Small Fashion-a-tions at the Contemporary Resort

One of the most delightful hidden gems in Contemporary Resort history is an event most Disney fans have never heard of: “Small Fashion-a-tions.” Held every Thursday evening in the summer of 1972, this whimsical weekly event took place right on the Grand Canyon Concourse and starred the children of Vacation Kingdom employees. Part fashion show, part magic show, and part concert featuring the beloved Pearly Band, it’s a charming snapshot of the creativity and community spirit that defined Walt Disney World’s very first years — and proof that the magic didn’t stop when the park closed for the night.

Contemporary Resort History

The May 13, 1972, Eyes & Ears cast newsletter had a blurb about a fashion show for the employees and families, featuring employee’s children. This is another one of those odd moments from Walt Disney World history.

Read on!

The word “fashion-a-tions” hasn’t come from Mary Poppins, but just the same, the magic is still there.
Every Thursday evening through June, children of Vacation Kingdom employees are “on stage” starring in “Small Fashion-a-tions” at the Contemporary Resort.
Small Fashion-a-tions is a combination fashion show, magic show, and concert, compliments of the Pearly Band.
Employees and their families are invited to attend free of charge when the curtain rises at 7:30 pm on the concourse.
No reservations are necessary for almost an hour of pure Walt Disney World magic starring the next gener ation of Vacation Kingdom hosts and hostesses.

The Pearly Band was a live entertainment group that spent most of their time in Fantasyland before the opening of EPCOT Center (a new group at Epcot would be called the Pearly Kings and Queens). During the mid-1970s, they could be found on Main Street, the Plaza Pavilion and Tomorrowland.

Grand Canyon Concourse

The piece also mentions that the show will take place at the concourse of the Contemporary Resort. This refers to the Grand Canyon Concourse, which s the large open floor area that currently houses Chef Mickey’s and the Fantasia Market. I found the following photos of the Concourse area on RetroWDW.

This image is courtesy of Bill Cotter of WorldsFairPhotos. Bill has an incredible trove of photos of Disney and the World’s Fairs.

I am assuming the fashion show took place in the area with the shops, since clearing out all of the tables and chairs during the busy dinner hour makes little sense.

But Why at the Contemporary?

During the 1970s, Disney was dealing with multiple issues, including promotion of the shops and restaurants at the resorts. They also had to deal with a disparate staff that was working in a whole new world, so to speak. Disney spent a lot of time and effort in the first decade finding ways of entertaining and bringing the the staff together. With the shops at the Contemporary Resort, this also afforded an opportunity to promote The Fantasias Shop, which featured clothes and toys for children.

Shops at the Contemporary Resort

Here is a list and description of the shops that were open during the first years of the Contemporary Resort.

The Contemporary Woman with a full range of women’s high style fashions, sportswear, and swimwear. Open 9 am to 10 pm.
The Contemporary Man with discriminating fashions, casual clothing and formal rentals. Open 9 am to 10 pm.
The Fantasia Shop has a full line of children’s toys, clothing and Walt Disney merchandise. Open 9 am to 10 pm.
Kingdom Jewels, LTD. with distinctive men’s and women’s jewelry from all over the world. Open 9 am to 10 pm.
The Spirit World with an unusual selection of gourmet food and liquor items. Open 8 am until mid- night.
Plaza Gifts AND Sundries with convenience items, souvenirs, newspapers, magazines, books, cut flowers and floral arrangements. Open 8 am to midnight.
Bay ‘N Beach at the Marina has sunbathing and photographic sup- plies. Open 9 am to 9 pm.

Do you know anything about the fashion show? Or where they might have held it?

Small Fashion-a-tions is exactly the kind of forgotten gem that makes early Contemporary Resort Walt Disney World history so fascinating — a glimpse into a time when Disney was building not just a theme park, but an entire community. Have you come across any photos or memories of this event, or do you know where exactly on the Grand Canyon Concourse it was held? Drop your thoughts in the comments — we’d love to hear from you! And if you enjoy these unusual slices of Disney history, be sure to explore more posts in the WDW Bits & Pieces series for more oddities and hidden moments from the Vacation Kingdom’s earliest days.

Want to read more about the first years of the Magic Kingdom and Walt Disney World? Check out Walt Disney World: the First Decade.

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