has always been the original MK!

I do remember my Dad and later I were members of the "Magic Kingdom Club" in which the ticket booth referenced. It was basically the local group discount program, where a group, such as a large employer, a union, a college ASB, etc. signed up and were issued membership cards that got you discounts and special programs, like the book above. When the regular person went to the ticket booth, they got the regular choices of ticket books (or basic admission) and A through D, later added the E coupons (Yes, they were officially called coupons, never tickets) in set amounts. If you had a MKC card, in which was printed the name of your group and the number Disney assigned to that group, got more choices, such as a small discount, and/or added coupons, such as more d and E coupons in the book, or in the image above, an "any ride" coupon (aka "Adventure"), so basically a book of E Coupons if you were smart. Since I was a regular visitor to the park as a kid (My father worked for the "Inter American Tropical Tuna Commission" which was handled through the US Department of State and the United Nations, so we had regular "visitors" for foreign countries staying with us in San Diego, and of course, many wanted to go to the tourist locations like Disneyland, Knott's, Universal, SeaWorld, the SD Zoo, etc., so I was handed the tickets they didn't use, so I had a large stack of A through C coupons I brought when I got to go, and usually was let go inside the park as soon as I was old enough (I was an Only Child, and the "Adults" would do their thing and I got to ride by myself, with instruction to meet somewhere like Town Square or the Central Hub at a certain time, and even remember going to the Lost Parents area more than once (What they did with lost kids, a room that was supervised backstage and kids waited until they could locate the parent/guardian of the child and reunite them). So the MKC Club members in the slower time of the year got the book above as an option, basically as a kid, a book of E Tickets!!!!, so I could ride the big rides multiple times by myself in a day) So you can see where I gained my love of Theme/Amusement Parks... Also, since my Dad travelled quite a bit and also ended up on ships for months at a time, was a time where I could spend some "Quality time with my Dad"... Also why I was one of a few kids with a Secret Service/FBI security classifications. (We had Russians visiting, and heaven forbid if we were passing state secrets to the "spies", like what info would I give, where the best place to buy a burger was, or how to take advantage of a Theme Park visit to its best advantage. Funny to find out my Wife had a similar issue, as her father was a captain of Nuclear Subs decades ago, and when once sneaked into Germany as a college kid on vacation, not realizing that it got her Father in trouble since she joined a few others going to East Berlin for a few hours..... Had no idea until she got home, and somehow her father knew she made the visit (aka the Americans were watching her "contacts" with foreigners. No wonder I like reading Spy Novels....

http://www.yesterland.com/mkc.html

Later on, the MKC folks got the first chance to get an unlimited ride ticket, which was a large piece of cardboard with a large Date of Use stamp on it, and you pinned/attached it to your clothing, and just walked by the CM collecting coupons from others with others only being offered ticker books. So we became the guinea pigs for that system and how a guest would actually use it. (And yes, I did participate in tracking diaries programs, where I was to write down my attractions visited and the time. (I think I was given a food coupon as a thank you for doing it) It was also important, because Magic Mountain opened with the "Unlimited attractions" ticket as the only one for sale to the public. And The Disney Corp. knew they needed to keep the locals happy and coming back to the park, and this offer was one way they could still charge the higher prices to the tourists, and keep the locals happy.

So to me, the Park was Disneyland, and the "club" was the Magic Kingdom.... And why that cover of the coupon book used the term, as it was only available to those who had the "Magic Key"

And as a personal note, at around 11:30 PM last night, I let one rip... Wasn't the loudest, or smelliest one I ever passed, but it wasn't a small toot either... So here I am waiting in my Hospital room for the Doctors to wake up, get my blood drawn, and results back so they can hopefully start phase 2, which includes being able to start eating some things, and getting other test procedures done so I can make my next goal, taking a dump..... Which will allow me to become an out patient, and gain my freedom back

 

[Deleted member 107043]

It was basically the local group discount program

Actually it was offered to employers nationally. As a kid my best friend's mom was a member and we used their MKC card for discounts at WDW. The club even had a magazine called Disney News. Note the cover below shows WDW, not DL.

 

[Darkbeer1]

Actually it was offered to emplyers nationally. As a kid one of my best friend's mom was a member and we used their MKC card for discounts at WDW. The club even had an magazine called Disney News. Note the cover below shows WDW, not DL.

MKC started in 1958, and was designed for Locals mainly, which makes sense, since Disneyland was marketed to locals mainly back then. Yes, some national companies that sponsored Disneyland did get registered and a "chapter number", but I got multiple groups signed up locally, including my local school group, and then a company of companies I worked with (local companies). Basically I did all the initial paperwork and dealt with Disney in the 70's and 80's in regards to the MKC.

