Before there was D23, there was the Magic Kingdom Club—Disney’s original fan program. Think of it as a frequent flyer program for Walt Disney World and Disneyland. What started in 1957 as a small benefit for employees of Southern California companies grew into a national program with exclusive perks, vacation packages, and special discounts.
In 1991, the Magic Kingdom Club Gold Card made it easier for Disney fans everywhere to join. With this new for-fee membership, anyone could experience the same benefits that sponsoring company employees had enjoyed for years. That year, Gold Card members received a special video: Update ’91, themed around Dick Tracy, starring Detective Mic on a quest to solve a Disney mystery.
Think of it as Disney Must Do, long before that became a fan-favorite tradition!
What Was the Magic Kingdom Club?
The Magic Kingdom Club (MKC) began in 1957, just two years after Disneyland opened. Initially, it offered discounted tickets to employees of sponsoring companies in Southern California. As an added benefit, companies promoted Disneyland to their employees while families enjoyed special savings.
In 1971, the program expanded nationally with the opening of Walt Disney World. The club added unique vacation perks, such as: Discounts on hotels and theme park tickets, Vacation packages with travel discounts and Deals with partner airlines, rental cars, cruise lines, and more
By 1991, the Magic Kingdom Club Gold Card was introduced, allowing Disney fans without access to a sponsoring company to join. This expansion brought even more Disney enthusiasts into the club, and with it, came the annual VHS updates packed with park previews, exclusive offers, and insider tips.
The 1991 Update: Detective Mic’s Disney Mystery
In the 1991 Magic Kingdom Club Update, Detective Mic takes on a case straight out of a film noir. His mission? Track down the missing Goofy while uncovering all the benefits of being a Magic Kingdom Club Gold Card member.
The video was a clever mix of detective storytelling and vacation planning, filled with fun details and perks for members. Along the way, Detective Mic highlighted:
- Vacation packages and discounts for Walt Disney World and Disneyland
- Partner deals with airlines, hotels, and rental cars
- Previews of upcoming park attractions and Disney films
The playful detective theme made this update truly unique and a fan favorite among Magic Kingdom Club members.
More Magic Kingdom Club Videos
Looking for more Magic Kingdom Club nostalgia? Check out other updates from the early 1990s:
- 1991 – Detective Mic’s Update
- 1992 – Discover a New World
- 1993 – Be Our Guest
- 1994 – A Whole New World
- 1995 – Wonderful World of Disney
Each update offered a glimpse into Disney’s ever-growing world, giving Magic Kingdom Club members special savings, park news, and behind-the-scenes looks.
