Maps have gone through many changes throughout the years as they developed to guest's taste
- Walt Disney World park guide from 1974 highlighted “time-saving hints and a map for enjoying all of Walt Disney World” and featured rides with shorter wait times and suggestions on how to plan your day.
- A 1986 guide map for Epcot for Walt Disney World’s 15th anniversary was 18 pages long.
- Park maps went from a detailed booklet about each ride and food option to a small paper identifying basic restrooms and locations throughout the park in an overhead view
OLD MAPS versus NEW MAPS
Shown above is a map of Magic Kingdom in 1998.
Shown above is a map of Hollywood Studios from 2012. Image is courtesy of parkscope.net.
Disney's current electronic navigation, courtesy of Disney World's website - https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/magic-kingdom/maps/
In order to accommodate the release of the My Disney Experience app, Disney had to have park maps be smart phone and tablet friendly, while still matching the physical copy. The goal was the maps would show a live position within the apps, and guests should be able to locate any park or land, as well as resorts and transportation.