Friday, January 22, 2010

McDonald's Animal Kingdom Preview

This is a card commemorating the McDonald's Worldwide Convention in Orlando in 1998 including a special preview of the Animal Kingdom.  The card is sealed in lucite.


Thursday, January 21, 2010

Pirates Of The Caribbean

Today a couple of Pirates themed merchandise pieces from the late 80's.

POTC drawstring bag perfect for stashing gems you might loot from a recent port.



POTC Keyring (with the ring removed) with reliefs on each side depicting memorable scenes from the attraction.

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Animal Kingdom Lodge

Today we have a Fast Fact Card for the Animal Kingdom Lodge.  These would generally be distributed to Cast Members before the opening of a new resort or attraction with bits of trivia about the location.

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Empress Lilly

Today we have some interior photos of the Empress Lilly.


Our glamourous models Hollie & Erica pose on the grand staircase leading up from the Main Deck.





A very cozy telephone booth on the second deck.


Our lovely models Tracie and Susan ponder a painting.


Exterior stairway leading down to the Main Deck.

Monday, January 18, 2010

Empress Lilly

Today some pictures of the Empress Lilly before it became Fulton's Crabhouse. The Empress has an assortment of restaurants and lounges none of which did I ever have the pleasure to dine in.  I did attend some training classes there in the summer of 1995 but thats not the same now is it? 

Taken from the parking lot near what is now McDonalds.



View from across the lagoon.



View from the rose garden behind Portobello Yacht Club.



This photo shows the paddle wheel which churned the waters of the lagoon completing the illusion that this was a real ship.  Sadly the paddle wheel is now gone.



A nighttime view from across the lagoon.



This is a pin from the character breakfast that was held on the ship.



Front of an Empress Lilly box of matches.



Back of the box of matches.

Tomorrow, some interior photos.

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Island Depot / Jessica's

When PI opened, I believe the Island Depot featured general Pleasure Island merchandise.  It wasn't long before it was rethemed to Jessica's with the addition of a huge kinetic neon Jessica Rabbit and an interior full of great Jessica merchandise (I personally purchased a lifesize Jessica poster and a cool beach towel).  Later the location was rethemed again and the giant Jessica was removed and placed on the backside of the West End Stage facing Pleasure Island AMC Theaters.


Island Depot (with Changing Attitudes in the background)



Island Depot from near Superstar Studios



Jessica's - Isn't she fantastic!



Jessica's (now in Technicolor)



Jessica's all lit up for a night on the town.