Walt Disney World Resort opened Oct. 1, 1971, to guests – and an entire world – eager to see how Walt Disney’s genius had pixie-dusted the trackless flatlands of Central Florida into a Magic Kingdom. Ten thousand guests, their smiles as wide as the October skies, streamed into Walt’s fairytale park on that historic day, ready to be transported to a world of fun and fantasy, where teacups spin, elephants fly and life’s cares melt away at the gates.
“May Walt Disney World bring joy and inspiration and new knowledge to all who come to this happy place … a Magic Kingdom where the young at heart of all ages can laugh and play and learn together.” – Official Dedication, Oct. 25, 1971
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| Photo courtesy: Disney |
These words were spoken by Walt’s brother, Roy O. Disney, at the official grand opening of Walt Disney World. Mickey Mouse, sporting the world’s largest bass drum at the time, led 5,000 marchers in a festive parade through the five lands of Magic Kingdom Park. Guests were also treated to a high-stepping marching band 1,076 performers strong.
Walt did not live to see that day, but after years of planning and construction (and Roy postponing retirement to help see it through), his much-anticipated “Florida Project” was open and ready to welcome the world. From one theme park, two resort hotels and two golf courses, Walt’s dream today is a world unto itself including four theme parks, two water parks, more than two dozen resort hotels, Disney Vacation Club properties, Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, 63 holes of championship golf, ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, Disney’s BoardWalk entertainment enclave and Disney Springs, a waterfront entertainment, dining and shopping district.
Magic Kingdom Park entrance in 1971 at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (Disney)
Main Street, U.S.A., under construction at Magic Kingdom Park in 1971 at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (Disney)
Haunted Mansion under construction at Magic Kingdom Park in 1971 at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (Disney)
Dumbo the Flying Elephant Under Construction in 1971 at Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (Disney)
)Cinderella Castle under construction at Magic Kingdom Park in 1971 at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (Disney)
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort under construction in 1971 at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (Disney)
