“Prologue: Walt Disney and Polynesia”

Walt and Lillian first experienced Hawaii in 1934, taking a six-day cruise aboard the S.S. Lurline to visit Oahu decades before Hawaii became one of the United States of America. Walt was so inspired to share the magic with Mickey Mouse and his friends in Hawaiian Holiday, released in 1939.

Decades later, the magic was shared with theme park audiences when the Polynesian Village opened as Walt Disney World's tropic island resort, located along the white, sandy beaches, palm-lined shores and crystal - clear waters of the Seven Seas Lagoon. There were eight native ‘longhouses’ named after a primary culture of Polynesia - Tahiti, Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, Hawaii, Bora Bora and Maui. These lodgings held 492 guest rooms, including suites. These were connected by winding pathways through tropical gardens and clusters of towering palm trees. On adjacent Papeete Bay, a wide variety of water recreation was available.

“At Disney's Polynesian Resort, you'll enjoy modern accommodations in a tropical island retreat. Dip your toes in toasty sandy beaches, or immerse yourself in the towering coconut palms and 75 different species of tropical and subtropical plants - even a cascading two-story waterfall.”

“Imagineering the Polynesian Resort & Village - Blue Sky for Walt Disney World Resort Hotels”

The Disney Organization had been familiar with the Hotel Resort business for quite some time. Walt’s own father Elias once ran a hotel. In 1955, Walt would follow in his father’s footsteps with the Disney-Wrather-Granville venture of the Disneyland Hotel.

After more than a decade of operating the Disneyland Hotel, the Annual Shareholders Report of 1967 (page 12), commented on the previous experience gained from the growth and expansion of the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim, California (from 1954-1967): “both problems and solutions” were “now being called upon in the master planning of Walt Disney World.” Realizing that guests would travel from great distances, Walt’s plans for the Florida Project involved lodging establishments including two hotels and a camping facility at the time of opening.

Now (after Walt), Walt’s people and company were embarking on “Imagineering” a new, grander “theme show” for Florida audiences. The latter expression (“theme show”) was once defined as: “A controlled, usually man-made environment where as many as possible elements pertain to a single fictional or non-fictional motif. Thus, an individual placed within that environment may consciously or subliminally experience it.” But even more (as one sanctioned statement elaborated): “We are talking about all the things a guest may experience and be entertained by - colors, sounds, lights, detail - timing, taste and texture. Through art and animation, our imagination, creativity and talent blend together to make our ‘show.’”

Walt Disney’s original site plan was realized. According to one c.1982 orientation instructor’s guide: “In fact, if you were to look at the original master plan you would see little deviation from that which Walt drew in 1965. The Magic Kingdom is still at the top, with hotels around the lakes, the Main Entrance Road winds its way 5 miles up through the original EPCOT site, the Monorail connects them all and the EPCOT Satellites (Tree Farm, Energy Plant, etc.) are all going on as planned.”

The WALT DISNEY WORLD® Vacation Kingdom complex was planned to serve as a sort of “vacation headquarters” for visitors that would also see beaches and other local attractions. However, there were many recreational opportunities and many wonders at the WALT DISNEY WORLD Vacation Kingdom. WALT DISNEY WORLD® would include hotels, camping and recreational facilities, and transportation systems to link the various parts of the complex. Recreational activities for the entire family were planned, like golf, tennis, sailing, water skiing, swimming, horseback riding and a number of noncompetitive sports and leisure time activities.

“Eastern Airlines Introduces Walt Disney World - The Family Vacation Kingdom” published by “the official airline of Walt Disney World,” before October 1971 described a Stolport (seen bottom right) “adjacent to the Disney World parking lot, is in the planning stage. Eastern contemplates providing Stol (Short Take-Off Landing) aircraft service between the Disney site and the Miami and Atlanta airports - perhaps by late 1971 or early 1972.”

The remaining three - the Asian, Persian, and Venetian theme resorts - were to follow later. All were called ‘theme resorts’ because each hotel was to be distinct in the architectural and cultural theme it represents. Everything, from interior decor to employees costumes and special dining room menus were to carry out the overall theme. Each hotel was to be constructed around the lake and lagoon providing not only a scenic view but also affording guests a unique choice of transportation by land and water craft. Although there were no private automobiles operated on the site, guests arriving by car could drive through an underpass to a parking area at each hotel.

The Ten Year Master Plan of Walt Disney World included exciting research and development of new resort hotels. Other international-themed resort hotels (as seen in Paul Hartley’s artwork and concepts produced by Welton Becket & Associates, pictured above) were planned for the lagoon shores during latter periods of the Phase One plan. These included a new resort-hotel, based on an exotic Asian theme, planned for the shores of the Seven Seas Lagoon.

A 600-room and 50-royal suite Thai-inspired Asian Resort (with its own restaurant and lounge atop a 160-foot tower) would offer a complete range of resort facilities. “Primarily Thai in its decor and food specialities, this hotel will be located on the lagoon, nearest of all the hotels to the theme park entrance. It is being planned to include 600 rooms, about two-thirds in garden settings and the remainder in the 160-foot tower building. A theme restaurant and cocktail lounge at the top of the tower will provide nighttime dancing and stage entertainment. A unique feature is the location of convention facilities, all underneath and separated from the main public areas of the Asian resort. In addition, a multi-purpose main ballroom and smaller meeting rooms are planned for conventions. Every guest room (including 50 elegant suites) will face the lagoon or a central recreation area.” This particular additional development was planned to be completed by the Christmas of 1974 and beyond. The Asian Hotel was a WED/MAPO job in progress by September 30, 1982, costing $287,806.74.

There was to be an exotic Persian-style resort hotel (with the character of Persian mosques, columns, landscaped courtyards, and terraced sundecks) planned for the northwestern shore of the Lake.

There was also to be a Venetian Resort (in similar style of St. Mark’s square) with sunlit atrium and 120-foot campanile, while the surrounding area would simulate “the City of Canals,” with gondolas maneuvering through waterways and under bridges.

For now, there were to be four motor inns which were constructed on Disney property near the present preview center providing 1,600 more rooms only two or three miles from the theme parks. By 1982, several other resort hotels were in development, including “the Grand Floridian, Mediterranean, and Cypress Point Lodge… taking Disney art of themed resort living to new levels of luxury and sophistication.” [“The Spirit of Epcot Center” Orientation, c.1982] By September 30, 1982, development of the Mediterranean Hotel was underway (WED Job #F201-1; at a cost of $874,197.02); and a Brazilian Hotel was underway (WED Job#A070-4 at a cost of $4,320.22).

However, one “Preview of Walt Disney World” prospectus would soon announce: “‘While five theme resorts are planned, only two will be built in time for the opening of Walt Disney World, near Orlando, Fla., in October, 1971,’ says John Curry, director of the Walt Disney World Co., hotel division… First two to open are the Contemporary Theme Resort, on the lake, and the Polynesian Theme Resort, on the lagoon. Contemporary will be the convention flagship hotel with major convention and exhibit space. Other theme resorts include the Asian, the Venetian and the Persian. Each of the hotels will have meeting space most likely below the lobby level… Each resort will have a specialized design motif, food specialties, dining room menus, recreation activities, entertainment, interior decor and employee costumes. Resorts will offer nightclub entertainment and dancing. Motion pictures and stage shows will be presented in nearby theaters.”

“The Path to the Polynesian Resort Hotel”

During Disneyland’s formative years, several shows featured true-life Pacific Islander (including Polynesian) entertainers and elements. Adventureland contained three shops with a scope of sales dedicated to merchandise from the Pacific Islands. For instance, Waltah & Gretchen Clark‘s Hawaiian Shop sold jewelry, garments (shirts, muumuus, and other textiles for men, women, and children), in addition to other imports from Hawaii and the South Seas. Attractions like Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room and the Oceania section of It’s A Small World featured story elements inspired by the Pacific Islands. From 1966 to 1968, the Disneyland Hotel featured Luau Grounds (“a special area for Hawaiian parties”), the Eva Jon Hawaiian Shop, and even a White Sand Beach. However, this was the first time that an entire Hotel Resort carrying the “Disney” name would be entirely themed around the character of Polynesia.

One prospectus publication (entitled “Preview of Walt Disney World”), described the Polynesian Theme Resort in the following way: “Southern shore of lagoon near monorail station entrance… 732 rooms with 1/3 in 12-story high rise, remainder in 2-story out buildings… convention facilities below lobby level… 7,000 sq. ft. ballroom, plus 6 small meeting rooms and a number of hospitality suites… no exhibit area as such, meeting rooms can be used… main dining room overlooks scuba pool… specialty restaurants on top floor… all 732 rooms face water.” Other early prospectus documents promised many things for “Walt Disney World Vacation Kingdom” including a “unique concept linking the resort-hotels and the theme park by boat and monorail transportation systems” that would allow guests to “dine in elegance in the Contemporary Hotel, enjoy the attractions and adventures of the ‘Magic kingdom’ for ‘dessert,’ and end the evening with a late show or snack at the Polynesian resort.” [“Preview Edition of Walt Disney World - The Vacation Kingdom of the World,” page 16]

The Preview Edition of Walt Disney World (published before the Grand Opening) soon described the resort, five hotels were planned. Of those that were realized, some of the entertainment that defined the character of the resorts was divulged. The Polynesian resort would offer “Tahitian Fire dances, Hawaiian luaus, and other activities inspired by the Pacific Islands.” [“Preview Edition of Walt Disney World - The Vacation Kingdom of the World,” page 16] The Contemporary Hotel would offer “popular entertainers of the day.” The local weekly Sunday supplement of “Sunrise” (of “Today”) published September 26, 1971 mentioned potential activities on the lake to be enjoyed by guests of the resort hotels, included “swimming, sailing, motor-boating, water skiing, skin diving and eventually (perhaps) surfing on artificial waves.”

