When the Disney Channel debuted in 1983, it bore many differences to the Disney Channel we know today. For one thing, they featured films and programs that were, well, Disney-related. So that was a change.
As part of their original programming, the Channel aired a weeknight news magazine show called EPCOT Magazine. This kind of show was common in syndication at the time; hosts would introduce a variety of segments dealing with various lifestyle topics. Disney tied this in with EPCOT by using the various pavilions as jumping off point for segments about food, fashion, or whatever they managed to line up. Host Michael Young was always joined by a celebrity co-host, usually of the “lovely lady” variety. His hair was always immaculate; his pants were always tight. It was the 80s.
A kind reader pointed out this video to me; it shows the program’s intro, but also includes a pan across World Showcase containing – if you look to the right of the frame – those famous Danish bathrooms of yore. Check out how pristine World Showcase is. Not only is the landscaping immaculate, but the promenade is free from the clutter of food carts, merchandise carts, outdoor vending fixtures… Nary a DVC kiosk to be seen.
But EPCOT Magazine was more than a show – it was a lifestyle! Try this helpful hint, taken from the pages of Disney Channel Magazine…
THANKS, EPCOT!
I love plastic hair!
But, I would miss the beer wagon in Canada…so I’ll trade the plastic 80’s hair do’s for some Moosehead. 🙂
HA HA HA HA HA – of course I just happen to have white lily root juice just hanging around. And here was I paying a fortune for fancy french products
So it’s basically PM Magazine with a WDW twist. Interesting.
It’s all a trade off … yes, the Promenade was clear of clutter, but you had to wear your pants super tight!
Women just don’t wear enough formal rompers anymore.
I’m going to save this video for the next time some young whippersnapper tells me I’m just imagining how clean they used to keep the parks.
“Women just don’t wear enough formal rompers anymore.”
Post of the year award!! 🙂
[…] Tight pants. Plastic hair. Too much blush. And a freshly newborn Epcot. Michael Crawford shares a nostalgic video on Progress City […]