MAIN STREET, U.S.A.
AUDIO TOUR AND INTERACTIVE MAP
On the left side of the page, push the play button to hear an audio clip for the tour.
On the right side of the page, hover over or click a building to see historical data.
Scroll down to read the audio tour transcript.
On the right side of the page, hover over or click a building to see historical data.
Scroll down to read the audio tour transcript.
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Main Street, U.S.A. Tour - Quiz Answers
BONUS: What is farther (as the crow flies) from the Main Street Train Station where we started our tour: the entrance to Jungle Cruise, the entrance to Star Jets (yes, Astro Orbiter was Star Jets in 1982), or the entrance to Cinderella Castle?
Cinderella Castle (measured from an aerial photo from April 26, 2002 with a ruler)
- What Main Street Vehicle moved to EPCOT in the early 1980s?
Omnibus - The restaurant changed from Town Square Café to Tony’s Town Square Restaurant except, according to the Park Guides, one year it was referenced as Tony’s Town Square Café. What year?
1989 - Who sponsored the Camera Center after Polaroid?
Kodak - From 2005 to 2007 the Main Street Cinema housed VMK. What does VMK stand for?
Virtual Magic Kingdom - What was the name of the store where Pandora is now located, prior to the Holiday Corner?
Wonderland of Wax - From 1971 to 1975, The Shadow Box was named The Shadow Box Silhouette Studio. Where in Main Street, U.S.A. can you still have an artist make a silhouette of you?
East Center Street - I didn’t mention The Plaza Swan Boats, which were technically part of Main Street, U.S.A. and were open seasonally from 1972 to 1983. What year was the Plaza Swan boat dock removed?
2014 - In Main Street, U.S.A., there are some false doorways that go nowhere with a few steps in front. How many of these doorways are there in Main Street, U.S.A. today?
Four (Note: one is by the Chapeau) - Which shop mentioned on this tour housed a bookstore from 1989 to 1994?
Tobacconist - What was the name of the parade that ran through most of 1981 until September of 1982?
Tencennial Parade
BONUS: What is farther (as the crow flies) from the Main Street Train Station where we started our tour: the entrance to Jungle Cruise, the entrance to Star Jets (yes, Astro Orbiter was Star Jets in 1982), or the entrance to Cinderella Castle?
Cinderella Castle (measured from an aerial photo from April 26, 2002 with a ruler)
TRANSCRIPT
Intro
Welcome to the Magic Timeline Maps Audio tour of Main Street, U.S.A.!
The Magic Kingdom recently celebrated its 50th anniversary and has changed quite a bit over those five decades. We’ve broken down the changes by lands and what better place to start than Main Street, U.S.A.? Each land will focus on a specific year. For Main Street, U.S.A., we're in the year 1982. Get ready for a righteous tour! Feel free to follow along using the interactive map on this page.
Imagine you’ve just entered the Magic Kingdom after paying $15 for your one-day ticket (the price of admission in late 1982). You’ve got your fly acid wash jeans on, your fanny pack at the ready, and maybe you even rented a pocket pager (available at all Disney hotels in 1982).
Now you're all set for this historic tour to begin. Our first stop will be on the second floor of the Main Street Train Station. Head up the steps and let the magic begin!
Welcome to the Magic Timeline Maps Audio tour of Main Street, U.S.A.!
The Magic Kingdom recently celebrated its 50th anniversary and has changed quite a bit over those five decades. We’ve broken down the changes by lands and what better place to start than Main Street, U.S.A.? Each land will focus on a specific year. For Main Street, U.S.A., we're in the year 1982. Get ready for a righteous tour! Feel free to follow along using the interactive map on this page.
Imagine you’ve just entered the Magic Kingdom after paying $15 for your one-day ticket (the price of admission in late 1982). You’ve got your fly acid wash jeans on, your fanny pack at the ready, and maybe you even rented a pocket pager (available at all Disney hotels in 1982).
Now you're all set for this historic tour to begin. Our first stop will be on the second floor of the Main Street Train Station. Head up the steps and let the magic begin!