“For the sports enthusiast, the concept for the Polynesian-theme hotel features a wide variety of recreation facilities. There will be boat rentals on the lagoon, of course, and a special scuba diving pool - complete with an underwater viewing area for spectators. And for the golfer, this theme resort will be closest to the Vacationland golfing complex. Plans for the Polynesian resort include a main dining room and five meeting rooms for conventions. But the most unique aspect of this hotel is that each of its 700 rooms will face the water... and many will offer an exciting view across the lagoon to the theme park. A third of the rooms are planned for the graceful high-rise structure, which includes restaurant and cocktail lounge at the top.”

Soon, work began on draining, scraping, and refilling Bay Lake. The lakeshores were banked to prevent storm runoff from sullying the water. Many of the recreational activities were to be centered about Bay Lake (a natural lake located wholly within the complex) and its beaches, and on a lagoon style extension of Bay Lake located between the park and the resort hotels.

Soil samples were taken.

The area was surveyed.

The Polynesian Village Resort Hotel was conceived as a South Seas resort for the southern shores of the 200 acre, man-made Seven Seas Lagoon of Bay Lake. The Polynesian Village Resort plans were Imagineered by Wed Enterprises, Inc. and designed by Welton Beckett and Associates (of Santa Monica, California), United States Steel Realty Developement Corporation, and (of course) with construction overseen by WED Enterprises, Inc.! The collaboration of Welton Beckett & Associates and WED Enterprises, Inc. is of particular note, as it is the very partnership that worked together to realize the buildings that housed Walt Disney’s shows for the 1964/1965 New York World’s Fair.

“Modular Construction”

Much of the required facilities engineering (including mechanical engineering, specifications, structural engineering design, CAD design, and Data Control documentation) was performed by Walt Disney Imagineers. The original steel framework was erected on site. Next, the individual rooms of the Polynesian Village Resort were creatively engineered by the team of WED & MAPO (supported by Walt Disney World Shops).

The Polynesian Village would have 492 guest rooms in eight separate Longhouses. The Resort-hotels would have the first manufactured assembly line steel-frame guest rooms also built by modular construction. The rooms (including carpeting and fixtures) were fabricated as separate units off-site some seven miles away at U.S. Steel’s Realty Development Division, utilizing a innovation called “unitized modular construction.” Plumbing, electrical fittings, closet, wall coverings, air conditioning, and remote TV controls were installed. The three hundred workers of U.S. Steel produced some 15 rooms a day using this method. Then, they were loaded onto flatbeds and trucked four miles to the site, hoisted into the air, and installed in their appropriate location in the framework, “as a drawer would slide into a chest of drawers,” according to “The Spirit of Epcot,” page 43. This same process was used to construct the other Walt Disney World “theme resort hotel” - the Contemporary Resort Hotel.

According to the Sunday, September 26, 1971 issue of “Sunrise” magazine, a supplement of “Today”: RCA Corp. was“creating a 21st century information-communications system for the project; Monsanto Co. developed new materials used in construction of the hotels, and Aeroject-General created a vacuum waste-disposal system” to “provide an ‘unseen housekeeper’ for the vast park.”

After all, the Polynesian Village would have an overnight Capacity of 1,700.

According to Donn Tatum (on December 16, 1971; for the Walt Disney Productions shareholders of 1971): “Agreement has been reached for the purchase by Walt Disney World Co. from U.S. S. Realty Division of United States Steel Corporation of its interest in the two Theme Resort Hotels at Walt Disney World. This agreement supersedes an earlier understanding which contemplated that U. S. S. Realty would own the hotels and lease them to a subsidiary of the Company under a long-term lease.”

The shareholders report continued (on page 31):

“U.S.S. Realty Division of United States Steel Corporation is nearing completion of construction of two theme resort hotels at Walt Disney World. While the original understanding between the Company and U.S.S. Realty contemplated that U.S.S. Realty would own the hotels and lease them to a subsidiary of the Company under a long-term lease, in December, 1971 Walt Disney World Co. agreed to purchase U. S. S. Realty's interest in the hotels for approximately $50,000,000, and to assume the costs of completing construction. In addition to the amounts payable to U.S.S. Realty pursuant to this agreement, Walt Disney World Co. previously expended approximately $41,000,000 for hotel furniture and fixtures, architectural and design fees and construction costs, of which $28,557,000 had been expended as of October 2, 1971.”

Much was still incompleted the day before opening (October 1, 1971). According to Edward Prizer: “Coffee and pastries are served on the bustling mezzanine of the Polynesian Hotel. Charlie Ridgway conducts another briefing. (‘We couldn’t hold the briefing here last night,’ he says. ‘There were no carpets, no wallpaper, no light fixtures.’) Magically they have all been installed overnight.” [According to one Orlando-Land article “Second Act” by Edward L. Prizer, published October of 1976, page S-3]

However, much of this was in place by the time of the Grand Opening Spectacular and Dedication Ceremony of Walt Disney World, beginning October 23rd.

“News of Dedication From Civilization”

For the Grand Opening, Guests were flown in and depending on the flight, a Continental breakfast, cocktails and lunch was be served on the plane. Upon their arrival, Guests were met planeside by a Host or Hostess who would remain with them throughout their arrival to Walt Disney World, and be on call during their stay to coordinate their desires. All ground transportation was provided by the Hospitality Committee. Meals were complimentary. For the ladies, hairdressers had a special room, for combing and setting only, throughout Guest’s visit. A number of events were planned including the black-tie Gala Dedication Concert, the informal Grand Canyon Reception and Lakeside Buffet, the Polynesian Luau, and the Grand Opening Dedication Ceremony and Main Street Parade.

Walt Disney Studio veteran annimator and WED Imagineer Bill Justice recalled: “The Polynesian Resort dedication was my favorite. Misse and the other kids were taken by war canoe to one of the islands in the Seven Seas Lagoon for a cook-out. The rest of us were treated to a fabulous feast on the beach with at least a hundred Polynesian singers and dancers. When we left, the entertainers, all holding a large sparkler in each hand, formed two lines for us to walk through. We sure didn't have any trouble finding the path.”

The roofs were covered with a special kind of tin called “Cor-Ten,” which is said to naturally rust and weather to “a rich, natural, earth-toned patina.” Further, “all steel structure beams are covered with wood, and the eight longhouses, which house the guest rooms, are no more than three stories tall, which keeps the silhouette long and low, befitting a Polynesian Village.”

As the Magic Kingdom and other Resorts were situated around the lake, the resort hotel would have a Monorail Platform, where WED-designed transportation systems carried guests to and from the Magic Kingdom. Other modes of transportation which connected with the romantic South Seas resort included minibuses, trams, ferryboats, motor launches, and two authentic sidewheeler replicas, the Southern Seas and the Ports O' Call.

Just beyond the Parking Area, the Polynesian Resort can be seen far across the waters and islands of the Seven Seas Lagoon. The watercraft is part of the mass transit in force across the expansive Epcot Center.

The palm-lined pure white sand shore encircles the Seven Seas Lagoon of Bay Lake, and a lone African Queen Launch transporting guests.

Today, the Magic Kingdom visitor sees the South Seas themed Polynesian Village as a natural scenic backdrop to tropical Adventureland.

”The color scheme is of green and orange, featuring a green quartz registration desk and white revolving ceiling fans. The Lobby Sea level contains the lobby and registration areas, the executive offices, host and hostess locker rooms a wardrobe issue area, and a nursery for our guests' convenience. Also, included on this level are four banquet rooms, which bear the thematic names Melanesian, Mecronisian, and the Oceania Room. The Bay View Terrace level provides our guests with the Polynesian-style shops and dining areas. [“An Introduction to the Resort Division of Walt Disney World”] According to the Sunday, September 26, 1971 issue of “Sunrise” magazine, a supplement of “Today,” in reference to The Contemporary Resort Hotel and the Polynesian Village Resort Hotel, “both hotels will have cocktails bars and liquor in the restaurants.”

“Special Services”

Services included a Guest Relations Booth (in the Lobby; Tickets and reservations for numerous Vacation Kingdom activities), the Mousketeer's Village Clubhouse (on the first floor; a supervised Child care center under the guidance of trained child-care hostesses, activity center, and baby sitting service) and Travel Reservations / Tour Desk (in the Lobby; Complete 'round-the-world airline and travel service with Eastern, Greyhound and Hertz and American International Rent-A-Car were featured.)

“Convention Facilities”

Both the Contemporary and Polynesian Hotels contain elaborate facilities for large and small meetings. Large scale conventions can even utilize both hotels at the same time; by means of closed circuit television, participants staying at either hotel can always be kept fully up to date. The larger Contemporary Hotel has three floors of major convention facilities including two large ballrooms and nine major meeting rooms. At the Polynesian Village, the informal atmosphere provides a relaxed setting for smaller group meetings. Its private dining rooms will seat up to 150 people for dinner or 200 for meet-ings.

“The Great Ceremonial House contains two levels, the Lobby Sea Level and the Bay View Terrace.”

