#13 Looking Back: 1991 Magic Kingdom Guide Book

It is always fun to look back at what once was in Disney's history. Today we are looking back at the Magic Kingdom Guide Book from 1991.

Nearly 30 years ago, the Magic Kingdom was entirely different. And as a matter of fact, so was the entire Walt Disney Company. It was being run by Michael Eisner and they were on the edge of beginning the 'Disney Renaissance.' Walt Disney World had just opened their 3rd gate in 1989 (Disney-MGM Studios) and were in the process of developing a 4th gate involving animals. From 1988-1991, Eisner pushed the company to open 8 new hotels including the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa (1988), Caribbean Beach Resort (1988), Swan (1989), Dolphin (1990), Yacht Club Resort (1990), Beach Club Resort (1990), Port Orleans Resort (1991) and Old Key West Resort (1991). These were the first new hotels being opened at Disney World since 1973.

The cover of the Magic Kingdom Guide Book from 1991 gives you a guiding light to where the park and company were at this time. The cover included the ever popular Scrooge McDuck from DuckTales and Chip and Dale from the Rescue Rangers.

The map of the park is something to behold. It includes Mickey's Starland, the Skyway from Fantasyland to Tomorrowland, a ferry to Discovery Island and Fort Wildness, and the 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea attraction.

On Main Street USA, there are some attractions, shops and restaurants of yesteryear that are no longer with us.

• The Penny Arcade, House of Magic, Harmony Barber Shop and Main Street Book Store are now shops along Main Street, U.S.A. where guest can purchase their favorite Disney merchandise.
• The Main Street Market House is now where you can purchase a coffee, tea or frappuccino from Starbucks.
• Sun Bank is now the Main Street Chamber of Commerce.
• The Disneyana Collectibles has been transformed into the Town Square Theater where you meet Mickey and Minnie Mouse.

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• "Tropical Serenade" has been renamed Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room.
• Aloha Isle and Sunshine Tree Terrace have switched spots.
• El Pirata Y el Perico is now the Tortuga Tavern.

Over in Frontierland, Splash Mountain was in the process of being built.

• Frontierland Shootin' Arcade is now a the Frontier Trading Post.
• "The Diamond Horseshoe Jamboree" has been re-purposed as a seasonal restaurant called the Diamond Horseshoe.
• The Pecos Bill Cafe expanded into the Mile Long Bar. It is now named the Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe.
• The Mike Fink Keelboats no longer cruise the Rivers of America. The Liberty Square Riverboat only operates from Liberty Square.

Over the years, Fantasyland had undergone numerous changes and expansions.

• The 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, Mr. Toad's Wild Ride, Snow White's Adventures, Fantasy Faire and the Skyway have all been replaced. 
• Mickey's PhillarMagic is the new 3-D show in the theater that housed "Magic Journey's."
• King Stefan's Banquet Hall is still where you can dine with Cinderella and the Disney Princesses but it has been renamed Cinderella's Royal Table.

As with Fantasyland, the Imagineers have transformed Tomorrowland over the year.

• Mission to Mars, "American Journeys", Dreamflight, StarJets, Skyway and the Tomorrowland Theatre were all replaced with updated attractions featuring Disney characters.

Mickey's Starland, formerly Mickey's Toyland and Mickey's Toontown Fair, was part of the New Fantasyland expansion and renamed Storybook Circus.

• Mickey's House and Meet Mickey are now Pete's Silly Sideshow and Big Top Souvenirs.
• Grandma Duck's Farm is now part of an area that includes Dumbo the Flying Elephant, Casey Jr. Splash 'N' Soak Station and The Barnstormer.

At the end of the Magic Kingdom Guide Book were other experiences and adventures in Walt Disney World, as well as what was coming next.

• At the time, the Shades of Green resort was The Disney Inn.
• Between Epcot and Disney-MGM Studios, the Walt Disney World Dolphin resort just opened, joining the Walt Disney World Swan.
• Before transforming into Disney Springs, you could shop and eat at the Disney Village Marketplace and Pleasure Island.
• Two classics around the Magic Kingdom resort area that are now closed were River Country and Discovery Island.

TRIVIA

Q: What was the original name of Mickey's Starland?

https://d23.com/this-day/mickeys-starland-opens-in-the-magic-kingdom/

A: Mickey's Birthdayland