Stop 1
When you stand on the second floor of the Main Street Train Station facing the castle, what do you see? What catches your eye? What do you think changed from 1971 to 1982? What do you think has changed from 1982 to today, beside the trees? Yes, there were trees everywhere back then.
Picture if you will people riding in horse drawn trolleys, in an old-time fire engine, or chugging along in a classic car replica up and down Main Street.
I won't bore you with flags that are really banners, forced perspective, names on windows, or “utilidors.” You can get all that from the official (and wonderful) behind-the-scenes Disney Tours. This tour will be different!
Time for your first Quiz Question. Yes, there will be a quiz question at every stop.
What Main Street Vehicle moved to EPCOT in the early 1980s?
By the way, the quiz answers are at the bottom of the page ... but no peeking!
We’re going to start with Town Square Theatre on the right and then head counter-clockwise around Main Street, U.S.A., up the right side (the East Side) of Main Street to the Plaza and then back down the left side (the West Side) to City Hall, and finish back here near the Main Street Train Station. We like to start and end our 1982 tour here in case you need to make a call from the pay phones conveniently located under the railroad station.
So, check your swatch, and wander down the steps. If you don’t stop at The Station Break which sold snacks and soft drinks right under the train station, you probably went straight for the Orville Redenbacher Gourmet Popping Corn Cart. That smell is tough to resist!
Let’s head toward Town Square Theatre and pop in the Curtain Call Collectibles entrance into the store, then loop through the lobby of the theatre and then back out front. Take your time and enjoy.
When you stand on the second floor of the Main Street Train Station facing the castle, what do you see? What catches your eye? What do you think changed from 1971 to 1982? What do you think has changed from 1982 to today, beside the trees? Yes, there were trees everywhere back then.
Picture if you will people riding in horse drawn trolleys, in an old-time fire engine, or chugging along in a classic car replica up and down Main Street.
I won't bore you with flags that are really banners, forced perspective, names on windows, or “utilidors.” You can get all that from the official (and wonderful) behind-the-scenes Disney Tours. This tour will be different!
Time for your first Quiz Question. Yes, there will be a quiz question at every stop.
What Main Street Vehicle moved to EPCOT in the early 1980s?
By the way, the quiz answers are at the bottom of the page ... but no peeking!
We’re going to start with Town Square Theatre on the right and then head counter-clockwise around Main Street, U.S.A., up the right side (the East Side) of Main Street to the Plaza and then back down the left side (the West Side) to City Hall, and finish back here near the Main Street Train Station. We like to start and end our 1982 tour here in case you need to make a call from the pay phones conveniently located under the railroad station.
So, check your swatch, and wander down the steps. If you don’t stop at The Station Break which sold snacks and soft drinks right under the train station, you probably went straight for the Orville Redenbacher Gourmet Popping Corn Cart. That smell is tough to resist!
Let’s head toward Town Square Theatre and pop in the Curtain Call Collectibles entrance into the store, then loop through the lobby of the theatre and then back out front. Take your time and enjoy.
Stop 2
Make sure you’ve got your neon sunglasses out and let’s briefly discuss what this looked like in 1982. Disney was preparing for the EPCOT CENTER to open on October 1, 1982, and the Hospitality House had a wonderful preview. Unfortunately, you may have missed The Walt Disney Story, which ran off and on from 1973 until 1992 in the same space as the preview, unless you were there late in 1982 when it returned. The Walt Disney Story contained wonderful, rare film footage and featured Walt telling his own story from childhood to the creation of Walt Disney World. It also provided an insight into the philosophies of the Disney organization.
Also, the Town Square Café had not changed to Tony’s Town Square Restaurant yet. In 1982 the restaurant was sponsored by Hormel, served breakfast, lunch, and dinner and had an impressive Victorian atmosphere.
Quiz Question #2: The restaurant changed from Town Square Café to Tony’s Town Square Restaurant except, according to the Park Guides, some years it was referenced as Tony’s Town Square Café. What years?
Now let’s pop in the old Chapeau entrance through the far-right door and back out on to Town Square to look at the adjacent store front before heading over to stop 3.
