1971 MK Opening Day Photos

[aristocatz]

I did not see anything in the guidelines that indicated I could not link to FB, so I'm hoping this is ok. If not, mods: I apologize.

Just came across these cool pics of MK opening day in 1971. This couple was on their honeymoon-what a cool honeymoon!!!!

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=oa.10153480385712309&type=1

 

[melliemelo]

How cool! Thanks for sharing

 

[Happyinwonerland]

It's so empty! Like the disney of my dreams...

 

[JimmyV]

It's so empty!

People were so afraid of crowds, congestion and traffic jams that they stayed away in droves. There were very few places to stay in the area, so 95% of guests came from off-site and they didn't want to deal with hours-long traffic jams (that never really materialized).

 

[EricInPA]

The distant shots of CR under construction are so cool.

 

[JimmyV]

I love the photo (non-Disney) on the top left. Someone forgot to read the part of their "How To" photography book about watching out for your background. The photographer turned the subject into the Great Gazoo!!

I also like the photo of the Poly showing the sailboats in the water. Imagine going to WDW on opening day and spending your day on a day sailer. Looks like several people did just that.

 

[Skywise]

All the foliage and trees that aren't there anymore...

 

[rcraw45425]

this was late '71 possibly '72....

 

[Hannahinwonderland]

I can't even imagine being there with the park so empty. I LOVE these pictures.

 

[Nebraska_Disney]

I went in 1976 as a small boy, even then it was not hectic. Thanks for sharing these. I went to WDW on my honeymoon as well, in 1996 !

 

[aristocatz]

I went in 1976 as a small boy, even then it was not hectic. Thanks for sharing these. I went to WDW on my honeymoon as well, in 1996 !

Yup, we went every year from 1979-1991. Many of those trips were during Christmas break (yikes!)-we used to stay till NYE or NY day & I don't ever remember it being ridiculously crowded or waiting in line for hours on end for rides. The characters used to walk leisurely around the park & no one would rush them. No handlers either that I can recall. I even got to ride Dumbo with Goofy once!

We used to eat 1-2 table service meals on-site per trip (the rest were either counter service or off site) & would make our dining reservations that morning. Once Epcot opened, we made them at those cool ADR stations (did they have a video screen??) & I remember the trend was if you didn't make your dining reservation early in the morning for that evening, it would be difficult to get one later that day. Now you are lucky to score what you want 6 months in advance!

 

[rcraw45425]

Yup, we went every year from 1979-1991. Many of those trips were during Christmas break (yikes!)-we used to stay till NYE or NY day & I don't ever remember it being ridiculously crowded or waiting in line for hours on end for rides. The characters used to walk leisurely around the park & no one would rush them. No handlers either that I can recall. I even got to ride Dumbo with Goofy once!

We used to eat 1-2 table service meals on-site per trip (the rest were either counter service or off site) & would make our dining reservations that morning. Once Epcot opened, we made them at those cool ADR stations (did they have a video screen??) & I remember the trend was if you didn't make your dining reservation early in the morning for that evening, it would be difficult to get one later that day. Now you are lucky to score what you want 6 months in advance!

I remember our first trips with our girls (19 & 21 this year) when they were like 1& 3. We would just walk up to 'Ohana and have dinner. Never needed reservations...... how times have changed!

 

[csmith041177]

That is fantastic! Thank you for posting!

 

[cgattis]

I love the photo (non-Disney) on the top left. Someone forgot to read the part of their "How To" photography book about watching out for your background. The photographer turned the subject into the Great Gazoo!!

I also like the photo of the Poly showing the sailboats in the water. Imagine going to WDW on opening day and spending your day on a day sailer. Looks like several people did just that.

Ha! I thought she was wearing one of those headbands with the things on top until I read your post!! LOL

Those were really awesome to look at, OP. Thanks so much for sharing!!

 

[jeepwreck]

So cool thanks

 

[lvdis]

Make sure you look at all 3 albums of these pictures. He's now posted parts 2 and 3 in addition to the first set. They are so much fun to look at!
Part II - https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=oa.10153480794437309&type=1
and
Part III - https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=oa.10153480932182309&type=1

 

[hill6]

So cool. We will be there on the 45th anniversary of the park opening this year. We celebrate our 30th anniversary the same date.

 

[mickeymom22]

I loved your pictures! Thanks for sharing!

 

[Nebraska_Disney]

I will be celebrating my 20th anniversary there this year and it will also be 40 years since my first visit !

 

[SarahSnow]

how cool. thanks for sharing.