Resort Lobby

Speaking of flora, Village Florist sold floral bouquets and fruit baskets (with delivery on above items only, until 10 p.m. daily).

World Magazine, page 12, published 1976: “In the center of the Polynesian Village Resort is the Great Ceremonial House, an expansive building which architecturally resembles a Royal Tahitian assembly lodge. In the heart of the structure is a tropical garden, complete with cascading waterfalls and palm trees reaching to the second-floor skylight.”

Model-maker Fred Joerger (who was hired c.1953 to craft the “Barber Shop Quartet” show for “Project Little Man” of “Walt Disney’s Disneyland”) had distinguished himself enough as Disneyland’s “resident rock expert,” to make similar contributions toward the Polynesian’s waterfall rocks.

Back in 1955, after the opening of Walt Disney’s original Magic Kingdom, shops and catalogs offered “fabulous gifts from Disneyland.” Some of these were manufactured by the craftspeople of China. There were hand-embroidered decorations from India, Tabis (toe-socks) and Sandals from Hawaii, woven Chinese “carry-alls” from Hong Kong, and shelves from China.

The eight longhouses, which provide guest rooms, lie in an area reminiscent of a Polynesian Village. The longhouses derive their names from the primary cultures of the South seas, such as Tahiti, so that the guests may easily identify the building in which they stay.” [“An Introduction to the Resort Division of Walt Disney World”]

The 492-room Polynesian Village Resort Hotel consisted of eight multi-story Longhouses clustered around the Great Ceremonial House. The names of the original Longhouses were Tahiti, Samoa, Fiji, Bali Hai, Hawaii, Tonga, Bora Bora, and Maui. These eight native “Longhouses” were connected by winding pathways through tropical gardens. According to “An Introduction to the Resort Division of Walt Disney World” prepared c.1971: “The eight longhouses, which provide guest rooms, lie in an area reminiscent of a Polynesian Village. The longhouses derive their names from the primary cultures of the South seas, such as Tahiti, so that the guests may easily identify the building in which they stay.” Each guest room key carried a four-digit number. First digit indicated floor number. (2614) Second digit indicated Longhouse number (see map). (2614) Last two digits indicatd room number. (2614)

The Polynesian Resort Hotel became part of the Walt Disney World Resort Division which initially provided a near total of 1,700 comfortable rooms altogether. This necessitated a streamlined process of reservation and information processing by the Resort Division. Central Reservations Office (or, C.R.O.) located in the Casting Building, made reservations for all WDW Hotels and campground, the hotels of the Motor Inn Plaza, and some off-site facilities. Each day, thousands of potential guests from around the world would call the C.R.O. office (perhaps you recall calling 823-8000) where a reservation host or hostess would input the information into a computer access device called a Video Data Terminal or VDI. Within seconds, a computer in California would flash a room availability list on the screen, enabling a guest reservation to be placed at any of the soon-to-be vacant locations. Reservation confirmations and important information were then sent to guests on receipt of a deposit equivalent one night’s stay.

According to the Sunday, September 26, 1971 issue of “Sunrise” magazine, a supplement of “Today,” once arrived at Disney World’s Main Entrance, a Host would check the guest’s reservation by telephone. By the time the guest would arrive at the Hotel, the computer would have done its job - a Host greeting the guest, parking their car, and handling their luggage.

Initially, rooms ran approximately $22 a night, with stylish suites ranging from $62 to $200 a night.

Many memorable V.I.P. visitors have enjoyed a stay at Walt Disney World’s Polynesian Resort, including John Lennon, around December 29, 1974.

By October of 1976, the local Orlando-Land magazine published a special Walt Disney World fifth anniversary issue, making particular much mention of “the 500-room Polynesian Village on Seven Seas Lagoon.” By the time the “Vacation Kingdom” celebrated its fifth anniversary on October 1, 1976, occupancy at Walt Disney World's three hotels, the Contemporary the Polynesian Village and the Golf Resort, averaged 97% for the fiscal year. As of October 1, 1976, 267, 800 room-nights, or 88% of the available capacity in the Company's three hotels had already been sold or committed for the following Six months, an increase of 10.3% over the previous year.

As a result, expansions were being planned. According to the 1976 Walt Disney Productions Annual Report, construction of 144 additional rooms for the Polynesian Village (below) would begin in 1977. Chairman of the Operating Committee of Walt Disney World Robert (Bob) C. Allen (who leads the team which meets regularly to plan projects) found that the Golf Resort was “pulling rooms from the Lake Buena Vista area. There has been a hiatus while the surrounding area builds up. With the World Showcase, we expect to build the Asian Hotel. We are also going to expand the Polynesian with 120 to 140 more rooms.” [Orlando-Land; October, 1976] By the Walt Disney Productions Shareholders Report, the number of additional rooms had been defined and it was announced : “The Company is now planning to construct an additional 144 rooms, as well as a 250-seat themed restaurant and a second swimming pool, at the Polynesian Village. Work is scheduled to begin in early 1977.”

By September 30, 1982, development of a Polynesian Hotel Long House was underway (WED Job #F200-1; at a cost of $1,224.92).

According to “The Spirit of Epcot,“ page 43 (prepared 1982, by Walt Disney Productions) spoke of a momentous event which this resort was participant: “Walt Disney World was host in October of 1978 to the International Chamber of Commerce. The ICC is the largest, most prestigious International business organization in the world. If you can imagine, it was a convention that occupied all of the hotels and Walt Disney World Village Accommodations, with some 2500 business leaders from 70 different countries, all here at the same time for one week. It was a magnificent gathering of some extremely important and influential people. They came here and participated in business discussions and talked about how they could cooperate better. There is not a more appropriate setting in the world than right here at Walt Disney World for this kind of a discussion to take place. In fact, Walt Disney World was honored by being the first site outside a national capital to be selected for hosting the ICC.”

Character lighting was themed to enhance the overall appearance and complement the interior, such as a chandelier or kerosene lamp. These add to the show, but don't necessarily create enough illumination for operation.

By 1984, Trader Jack's Grog Hut offered snack foods, liquors, wines, beers, candy and bar giftwares. The Village Gifts and Sundries shop sold souvenirs, costume jewelry, film, gifts, mementos, sundries, personal items, and included FTD florist.

This Room Service Menu was published with French and Spanish pages.

The Great Ceremonial House featured six restaurants and lounges - from the Barefoot Snack Bar to the elegant Papeete Bay Verandah.

On the second floor, overlooking the Marina and Lagoon was the Coral Isle Cafe (October 1, 1971 - July 25, 1998). The coffee shop menu served breakfast, luncheon, and dinner from 6:30am to 11pm and the cafe had the capability of accommodating 200 persons from the Outrigger Assembly House Bay View Terrace on the second floor. The Kona Cafe opened in its place November 23, 1998.

According to the Sunday, September 26, 1971 issue of “Sunrise” magazine, a supplement of “Today,” Garry Reich (chef for former president Lyndon Johnson and Howard Hughes) was in charge of food preparation at the Polynesian Hotel. The menus of the gourmet restaurants offered a great variety of Polynesian food. According to the same issue of “Sunrise” magazine, “both hotels will have cocktails bars and liquor in the restaurants.” A special Liquor Storage Building was built as a storage area for all the liquor supplies for the Resorts of Walt Disney World.

Before Ohana (with its Ohana Character Breakfasts) this was the sight of the Papeete Bay Verandah French Colonial Restaurant Dining Room on the 2nd floor of the Polynesian Resort Village. The dining room accommodated a maximum of 306 persons and hosted a colorful Polynesian revue dinner show featuring a lavish island dinner with evening entertainment.

The Papeete Bay Verandah French Colonial Restaurant had a Dining Alcove with a 30-person capacity. The restaurant served Polynesian dishes such as Chicken Pago Pago and Toa Nui.

Then there was Tambu Lounge, offering piano favorites, exotic Polynesian drinks, bar service for 96 persons, and provided a grand view overlooking Papeete Bay, the Marina, and Lagoon from Bay View Terrace on the second floor. In 1976, the Polynesian Dinner was served from 5:30pm to 9:30pm nightly, dinners ranging from $5.95 to $15.95, with rum specialty drinks ranging from $1.50 to $2.50, and “coats for gentlemen requested.”

In addition (by 1972-1976), the South Seas Dining Room on the first floor served roast beef, prime rib in a buffet, and Polynesian specialty entrees nightly from 6pm-10pm, while the discreet Captain Cook's Hideaway lounge was an intimate Polynesian atmosphere. “For guests desirous of a dark rendezvous and the strains of a haunting qui-tar, Captain Cook's Hideaway provides both, as well as an outside patio romantically bathed in soft candlelight.”

The Barefoot Snack Bar offered Hamburgers, hot dogs, and soft drinks with live musical entertainment (like Christopher and Stratton) to a select audience.

By 2007, Characters and Character Attendants would know this location as Poly (B3) (MK), or the Polynesian Hotel; home of the Poly Breakfast or Ohana Character Dining Experience. The Characters typically emerge from the Break Room, making rotations along the windows, near the Black Box, and Kings Tables, before returning near the Kitchen.

You won’t need to call the old CHiP Hotline (CHIP a.k.a. 2447) if you’re searching for Chip.

Today, Disney Parks Guests still enjoy “Dinners” - Character greetings performed at a park or hotel restaurant while the Guests are dining.