Make sure you’ve got your neon sunglasses out and let’s briefly discuss what this looked like in 1982. Disney was preparing for the EPCOT CENTER to open on October 1, 1982, and the Hospitality House had a wonderful preview. Unfortunately, you may have missed The Walt Disney Story, which ran off and on from 1973 until 1992 in the same space as the preview, unless you were there late in 1982 when it returned. The Walt Disney Story contained wonderful, rare film footage and featured Walt telling his own story from childhood to the creation of Walt Disney World. It also provided an insight into the philosophies of the Disney organization.
Also, the Town Square Café had not changed to Tony’s Town Square Restaurant yet. In 1982 the restaurant was sponsored by Hormel, served breakfast, lunch, and dinner and had an impressive Victorian atmosphere.
Quiz Question #2: The restaurant changed from Town Square Café to Tony’s Town Square Restaurant except, according to the Park Guides, some years it was referenced as Tony’s Town Square Café. What years?
Now let’s pop in the old Chapeau entrance through the far-right door and back out on to Town Square to look at the adjacent store front before heading over to stop 3.
Stop 3
The Chapeau, (which closed in 2022) sold Gentlemen's and Ladies' hats, offered monogramming, and sold character hats - you know, Mickey Mouse Ears! It had been at its current location since the early 1970s, even though the entrance on the far right (which recently had the hat box over the door) was used by The Disney Vacation Club from the early 1990s to the late 2000s. In 1982 this storefront was blue, and there was no hat box. That didn’t show up until the late 2000s, and then it was hanging from a pole on the sidewalk. By the way, in the 1970s and even as late as 1980, there was a truck parked here with the signage “BORDEN Milk & Ice Cream.” Also of note - the 2nd floor balcony over the main entrance used to extend to the right and over approximately one third of the hat box entrance store front. In the past 10 years, the front was painted green, the porch shortened, and eventually the now missing hat box was moved to the balcony.
In 1982 you could stop by the Polaroid Camera Center for film processing, camera rentals and photo tips. The Polaroid Camera Center was on the corner and there was no Main Street Bypass - that’s the wall with the big gates and the Bicycle sign. The gates are opened occasionally to alleviate the crowds when Main Street is particularly busy. When the Magic Kingdom opened, this Cast Member only access was often referred to as the “Hotel Gate.” Yes, at one time the Town Square Theatre was intended to be a hotel. That would have been amazing!
Quiz Question #3: Who sponsored the Camera Center after Polaroid? Hey - I never said the questions would be easy!
Now head into the Confectionery corner entrance, through the doors and turn left. Work your way through the store. Of course, pick up any favorites - in 1982, the Confectionery was becoming famous for chocolates, nuts, and homemade peanut brittle, and exit just prior to the Cinema for stop 4.
The Chapeau, (which closed in 2022) sold Gentlemen's and Ladies' hats, offered monogramming, and sold character hats - you know, Mickey Mouse Ears! It had been at its current location since the early 1970s, even though the entrance on the far right (which recently had the hat box over the door) was used by The Disney Vacation Club from the early 1990s to the late 2000s. In 1982 this storefront was blue, and there was no hat box. That didn’t show up until the late 2000s, and then it was hanging from a pole on the sidewalk. By the way, in the 1970s and even as late as 1980, there was a truck parked here with the signage “BORDEN Milk & Ice Cream.” Also of note - the 2nd floor balcony over the main entrance used to extend to the right and over approximately one third of the hat box entrance store front. In the past 10 years, the front was painted green, the porch shortened, and eventually the now missing hat box was moved to the balcony.
In 1982 you could stop by the Polaroid Camera Center for film processing, camera rentals and photo tips. The Polaroid Camera Center was on the corner and there was no Main Street Bypass - that’s the wall with the big gates and the Bicycle sign. The gates are opened occasionally to alleviate the crowds when Main Street is particularly busy. When the Magic Kingdom opened, this Cast Member only access was often referred to as the “Hotel Gate.” Yes, at one time the Town Square Theatre was intended to be a hotel. That would have been amazing!
Quiz Question #3: Who sponsored the Camera Center after Polaroid? Hey - I never said the questions would be easy!
