1971 Walt Disney World Liberty Square Cast Member Handbook

1971 Walt Disney World Liberty Square Cast Member Handbook

After a break for all things D23 we return to our 50th anniversary series where we see the Magic Kingdom as brand new Disney Cast Members learned about it back in 1971. Again, Walt Disney World is set to open. You have thousands of new Cast Members, most of whom have never seen a Disney theme park, and you need to orient them to that experience. The only problem is that the park isn’t open or ready yet either. So how do you give them that understanding? Enter a series of handbooks put out by the University of Walt Disney World. In these printed materials, Cast Members were introduced to the setting in which they would work. There is one for each of the lands of the park, plus the resort. In this podcast, we’ll look at Liberty Square. What makes this land unique is not only did new Cast Members being hired on the East Coast have no idea about what Liberty Square was all about, neither did people from Disneyland coming in from the West Coast. After all, this is the one land in the Magic Kingdom that had never been created for Disneyland in California. So we’ll look at what attractions, shops, dining and other features were available at this time. If you yearn for the Walt Disney World of yesteryear, or you want to know what these two lands were like back in the early days of the park, this is your podcast, as we continue our efforts to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World.

The podcast is available on PodbeaniTunesSpotify,  and ListenNotes. Please subscribe to the podcast and to this website so you can be notified of upcoming posts and podcasts!

Here are some of the things we talk about on the podcast:

Cover of the Liberty Square Handbook with a Main Street U.S.A. cover.
You can see a resemblance to the Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe in Liberty Square.
Park map for purchase in 1971. Note the section of buildings (39 that suggest an additional grouping where the seating area of the Liberty Square Market is. Image by Disney.
Map on headboards in Disney resorts in 1971. Note the white steepled building left of the tree. Image by Disney.
Same building with steeple is on the left, with large alcove area underneath. Image by Disney.
Entrance to Liberty Square. Notice the windmill, later removed from the design and final development.
Not discussed, but the original bridge was bowed similar to the Concorde bridge. It would later be flattened for parade traffic. Photo by J. Jeff Kober
Presidents being prepared for the Hall of Presidents. Photo by J. Jeff Kober

Check Out Our Patreon Group!

We thank you for visiting and listening to us. We appreciate your patronage and your friendship. To help make these websites and podcasts possible, there are several easy ways you can help:

  1. In addition to the podcast channel you listen to, please visit DisneyatPlay.com and DisneyatWork.com and subscribe to our website. That way you get notices of new posts and podcasts coming out.
  2. If you like what we have to offer, please visit iTunes and offer us a favorable rating and even a review. This helps notify others of what we have to offer. 
  3. If you like videos not just of Walt Disney World but of parks throughout the world, visit J. Jeff Kober on YouTube and subscribe there.
  4. Finally, join the Wayfinder Society. For as little as a dollar a month, this Patreon group not only helps to support this podcast and attending websites, but also gives you access to one of our Disney at Play Interactive Guides. 

NOTE! with any Wayfinder membership, you will also get exclusive podcasts looking that checks out other Disney podcasts, social media finds, shows, books and more.

There are four tiers to our society, two of which are available to all who love Disney and are fans. The second two tiers not only celebrate all things Disney, but focus on best-in-business practices from the happiest and most magical places on earth that can be applied to your own organization. All of them offer unique offerings only available here at Disney at Work and Play. For instance, right now subscribers to the three top tiers can experience a deep dive into Pirates of the Caribbean unlike any other.

And now we’re happy to announce that first Explorer tier is only $1.00 a month. And with that you not only help to support us but will receive access to one of our Disney at Play Discoveries: Pandora World of Avatar: To see a sneak peek at all that’s offered on this truly unique interactive guide, please visit us at the Wayfinder Society. While there you can also get a sneak peek at our Disney at Work Interactive Tour of Disneyland, available to our Navigator and Adventurer levels. We promise you content and experiences you can’t get elsewhere. And your patronage goes to help support these podcasts and posts.s

Check out the Wayfinder’s Society to see these two new Sneak Peeks!

Ready to Visit the Disney Parks?

Hopefully this podcast has made you realize you need help and support in planning your next trip to Disney. David and Leah with Out the Door Travel know Disney in ways few do and they can make your next trip on land or sea an exciting one–or at least less stressful! Be sure to contact them as you explore your next vacation, whether it is a Disney theme park vacation, a cruise, or an Adventure by Disney. There is no charge to utilize their services, but it will save you enormous time getting all the details right, and with their insight you can be assured you’re going to experience the best trip possible. Contact them today!

David and Leah Zanolla
Owner/Agents
(309) 863-5469
zanolla@otdtravel.com
Facebook: facebook.com/OTDwithDavid
Instagram: @otdwithdavid

J. Jeff Kober

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

YouTube
YouTube
LinkedIn
LinkedIn
Share