Theme Park Magazine Appraisal

Orlando Magazine: EPCOT Center Grand Opening Issue

This is a vintage publication, specifically 'Orlando Magazine,' featuring a special 'EPCOT Center: Grand Opening Issue' as prominently displayed on its cover. The magazine measures approximately 8.5 by 11 inches, a standard size for regional magazines of its era, and appears to be in a softcover format. The dominant visual on the front cover is a stylized representation of Epcot's iconic Spaceship Earth geodesic dome, depicted with a metallic, faceted surface in shades of silver and gray, suggesting a shimmering effect. In the foreground, a detailed image of a Walt Disney World Monorail train, predominantly off-white with colored stripes (possibly orange or red, though slightly faded), is shown in motion. A smaller, illuminated image of what appears to be a nighttime Epcot attraction or fireworks display is situated in the upper left corner of the cover, beneath the 'Guide' logo. \'Orlando\' is written in large, bold, golden-yellow sans-serif lettering across the middle of the cover, with 'Magazine' in smaller text below it. The upper left corner features a 'Guide' logo, indicated in a white speech bubble graphic. The overall condition shows visible signs of age and handling, including wear along the edges and corners, minor creases, and some fading or discoloration to the cover's surface, particularly visible in the darker purple-brown tones at the bottom. There are no obvious tears or significant damage, suggesting it has been stored but not perfectly preserved. The print quality appears to be typical for magazines of the early 1980s, utilizing a photographic and graphic design aesthetic. This issue likely dates to the grand opening of Epcot Center in October 1982, making it a collectible piece of Disney and Orlando history. The construction and materials are standard paper and ink for magazine production.