Disney World celebrated its 50th birthday today on 1 October 2021. The Magic Kingdom in Florida opened its doors with a grand ceremony 50 years ago. We look back on the history of this spectacular theme park to commemorate it and its designer – Walt Disney.
One Man’s Trash is Another Man’s Treasure
The story first takes us to Los Angeles, California, where Walt Disney built the first Disney theme park that opened in 1955. The venture was highly successful (still is), but the famed creator of Mickey Mouse had always hoped to make an even bigger park.
He couldn’t do it in Los Angeles, however. There simply wasn’t enough space to fulfil his ambitions. That’s when he set his eyes on Florida. A real estate agency was trying to get rid of 12,000 acres of swampland, and surprisingly, they found a buyer. At the time, they didn’t know what the buyer was in fact Disney.
Walt had another reason for choosing Florida – roads. He noticed that although Disneyland brought tourists from all around the country, not many of them came all the way from the East Coast. Disney was willing to change that and he chose Orlando, Florida, because of the interstate highways.
Walt saw an opportunity in the wetlands to materialise his wildest dreams. He was also helped by the Florida governor Haydon Burns. Burns welcomed Disney with open arms, because he knew the project would bring many jobs, but he likely never expected Disney World to make Orlando, a cow town, into the metropolitan centre it is today.
This, however, came with its disadvantages. Orlando is one of the most visited American cities because of Disney World, but not everyone is happy about it. Orlando now has a tourist-based economy that keeps wages low, while the state is also struggling to keep up with the cost of policing and other services required by the biggest theme park in the world.
A Dream Come True
Unfortunately, Walt Disney didn’t live to see his creation to life as he died of lung cancer in 1966. His brother Roy O. Disney, however, promised to finish his ambitious project. On 1 October 1971, Disney World held its Grand Opening, which was, unsurprisingly, commemorated with a musical TV special starring Julie Andrews.
More than 10,000 people attended the Grand Opening. Apparently, the October date was chosen to avoid big crowds that burdened Disneyland’s Grand Opening.
Disney World consisted of one park back then – the Magic Kingdom. There were also golf courses, a monorail, and two hotels (Contemporary Resort and the Polynesian Village Resort). Disney didn’t just provide a fun theme park, but a whole complex, so visitors didn’t have to leave the premises – they could eat, sleep, and have fun at Disney World. With this, the multi-billion company changed the game.
Disney World of Today
Some of the most beloved attractions such as the Country Bear Jamboree and Dumbo the Flying Elephant have entertained multiple generations since 1971. Still, Disney World is almost unrecognisable today. The size of the complex (110 square km) surely shows it!
Three more parks were added to the complex, along with two water parks. Here are all the parks:
- Magical Kingdom (1971)
- Epcot (1982)
- Hollywood Studios (1989)
- Animal Kingdom (1998)
- Typhoon Lagoon (1989; temporarily closed)
- Blizzard Beach (1995)
Magical Kingdom
Magical Kingdom, the first park, encompasses the Disney animated universe. It features the Cinderella castle, along with other iconic attractions such as the Jungle Cruise and the scary Haunted Mansion. There you can meet your favourite Disney characters or see the life-like robots of the 45 American presidents giving out speeches.
Epcot
Epcot is actually Walt Disney’s unrealised idea for a perfect community that he wanted to create in Florida (and was given authorisation to do). It’s now Disney World’s impressive park, which includes attractions exploring technological progress. There are also parts dedicated to different countries, which take you straight to France, China, Morocco and many more of their realistic architecture and exquisite restaurants.
Hollywood Studios
Hollywood Studios is the Hollywood-themed park, which now houses the visitor’s favourite Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge attraction. Ride on the Millennium Falcon and build your own lightsabre there. If you’re not easily scared, then go right to The Hollywood Tower Hotel and be greeted into the Twilight Zone by Rod Sterling.
Animal Kingdom
Animal Kingdom is Disney World’s natural park. There you can go to Africa on a safari and see real African animals. Or you can go to Asia and ride a boat along a river in the jungle. Disney World contributes to conservation efforts and remind the visitors that it’s important to preserve the wildlife while we still have it.
Typhoon Lagoon
Typhoon Lagoon was the first water park in Disney World. It features the biggest North American surf pool where you can surf all day. You can also go on the Humunga Kowabunga ride and experience a 5-story drop in the dark. Unfortunately, this water park is closed right now, but we expect it to re-open soon.
Blizzard Beach
Blizzard Beach is a fun water park, which has many rides and serves delicious food. Go to the runoff rapids on one of three unique slides. You can also test your skills by sliding down the Tobbogan Racers with 7 other people. The highlight, however, is the Summit Plummet – a 12 stories steep slide, which isn’t for the faint of heart.
Conclusion
Whichever Disney World hotel or ride you choose, you’re sure to have the time of your life. Happy Birthday, Disney World, and thank you for making our dreams come true!