Florida’s Magic Kingdom Opening Day Attractions That Are Still There
It’s amazing how time flies! 50 years ago today Walt Disney World Resort opened in Orlando. Why did Walt Disney and his brother, Roy O. Disney choose the current location for the Magic Kingdom? “We have a perfect location in Florida – almost in the very center of the state,” Walt explained. “Here in Florida, we have something special we never enjoyed at Disneyland – the blessing of size. There is enough land here to hold all the ideas and plans we can possibly imagine.”
Hard to imagine that the happiest place on Earth was originally wetlands owned by the Demetree family. Walt Disney saw these 12.500 acres of wetlands a whole different way. He saw a Magic Kingdom and much more rising from this swamp.
General admission 50 years ago to Florida’s Magic Kingdom was only $3.50 per person. There was the famous Disney monorail and only two hotels.
Opening Day Attractions (October 1, 1971)
- Country Bear Jamboree
- Dumbo the Flying Elephant
- Frontierland Shootin’ Arcade
- The Hall of Presidents
- The Haunted Mansion
- “it’s a small world”
- Jungle Cruise
- Mad Tea Party
- Peter Pan’s Flight
- Prince Charming Regal Carrousel
- Swiss Family Treehouse
- Tomorrowland Speedway
- Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room
These original rides are still at the park. Our very own Micaela was just there and snapped these pics of the original attractions and how they look today:
Those rides and attractions are still drawing guests and are still lots of fun!!
Saying that Walt Disney World has undergone changes over the last 50 years is an understatement! EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, Disney Springs, Galaxy’s Edge…we could go on!
Walt Disney World will be celebrating their 50 year anniversary with a celebration that will go on for 18 months. The World’s Most Magical Celebration will give guests plenty of new experiences that they will be talking about for a long time!
We know that Florida’s Magic Kingdom will continue to enchant for many more years to come!