Now head into the Confectionery corner entrance, through the doors and turn left. Work your way through the store. Of course, pick up any favorites - in 1982, the Confectionery was becoming famous for chocolates, nuts, and homemade peanut brittle, and exit just prior to the Cinema for stop 4.
Stop 4
This block of shops has been anchored by the Main Street Cinema since opening day. The cinema was still showing short movies in 1982, but since then has transitioned through several different venues and most recently became an art and high-end souvenir shop. Back in 1982 you might have seen The Great Train Robbery or a Mickey Mouse short.
On the far-left corner where the Uptown Jewelers sign is located was The Cup‘n Saucer, which sold fine China and gifts. Further to our right, the Confectionery was only a small shop between the Main Street Cinema and the Camera Center. Just to the left of the Main Street Cinema is a storefront with the curved sign reading WATCHES. Initially that sign read FINE CHINA.
Quiz Question #4: From 2005 to 2007 the Main Street Cinema housed VMK. What does VMK stand for?
Now let’s enter the cinema, check out the artwork - and, oh, if you look up, you can still see the structure in the ceiling previously used to house the projectors. Then make a left and work your way to East Center Street through the Pandora shop.
This block of shops has been anchored by the Main Street Cinema since opening day. The cinema was still showing short movies in 1982, but since then has transitioned through several different venues and most recently became an art and high-end souvenir shop. Back in 1982 you might have seen The Great Train Robbery or a Mickey Mouse short.
On the far-left corner where the Uptown Jewelers sign is located was The Cup‘n Saucer, which sold fine China and gifts. Further to our right, the Confectionery was only a small shop between the Main Street Cinema and the Camera Center. Just to the left of the Main Street Cinema is a storefront with the curved sign reading WATCHES. Initially that sign read FINE CHINA.
Quiz Question #4: From 2005 to 2007 the Main Street Cinema housed VMK. What does VMK stand for?
Now let’s enter the cinema, check out the artwork - and, oh, if you look up, you can still see the structure in the ceiling previously used to house the projectors. Then make a left and work your way to East Center Street through the Pandora shop.
Stop 5
If you stand back in the corner of East Center Street looking out toward Main Street, there are a series of store fronts on both the left and the right side. On the right, closest to Main Street was the Market House, which featured Smucker’s jams, jellies, old fashioned candy, snacks, and Mrs. Butterworth syrup. Next was a much smaller version of Uptown Jewelers, featuring "fine costume jewelry." I often wondered if that should have been custom jewelry, not costume jewelry. Just to our right was Disney & CO., a small toy shop featuring Disney merchandise. Directly on your left, Holiday Corner was located where Pandora is today and back in 1982 it was Christmas all year long! Holiday Corner had an impressive display of Christmas accessories, candle making, and wax creations.
Quiz Question #5: What was the name of the store where Pandora is now located, prior to the Holiday Corner?
Now enter Crystal Arts and make your way through the shop and out to Main Street to stop 6. Don’t forget to check out the fantastic crystal artwork and working artisans!
If you stand back in the corner of East Center Street looking out toward Main Street, there are a series of store fronts on both the left and the right side. On the right, closest to Main Street was the Market House, which featured Smucker’s jams, jellies, old fashioned candy, snacks, and Mrs. Butterworth syrup. Next was a much smaller version of Uptown Jewelers, featuring "fine costume jewelry." I often wondered if that should have been custom jewelry, not costume jewelry. Just to our right was Disney & CO., a small toy shop featuring Disney merchandise. Directly on your left, Holiday Corner was located where Pandora is today and back in 1982 it was Christmas all year long! Holiday Corner had an impressive display of Christmas accessories, candle making, and wax creations.
Quiz Question #5: What was the name of the store where Pandora is now located, prior to the Holiday Corner?
Now enter Crystal Arts and make your way through the shop and out to Main Street to stop 6. Don’t forget to check out the fantastic crystal artwork and working artisans!
Stop 6
The store on the corner to the far left has been an Ice Cream Parlour since opening day. The name has changed a few times as have the sponsors. In the early 1980s it was sponsored by Sealtest. To the right of that is the bakery and that has also been there since opening day but has expanded a few times over the years. In 1982 it was sponsored by Sara Lee and in addition to coffee and Sara Lee pastries they provided cake decorating. Interesting!
