1984 Epcot Center Spaceship Earth VIP Lounge Base 21 With Fountain of Nations

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.

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.

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.

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.

1989 Walt Disney World Polynesian Resort Room Price Brochure

Take a trip back to 1989.  This brochure lists the prices at the Polynesian Resort for the entire year with prices split for Value and Regular Seasons.

1989 Disney MGM Studios Opening Magic Kingdom Club Letter

Below is the letter sent out to Magic Kingdom Club members in 1989 announcing the newest addition to Walt Disney World, Disney-MGM Studios.  The letter provides an interesting overview of the park's opening attractions and original purpose.  As the letter states: "The Disney-MGM Studios Theme Park fulfills a 60-year dream on the part of Florida to regain its position as a center for motion-picture production."  Unfortunately, the park did not evolve as originally envisioned as a working production facility with guest attractions. Instead, Hollywood Studios continues to move in a different direction with a Star Wars themed area on the way.   

1980s Epcot Center Figment Journey Into Imagination Character Patch

Back in the 1980s, Epcot Center sold a number of patches that were themed to the park.  Here is one of the Figment character patches that was for sale.  The patch is still in its original plastic baggie.  The bottom is embroidered (c) 1982 Walt Disney Productions.    

Epcot Center Florida Press Day Guest Badge

On October 2, 1982 a day after the official opening,  Epcot Center held the Florida Press Day where media organizations were invited to experience the new park. This badge would have been given to one of these invitees and worn.

 

Epcot Center Short Film Donald Duck Video Phone

Here is a bit of a Disney Mystery.  This appears to be an animation cel from an Epcot Center short film with a futuristic Donald Duck using a video phone.  Which film and in what capacity the film was used [education, attraction kiosk] is unknown.  Any thoughts or ideas comment below.  

Walt Disney World 12th Birthday Button Epcot Center Horizons

This month marks the 30th Anniversary of the opening of the classic and much missed Epcot Center attraction Horizons.  Horizons officially opened October 1, 1983 coinciding with the 1st Anniversary of Epcot Center and the 12th Anniversary of Walt Disney World.  As in years past, a button was released for Walt Disney World’s 12th Birthday.  Pictured below, the Horizons 12th Birthday Button is a white plastic button painted on the front in light blue [raised areas] with a glued on pin clasp on the back.  The back also reads (c) 1983 Walt Disney Productions.  Long Live Horizons!  More Horizons posts to come this month.