Since it has been at least 24 years since you both last visited Walt Disney World, I thought a "Then and Now" would be fun for this week's Ears to the World.
Here we have two loved attractions. The Skyway to Fantasyland and 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. In 2004 with no warning, construction walls closed off Cpt. Nemo and his fleet was scrapped. In '99 the Skyway closed it's doors; a victim of Florida lightning storms and a poor evacuation plan.
All we are left with now is a playground meant for children 2-5. Capt. Nemo would not be happy. 
In EPCOT Center, voyagers on Horizons caught a glimpse of what their future may be. They could live under the sea, in outer space, or learn how to farm oranges in the desert. Quietly in 1999, the doors to Horizons closed to make way for one of the most controversial rides in Disney history.
It's replacement, Mission Space was to simulate what most people in their lives would never feel; a launch into outer space. Unfortunately the simulated experience was so close to the real thing that it had to be toned back after countless guests got sick. Air sickness bags are now provided to all space travelers should they need them.
The construction site that you remember from your last trip turned into Disney-MGM Studios. May 1, 1989 brought Walt Disney World its third major park. This was supposed to be the "Hollywood that never was, but always will be". In 2008 the name was changed to Disney Hollywood Studios when the contract with MGM expired and the decision was made not to extend.
In the past few years this guy popped up in the park. It was put up for the 100 Years of Magic celebration a few years back... It seems they forgot to take it down. It blocks the Chinese Theater which was designed as the park's icon. There is a massive outcry amongst the Disney Fan Community to have this removed... It's like putting a McDonald's in front of the castle.
Tune in next week for more...
Tune in next week for more...
THIS WEEK IN DISNEY HISTORY:
1922 - Walt starts his first studio Laugh-O-Grams Films, INC.
1934 - Disney Legend Bob Allen (VP of Walt Disney World 1977) is born in Corona, California.
1945 - Disney's 7th animated film The Three Caballeros, premieres.
1953 - Disney's 14th animated film Peter Pan, premieres.
1965 - WED Enterprises merges with Walt Disney Productions and forms Walt Disney Imagineering.
1986 - Walt Disney Productions is renamed The Walt Disney Company.
1998- Illuminations '98 debuts in Epcot.
2009 - The American Idol Experience begins soft-openings at Hollywood Studios.
DAYS UNTIL OUR VACATION: 86
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