The two-story storefront with a rectangular vent under the second-floor middle window was The Shadow Box in 1982. They created silhouettes and framed them while you waited. In that same general area but to the right and further behind was the original Crystal Arts. They featured glass cutting, blowing, and engraving by the Arribas Brothers. That area is now part of the Main Street Bakery (Starbucks) and the Crystal Arts store encompasses the remaining floor space between the bakery and East Center Street.
Quiz Question #6: From 1971 to 1975, The Shadow Box was named The Shadow Box Silhouette Studio. Where in Main Street, U.S.A. can you still have an artist make a silhouette of you?
Now head toward the Castle and stop at the edge of the Plaza.
The store on the corner to the far left has been an Ice Cream Parlour since opening day. The name has changed a few times as have the sponsors. In the early 1980s it was sponsored by Sealtest. To the right of that is the bakery and that has also been there since opening day but has expanded a few times over the years. In 1982 it was sponsored by Sara Lee and in addition to coffee and Sara Lee pastries they provided cake decorating. Interesting!
The two-story storefront with a rectangular vent under the second-floor middle window was The Shadow Box in 1982. They created silhouettes and framed them while you waited. In that same general area but to the right and further behind was the original Crystal Arts. They featured glass cutting, blowing, and engraving by the Arribas Brothers. That area is now part of the Main Street Bakery (Starbucks) and the Crystal Arts store encompasses the remaining floor space between the bakery and East Center Street.
Quiz Question #6: From 1971 to 1975, The Shadow Box was named The Shadow Box Silhouette Studio. Where in Main Street, U.S.A. can you still have an artist make a silhouette of you?
Now head toward the Castle and stop at the edge of the Plaza.
Stop 7
Turn to face back down Main Street toward the Train Station. On your far left is the Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant, but back in 1982 it was the Plaza Pavilion and they served hamburgers, hotdogs, fried chicken, and soft drinks. Prior to 1981 it was part of Main Street, U.S.A., but ever since then it's been considered part of Tomorrowland.
Since it is 1982, perhaps you’ve recently seen the movie TRON, which hit theaters in July, and as you gaze over at Tomorrowland, maybe you can envision one day riding a TRON light cycle of your own somewhere in that great big, beautiful tomorrow.
Moving back toward Main Street and to the left of the Ice Cream Parlour is the Plaza Restaurant and that has been there since 1977. Prior to becoming a restaurant, it was an indoor seating area for the Ice Cream Parlour. By the way, just to the left of the Plaza Restaurant is the other end of the Main Street Bypass.
Now, to the right of Main Street is Casey’s Corner, which was known as Refreshment Corner in 1982. To the right of that was an entrance to the Penny Arcade. The Penny Arcade tagline was “A room full of fun for a penny, nickel, dime, or quarter.” As you can see from our interactive tour layout of Main Street, the Penny Arcade wrapped around Refreshment Corner, the Tobacconist, and The House of Magic and had a second entrance on Main Street. To the far right is the Crystal Palace and just before that is the Baby Care Center.
Quiz Question #7: I didn’t mention The Plaza Swan Boats, which were technically part of Main Street, U.S.A. and were open seasonally from 1972 to 1983. What year was the Plaza Swan boat dock removed?
Now enter Casey’s Seating area next the Baby Care Center and work your way back to Main Street. Make sure to enjoy the smell, and possibly the taste, of the hot dogs (after all it is your tour) and stop to hear the piano music if there's a performance in progress.
Turn to face back down Main Street toward the Train Station. On your far left is the Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant, but back in 1982 it was the Plaza Pavilion and they served hamburgers, hotdogs, fried chicken, and soft drinks. Prior to 1981 it was part of Main Street, U.S.A., but ever since then it's been considered part of Tomorrowland.
Since it is 1982, perhaps you’ve recently seen the movie TRON, which hit theaters in July, and as you gaze over at Tomorrowland, maybe you can envision one day riding a TRON light cycle of your own somewhere in that great big, beautiful tomorrow.
