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The Springtime STOLport Stowaway!

"Mickey and Shawnee Airline's Al Porter pick the winning ticket"

We’ve spoken before about the Lake Buena Vista STOLport, the long-abandoned airstrip that allowed guests to fly directly in to Walt Disney World in its earliest years. Sadly, the commuter flights from Tampa, Orlando, and other locations quickly ended, and the plans to add terminal and hangar facilities to the STOLport never materialized.

But back in the spring of 1972, hopes were still high at Disney for the exciting possibilities provided by owning your own airstrip. Even cast members got in on the act, with Walt Disney World’s Springtime STOLport Getaway – an opportunity for lucky employees to win a flight to the Bahamas directly from Disney property!

And entering was so easy!

A final Bahama Island Holiday is still to be won in Walt Disney World’s Springtime STOLport Stowaway contest.

Clip the coupon and deposit it in one of 10 Stowaway Suitcases throughout the Vacation Kingdom no later than Friday afternoon, May 12.

Suitcases are located in the North Service Lot Time Shack, Polynesian Village Employee Cafeteria, Contemporary Resort Employee Cafeteria, ISC Building lobby, Fort Wilderness Registration lobby, Employment Center, Recreation Club trailer, Mill shop and Administration Building lobby.

But don’t get any funny ideas…

One reminder – those who have submitted duplicate entries have been disqualified – so remember, one entry per person, please.

Dick Nunis will not abide cheaters!

One winner was lucky 19-year-old Kathie McGuire, whose name was pulled from a basket by Mickey Mouse with an assist from Shawnee Airlines official Al Porter. Shawnee Airlines partnered with Disney on the STOLport, providing regular flights to the resort.

"A surprised Kathie McGuire gets the good news"

Talk about a smiling face!

An ear to ear grin lit the lobby of the Contemporary Resort last Saturday when 19-year old Kathie McGuire became Walt Disney World’s first STOLport Stowaway contest winner.

Kathie, a Reception Hostess who handles mail and messages, couldn’t have been happier when Mickey sauntered up and presented her the winning ticket.

One final drawing remains for another lucky employee and his or her guest who, compliments of Shawnee Airlines, fly south for a two night/three day holiday in the Bahama Islands.

“Sauntered”!

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