September 15, 2016 - Disney World Throwback to Opening Day AND Disney romance and memories

Elisa's Daily Scoop

Disney World Opening Day

Howdy my dear peeps!

As you might have noticed, Tanya and I have been very focused on Disney World throughout this week.

Well, maybe it's because we have a Cousins trip coming up!

I thought it would be fun to walk down memory lane and take a look at how Disney World in Orlando has changed through the years.

2016 marks the 45th Anniversary of Walt Disney World, as it opened on October 1, 1971.

Opening Day at Disney World (thisdayindisneyhistory.com)

The official opening of the Walt Disney World Resort included Magic Kingdom Park, Disney's Contemporary Resort, Disney's Polynesian Resort and Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground.

According to This Day in DisneyHistory.com:
"On Friday October 1, 1971 - after seven years of planning - about 10,000 visitors 
converged near Orlando, Florida, to witness the grand opening of Walt Disney World.
​
The Magic Kingdom, encompassing approximately 107 acres, featured Adventureland, Fantasyland, Frontierland, Liberty 
Square, Tomorrowland, a Main Street USA, and about 5,500 Cast Members. (MK was the only theme park at WDW.)"

Vintage Disney World tickets (vintagedisneylandtickets.blogspot.com)

Now, this is really going to get you... 

The admission prices on opening day were as follows:

* Seven Adventure Ticket Book: Adult $4.75, Junior $4.25, Children $3.75
(included transportation, admission to MK and seven adventures)

* Eleven Adventure Ticket Book: Adult $5.75, Junior $5.25, Children $4.75
(included transportation, admission to MK and eleven adventures)

* General Admission: Adult $3.50, Junior $2.50, Children $1.00
(inlcuded unlimited use for one day of transportation system,  admission to MK and all 
free shows, exhibits and entertainment)

* Parking: 50 cents per automobile

SERIOUSLY??
I just bought my tickets and the cost for a  3-Day Ticket with Admission to 1 Park Per Day was $290.00 per person.  That came to over $900 with tax!

Now, I get that the parks have expanded.  I get that there is more to do and more attractions. And I get that there is now free transportation. But, golly that's a big jump in the price even in 45 years.

Check out this old Disney World brochure pictured above!!  
Can you believe those prices!! 

My very first visit to Disney World was when my parents took us in 1975.  I was in the fifth grade - the same age Kelsey is now.

I still remember vividly attractions like "It's A Small World" and "Peter Pan's Flight" and "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea" (which, by the way, doesn't exist anymore). 

​20,000 Leagues Under the Sea: Submarine Voyage was an attraction at the Magic Kingdom theme park at Walt Disney World from 1971 through 1994.

I still remember being on board and "going under the water" and seeing the bubbles and hearing Captain Nemo's voice.  

"Submarines" of the 20,000 Leagues ride, in 1979. (credit: wiki)

In it's place since closing, there have a been number of attractions which include:

Ariel's Grotto (1995-2004), Pooh's Playful Spot (2005-2010) and Seven Dwarfs Mine Train (2014-present).

Seven Dwarfs Mine Train (c)travelincousins.com)

Today Disney World has expanded beyond anyone's imagination (except Walt himself!) and the resort is the flagship destination of Disney's worldwide corporate enterprise.

Walt Disney World is the most visited vacation resort in the world, with an attendance of over 52 million people annually.

The property covers 27,258 acres or 43 square miles, housing twenty-seven themed resort hotels, nine non–Disney hotels, four theme parks, two water parks, several golf courses, a camping resort, and other entertainment venues.

As I mentioned above, Magic Kingdom was the first theme park to open in the complex, in 1971, followed by Epcot in 1982, Hollywood Studios in 1989, and the most recent, Animal Kingdom in 1998.

And I think it's safe to say, it is the place "Where Dreams Come True" by the likes of it's sheer size and visitors annually and the fact that the Cousins keep returning again and again!


So, back to my day...
Every morning, my routine is to drop the girls off at school and then I'd stop and get a hot chocolate or do some early morning grocery shopping and take a brisk walk.

Well, things have changed a bit since Punkin came on the scene and joined our family.  My NEW routine is for me to drop the girls off at school WITH PUNKIN in tow!  