Moving back toward Main Street and to the left of the Ice Cream Parlour is the Plaza Restaurant and that has been there since 1977. Prior to becoming a restaurant, it was an indoor seating area for the Ice Cream Parlour. By the way, just to the left of the Plaza Restaurant is the other end of the Main Street Bypass.
Now, to the right of Main Street is Casey’s Corner, which was known as Refreshment Corner in 1982. To the right of that was an entrance to the Penny Arcade. The Penny Arcade tagline was “A room full of fun for a penny, nickel, dime, or quarter.” As you can see from our interactive tour layout of Main Street, the Penny Arcade wrapped around Refreshment Corner, the Tobacconist, and The House of Magic and had a second entrance on Main Street. To the far right is the Crystal Palace and just before that is the Baby Care Center.
Quiz Question #7: I didn’t mention The Plaza Swan Boats, which were technically part of Main Street, U.S.A. and were open seasonally from 1972 to 1983. What year was the Plaza Swan boat dock removed?
Now enter Casey’s Seating area next the Baby Care Center and work your way back to Main Street. Make sure to enjoy the smell, and possibly the taste, of the hot dogs (after all it is your tour) and stop to hear the piano music if there's a performance in progress.
Stop 8
This row of storefronts is basically all part of the Emporium complex today with different departments for men, women, toys, gifts, etc., but in 1982 there were a few unique shops here.
Starting on the left, there was the Hallmark Card shop which sold Hallmark cards, stationery, party items, and provided gift wrapping, followed by the Main Street entrance of the Penny Arcade. Then continuing left to right, there was the House of Magic, which sold magic tricks, monster masks, puzzles, books, and gags. Next was the Tobacconist - as you can guess, they sold fine cigars, tobacco, cigarettes, pipes, and accessories, and at the far right, Refreshment Corner.
In the mid-1990s, this Penny Arcade, House of Magic, and Tobacconist section was repurposed and was collectively known as the Main Street Athletic Shop. In 2006, another rebranding changed parts of this area and it became The Hall of Champions.
Quiz Question #8: In Main Street, U.S.A., there are some false doorways that go nowhere with a few steps in front. How many of these doorways are there in Main Street, U.S.A. today?
This row of storefronts is basically all part of the Emporium complex today with different departments for men, women, toys, gifts, etc., but in 1982 there were a few unique shops here.
Starting on the left, there was the Hallmark Card shop which sold Hallmark cards, stationery, party items, and provided gift wrapping, followed by the Main Street entrance of the Penny Arcade. Then continuing left to right, there was the House of Magic, which sold magic tricks, monster masks, puzzles, books, and gags. Next was the Tobacconist - as you can guess, they sold fine cigars, tobacco, cigarettes, pipes, and accessories, and at the far right, Refreshment Corner.
In the mid-1990s, this Penny Arcade, House of Magic, and Tobacconist section was repurposed and was collectively known as the Main Street Athletic Shop. In 2006, another rebranding changed parts of this area and it became The Hall of Champions.
Quiz Question #8: In Main Street, U.S.A., there are some false doorways that go nowhere with a few steps in front. How many of these doorways are there in Main Street, U.S.A. today?
Stop 9
Now enter the recessed Emporium doors where West Center Street was until approximately 2001. Once inside, we'll discuss what storefronts were here in 1982. Yes, this space was outdoors in 1982. With our backs to Main Street, and going left to right, the New Century Clock Shop, which sold Elgin watches and clocks was on the corner and next to that was The Greenhouse. The Greenhouse sold silk and artificial flowers, green plants, and decorative pottery. Their plants often filled the open-air West Center Street and was a popular photo spot.
Just past that was the original location of the Harmony Barber Shop. The barber shop was the place to go for an old-time shave and haircut, or to buy moustache cups and nostalgic shaving items. To the right of that was an access for Cast Member Only (named West Center Gate) with an overhead sign that read Livery & Feed Stable. The next two storefronts were just that - storefronts. Champion Cyclery did not sell bicycles and there was no laundry shop on Main Street. Let’s go all the way around to the right and we're back to the Hallmark Card Shop.
Quiz Question #9: Which shop mentioned on this tour housed a bookstore from 1989 to 1994?
