Walt Disney had always regretted that he didn’t have enough land surrounding Disneyland to keep away the tacky hotels, shops and restaurants that sprung up just outside the gates. Walt said that if he ever built another park, he would make sure there would be enough land to keep that intrusiveness far away. Eventually he decided to go ahead and do just that. Thus, the Florida Project, Disney World, was born! Roy was also the one who added the Walt to Disney World. He wanted the world to know that this world was his brothers vision.
Walt Disney World opened October 1st 1971. It took 7 years of planning. After Walt's death on December 16th 1966 many feared the project would not continue. But, Walt's brother Roy postponed retirement to see the project to completion.
To avoid the problems that plagued Disneyland on its opening day, official dedications and other media events were held off until late in the month so as to make sure everything was running smoothly. The columnation of the celebration was a 90-minute television special called, of course, The Grand Opening of Walt Disney World. Which was broadcast on October 29th. The special featured Julie Andrews, riding the Monorail and sing and dancing up Main Street, Glen Campbell, singing in a field on the property, and Bob Hope offering one of his signature monologues. As well as other performances and celebrities.
The special did not include Roy’s dedication speech in which he said, “WALT DISNEY WORLD is a tribute to the philosophy and life of Walter Elias Disney ... and to the talents, the dedication, and the loyalty of the entire Disney organization that made Walt Disney's dream come true. 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”
I think Roy's word ring true today.
Several years ago while scanning the internet for Disneyana, as I do from time to time, I came across a copy of Life magazine from October 15th 1971.
I obviously couldn't resist the urge to purchase it! I was so excited when I received and found that it's in mint condition including the handy dandy pull-up subscription cards!
It's very cool article! It's neat to take a look back at what WDW was like back then. It's also, at least to me, mind boggling to see how far it's come in 40 years.
I obviously couldn't resist the urge to purchase it! I was so excited when I received and found that it's in mint condition including the handy dandy pull-up subscription cards! Of course, I have to share; (please excuse my crooked eye! Due to the odd size of Life Magazine I was unable to scan the pages! I had take pictures of the pages instead!)
It's very cool article! It's neat to take a look back at what WDW was like back then. It's also, at least to me, mind boggling to see how far it's come in 40 years.
Which leads me to my question, do you think Walt would be proud of what his world has become?
Sources for this article; thisdayindisneyhistory.com, startedbyamouse.com, Life Magazine, October 15th 1971
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