After loading up the car with their book bags and lunch boxes, I get the little beast in the car and we all drive off.  She starts crying as we make our approach to the school because she knows they will be leaving.  Then she makes her way from the back seat into the front seat next to me and we drive back home.

Then, once home, we spend a little quality time in the yard (weather permitting) for her to hang out, play a bit and now, chase a few squirrels.  

After this, she is ready for her morning nap, while I straighten, do laundry and prepare dinner for the night.

Today, is going to be a little different. During her nap (which I'll put her in her crate), I'm going to run a few errands, which will include taking a walk.  I have noticed that I've gotten a little flabby since her arrival!

On that note, I'll see ya back here tomorrow!

-E
xoxo

Tanya's Daily Scoop
NEXT TRIP DEPARTS IN: 9 DAYS

Disney memories

Okay so I've been home for like 12 days now and you'll never believe this but I'm still not completely unpacked yet.

GASP

Plus I need to start packing soon and I still have some things left in my luggage.

​Somehow it takes me waaaay longer to unpack than it does to pack, and packing is definitely waaaay more technical (at least when you pack the way that I do).

Well today is Thursday and therefore Throwback Thursday, Elisa had the great idea of doing a Disney Throwback in honor of our upcoming Disney Trip!! Be sure to check it out.  I love it cuz!
And I didn't even realize that we are going to the 45th anniversary! So much fun!

While my mum is really not much of an amusement park type of lady, she did however actually go to Disney World on her honeymoon back in 1972 - shortly after the park had opened!

Disney for the Romantic

DID YOU KNOW: Approximately 1,500 couples tie the knot each year at Walt Disney World Resort. Since September 1991, Walt Disney World Resort has hosted more than 27,000 weddings.

Credit: travelandLeisure.com

DID YOU REALIZE: Couples have traveled from every state in America and from international locations such as Japan, Saudi Arabia and the Netherlands to get married at Walt Disney World Resort.

IN FACT: Disney World is the #1 domestic honeymoon destination in the United States! ​

​Whereas my first visit to a Disney park was at Disneyland rather than Disney World, on a trip across the country to California (my first flight!) that my mum took me and my little sister Jet on.

Sassy my and my sis (c)travelincousins.com

​And my first trip to Disney World wasn't until 1995 and it was FAR from romantic...and that was a good thing!

Although this picture is from Universal Studios, Orlando, it is one of the few pictures of your's truly taken from that "not so perfect" circa 1995 trip. Check out my HAIR! (c)travelincousins.com

While my favorite park has always been Epcot - go figure!
I really do enjoy all of the parks and am looking very forward to spending a bundle of time in the newly designed Fantasyland at the Magic Kingdom...I've been waiting 8 years for this!! *Since I only go to these parks quadrennially.

And on that note here are some TBT Disney(ish) and random memories:

I really don't have a favorite character. But obviously back in the day Donald was it! Circa 1992 (c)travelincousins.com

Awe, my babies first trip to DisneyWorld! Circa 2005 (c)travelincousins.com

Our 2012 visit to Disney World (c)travelincousins.com

But like Elisa has said and I'm sure you all agree the price tag on tickets for these parks is quite OUTRAGEOUS and sure to give you sticker shock!

IN FACT: Just earlier this year (2016) Disneyland and Disney California Adventure raised it prices by 20% to $119 for adults for a one-day tickets, where it had been $99 before the change. 
The ticket price hikes were similar in Orlando where the one-day price jumped 18% to $124.

So when I tell you that I spent yesterday purchasing all of our tickets and excursions for the trip you'll understand if I say "OUCH"!

But I am glad that everything is in order and we are also all checked in for our cruise!
I'll share all the details with you on Travelin' Tuesday.

I've gotta head to the gym - gotta work out, stay healthy, and exercised when ever I can. Heaven knows that I'm gonna be pigging out of this upcoming trip!!

Don't forget to check back here tomorrow for SCOOP on Disney treats and eats, as well as my FOODIE FRIDAY TOP 10 Eats from my last trip to Europe! It's drool worthy.

Have a Fabulous Day out there!
-T