Now stay inside and wander through the Emporium toward the Main Street Train Station back out to Town Square for the final talk. Don’t forget to check out the gifts, window displays, architecture, and the Emporium Store Guide, by the door with the exterior “Arcade” sign. In 1982 you would have been viewing souvenirs, toys, personal and decorative gifts, books, records, film, and sundries. Yes, records!
Now enter the recessed Emporium doors where West Center Street was until approximately 2001. Once inside, we'll discuss what storefronts were here in 1982. Yes, this space was outdoors in 1982. With our backs to Main Street, and going left to right, the New Century Clock Shop, which sold Elgin watches and clocks was on the corner and next to that was The Greenhouse. The Greenhouse sold silk and artificial flowers, green plants, and decorative pottery. Their plants often filled the open-air West Center Street and was a popular photo spot.
Just past that was the original location of the Harmony Barber Shop. The barber shop was the place to go for an old-time shave and haircut, or to buy moustache cups and nostalgic shaving items. To the right of that was an access for Cast Member Only (named West Center Gate) with an overhead sign that read Livery & Feed Stable. The next two storefronts were just that - storefronts. Champion Cyclery did not sell bicycles and there was no laundry shop on Main Street. Let’s go all the way around to the right and we're back to the Hallmark Card Shop.
Quiz Question #9: Which shop mentioned on this tour housed a bookstore from 1989 to 1994?
Now stay inside and wander through the Emporium toward the Main Street Train Station back out to Town Square for the final talk. Don’t forget to check out the gifts, window displays, architecture, and the Emporium Store Guide, by the door with the exterior “Arcade” sign. In 1982 you would have been viewing souvenirs, toys, personal and decorative gifts, books, records, film, and sundries. Yes, records!
Stop 10
We’re back in Town Square now, with the Sharing the Magic Statue behind us. Although iconic now, that statue didn’t debut until 1999, and the arguably even more famous Partners Statue featuring Walt and Mickey debuted in 1995.
To our far left while facing City Hall is the Main Street Train Station where we started. Next to the entrance and exit tunnel is the Chamber of Commerce which was Sun Bank back in 1982. Sun Bank was an operating bank where you could cash personal checks, redeem Travelers Cheques (for you old folks), make change, and exchange foreign currency. I understand that the back of the building was also a Sun Bank that Cast Members could use from backstage to cash pay checks. It’s interesting what goes on just behind the scenes!
Between the Chamber of Commerce and City Hall is a small garden patio area that has been used for holiday “meet and greet” events and the kick-off point, at times, for official Disney tours.
Next is City Hall and then the Fire House. Both have been there since the opening in 1971. City Hall has been the main information center for years, and the Fire House became home to Sorcerers of The Magic Kingdom in 2012.
Continuing to the right is the access way for parades and then the Car Barn, which houses the horses for the horse-drawn carriages. At night, the horses reside at the Tri-Circle-D ranch at Fort Wilderness Resort. Finally, we get to the new Harmony Barber Shop and then back to the Emporium. The Harmony Barber Shop moved to this location when West Center Street was converted into additional Emporium space.
Quiz Question #10: What was the name of the parade that ran through most of 1981 until September of 1982?
And there you have it - the short version of the “Way It Was In 1982” Walt Disney World Main Street Tour!
That’s the end of your custom tubular tour of Main Street, U.S.A. circa 1982! Don’t forget to take your personal belongings with you when you exit. Hope to see you again soon! Oh, and you can enjoy a written version of this 1982 Main Street, U.S.A. tour with some wonderful nostalgic photos in the Celebrations Magazine, Issue #74, from March and April 2021.
We’re back in Town Square now, with the Sharing the Magic Statue behind us. Although iconic now, that statue didn’t debut until 1999, and the arguably even more famous Partners Statue featuring Walt and Mickey debuted in 1995.
To our far left while facing City Hall is the Main Street Train Station where we started. Next to the entrance and exit tunnel is the Chamber of Commerce which was Sun Bank back in 1982. Sun Bank was an operating bank where you could cash personal checks, redeem Travelers Cheques (for you old folks), make change, and exchange foreign currency. I understand that the back of the building was also a Sun Bank that Cast Members could use from backstage to cash pay checks. It’s interesting what goes on just behind the scenes!