But the MKC was the main system, before Disney switched, to these groups buying discounted tickets in bulks and selling them in advance. The MKC system worked only at the park (show your card at the Ticket Booth) for the first couple of decades.

Ironically, we are now going back from the groups being the middle man/seller, to Disney taking it over, and only selling the tickets at a Discount. The group contacts the parks to make the deal, but the ticket stock remains in Disney hands.

I still have some old MKC magazine from the 80's somewhere in a box. I did help Weiner Weiss with his research to the Yesterland link I provided earlier.

 

[Deleted member 107043]

MKC started in 1958, and was designed for Locals mainly, which makes sense, since Disneyland was marketed to locals mainly back then. Yes, some national companies that sponsored Disneyland did get registered and a "chapter number", but I got multiple groups signed up locally, including my local school group, and then a company of companies I worked with (local companies). Basically I did all the initial paperwork and dealt with Disney in the 70's and 80's in regards to the MKC.

But the MKC was the main system, before Disney switched, to these groups buying discounted tickets in bulks and selling them in advance. The MKC system worked only at the park (show your card at the Ticket Booth) for the first couple of decades.

Ironically, we are now going back from the groups being the middle man/seller, to Disney taking it over, and only selling the tickets at a Discount. The group contacts the parks to make the deal, but the ticket stock remains in Disney hands.

I still have some old MKC magazine from the 80's somewhere in a box. I did help Weiner Weiss with his research to the Yesterland link I provided earlier.

Yeah, I know the history of the MKC, thanks. My point was to underscore that the program was not limited to locals near DL, and agreeing with others that the Magic Kingdom moniker has had a connection with DL for a very long time.

 

[Darkbeer1]

I agree with the use of the Magic Kingdom as a term used in relations of the park, but not as the "Name" of the Park, here is one of the first official Press Releases... (Notice the grammar..)

https://darkbeer.smugmug.com/Theme-Parks/Disneyland-Historical/i-WPBq5vR/A

"Disneyland, Walt Disney's multimillion dollar magic kingdom"

And that is the only time it was used in the documents I have from the history of the park until after Walt's passing.

https://darkbeer.smugmug.com/Theme-Parks/Disneyland-Historical/

The location was always called Disneyland. The use of magic kingdom as a describer term to try and differentiate itself from an "amusement park", a term which Walt didn't like.

So it was just a way to describe the park as being different than the usual local amusement park at the time, and not used as a name to call the park. And that is clear.

 

[Californian Elitist]

I agree that "Magic Kingdom" is not Disneyland's official name. Disneyland is and always has been "Disneyland," however its got its nicknames.

 

[NobodyElse]

Actually it was offered to emplyers nationally. As a kid my best friend's mom was a member and we used their MKC card for discounts at WDW. The club even had a magazine called Disney News. Note the cover below shows WDW, not DL.

Glad you brought up "Disney News". That was an important source if information for kids like me. It was my first glimpse of the Hatbox Ghost, Mineral King Resort (proposed), and most things DisneyWorld.

 

[Deleted member 107043]

Glad you brought up "Disney News". That was an important source if information for kids like me. It was my first glimpse of the Hatbox Ghost, Mineral King Resort (proposed), and most things DisneyWorld.

If you haven't already you have to visit the URL in the bottom right of the picture!

 

[NobodyElse]

If you haven't already you have to visit the URL in the bottom right of the picture!

Thanks. I distinctly remember several of those covers.

 

[NobodyElse]

Allow me to recall a few other things in regards to the various "ticketing" schemes.

One was the phenomenon of the After Hours Party. It seems like this was prevalent through the late 70's / early 80's. In the off-season, Disneyland would close for the evening (let's say 7:00 as an example). Then after clearing the park, people who had bought tickets to the event (usually through a large local employer such as Rockwell International) would be allowed in. The two big perks were shorter than usual lines and UNLIMITED USE OF RIDES AND ATTRACTIONS (except shootin' galleries). NO COUPONS NECESSARY! That was a big deal back then.

Another earlier memory I have (and this must have been around '69 or so) was attending a mix-in Christmas-time event. So, on a regular Saturday in December, we went to Disneyland just like anybody else. The difference was we had special cloth stickers (patches) that enabled us to bypass the regular coupon system. You'd wait in line for the Matterhorn as usual, but when you got to the turnstile they would let you right through. It was pretty special not to have to be concerned about coupon budgeting (how do we use those precious E"-tickets"?) or buying extra coupons throughout the day. A souvenir family picture was also provided if you wanted one. This may have been a Magic Kingdom Club perk. I just don't remember.