Before Ohana (with its Ohana Character Breakfasts) this was the sight of the Papeete Bay Verandah Dining Room at the Polynesian Resort Village. Beneath the circling paddle fans, the dining room accommodated a maximum of 306 persons and provided a grand view of the Marina and Lagoon from Bay View Terrace on the second floor.

In the Garden/Pool area, Barefoot Snack Bar offered hamburgers, hot dogs, and soft drinks. Barefoot Bar had a variety of traditional and exotic cocktails served poolside.

By 1984, a number of services were offered at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. The Ali Nui Barber Shop offered men's hair stylings, razor cuts, shampoos, shaves and facials. The Pretty Wahine Beauty Shop offered style cuts, shampoos, coloring, manicures and wig setting. Each shop was open from 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. (Closed Sundays); Appointments were suggested.

News from Civilization had magazines, newspapers, souvenirs, and tobacco. Village Gifts & Sundries carried sundries, souvenirs, decorative gifts, and FTD florist. Trader Jack's Grog Hut had liquor and gourmet items.

The Vacation Kingdom offered many ways to recreate - swimming, sailing, water-skiing, recreational watercraft, scuba & skin-diving lessons, high-speed boat excursions, yacht cruises (scenic, dinner, cocktails), volleyball, badminton, “frisbee golf,” and a children's playground.

For golfers, there's a spacious shoreline putting green and, nearby, the championship courses.

You never know what sort of artifacts will turn up at Van Eaton Galleries in Sherman Oaks, California. These original Walt Disney World Polynesian Resort trashcans feature the iconic Maui ”the god of vacations” as envisioned by LeRoy Schmaltz of Oceanic Arts in Whittier, California. You may recollect that Rob and LeRoy’s mentor (Bob Carter) had provided Disney Parks with exotic hand-crafted props since the 1950s. The duo went on to create numerous “Adventurous” props that have been used in Disneyland (USA), the Magic Kingdom, and Tokyo Disney Sea. When the Polynesian Resort was being constructed, LeRoy was given creative license with the design, and that design ended up becoming the resort’s mascot to this day!

During 1975, Walt Disney World asked all employees to discontinue using some of their guest recreation facilities (resort swimming pools, beaches and lakes) during certain peak attendance periods. Cast members were invited to utilize the facilities during non-peak periods, but during traditional heavy attendance times such as summer and holidays, they were asked to discontinue using them due to guest convenience and safety.

Some Hotel Shops like offered bathing suits (in children’s and adult sizes) for sale. Robinson Crusoe Esq. sold quality men's apparel, casual resort sportswear, swimwear, footwear and accessories. Polynesian Princess sold Quality women's apparel, colorful resort fashions, swimwear, footwear and colorful tropical accessories.

Near Tonga, Hawaii, Bora Bora, and the Outrigger Assembly House was the original Polynesian Village Lava Pool. It was a swimming pool that featured a waterfall and slide, with a wading pool nearby for small children. The Lava Pool received an extensive rehabilitation from 2014-2015 increasing the deck area to 35,000 square-feet and adding a children’s play area.

According to GAF Information Guides issued in 1973: “Along the Seven Seas Lagoon, the leisure-life of the Pacific Islands is captured at the Polynesian Village.”

In 1971, Walt Disney World featured four stretches of beach 1-2 miles long. Here, guests could swim, water ski, operate recreational watercraft, and play volleyball. Not far away was a children's playground. Soon, the Ten Year Master Plan included a new restaurant to open on Surfrider Beach at the Polynesian Village.

The Beach near Tonga and Hawaii.

In the Walt Disney World Vacation Kingdom Guests had their choice of several rental boats. Boat rentals were available all Walt Disney World resorts (except Golf Resort).

Private boats weren’t allowed in the lake or Walt Disney World waterways. But there were several types of rental boats available and thus methods of exploring the Marina. In the Walt Disney World Vacation Kingdom guests had their choice of several rental boats. Resort I.D. cards were required for rentals.

You can see a few Canopy Boats ($10/Hhr; Bob-a-Rounds), Sunfish Sailboats ($5/hour), Capri Sailboats ($7/hour), Catamarans ($7-9/hour; in 14’ and 16’ models), Mini-Speedboats ($7.50/Hhr), Ski Boats ($30/hour; with drivers), Pedal Boats ($5/hr), and Pontoon Boats!

Mini Flote Boats ($25/hour; with no driver) would depart every 15 minutes for a seven-minute journey and come with a complimentary glass of champagne intended to be consumed while in transit. There were age limits (12 or over) for unaccompanied children applied. Resort I.D. card was required for rentals.

A wide variety of water recreation was available including scenic cruises on authentic native outrigger canoes.

Speaking of news, News From Civilization sold Daily newspapers, magazines, tobacco, film and gifts.

Long before the Disney Sea Raycer and Watersprite there was the Aqua Lark. The two-person boats were originally rentable at $7 per half hour, and came in a variety of colors to identify their launch location. The Aqua Larks departed from launches near the Disney Village, Fort Wilderness Lodge (blue?), the Contemporary Resort (Orange), Polynesian Resort (yellow), Downtown Disney (white).

Some Aqua Lark pilots would get a little too close to the Showboats, Launches and Cabin Cruisers in Bay Lake and Seven Seas Lagoon. It looks like these Guests are maintaining a safe distance.

“Moonlight Cruise”

Two Evening Showboat Cruises were offered aboard 1890's style paddle-wheeler, side-wheel steamers, nightly under the stars. These boarded at Fort Wilderness Landing, the Polynesian Village Marina Dock and Contemporary Resort. According to “The Workd News” Vol.6, No.6 (published for June of 1976): “Mood music… and twinkling nighttime scenery beckon guests aboard the steamboats for Moonlight Cruises around the Waters of the World, Bay Lake, and the Seven Seas Lagoon.” Cocktails and soft drinks were sold on board. Dress was casual. Reservations requested and information administered through City Hall.

Guests could also take a World Cruise aboard an authentic 19th century side-wheeler steamship which departed from the Magic Kingdom dock. Passengers could learn the history and future plans of Walt Disney World on this leisurely voyage and travel to Treasure Island via motor launches from the Contemporary Resort, Polynesian Village, Fort Wilderness and Magic Kingdom dooks.

“World Cruises”

Six 50-minute World Cruises were also offered aboard these same boats daily, departing the Magic Kingdom landing (at Noon, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5pm) so that guests could see the “Waters of the World.”

“World Cruise to Discovery Island”

Guests boarded “an authentic side-wheeler for a leisurely, narrated World Cruise around Bay Lake and the Seven Seas Lagoon.” On Discovery Island, guests could admire rare and beautiful birds among exotic plant life and walk through one of the world's largest outdoor aviaries. Departures launched from the World Cruise dock outside the Magic Kingdom entrance. Refreshments were available on board.

“Discovery Island Excursion”

Discovery Island launches would go directly to the "tropical paradise" from the Magic Kingdom entrance dock, Fort Wilderness Landing, Polynesian Village and Contemporary Resort marinas. Film and beverages were available on Discovery Island and guests could purchase tickets at the Magic Kingdom entrance or resorts.

Note some of the “landfalls” in addition to the Water Ski Show, Wave Machine, and Future Hotel Site (the Thai-inspired Asian Resort, just west of the Polynesian Village).

Transportation included Monorail trains, ferryboats, launches and shuttle service between all areas.

Guests of the resorts had free use of the Monorail, trams, and steamboats.

“Cast Members and Entertainment”

The Walt Disney World show would be unlike any other theme show in the world. The show would be set on a stage measuring 189 feet high, 30 feet deep, spread across 43.5 square miles of area, “with a backdrop off pristine air, fluffy white clouds and just enough rain to keep it green.” Here on this extension of the grand theme park stage, all the imagination, art, animation, creativity and talent would culminate in a conscience and subliminal show experience of color, sounds, lights, details, timing , tastes, and textures. Adding to this experience would be enlivened by Cast Members who would perform various roles, the foremost of which would be the Disney tradition of offering the finest Guest Service and wholesome family entertainment imbued with a personal touch. Unlike the Parks (which close to guests) this would be a 24-hour show, where guests would be “lodged quickly and efficiently, provided with information on all activities, enjoy clean and orderly sleeping accommodations, experience inviting recreational activities, and at the completion of their visit, a prompt checkout.” Beyond the modular constructed hotel resort and sophisticated monorail systems, it has always been the people that make Walt Disney World work.

Since the beginning, Walt Disney Entertainment department developed new shows and parades for all of Walt Disney World. Atmosphere Entertainment complimenting the theme of areas was staged to entertain Guests on an immediate and personal level. “In the romantic South Seas environment of the Polynesian Village, time took on a leisurely tempo. Strolling Polynesian troubadors entertain guests who linger beside tropical pools or wander on palm-lined paths.

The throb of Tahitian drums announces the nightly torchlight luau held at the Luau Cove, a romantic dining pavilion on the beach overlooking the Seven Seas Lagoon. While Polynesian entertainers perform the dances of Hawaii, Fiji, Tonga, and Samoa, diners feast on "native deli-cacies" served at long tables by costumed hosts and hostesses.”

