Walt Disney World 50 for 50: Total Camping Comfort and Convenience

I’ve said this before, but back when film was the only way to capture memories at Walt Disney World, I would be very selective in what I chose to photograph with my little 110 camera. Postcards weren't high on my list of souvenirs, but there were a few that I would purchase here and there. I must have owned about a dozen of the same Hoop-Dee-Doo cast photo postcard over the years. These weren't to send to anyone in particular, though I would occasionally scribble a note to myself on the back before I put them away in their box at home, just to have the memories to hold on to.

Early on, Walt Disney World saw that postcards weren’t just for sending to family and friends about your adventures, they were a way to remember your trip as well. Thus was born the postcard booklets. Booklets, such as the 8-postcard version from the early years of Fort Wilderness and River Country that we’re looking at today, included perforated postcards that you could tear out and send to whomever you wished. However, the tab the postcards came off of also included a copy of the picture and a section for ‘REMARKS’ so you had something to hold onto for yourself. The only postcard that didn’t have a reproduction inside was the postcard on the cover, whose tab identified what the booklet’s subject matter was.

The postcards included in the booklets would change over the years, but at their heart they were a visual almanac to what a specific place and time in Walt Disney World had to offer. Let’s go ahead and venture back to 1973 and see what Fort Wilderness had to offer!

GOOFY HELPS WATER THE TRAIN

Goofy helps water a thirsty locomotive at the Ft. Wilderness water tank. The Ft. Wilderness trains, like the ones used in the Theme Park, are powered by authentic steam locomotives.

HORSEBACK RIDING AT FT. WILDERNESS
As the narrow guage steam train passes in the background, two Ft. Wilderness campers enjoy one of the more popular sports in the Vacation Kingdom Campground. With many miles of trails and bridle paths horseback riding is an excellent way to see the beautiful Ft. Wilderness area.

FORT WILDERNESS CAMPSITE

Fort Wilderness campers enjoy total camping comfort and convenience. Recreation includes canoeing, fishing and horseback trail riding.

FT. WILDERNESS STORE-ON-WHEELS

A convenient store-on-wheels lets Ft. Wilderness guests purchase fresh fruits, vegetables and other food items right at their campsite. Ft. Wilderness offers over 700 campsites with more planned for the future.

FORT WILDERNESS

In the heart of Walt Disney World, at Fort Wilderness, vacationing guests relax in wooded campsites and take part in a wide variety of outdoor recreation.

FORT WILDERNESS TRADING POST

Here, Fort Wilderness campers can select from hundreds of outdoor items. Of course, there’s always time for a game of checkers, too!

FORT WILDERNESS CAMPFIRE

Campfire time at Disney World’s Fort Wilderness is a perfect end to a fun-filled day in the Magic Kingdom. Held every day at dusk, the traditional evening campfire features songs, games and special surprise entertainment.

TRI-CIRCLE-D RANCH

Located within Fort Wilderness, the Tri-Circle-D Ranch features horseback trail riding, a pony ride and a petting zoo for the children.

Switching gears, and with summer winding down, let's head over to Walt Disney World's first water park, River Country. Even if it is extinct and in postcard booklet form!

RIVER COUNTRY

Shooting the White Water Rapids at River Country begins slowly. But soon, guests are caught up in a slippery race with a splashy ending in the Ol’ Swimmin’ Hole.

RIVER COUNTRY REALLY SWINGS!

A daring leap into the Ol’ Swimmin’ Hole from a good old-fashioned tire swing. It’s just one of a wealth of childhood dreams that come true in River Country.

SLIP-SLIDIN’ IN RIVER COUNTRY

Whoop-‘N-Holler Hollow in River Country certainly lives up to its name. Packed with slippery twists and turns, it keeps guests whoopin’ and hollerin’ with glee.

SPLASHY ENDING IN RIVER COUNTRY

Guests prepare to make a big splash at the climax of their slippery race down the White Water Rapids in River Country… a grand plunge into the Ol’ Swimmin’ Hole.

RIVER COUNTRY

River Country’s quiet beaches are havens for sun worshipping and picnics. Nearby, Cypress Point Trail showcases Florida’s natural splendor.

RIVER COUNTRY’S AQUATIC PLAYGROUND

The Play Pond is a favorite aquatic playground for little splashers. An entire section of River Country overflows with child-size slides and wading pools.

SHOOTING RAPIDS IN RIVER COUNTRY

Shooting the White Water Rapids in River Country makes hearts race, as guests whoosh through a waterfall and plunge into the Ol’ Swimmin’ Hole.

CHILDHOOD JOY IN RIVER COUNTRY

Huck Finn’s spirit lives on at the Ol’ Swimmin’ Hole in River Country. Tire swings, white water rapids, twisting-turning slides, and spacious beaches abound.