Hello Friends and Family,

1983 - Magic Kingdom, part 2

Link to this year's index by clicking here.

Continuing our visit to the Magic Kingdom, I don't recall what this building was used for but I admire the Disney architects for providing such authentic-looking buildings.


This area is called Liberty Square and features the Hall of Presidents. It is similar to Disneyland's Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln in Disneyland, except that it presents every American President — and as each is introduced, they nod at the audience. Of course, that means that the attraction must be updated every time a new President takes office.


Here are a few of the shops in Liberty Square.


One of the premier attractions of the Magic Kingdom (as well as the other Disney Theme Parks) is the Haunted Mansion. It is interesting to learn that each of the versions is different based on local culture. Thus no matter where you go in the world where there is a Disney Theme Park, there is going to be a spooky experience waiting for you, one that's culturally appropriate for wherever you're at.


It was getting late and the sun was dipping low in the sky on the other side of Cinderella Castle. With the limited low-light capability of Kodachrome 64, I did not know if I would get a worthwhile image. Not too bad!


Once the sun was down, I tried the same subject — resulting in a nice image of the castle but with a very strange sky. My current Nikon D850 would certainly do a better job but I would have to wait some 24 years into the future.


One of the special treats was the Main Street Electrical Parade. I assure you that this light festival looked better in person than in my primitive photos.


Of course, you have to have Mickey and Minnie highlighting the parade. It was interesting to learn that the parade almost did not happen. The challenge was to power the lights and music with some sort of portable power source. The project was almost canceled until they tried using the newly invented Ni-Cad batteries that had a much better power-to-weight ratio than previous batteries.


But the show did go on for all of us to enjoy. Too bad that I cut Alice's hand off. Nice mushroom though.


Here is a lovely carriage carrying Cinderella to the Ball.


But Cinderella had to watch the time — at midnight all the magic would run out. But you know the story.


I mentioned previously that Epcot had a spectacular fireworks display set to music. I had to rush from the Magic Kingdom to Epcot to catch it one more time. And I was able to capture a lovely nighttime image of Spaceship Earth. I hope you enjoyed my memories of my 1983 trip to Disney World.


Life is good.

Aloha,
B. David

P. S., All photos and text © B. David Cathell Photography, Inc. — www.bdavidcathell.com