Here is a picture of the back side of Spaceship Earth from 1984. The Fountain of Nations can be seen in the foreground. The bank of windows seen on the back side of Spaceship Earth is where the sponsor VIP Lounge is located. In 1984, AT&T would have been the pavilion sponsor. The VIP Lounge is often referred to as Base 21.
Here is some more information on Base 21 from a few years back:
So … what is Base21? Well, Base21 is a VIP lounge located at Epcot,
presently under the control and operation of the Siemens Corporation. As
many of us known, when Epcot was built, Disney worked in partnership
with certain corporations to fund the costs of building the pavilions
(along with providing the maintenance and upkeep). The Spaceship Earth
pavilion has been sponsored by three different entities; Bell System
(1982-1984), AT&T (1984-2004), and Siemens (2005-Present). During
the 2007-2008 Spaceship Earth renovations, Siemens provided the funding
to create the new ending of Spaceship Earth, and they also decided to
completely transform the old VIP lounge into its current incarnation. The lounge’s main purpose is to play host to employees of
the Siemens Corporation; however, the lounge also works in conjunction
with certain charities. It is by far the most elaborate and probably the
most expensive of the VIP lounges currently at Epcot. The technology is extremely
interactive (and - pure speculation - perhaps a precursor to the
interactive queues that Disney is developing for some of its
attractions).
The Siemens’s website states: “Base21, is the Siemens VIP Center at
Epcot for the exclusive use of Siemens employees, partners and
customers. The state-of-the-art facility serves as a hospitality and
executive briefing center showcasing the company’s story of innovation
and technology.”
The name Base21 is derived from its location and theme. The VIP lounge
is located at the base of Spaceship Earth and Spaceship Earth is
themed upon man‘s voyage into the 21st century. It is possible to see
Base21 from the exterior of Spaceship Earth since its windows look out
toward World Showcase. Simply walk to the main electronic times guide
(by the pin trading kiosk) and turn around. The panel of windows one’s
sees on the Spaceship Earth building is Base21.
Wednesday, July 27, 2016
1984 Epcot Center Italy Pavilion Teatro di Bologna
In the 1980s World Showcase provided a lot of great entertainment for guests. This image is from 1984 and shows a member of the group Teatro di Bologna which was an interactive entertainment offering found in the Italy Pavilion. During the ruffly 15 minute show entitled "The Great Impasta," guests would be selected to play various parts in this improvised comedy show.
Sunday, May 8, 2016
Walt Disney World Earning My Ears Cast Member Name Tag Ribbon
This ribbon is given out to new cast members at Walt Disney World to wear on one's name tag. The ribbon is a way for guests to know that a particular cast member is new and may still be training in one's new role. The ribbon has an adhesive strip to attach to the back of a name tag. The ribbon measures 1 1/2 inches across by 2 1/4 inches tall.
Saturday, April 23, 2016
2016 Earth Day Walt Disney World The Jungle Book Promotional Button
This button was given out as a free gift to guests for Earth Day 2016 [Friday, April 22, 2016]. This is a promotional tie in button for the live action Jungle Book movie. The button measures 3 inches across.
Monday, April 18, 2016
1980s Polynesian Village Resort Room Note Pad Prop
This note pad would have been given to a guest visiting the Polynesian Village Resort either in a welcome folder or in a guest room. The note pad features a Tiki God motif. The bottom right of the note pad is marked (c) 1987 The Walt Disney Company.
Friday, April 15, 2016
1980s Epcot Center World Showcase Souvenir Key Chain
This souvenir key chain was sold at the Walt Disney World Resort in the 1980s. The key chain features World Showcase at Epcot Center [there is a companion key chain for Future World]. The bottom left of the key chain is marked (c) 1982 Walt Disney Productions.
Walt Disney World Horticulture Cast Member Costume Patch
This is a costume patch used at Walt Disney World for Horticulture cast member costumes. The patch has a tree in the middle, 'Horticulture' written on the bottom, with a raised brown boarder.
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