When I think back to 1990, I think it does not seem that long ago, yet here it is 22 years later, and I was just a kid at the time. The 1990s were a tremendous time of growth for the Disney Parks, specifically with the development of incorporating The Muppets brand into Disney.

Today we present another treasure from my grandparents collection of travel documents. At what point are they considered an antique? This post features the 1990 Walt Disney World Guide that highlights what guests could experience throughout the Disney property. As you can tell there is a big push of The Muppet Brand.

The reason for so much prevalence with The Muppets is because The Walt Disney Company was in final negotiations with Jim Henson to purchase the rights of the Muppet characters and become a creative consultant to the company. There were grand plans for the then Disney-MGM Studios Park to incorporate entire sections of the park for the Muppets brand. The first phase would have opened in 1991, which in addition to the 3-D attraction, would have featured parades and live-action shows.

Unfortunately, Mr. Jim Henson died unexpectedly in May 1990, and the final contract with Disney was unsigned. Disney abandoned the idea of developing The Muppet brand further within the Disney-MGM Studios Park. Jim Henson’s Muppet Vision 3-D opened in May 1991.

Some of the interesting items being promoted in the 1990 guide that are now defunct include:

• River Country
• Pleasure Island
• Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (Meet and Greet)
• Sorcery in the Sky (Fireworks show at MGM)
• Dick Tracy Starring in Diamond Double Cross (mini-Broadway musical)
• Mickey’s Starland show (featuring Chip ‘n Dale Rescue Rangers, DuckTales, and the Gummy Bears) Wow, I forgot all about the Gummi Bears show until now. That show was great as a kid!
• 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea ride
• At Norway (Epcot), the Maelstrom ride had just opened (still in operation)
• The Disney Inn (now the Military Shades of Green Resort)
• Typhoon Lagoon had just opened

Of course what we all still wish existed from the 1990 Disney version is the price of tickets. Only $31 for a 1 Park/1 Day pass. What a steal!

A Side Thought

You know what would be great? As I was going through this guide, I started to think what happened to all the old character costumes we never see anymore? Would it not be great to see a museum of all the old Disney characters costumes? It could even be a premium ticket, similar to the Keys to the Kingdom tours. Maybe it would not be ideal for kids because than they would realize they are only costumes, but I think it would be interesting to not only see the old characters, but also see how they have changed over time.

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