During 1971, the world famous Kaui Pono’s Polynesians (an ever-changing troupe of Samoans, Tongans, Maori, and others, headquartered on Oahu, Hawaii). These appeared at Disneyland Monday thru Saturday of the peak summer and winter holiday sessions, every hour from 5:00 p.m., with the last show occurring at 10 p.m. This was (of course) in preparation for (and concurrent to) their three-times nightly appearances at the Polynesian Village Resort Papeete Bay Verandah (at Walt Disney World), where they brought the feeling of Aloha to guests! This was established through torchlight ceremonies, luaus, wedding dances, fire dances, and other South Seas performances. To Vacationland magazine, Kau’i reiterates the reason for their performances this way : “‘People ask us if we miss our islands, if we ever get homesick for our flowers, waterfalls, mountains, and rolling waves,’ Kau’i said. ‘I tell them that we bring the islands with us, in our songs, in our dances, and especially in our spirit of aloha - the gift of the islands to all who enjoy life.’”

The costumes worn by Kaui Pono’s Polynesians were designed first, then authentically crafted - ti leaf skirts were refreshed every two weeks with ti leaves from Hawaii, new necklaces (for the male performers) were regularly crafted from kukui nuts, and “hundreds of shells” were sewn onto skirts and headresses.

“South Seas Luau”

On the white sand beach under the stars in a romantic lakeside cove, in front of the Tonga Longhouse, a nighttime luau officially opened the Polynesian Resort Hotel. The South Seas Luau - a “nightly fun feast of Mai Tai cock-tails, island cuisine and exciting show in the beachside Luau Cove where native Islanders entertain with traditional songs and fire dances.

Two luaus nightly at the Polynesian Village Luau Cove. Banquet seating and service was available and reservations were necessary to attend. According to Disney News, Winter 1971-72, Guests dined “on delicacies such as Lichee Duck, Chicken with Almonds, Snow Peas, and Water Chestnuts while hundreds of Polynesian entertainers performed dances from Tahiti, Hawaii, Samoa, New Zealand, and Polynesia.”

By 1975, the experience was known as the Polynesian Luau. By then, Orlando-Land writer Edward L. Prizer attended and recalled: “When I sat down that night with Artice in the glitter of the Papeete Bay Verandah at the Polynesian for a gala dinner; when the room filled with the beautifully dressed Disney men and women who had created all this; when the Kaui/Pono Polynesian dancers began to undulate to the throb of Tahitian drums; when I saw the gem-like gleam of the Cinderella Castle over the palms and torches along the shore of the lagoon; I knew it had changed my life completely.” [According to one Orlando-Land article “Second Act” by Edward L. Prizer, published October of 1976, page S-3]

According to “THE DISNEY THEME SHOW - an introduction to the art of Disney outdoor entertainment” Volume II: “In planning menus, Disney chefs must often walk a thin line between true authenticity and what people traditionally think is authentic. At one point, for instance, a Polynesian Luau brought complaints from guests who thought the meat, which had been meticulously prepared with Polynesian sauces, was spoiled. A subsequent menu change presented the same top quality meat in an American recipe, and complaints quickly turned to compliments.”

The Polynesian Revue Luaus were originally held on the beach, but by 1973 the newly constructed Luau Cove became home to the main show. Hula lessons were available. By October of 1976, the Kaui/Pono Polynesian Revue performed from Luau Cove on the Beach, nightly (from 5:45 to 8:15 pm), accompanied by a Polynesian buffet.

Luau Cove would provide shelter for up to 500 guests, a stage, and food warming facilities.

The South Seas cultural dances of Hawaii, Samoa, Bora Bora, and Tahiti were represented during two Polynesian Revue shows nightly at Luau Cove. According to advertisements, “cloudy skies are no concern since the new Luau Cove permits Luaus in most any weather.”
Reservation tickets like this (above) ensured your party’s number and table number.

The show has gone through many variations over the years. There was “Mickey's Tropical Revue” in 1988. The show is currently called Disney’s Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show!

The Seven Seas Lagoon was a 220-acre man-made lagoon for sailing, swimming, and special nighttime shows. In the Electrical Water Pageant, “King Neptune and his creatures from the Deep create a brightly lit procession across Bay Lake and the Seven Seas Lagoon each evening. Leaping dolphins and fantastic sea serpents are a spectacular show of nighttime magic in the Vacation Kingdom.”

This show along with nightly fireworks would illuminate Disney World’s waterways.

The Polynesian Resort has had a legacy of sorts. First, a trio of resorts were almost part of some future phase of Epcot Center - the Persian Theme Resort (with terraced decks), the Venetian Theme Resort (styled like St. Mark’s square), and the Asian Theme Resort (with a Royal Thai motif), in addition to motels (through negation with other corporations) to be located on the lakefront area.

“A Year Long and a Smile Wide”

The year 1981, marked a “magical milestone” - The Magic Kingdom’s first ten years of operation, an event celebrated by more than 15,000 employees, and culminating with the “Happiest Happy Birthday Ever”! Walt Disney World turned 10 years old and was kicking off the biggest year long and smile wide Tencennial party the World had ever seen!

The Magic Kingdom’s Tencennial was a year-long event, which included “high stepping parades, live musical entertainment, great new shows and more”. The theme song “Disneyland is Your Land” (written and composed by Robert Moline for Disneyland’s 25th Anniversary) was reworked into the musical theme of Walt Disney World’s 10th Anniversary - “Disney World is Your World”!

Walt Disney Entertainment department developed new shows and parades for all of Walt Disney World. “Walt Disney World is Your World” - The Kids of the Kingdom and Walt Disney’s cast of characters presented a 30-minute musical journey through the Magic Kingdom’s lands, from the Tomorrowland Stage! The show was so successful and popular, that it was extended for years. However, below you’ll see Vintage Views of the original 1981 version of the show, starring the Kids of the Kingdom.

“The Tencennial Party” - Twice a day, Walt Disney’s cast of characters, musicians, and dancers trigger a “grand balloon release” in front of Cinderella’s Castle.

“The Walt Disney World Tencennial Inauguration Celebration”

Cast Members and their families were cordially invited to The Tencennial Inauguration Celebration, October 1-3, in the Walt Disney World Vacation Kingdom! Cast enjoyed three fun-filled days of celebration as guests of the Walt Disney World Vacation Kingdom with a party plan that included:

Thursday, October 1 - The Inaugural Dedication Ceremony and Premier Tencennial Parade. The Tencennial activities began at 9 a.m. Oct. 1, when Walt Disney World welcomed the first visitors of the second decade at the Main Street Train Station. Other events on the first included an introduction during the afternoon of the special Cinderella Castle character birthday party, first running of the Tencennial Parade at 4 p.m. and first performances of the “Disney World is Your World” musical shows. All of these would be daily happenings throughout the Tencennial Year until Sept. 30, 1982.

Friday, October 2 — Dedication of the new Orlando International Airport. A sneak preview of the EPCOT Center construction site. The Invitational Tencennial Inaugural Party and Dinner in the Magic Kingdom featuring a firework spectacular. The main event was a special invitational party on Friday night, Oct. 2 in the Magic Kingdom. The park closed to regular visitors and re-opened for Cast Members and other invited guests complete with fireworks and an aerial laser light spectacle, the Tencennial Parade, a fried chicken dinner and lots of other special activities. Several celebrities and officials joined the fun evening.

Saturday, October 3 - The Grand Tencennial Parade with a magnificent 1,076-member band. On Friday morning, there was a brief Epcot Center Preview primarily for out-of-town guests who will also attended the grand dedication of the new Orlando International Airport Terminal at 11 a.m. Oct. 2. A 1,076 piece marching band was added to the Tencennial Parade for a climax to the inaugural events on Saturday, Oct. 3 at 2 p.m.

These three days of Tencennial excitement was a birthday gift for Cast Members and a way of saying “thanks” for helping to make a decade of Disney dreams come true.

The floral garden (near Liberty Square) advertised the Magic Kingdom’s 10th year with this colorful arrangement.

The winter season crowds await the start of The Magic Kingdom’s Tencennial Parade!

“Welcome to a land of dreams…a kingdom full of magical things!” Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse lead the parade procession of units (and their floats), as the spirit of the Magic Kingdom’s lands are commemorated. The horse-drawn car carries the caroling residents right down the middle of Main Street U.S.A.

“Ten today, and goin' strong! We can't believe it's been that long! Come on and join the family! Walt Disney World is your world!”

“Disney World - A Wonderland, for girls and boys, and moms and dads…a happy ever after land!…Disney World is your world!”

"A Year Long and a Smile Wide"

Each day, guests were selected to take part in the Tencennial Parade, and ride as honorary Grand Marshall in the electric horseless carriage! Here, Harvey chauffeurs comedian (and celebrity golfer) Bob Hope aboard a horseless carriage as he is honored as the Grand Marshall of the Tencennial Parade, held on October 1, 1981. Bob was present (and on Stage as Host) at the 1955 Oscars, when Walt Disney received the award for Walt Disney Studios for the “group effort” of the “many men that do their part” for the finest effort in Special Effects in a film.

Finally, the traditional 1907-style steam-powered Disneyland Dragon Calliope with its pipe organ (and pianist) stops to delight crowds periodically! You may recollect that this was one of nine circus wagons that Walt Disney originally purchased from Bradley & Kaye’s Kiddieland amusement park in Beverly Park. Walt had this particular circa 1907 circus wagon redesigned, utilizing parts from other circus wagons. The result of the $50,000.00 overhaul, was the one-of-a-kind “Dragon Calliope”!

