On Disney-focused web forums, theme park enthusiasts often lament the bygone era of jam-packed attractions, widespread entertainment, unique shops, and cutting-edge tech (for its time). We also point out there was significantly more to do back in the days when prices were more reasonable and the experience was open to “all who entered this happy place”: upcharge cupcake parties and roped-off viewing areas didn’t separate classes within Disney parks.
This thread is meant as a snapshot of the era many call the Golden Age of WDW: late ‘80s into the early ‘90s. I’m going to be listing the available attractions and shops as noted in Birnbaum’s 1990 Official Guide to WDW— the kickoff year for the Disney Decade.
Things weren’t perfect. They never were. In 1990, the Studios were under-built, and ToT wouldn’t come for another four years. Some of the EPCOT Center pavilions were starting to show their age, and World of Motion and Kitchen Kabaret would soon be replaced. At the MK, fireworks were a seasonal event, although the nightly Illuminations had just premiered at EPCOT. Tomorrowland was soon going to be transformed into TL ‘94, bringing Alien Encounter and the Timekeeper. Splash Mountain was on its way. And Animal Kingdom was in its earliest planning stages. All those attractions were icing on the Castle Cake, so to speak.
In fact, despite the infamous Castle Cake for the 25th anniversary, the late ‘80s through mid ‘90s were a bright point in WDW’s history. This was the era that created the experience people know and love; this was the time that cemented Disney’s reputation among Baby Boomers, Gen X-ers, and Millennials.
The thread is supposed to be fun, and isn’t intended as a point-by-point comparison to WDW in 2019/2020. As you’ll see, it’s just a look at classic WDW.
Please join the conversation and post any photos or memories you have from this time! I hope @marni1971 can post links to his incredible vids. I’ll post some pics from the travel guide.
And @wdwmagic — feel free to move this wherever it belongs. I’m not sure whether this is the correct sub-forum.
This thread is meant as a snapshot of the era many call the Golden Age of WDW: late ‘80s into the early ‘90s. I’m going to be listing the available attractions and shops as noted in Birnbaum’s 1990 Official Guide to WDW— the kickoff year for the Disney Decade.
Things weren’t perfect. They never were. In 1990, the Studios were under-built, and ToT wouldn’t come for another four years. Some of the EPCOT Center pavilions were starting to show their age, and World of Motion and Kitchen Kabaret would soon be replaced. At the MK, fireworks were a seasonal event, although the nightly Illuminations had just premiered at EPCOT. Tomorrowland was soon going to be transformed into TL ‘94, bringing Alien Encounter and the Timekeeper. Splash Mountain was on its way. And Animal Kingdom was in its earliest planning stages. All those attractions were icing on the Castle Cake, so to speak.
In fact, despite the infamous Castle Cake for the 25th anniversary, the late ‘80s through mid ‘90s were a bright point in WDW’s history. This was the era that created the experience people know and love; this was the time that cemented Disney’s reputation among Baby Boomers, Gen X-ers, and Millennials.
The thread is supposed to be fun, and isn’t intended as a point-by-point comparison to WDW in 2019/2020. As you’ll see, it’s just a look at classic WDW.
Please join the conversation and post any photos or memories you have from this time! I hope @marni1971 can post links to his incredible vids. I’ll post some pics from the travel guide.
And @wdwmagic — feel free to move this wherever it belongs. I’m not sure whether this is the correct sub-forum.
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