I will take a moment in regard to this particular Vintage Snapshot to wax editorially. One of my primary criticisms of Walt Disney World in last decade or so has been the desire on the part of management to sacrifice aesthetics for increased consumerism. Such a maneuver is what brought about the end of the Main Street Flower Market, shown here in this photograph from 1975. The Flower Market was without a doubt one of the most beautiful set pieces in all of the Magic Kingdom; an expanded Emporium now occupies that area.
Agreed! It was also a great photo op., especially during the holiday season when it was decked out in poinsettias.
ReplyDeleteMust be a hard line to follow, the beauty of the park and the fiscal responsiblity to the owners (stockholders)to show a return on their investment.
ReplyDeleteThat change was very disappointing. We took a picture at the "flower bench" for several years in a row with the family. I can't believe that much more product is sold with this "strip mall" change. This further takes away more Main Street atmoshphere.
ReplyDeleteThe obvious changes they make to get me to spend always irritate me. Be more creative about it; that's Disney strength.
I never leave comments (but throughly enjoy your site) however this subject has always been a sore point with me. The raping of was is WDW for the $$$. This street was a big part of main street. To think of the generations to come who will never see that flavor, that setting, the diversity that the original imaginners wanted on that street and for good reason. I say the idiot that proposed this should have been fired.
ReplyDeleteWhile we are at it .....consider whoever proposed to plow under Hollywood St. for Lights motorcade etc. COME ON FOLKS!! I remember as a lad of 13, 14 or so right there on TV in front of me Walt told us he had enough land to do whatever he wanted. He could never imagine that after something was thought out and implemented that an idiot would come along and destroy something that was more a part of WDW than a few sq. feet of retail space. In the case of LMA use some of the land Walt said was there don't destroy a landmark....thanks for letting me vent.... jerry F.