The Dragon Calliope was first seen in Disneyland’s Press Day parade and went on to be featured in numerous events over the years, beginning with the Mickey Mouse Club Circus Parade in 1955. The Dragon Calliope was also featured in at least one Walt Disney Production - “Toby Tyler or Ten Weeks With A Circus” released in Sarasota Florida on January of 1960. The Dragon Calliope was also notably featured among the circus-themed units in the Independence Day Parade at Disneyland, in 1962. Two years later, Walt Disney donated the circus wagons to the Circus World Museum in Baraboo, Wisconsin, but he kept his custom-built Dragon Calliope!

In 1980, the calliope received a minor refurbishment. None of the original insides were altered, except two fine whistles which were installed, (in order to increase its musical ability two full octaves)! The Disneyland 25th “Family On Parade” would be one of the Dragon Calliope’s final Disneyland appearances. When the parade ended, the Calliope (along its polished pipes) was shipped off to Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom (in Florida) to play a part on the Walt Disney World Tencennial celebration, before heading west again, and being utilized in Disneyland’s Circus on Parade!

Subsequent floats would pay tribute to the various lands that make up Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom! The Diamond Horseshoe Revue chorus line advances the Frontierland Unit down the parade route.

“Everything's gonna be, all right! Future is the key, so bright. All the plans we made today, come our way. To-Mor-Row…Tomorrow!”

“Here's a place…made of dreams - a kingdom full of magical things! If you believe this song we sing, you may never want to leave…Disney World!”

“Disney World is your world!”

“…You see the greatest smiling’ faces up and down the street, its remarkable all the friendly people we meet, walkin’ right down the middle of Main Street U.S.A.!”

“There’s a little guy that you may meet. He’s cute and cheerful and quite an earful, and his name is Mickey Mouse!”

He’s “got a sweetie down by the chicken house. Neither fat or skinny, she's the horse's whinny! She's my little Minnie Mouse!”

“All the animals are singing loud and clear, when the tropical drum beat can thunder your skin! There is only one place we can be - Adventureland!”

“When the band plays Dixie at Disney World, they’ll be marching through the square, and we’ll all be waiting there, to see the saints…come…marching…in!”

“We hope that you'll be coming back again - that you'll drop in and see us now and then. We've done our very best to please, with just the bear necessities! We hope that you'll be comin' back again!”

“Swanee…How I love you, how I love you! My dear ol' Swanee, I'd give the world to be among the folks in D-I-X-I-E!”

“All the plans we make today, come our way! To…Mo…Row…Tomorrow!”

“Disney World…a wonderland…for girls and boys…and moms and dads! A ‘happy ever after’ land - Disney World!…Disney World is…your world!” After the reprise of Disney World is Your World, the show would end to the sound of the Tencennial Fanfare!

Decorative banners (bearing the Tencennial color scheme) mark the stage where the Castle Forecourt Birthday Party is celebrated twice, daily.

Many area residents had much reason to celebrate the Tencennial too. A few years earlier (in 1976; in interview with Orlando-Land) Florida State Governor Reubin Askew (a regular Guest of Walt Disney World Vacation Kingdom) commented: “When I think of Walt Disney World, I marvel at the incredible success of this extraordinary attraction. It has had an enormous economic impact not only in Central Florida but throughout the entire State. It has brought record numbers of tourists to Florida and created employment opportunities for untold thousands of our residents.”

Limited edition merchandise was produced, like that Walt Disney World Tencennial Streetcar by Pride Lines. Even after this year, guests could continue to “take a ride down memory lane.”

On December 15, 1966, Roy Disney addressed the employees of Walt Disney Productions: “Walt Disney's preparation for the future has a solid, creative foundation. All of the plans for the future that Walt had begun - new motion pictures, the expansion of Disneyland, television production and our Florida and Mineral King projects will continue to move ahead. That is the way Walt wanted it to be… Last October when he accepted the ‘showman of the World’ award in New York, Walt said, ‘The Disney organization now has more than four thousand employees. Many have been with us for over thirty years. They take great pride in the organization which they helped to build. Only through the talent, labor and dedication of this staff could any Disney project get off the ground. We all think alike in the ultimate pattern.’”

By 1975, “the need for an Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow… was[sic] even greater than when Walt Disney first began talking about it in 1965.” The Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow was to feature a living community where American Industry would always be introducing, testing and demonstrating new techniques and systems designed to enhance the quality of urban life. EPCOT was always to be a showcase to the world community. And so the author of one c.1975 prospectus stated: “Now, more than ever, our world needs a focal point a forum where creative men and women of science, industry, government and the arts from around the world can present new ideas and technologies... stimulating new concepts that will enable both the leaders of the world and the general citizenry to better understand the great challenges facing people around the world…and the possible solutions to these great challenges.”

Soon the second Phase of Walt Disney World was being planned - EPCOT Center. According to one EPCOT Center’s instructor’s orientation guide, one objective set out for EPCOT was “to be a ‘permanent international people-to-people exchange’. . . advancing the course of world understanding among its citizens. What we are doing now is creating a public focus. . . a ‘center’ for the communication of what is being done. . . made directly to the public in ways they will both understand and enjoy. Our goal through EPCOT Center is to inspire our guests who come here, so that they will be turned on to the positive potential of the future and will want to participate in making the choices that will shape it. In short, we believe that EPCOT Center will establish a new level of entertainment and equally important, education for families and people of all ages from all lands. . . and that EPCOT Center will give people hope that there are solutions to all the problems that exist in the world today. . . and that there truly can be understanding among nations.”

“Unlike a world's fair, EPCOT's World Showcase will be a permanent international exhibition. No nation's exhibit or restaurant or product displays will be ‘torn down’ after one year or less-the standard requirement at world's fairs. Instead the one-time construction costs will go on working for a country for many years at Walt Disney World. Here the nations of the world will stand side by side in two semicircular buildings. This semicircular design not only will offer equal exposure and public access for each nation...but will also function as an interrelated series of experiences for every guest. for the entire complex of attractions and exhibits will be tied together by a Disney people-moving system that will also offer visitors a ‘preview look’ into each country's pavilion.”

One Walt Disney World Showcase prospectus added: “Here the nations of the world will meet on a coequal basis to communicate on a ‘people to people’ exchange with the more than 12 million visitors to Walt Disney World. Here young people from all over the earth will come to operate the attractions of their native lands… to serve the distinctive foods and to demonstrate and sell the unique merchandise of their home countries. Unlike a world's fair, EPCOT's World Showcase will be a permanent international exhibition. No nation's exhibit or restaurant or product displays will be ’torn down’ after one year or less-the standard requirement at world's fairs. Instead the one-time construction costs will go on working for a country for many years at Walt Disney World.”

A prospectus (entitled “EPCOT Center… People Bring It To Life”) opens by describing how the World Showcase was one of two principle themes of EPCOT Center, as it “be a ‘Community of Nations,’ the only permanent international exposition of its kind anywhere, focusing on the cultures, traditions, tourism, and accomplishments of people around the world.” Initial show master-planning and conceptual development resulted in EPCOT Center World Showcase presentations were “80 per cent World Showcase and 20 per cent EPCOT. Since then, we’ve evolved to the place where there’s maybe 80 per cent EPCOT and 20 per cent World Showcase. I think now we feel we’re at a point where we know what EPCOT and World Showcase are going to be. The two projects will work together and compliment each other,” according to a statement by Jack Lindquist, in which he discussed EPCOT Center plans. Herb Ryman created c.1965 suggestions for Walt Disney’s Progress City and “enclosed shopping areas… representing countries of the world.” According to another prospectus, “The World Showcase comprises the southern half of EPCOT Center where at least ten participating countries will stand side-by-side in friendship along the banks of a broad lagoon… The participants in this first phase of World Showcase include United Mexican States, Japan, Federal Republic of Germany, United Kingdom, French Republic, United Arab Emirates, Italian Republic, Canada, State of Israel and Morocco. Disney Imagineers are now working with government or business interests from these countries to achieve a unique and meaningful showcase for each nation.” Surely any wanderlust was sure to be satiated through the Epcot Center World Showcase.

Walt’s people and company were now embarking on “imagineering” a new, grander “theme show” for Florida audiences. The latter expression (“theme show”) was once defined as: “A controlled, usually man-made environment where as many as possible elements pertain to a single fictional or non-fictional motif. Thus, an individual placed within that environment may consciously or subliminally experience it.” But even more (as one sanctioned statement elaborated): “We are talking about all the things a guest may experience and be entertained by - colors, sounds, lights, detail - timing, taste and texture. Through art and animation, our imagination, creativity and talent blend together to make our ’show.’” Everything in the EPCOT Center World Showcase would be to this theme and atmosphere from this particular time, place and subject. A themed motif would be incorporated into every aspect of operation (e.g., room décor, menus, attractions and costumes).

"I don't want the public to see the world they live in while they're in the park. I want them to feel they're in another world.” - Walt Disney. Nestled between a stretch (of more than 40 miles) of canal, a perimeter road, a service road, and the shores of the World Showcase Lagoon Promenade, is the EPCOT Center United Kingdom World Showcase.

