1991 Walt Disney World Map

It should be pretty obvious that we are completely obsessed with Disney-related maps at Imaginerding. Maps are a great way to track changes with the resort and to see how Walt Disney World presents itself over time. A map that is from 1976 looks different from a map from 2011 and not just because there are more parks and hotels. As Disney became more sophisticated, so did its guests. Different maps were produced to highlight specific interests or to attract specific clientele.

Here are just a few of the posts that have involved maps or referenced them:

• We shared a 1977 map from World Magazine with an enormous Walt Disney World Marching Band.
• A Disney MGM, er, Hollywood Studios map of Old Hollywood and Vine.
• A detailed look at the early years of Discovery Island.
• Your Guide to Walt Disney World 1978: Celebrating 40 Years of Walt Disney World History.
• The GAF Picture Trail.
• The Story of Walt Disney World 1971 and 1976 editions.
• The 1971 Walt Disney World Map: A Detailed Look at Bay Lake.

The next map we are excited to present was created to represent Walt Disney World as it existed in 1991. It has been used in various publications, but this scan is from the Fall/Winter 1991 Newsweek guide to the Disney World 20 Years of Magic, a Yearlong Birthday Party.

Click on me to see a larger version.

By far, this is a more elegant map than any that Disney had produced before. The colors are more subdued and there is a lot of green. It is hard to present detail on a map that illustrates 43 square miles and Disney chose to highlight a few park icons without making it too messy. When I look at the map, it appears as if Disney is really promoting the resorts. With Eisner at the helm, I can see how the marketing/PR departments would want to highlight one of the growth areas. Also, the special issue spends time focusing on why adults without children would travel to Walt Disney World. Anything in particular stand out to you?

October 2011 marked the 40th anniversary of the opening of the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida. The Vacation Kingdom has seen a lot of changes over the past four decades and the editorial staff at Imaginerding wants to celebrate the unique and rich history of the resort with a series of posts. 

A very special thanks to Celeste Cronrath for designing the series of logos for our posts. Make sure to follow her on Twitter.