What Year Did Walt Disney World Open in Orlando, Florida?
Walt Disney World, one of the most iconic and beloved vacation destinations in the world, opened its gates to the public on October 1, 1971. Located in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, just outside Orlando, Walt Disney World was the result of Walt Disney’s vision to create a comprehensive resort that would offer something for everyone. In this article, we will explore the history of Walt Disney World and what it looked like on its opening day.
Planning and Development
Walt Disney himself began planning Walt Disney World in the early 1960s, following the success of Disneyland in Anaheim, California. He wanted to create a resort that would be even larger and more comprehensive than its California counterpart. Disney chose Central Florida as the location for his new resort, due to its mild climate, access to transportation, and availability of land.
After Walt Disney’s passing in 1966, his brother Roy O. Disney took over the project and worked to bring it to fruition. The construction of Walt Disney World was a massive undertaking, requiring the acquisition of over 25,000 acres of land and the creation of a new town, Celebration.
Opening Day
On October 1, 1971, Walt Disney World officially opened its gates to the public. The opening day festivities were a huge success, with over 10,000 visitors attending the event. The resort initially consisted of the Magic Kingdom, the first of four theme parks, as well as several resort hotels, golf courses, and other amenities.
What Was Open on Opening Day?
Here’s a breakdown of what was open on Walt Disney World’s opening day:
- Magic Kingdom: The first of four theme parks, Magic Kingdom featured six themed lands, including Main Street, U.S.A., Adventureland, Frontierland, Fantasyland, Tomorrowland, and Liberty Square.
- Three Resort Hotels: The opening day resorts were the Contemporary, Polynesian, and Fort Wilderness.
- Shopping and Dining: The Magic Kingdom Village shopping area, The Emporium department store, and several dining locations, including the Plaza Inn and The Gumbo Palace.
- Entertainment: The Main Street Electrical Parade, the Happily Ever After Fireworks display, and the Country Bear Jamboree stage show.
Evolution Over the Years
Since its opening day, Walt Disney World has undergone significant changes and expansions. Some notable milestones include:
- Epcot: Opened in 1982, Epcot is the second theme park to be built at Walt Disney World.
- Disney-MGM Studios: Opened in 1989, the studio theme park is now known as Hollywood Studios.
- Animal Kingdom: Opened in 1998, this theme park is dedicated to the wonders of the animal kingdom.
- Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach: The two water parks opened in 1989 and 1995, respectively.
- Expansion and Renovations: Throughout the years, Walt Disney World has added new attractions, shows, and areas to its theme parks, while also renovating and updating existing ones.
Conclusion
Walt Disney World opened its gates to the public on October 1, 1971, and since then, it has become one of the most popular and beloved vacation destinations in the world. From its humble beginnings to the expansive resort it is today, Walt Disney World has continued to evolve and grow, offering something for everyone. Whether you’re a young child or an adult, Walt Disney World has a way of capturing the imagination and creating unforgettable memories.
Table: Walt Disney World Parks
| Park | Opened | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Magic Kingdom | 1971 | The first of four theme parks, featuring six themed lands. |
| Epcot | 1982 | A theme park dedicated to technology, culture, and international cuisine. |
| Disney-MGM Studios | 1989 | A studio theme park featuring behind-the-scenes experiences and live shows. |
| Animal Kingdom | 1998 | A theme park dedicated to the wonders of the animal kingdom. |
Bullets: Fun Facts
• Walt Disney World is roughly the size of the city of San Francisco.
• The resort has over 500 acres of lakes and canals.
• Walt Disney World has over 100,000 Disney cast members.
• The resort features over 20,000 hotel rooms.
• Walt Disney World attracts over 20 million visitors annually.
By highlighting the significance of Walt Disney World’s opening day and its evolution over the years, we can appreciate the magic and wonder that this resort has brought to generations of visitors.