Marty Sklar recollected (in “One Little Spark! Mickey’s Ten Commandments and The Road to Imagineering”: “I had spent eight of my eventual fifty-four years at Disney leading the Imagineers in developing the concepts, playing a key role in convincing the major corporate sponsors to make Epcot a reality, and producing the myriad of shows and stories that attracted more than ten million visitors to visit Epcot in its first year.” In June of 1980, Harper Goff described: “We start with the lagoon. The front has to be a water element. The pub in the British Pavilion has two aspects. On the lagoon side, it is a replica of the waterside pub on the Thames used by the boating population. On the side street in resembles a pub in Soho. You can dine in the pub and then wander back into a London park like Grosvenor Square. One building has the feel of St. James Palace. The replica of Hampton Court houses a toy shop. The pavilion will also have a Royal Doulton china shop, a gift shop and a biscuit and confectionery store. farther back, you’ll be able to stroll into an area like the Cotswold Hills.” Within the same interview, Dave Baron (World Showcase Development) added: “Soon after opening we’ll have a British music hall. A live show will be presented with dinner.” And still, Jack Lindquist added: “We may also have a British historical facility.”

Walt Disney once said: “The whole thing here is the organization. Whatever we accomplish belongs to our entire group, a tribute to our combined effort.” In step with Walt’s philosophies, what was described as a “complex and highly diversified team” of individuals (among the Project Management and the Project Team) would coordinate and translate the concept of EPCOT Center into a reality.

The United Kingdom Pavilion would be Imagineered by the collaborative contributions of writers, designers, artists, film makers, engineers, sculptors, and builders, in addition to committees of foreign nationals, representatives of corporations and governments. These were lead by Project Director Jim Nagy, EPCOT Center World Showcase United Kingdom Project Manager Joe Navarro, Jim Barrett (Resident Engineer), Jerry Hunt (BVCC Project Manager), Robby Blackman (Tishman Project Manager), Alan Bourgeois (Pico Coordinator), Joanne Fernholz (Project Business Administrator), and Dave Yanchar (Project Planner).

Katie Olson (future WED Principal Color Concept Designer” was a painter in the Model Shop and had been tasked with painting the color boards for the facilities at EPCOT. “A ‘Color board’ is a term used by Disney to describe the documentation that takes color from pure design to construction in a format that can be used by both designers and paint contractors to first understand and then deliver the finished product— and do it right. An architectural elevation of the facility is printed, dry-mounted on board, and then painted with colors that have been hand-mixed and exactly matched to swatches that have been chosen by the designated art director.” She recalled: “I was given the United Kingdom Pavilion in World Showcase to render, and I was told to take color direction from the architect. That architect was, in fact, color-blind. He said he had to trust me to illustrate what he wanted, as he couldn't see the color for himself.”

Walt Disney World Shops would employ disciplines found at MAPO, supporting MAPO with in construction manufacturing. During construction some 750,000 - 800,000 square feet of concrete were poured in EPCOT Center.

The Showcase Area Development Landscaping Team was comprised of Don Hughes (Project Manager), Bill Coan(Resident Engineer), Jim Franklin (BVCC Project Manager), John Payne (PICO Coordinator), Joanne Fernholz (Project Business Administrator), and Dave Yanchar (Project Planner). [“Epcot Center - People Bring it to Life,” prepared by WED/MAPO, c.1980]

On September 16, 1981, Jack Lindquist firmly announced the official EPCOT Center Grand Opening date for EPCOT Center World Showcase United Kingdom Pavilion - Tuesday, October 19, 1982. On Tuesday, October 19, 1982, ceremonies were held at United Kingdom.

“The United Kingdom is Represented at the International Festival of Festivals”

Epcot Center World Showcase Festival Program Reception celebrated a unique Community of Nations on Saturday, October 23, 1982. The grand finale the evening's festivities, Le Carna-val de Lumière proudly proclaimed the Official Opening with the presentation of the world premiere of its International Festival of Festivals, a celebration of celebrations. Epcot Center's nighttime extravaganza of illuminations, water, sound, and fire was viewed from Showcase Plaza. This show, was to be an ongoing feature of World Showcase, using the new medium of computerized “magic-lantern” illumination to transport audiences to other times and cultures, inviting their imagination to engage in moments of festivity around the world.

Every society rejoices in what it feels most deeply about, inventing vivid rituals to celebrate important events in the cycle of life. Throughout the ages, the family of man has marked these joyous occasions with impressive public feasts and fêtes, dancing and music, parades and processions, pageants and exhibitions, spectacles and fireworks. These celebrations march from the past, through our lives today, and into the heritage of future generations. Through kaleidoscopic tapestries of light and sound, Le Carnaval de Lumière took audiences across the entire world and through twenty centuries to experience the rich diversity - and the commonality - of human celebration.

The roster of international entertainers is still impressive. The following groups were featured: All-American College Marching Band, West Point Glee Club, the Royal Irish Rangers (the last Irish infantry regiment in the British Army), Koleda (a highly professional group of dancers and musicians from Valenje, Yugoslavia), the Folkloric Dancers of Madrid (Spain), the Folklore Group Fribourg (Switzerland), Leyte Kalipayan Dance Company (Philippines), Areyto (The National Folkloric Ballet of Puerto Rico), Kelaa M'Gouna and Imintanout Folk Dancers and Musicians (Morocco), Ballet Folklórico Nacional de Mexico, The Boys Band of Meersburg (Germany), National Korean Folk Dance Company, Historic Standard Bearers of the District of Cori (Italy), "Lous Pastous Seignossais" Folk Ensemble (France), Finnish Folk Dance and Music Ensemble, "Katrilli" (Finland), Tivoli Boys Guard Band (Denmark), The National Folklore Troupe of Egypt, Universidad del Valle Folk Dance Group (Columbia), Lucnica (Czechoslovakia), The Shanghai City Song and Dance Ensemble (China), the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Musical Ride, The Royal Barbados Police Band, The Hunting Horns of Hoffalize and The Hunting Horns of St. Hubert (Belgium), COSAAN African Dance Company, and Odori Festival of Japan.

The 1982 program introduced The Royal Irish Rangers:

“As the last Irish infantry regiment in the British Army, the Royal Irish Rangers regard themselves as custodians of the proud heritage of all the gallant Irish regiments that preceded them. Organized in 1968 from an amalgamation of three famous old Irish regiments, the Royal Irish Rangers consist of a Military Band, Pipe Band with Drums, and a Corps of Bugles which, when combined, form a massed band of upwards of 60 performers. The military band in its green and silver uniforms, the buglers in their shakos, and the pipers dressed in saffron kilts create an impressive visual effect. The Rangers produce a variety of musical entertainments, including band concerts, parades, Irish dancing, and folk ensembles, as well as ceremonial fanfares and formations.”

“Jack Lindquist, Vice President of Marketing for Disneyland and Walt Disney World… [headed] up our team responsible for lining up participants for EPCOT and World Showcase,” according to Disneyland LINE Magazine. By 1978, at least nine companies had expressed an intention to participate in the United Kingdom World Showcase - British Airways, Selfridges Ltd., Bass Export Ltd., Dunbee-Combex-Marx Ltd., Associated Biscuits Ltd., Royal Doulton, British Rail, Guinness-Harp Corp., and Heraldic Promotions.

When Epcot Center opened in 1982, there were 34 merchandise locations, several located in the the United Kingdom Pavilion. The United Kingdom Pavilion opened with the Rose & Crown Pub & Dining Room restaurant, Pringle of Scotland shop, His Lordship shop, Toy Soldier shop, and Biscuit Barrel shop.

The Disney concept of theming is evident throughout Disneyland and Walt Disney World. Our shops complement the themed area and the merchandise. This is also carried over to Epcot Center World Showcase where we find souvenir shops that create tangible memories for Guests through Show and traditional merchandise of national origin.

It is notable to mention that during these early years, it was commonplace for merchandise locations to stock General Merchandise - non -character and/or decorative items, including film and sundries. In all, about 30% of merchandise had the Epcot Center logo, while the other 70% was general.

The aforementioned “The Spirit of EPCOT Center” c.1982 instructor’s orientation guide introduces the microcosm that is the U.K. Pavilion the following way:

“In a matter of only a few hundred feet, it’s possible to stroll from an elegant London square to the edge of a canal in the rural countryside via a bustling urban English street. In all, there are more than eight different architectural styles along the way, from English Tudor and Georgian to English Victorian.

The Rose & Crown Pub & Dining Room serves fish and chips, hot roast beef piled on an English muffin and steak and kidney pie. Bass Exports is the participant here.

Rocking horses, toys, baby carriages, dolls, all made in the U.K., are available in the Toy Soldier.

His Lordship sells brass blazer buttons, compasses, oil lamps, and a variety of other men’s accessories.

Pringle of Scotland offers a huge selection of styles and colors in men’s and women’s sweaters knitted by Scotland’s most famous maker.

The Queen’s Table specializes in Royal Doulton’s fine collector’s plates, figurines, and limited edition offerings.

The Biscuit Barrel looks something like Anne Hathaway’s cottage in Stratford-Upon-Avon, offering English cookies and other goodies.

Sharing Anne Hatahway’s cottage with the Biscuit Barrel , The Tea Caddy stocks English tea cups and other necessities.”

•Toy Shop (The Toy Soldier) was stocked with toys, dolls, cars, wooden toys and figures. As guests browse through the shop one of the first things they notice is the window display. The colorful designs provide yet another dimension to the Epcot Center experience. The animated display for the toy shop in the United Kingdom, provides a charm and craftsmanship that appeals to everyone. Display design also encompasses the fixtures and props which exhibit merchandise within the shop. Antique pieces from England, along with the specially designed displays, are part of the elements used to enhance the authenticity for the store.

•Men's Gift Shop (His Lordship) offered tobacco items, men's gifts and accessories.

