Eastern Airlines Presents the Magic Kingdom

This Eastern Airlines map advertised a three-day, two-night Walt Disney World package for $56.35 for adults and $24.85 for children (12-17 years old), along with some other bargain packages. Take a look at the map of Walt Disney and try and guess which attractions are still at the park today!

Courtesy of J. Thomas and Lavinia Witt Touchton

Tourists flocked to Florida for beaches, warm weather, and roadside attractions in the early and mid-20th century. But after Walt Disney World opened its doors in 1971, Florida’s tourist landscape was altered. Operators shuttered many small roadside attractions for lack of customers as Epcot, Hollywood Studies, Typhoon Lagoon, Blizzard Beach, resort hotels, and many more components of Disney’s central Florida empire captured tourist dollars. Universal Studios’ The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and other central Florida 21st century attractions, however, also compete for vacationers.

Three Fast Florida Facts

1. Richard D. Pope opened the widely successful Cypress Gardens in 1936. Roy Disney visited the park when considering plans for Walt Disney World.
2. New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms was the first NFL player to say “I’m gonna go to Disney World!” after his team, the New York Giants, won the 1987 NFL Super Bowl.
3. Disney Parks and Resorts reportedly generated $17 billion in revenue in 2021.