

The original maps are not printed with copyright information, as Disney did not started doing that until 1979. These maps were also very different than the maps that hung in the Contemporary and Polynesian Resorts during the early 70’s and 80’s. The original maps were beautiful reproductions of the hand-drawn original. Sometime in 1972, the first Magic Kingdom guides became available for guests.ĭuring the early days of the Magic Kingdom, large souvenir maps of the Magic Kingdom were available for purchase from the gift shops to take home for approximately $0.50. Inside that document was a map to the park, as well as other various news items from around the park.

Instead there was a newspaper called the Walt Disney World News. That is the path I am reenacting as my grandparents, my mom, and my aunts attended the Magic Kingdom in the summer of 1972.Īccording to Disney Archives, in 1971, there was not a traditional guide map that guests received at the front of the park like they do today. The Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World opened October 1, 1971, and even in its early days, there was a magic in the air that brought families back year after year.

With a couple hundred bucks in hand, you are taking your family to what hopefully will be an incredible experience your family will never forget, all while being uncertain of exactly what you may find. Imagine it is 1972 and your family is headed to the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World for the first time.