•Tea Shop (The Tea Caddy), featuring Twining Teas carried teas and service accessories.

•Biscuit Shop (The Biscuit Barrel) sold an assortment of packaged biscuits, tins, cookies and jellies.

•Apparel Shop (Pringle of Scotland, Fine Woolens Since 1815), offered a full line of men's and ladies' wearables and accessories.

•China Shop (The Queen's Table), featuring Royal Doulton sold figurines, flatware and mugs.

•The Rose & Crown Pub & Dining Room featured traditional British fare, imported beers and ales over lunch and dinner.

The area utilized two separate types of lighting: Character lighting, and Functional Lighting. Character lighting such as a chandelier, or kerosene lamp, was themed to enhance the overall appearance and complement the interior. These added to the show, but didn’t necessarily create enough illumination for operation. Functional lighting on the other hand, offered substantial light without being obvious, or distracting from the show.

“EPCOT World Showcase Dining”

Epcot Center offered a sampling of delicious cuisine - a wide variety of dining experiences available for guests to savor in an international setting. Beer, wine and spirits were available at all table-service locations. Refreshing ice cream, beverages and snack carts could be found throughout Epcot Center.

A Latin phrase is woven into the Pub sign - “Otium cum Dignatate,” (meaning leisure with dignity).

When asked what his favorite Park food is, Disneylander (and “55er”) Buzz Price answered: “Martinis at the English Pub in Epcot at Walt Disney World in Florida.”

“The Queen’s Table”

Alison Nisbet, a second generation designer and costumer from The House of Nisbet visited The Queen’s Table fine china shop in Epcot Center’s World Showcase, Monday and Tuesday, September 19 and 20, 1983. Mrs. Nisbet introduced two new dolls recently added to the Royal Doul-ton Heirloom Collection: “H.R.H. Prince William of Wales” and “Princess Diana.” In celebration of Prince William's first birthday, Royal Doulton had created special limited edition “H.R.H. Prince William of Waler” and “Princess Diana” Heirloom dolls. Limited to 2,500 editions worldwide, “Prince William” was a cuddly one-year-old dressed in a typical Victorian-style sailor suit.

The House of Nisbet had taken its cue from the British press, which had closely watched Princess Diana’s choice of royal clothing for her royal heir and had duplicated the type of outfit in which she would dress him.

The House of Nisbet was internationally famous for its 8” high styrene dolls representing historical and contemporary royalty and other famous personalities. With over 100 portrait and costume dolls in the editions of “H.R.H. Prince William”, one of the brand new dolls that was added to the Royal Doulton Heirloom Doll Collection Nisbet Collection, the subjects ranged from a London Bobby through King Henry VIII to Ronald Reagan. The first House of Nisbet doll was created in 1953. 30 years later, it was still the extraordinary detail in costuming that marks dolls created by The House of Nisbet.

The association of Royal Doulton with The House of Nisbet brings together two extraordinary English traditions: Fine Bone China figure making and painting by Royal Doulton and fine doll costuming by The House of Nisbet. The end result: Royal Heirloom Dolls were a delight to today's doll collectors and admirers.

Nisbet Collection, the subjects range from a London Bobby through King Henry VIII to Ronald Reagan. The first House of Nisbet doll was created in 1953. Today, 30 years later, it is still the extraordinary detail in costuming that marked dolls created by The House of Nisbet.

The association of Royal Doulton with The House of Nisbet brings together two extraordinary English traditions: Fine Bone China figure making and painting by Royal Doulton and fine doll costuming by The House of Nisbet. The end result:

Royal Heirloom Dolls that are a delight to today's doll collectors and admirers.

Alison Nisbet autographed the days’ purchases from the famous line of Royal Doulton Heirloom dolls. Collectors and connoisseurs of Royal Doulton Heirloom dolls were able to learn, on a firsthand basis, what went on behind the scenes in the making of the treasured and sought-after collector’s items. 

In 1978, Card Walker (at the World Congress of the International Chamber of Commerce) announced: “The World Showcase will be a community of nations, the only permanent international exposition of its kind anywhere, focusing on the culture, traditions, tourism and accomplishments of people around the world… a model for true people-to-people exchange, the World Showcase will offer participating nations an opportunity to send their outstanding young adults to operate the attractions, shops, restaurants and exhibits of their pavilions. And these young people who will work, play and learn together for a period of up to one year will help to generate greater international understanding.” The Epcot World Showcase would truly be “a showcase of the world…and a showcase to the world.” Here ”the nations of the world will stand side by side…” and “meet on a coequal basis to communicate on a ‘people to people’ exchange with the more than 12 million visitors.” Here ”the nations of the world will stand side by side…” and “meet on a coequal basis to communicate on a ‘people to people’ exchange with the more than 12 million visitors.”

According to one Pre-Opening Day c.1982 orientation instructor’s guide: “The familiar faces of the Disney Characters won’t be there.” Instead, EPCOT Center Cast Members would be referred to as ambassadors of “the spirit of EPCOT Center,” since that very namesake orientation class. Without them, EPCOT Center would just be one magnificent stage. This ambassadorial Cast (in understanding the Epcot dream) would become “the link between the shows and the guest.” According to a souvenir guide, the EPCOT Center Hosts and Hostesses were ambassadors “of happiness, hope, optimism and goodwill.” According to one prospectus: “In this true people-to-people concept, sponsoring nations will be invited to send their outstanding young adults to operate the attractions, shops, restaurants and exhibits of their pavilion.” Proving this were the authentic Royal Irish Rangers, Pearly Kings and Queens, and one “William Shakespeare” that helped open the World Showcase on October 1, 1982. Through the World Showcase Festival Program, Epcot Center guests were entertained by performers from all over the world. These “cultural ambassadors” included entertainers representing Greece, Africa, Cambodia, the Dominican Republic, Yugoslavia, Israel and Norway.

The international guests would soon find that the United Kingdom World Showcase Cast Members were knowledgeable and prepared to answer questions about the pavilion and the country itself, and would even provide foreign language assistance, and guest literature in many languages. As early as June of 1980, it was divulged: “Young people will be brought over from their native country on a combination work and education program. Courses with college credit will be conducted at Walt Disney World University.” [“Orlando-Land!” published for June of 1980] All of these would contribute to a community of nations standing side by side. As Ken Anderson once noted, “I see people getting to know one another better on a scale, and in an environment that makes our similarities more important than our differences… a tremendous way of shrinking the world even further.”

Since the beginning, Atmosphere Entertainment complimenting the theme of areas was staged to entertain Pavilion Guests on an immediate and personal level. The Streetmosphere program began in the Italy Pavilion with some 60 SAK Theater actors (including C. McNair Wilson, Terry Olson, Herb Hansen). Eventually shows were added to Future World and the United Kingdom World Showcase Pavilion, at a rate of 45 shows a day performed from four areas. At the United Kingdom, you'll meet the Pearly Kings and Queens and an Elizabethan poet named Will Shakespeare.

Walt Disney Entertainment department developed new shows and parades for all of Walt Disney World. Soon Character and Equity groups performed in this area of World Showcase West (and the International Gateway between the UK and France Pavilions), with Characters overseen by the WSC West Captain. Ultimately, Streetmosphere also called “Streetmo”) would support the Disney-MGM Studios Show. There, equity contract performers would portray 1930's/40's Hollywood citizens on Hollywood or Sunset Boulevards.

At EPCOT, “8,990 additional costume pieces will be laundered each day - bringing daily output to approximately 27,400 costume pieces.”

Other popular crowd-pleasers were the Pearly Kings and Queens.

By c.2007, Guests May recall “Disney Characters on Holiday” (DCOH), a group of Characters that performed in several locations in Epcot, entering and exiting on a European double-decker bus. One of their Set Locations was in the Norway pavilion.

Obviously, the fastest way to move people over the extended areas of a Park is with moving vehicles. "FriendShip" launches crossed the World Showcase Lagoon and readily accommodated guests in wheelchairs and strollers. Buses regularly circled the World Showcase promenade. By 1982, getting around the World Showcase area was made easier with additional transportation, in the form of seven more busses and two new boats with a third under construction.

By August of 1975, the Feasibility Analysis Economic Study was completed for (what was first billed as “Oriental Disneyland”), an area called “International Land” was mentioned. It seems that (much like the original concept for EPCOT Center), Guests of International Land would also have “an opportunity to experience the endless variety of today's community of nations… discover the culture, traditions, tourism, and accomplishments of the participating countries through a wide variety of exciting shows and attractions, restaurants, and shopping streets unique to the individual nations.”

“It Looks Like We Started Something - Epcot Center Legacy”

The EPCOT Center World Showcase nearly had a legacy in WESTCOT Center - “a West Coast version of EPCOT Center, with a Spacestation Earth as its centerpiece, and a World Showcase. It was initially announced in March 1991, to be built where Disney California Adventure was eventually situated.” [Disney Facts Revealed by Dave Smith, 2016]

World Showcase nearly had a legacy in WESTCOT Center. Guests would have been transported to the Wonders of WESTCOT themed pavilions. At World Showcase, located around the island, visitors would have explored every corner of the globe at dramatic pavilions of foreign lands. WESTCOT was to include a whole new World Showcase of culture, traditions, tourism, and accomplishments of participating nations. Like EPCOT Center, these would be experienced through a wide variety of exciting shows and attractions, restaurants, and shopping streets unique to the individual nations.