Between the Chamber of Commerce and City Hall is a small garden patio area that has been used for holiday “meet and greet” events and the kick-off point, at times, for official Disney tours.
Next is City Hall and then the Fire House. Both have been there since the opening in 1971. City Hall has been the main information center for years, and the Fire House became home to Sorcerers of The Magic Kingdom in 2012.
Continuing to the right is the access way for parades and then the Car Barn, which houses the horses for the horse-drawn carriages. At night, the horses reside at the Tri-Circle-D ranch at Fort Wilderness Resort. Finally, we get to the new Harmony Barber Shop and then back to the Emporium. The Harmony Barber Shop moved to this location when West Center Street was converted into additional Emporium space.
Quiz Question #10: What was the name of the parade that ran through most of 1981 until September of 1982?
And there you have it - the short version of the “Way It Was In 1982” Walt Disney World Main Street Tour!
That’s the end of your custom tubular tour of Main Street, U.S.A. circa 1982! Don’t forget to take your personal belongings with you when you exit. Hope to see you again soon! Oh, and you can enjoy a written version of this 1982 Main Street, U.S.A. tour with some wonderful nostalgic photos in the Celebrations Magazine, Issue #74, from March and April 2021.
Bonus
Bonus Question: What is farther (as the crow flies) from the Main Street Train Station where we started our tour: the entrance to Jungle Cruise, the entrance to Star Jets (yes, Astro Orbiter was Star Jets in 1982), or the entrance to Cinderella Castle?
Bonus facts:
In 1982, Walt Disney World was transitioning from the Individual Ride Ticket Books (you remember those - Adventure Books contained A to E tickets) to multi-day World Passport Tickets for 3 to 6 days (which provided admission to both the Magic Kingdom and EPCOT) and multi-day or 1-day Magic Kingdom or EPCOT specific tickets (with unlimited use of attractions and experiences). A 6-day World Passport was $60 for adults. Also, Annual Passes were being offered starting in September of 1982 at a cost of $100. By the way, Park Hopper Tickets didn’t arrive until 1994.
Technically there were three Parades that ran during 1982: Tencennial Parade, the Mickey Mouse Character Parade, and starting on November 26, the return of the Main Street Electrical Parade. The Fireworks show was Fantasy in the Sky, which ran from 1971 until 2002 when it was replaced by Wishes. The Orville Redenbacher Gourmet Popping Corn Cart debuted just a few years earlier in 1980. EPCOT opened October 1, 1982, and the Monorail line was extended from the Transportation Center to EPCOT.
As always, remember the past, enjoy the present, and trust Disney will make the future equally amazing!
Bonus Question: What is farther (as the crow flies) from the Main Street Train Station where we started our tour: the entrance to Jungle Cruise, the entrance to Star Jets (yes, Astro Orbiter was Star Jets in 1982), or the entrance to Cinderella Castle?
Bonus facts:
In 1982, Walt Disney World was transitioning from the Individual Ride Ticket Books (you remember those - Adventure Books contained A to E tickets) to multi-day World Passport Tickets for 3 to 6 days (which provided admission to both the Magic Kingdom and EPCOT) and multi-day or 1-day Magic Kingdom or EPCOT specific tickets (with unlimited use of attractions and experiences). A 6-day World Passport was $60 for adults. Also, Annual Passes were being offered starting in September of 1982 at a cost of $100. By the way, Park Hopper Tickets didn’t arrive until 1994.
Technically there were three Parades that ran during 1982: Tencennial Parade, the Mickey Mouse Character Parade, and starting on November 26, the return of the Main Street Electrical Parade. The Fireworks show was Fantasy in the Sky, which ran from 1971 until 2002 when it was replaced by Wishes. The Orville Redenbacher Gourmet Popping Corn Cart debuted just a few years earlier in 1980. EPCOT opened October 1, 1982, and the Monorail line was extended from the Transportation Center to EPCOT.
As always, remember the past, enjoy the present, and trust Disney will make the future equally amazing!