 

[NobodyElse]

And as a personal note, at around 11:30 PM last night, I let one rip...

Good for you! It's a little amazing what an important milestone something like that is, but it makes sense. (...and sometimes scents.)

 

[Darkbeer1]

Good for you! It's a little amazing what an important milestone something like that is, but it makes sense. (...and sometimes scents.)

Quick update, got moved again last night, had my wifi heart monitor removed, so no cords, just two IV needles, one on each hand, but no tubes attached. Did something better than passing gas, like they say, Here I sit trying to ... but only farted... Well, I got the real thing,and then a few more times in the last 14 hours, so I am currently eating a burger, and making plans to head home tomorrow, subject to change as they say. But everything is looking good, caught the cancer early, and got it all removed. Very little restriction once I get home

So thanks to all for their good wishes and prayers, or a least the promise to not use my image as a dartboard for a week.

Alas, tonight was supposed to be the next meeting in regards to the Eastern Gateway Project, but we are still waiting,the city has stated a 30 day notice will be given before the next workshop or hearing.

 

[VJ]

Another earlier memory I have (and this must have been around '69 or so) was attending a mix-in Christmas-time event. So, on a regular Saturday in December, we went to Disneyland just like anybody else. The difference was we had special cloth stickers (patches) that enabled us to bypass the regular coupon system. You'd wait in line for the Matterhorn as usual, but when you got to the turnstile they would let you right through. It was pretty special not to have to be concerned about coupon budgeting (how do we use those precious E"-tickets"?) or buying extra coupons throughout the day. A souvenir family picture was also provided if you wanted one. This may have been a Magic Kingdom Club perk. I just don't remember.

Kinda sounds like what @Darkbeer1 was describing in a previous post to me.

 

[Darkbeer1]

OK, being lazy, here is a personal update I posted on another site...

I am back home from the Hospital and got a good night sleep in my own bed, sleeping next to my lovely wife.

Still on Happy Pills, and a patched hole (well multiple ones) in my gut (now shortened by a foot), and lots of more meds and doctor appointments in the future. Current status is off work, limited action, take more naps and no heavy lifting. Diet is pretty much eat what I want though

...
The big news, I was rushed into the Hospital due to them finding cancer in one of the 9 polyps they removed from a standard Colonoscopy. I entered the hospital with a diagnosis of Stage 2 Colon Cancer, and they removed a foot of my Colon last week.

Well, I finally got my pathology report back on the removed section. they had a problem with the first time they did it, and had to repeat it to verify the results.

And they had to change my Diagnosis... I have a new Stage level, since that is the key of the dreaded Chemo, worried I was going to have to take it and be level 3....

Well, I am now diagnosis with Stage ONE Cancer (and that is the best, the lower the number the better), for those who know the TNM scale I am T1, N0, M0, the lowest level there is, and that it was totally removed by the surgery.

So thanks to everybody prayers and good thoughts, I am now in remission and Cancer free!! And a new poster boy to promote regular cancer screenings and getting checked!!!!

But still need to be careful, especially in the short term.

 

[VJ]

OK, being lazy, here is a personal update I posted on another site...

I am back home from the Hospital and got a good night sleep in my own bed, sleeping next to my lovely wife.

Still on Happy Pills, and a patched hole (well multiple ones) in my gut (now shortened by a foot), and lots of more meds and doctor appointments in the future. Current status is off work, limited action, take more naps and no heavy lifting. Diet is pretty much eat what I want though

...
The big news, I was rushed into the Hospital due to them finding cancer in one of the 9 polyps they removed from a standard Colonoscopy. I entered the hospital with a diagnosis of Stage 2 Colon Cancer, and they removed a foot of my Colon last week.

Well, I finally got my pathology report back on the removed section. they had a problem with the first time they did it, and had to repeat it to verify the results.

And they had to change my Diagnosis... I have a new Stage level, since that is the key of the dreaded Chemo, worried I was going to have to take it and be level 3....

Well, I am now diagnosis with Stage ONE Cancer (and that is the best, the lower the number the better), for those who know the TNM scale I am T1, N0, M0, the lowest level there is, and that it was totally removed by the surgery.

So thanks to everybody prayers and good thoughts, I am now in remission and Cancer free!! And a new poster boy to promote regular cancer screenings and getting checked!!!!

But still need to be careful, especially in the short term.

Glad to hear it!