Walt Disney World Timeline
1964
As part of the Florida Project, Walt Disney secretly starts purchasing 27,433 acres of swampland in Central Florida for approximately $180 an acre.
The 1964-65 New York Worlds Fair features the extensive use of Disneys state-of-the-art audio-animatronic technology at exhibits such as Carousel of Progress, Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln and Its a Small World.
1965
On October 20, the Orlando Sentinel reports that Walt Disney has been buying up thousands of acres of land in Orange and Osceola counties.
During a press conference on November 15, Walt Disney (accompanied by his brother, Roy, and Florida Governor Haydon Burns) makes the first public announcement detailing his plans for the Florida Project at the Cherry Plaza Hotel in Orlando.
1966
A 24-minute preview of the Florida Project, including plans for EPCOT (Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow), is recorded by Walt Disney on October 27.
Walt Disney dies of lung cancer at the age of 65 on December 15; Walts brother, Roy, moves forward with the Disney World Project.
1967
Legislation creating the Reedy Creek Improvement District, which allows Walt Disney Productions to proceed with construction of Walt Disney World, passes both the Florida House of Representatives and Senate, and is signed into law on May 12.
Site preparation begins for Disneys Magic Kingdom.
1968
A Florida Supreme Court ruling allows the Reedy Creek Improvement District to issue tax-free bonds to help finance the Disney World project.
1969
Construction begins on Disneys Magic Kingdom, including Main Street U.S.A. and the 189-foot-high Cinderella Castle.
1970
The Walt Disney World Conservation Area, which encompasses 7,500 acres, is established by Walt Disney Productions.
The Walt Disney World Preview Center opens in Lake Buena Vista in June.
1971
Disneys Magic Kingdom first opens its doors on October 1 for approximately 10,000 visitors with the following attractions: Cinderellas Golden Carousel, Country Bear Jamboree, Diamond Horseshoe Revue, Dumbo the Flying Elephant, Frontier Shooting Gallery, Hall of Presidents, Haunted Mansion, Its a Small World, Jungle Cruise, Mad Tea Party, Mickey Mouse Revue, Mike Fink Keel Boats, Mr. Toads Wild Ride, Skyway, Snow Whites Adventures, Swiss Family Treehouse, Tiki Room, Tomorrowland Indy Speedway and Walt Disney World Railroad.
The Liberty Square Riverboat opens along the Rivers of America on October 2, the day after the grand opening of Disneys Magic Kingdom.
Adult admission to Disneys Magic Kingdom costs $3.50, while a seven-ride attraction ticket book costs $4.75 and an 11-ride attraction ticket book costs $5.75.
Disneys Contemporary Resort, Disneys Polynesian Resort and Disneys Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground all open at Walt Disney World Resort.
The Palm and Magnolia, two championship golf courses, open at Walt Disney World Resort.
Jack Nicklaus becomes the first champion at the inaugural Walt Disney World Open Invitational.
Several new attractions open at Disneys Magic Kingdom before the end of the year such as Flight to the Moon and Circle-Vision 360.
Roy O. Disney dies on December 20 and Donn Tatum becomes Chairman of the Board at Walt Disney Productions.
1972
If You Had Wings opens in Tomorrowland at Disneys Magic Kingdom and features state-of-the-art OmniMover vehicles.
The Walt Disney Story makes its debut in Town Square at Disneys Magic Kingdom.
1973
The Carousel of Progress is moved from Disneyland, where it first opened in 1967, to Disneys Magic Kingdom.
Tom Sawyer Island makes its debut in Frontierland at Disneys Magic Kingdom.
Pirates of the Caribbean opens in Adventurelands Caribbean Plaza at Disneys Magic Kingdom.
The Golf Resort opens its doors adjacent to Disneys Magic Kingdom.
The Walt Disney World Open Invitational changes its name to the Walt Disney World Golf Classic.
The Swan Boat ride opens in the Plaza at Disneys Magic Kingdom.
1974
Star Jets (later known as Astro Orbiter) opens in Tomorrowland at Disneys Magic Kingdom.
Treasure Island (formerly known as Blackbeards Island and later known as Discovery Island) opens at Walt Disney World Resort.
The Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue makes its debut at Pioneer Hall in Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground.
The Lake Buena Vista Golf Course opens at Lake Buena Vista Village.
1975
The Carousel of Progress opens in Tomorrowland at Disneys Magic Kingdom with the new theme song, The Best Time of Your Life.
Astronauts Scott Carpenter, Gordon Cooper and Jim Irwin take the first ride during the grand opening of RCAs Space Mountain.
Flight to the Moon evolves into Mission to Mars in Tomorrowland.
The WEDway People Mover makes its debut in Tomorrowland.
Treehouse Village , a complex of 60 vacation townhouses, opens at Walt Disney World Resort.
Attendance at Walt Disney World Resort surpasses 50 million guests.
Walt Disney Productions announces plans for Epcot, its second theme park at Walt Disney World Resort.
The Lake Buena Vista Village (later to be known as Disney Village Marketplace) opens at Walt Disney World Resort.
1976
River Country opens as Walt Disney World Resorts first water park at Fort Wilderness Campground.
1977
The Main Street Electrical Light Parade makes its debut at Disneys Magic Kingdom.
1978
Treasure Island is renamed Discovery Island.
1979
Construction begins on Epcot with an initial budget of $600 million.
1980
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, a thrilling roller coaster in the form of a runaway train, opens in Frontierland at Disneys Magic Kingdom.
The Mickey Mouse Revue in Fantasyland closes and is shipped to Tokyo Disneyland.
1981
Walt Disney World receives the Urban Land Institute Award for Excellence.
1982
Epcot opens on October 1 as the second theme park at Walt Disney World Resort with Future World and nine World Showcase pavilions (USA, Canada, United Kingdom, France, Mexico, Germany, Italy, China and Japan.
A four-mile stretch of the Walt Disney World Monorail System is completed to Epcot.
1983
The Horizons attraction opens in Future World at Epcot.
The Plaza Swan Boats sail for the last time at Disneys Magic Kingdom.
The first annual Night of Joy, a celebration of contemporary Christian music, takes place at Disneys Magic Kingdom.
Journey into Imagination opens at Epcot.
1984
Michael Eisner becomes chairman and chief executive officer and Frank Wells becomes president and chief operating officer of Walt Disney Productions.
The Morocco Pavilion opens in the World Showcase at Epcot between the Japan and France pavilions.
The Country Bear Christmas Special debuts at Disneys Magic Kingdom.
1985
Walt Disney Productions signs a licensing agreement with MGM/UA Entertainment, paving the way for the development of a third Disney theme park, Disney-MGM Studios.
RCAs Home of Future Living closes within Space Mountain.
1986
Sponsored by United Technologies, the Living Seas Pavilion opens in Future World at Epcot.
The Captain EO 3-D film premieres at the Magic Eye Theater in Epcots Future World.
The Golf Resort adds 150 new guestrooms and its name is changed to The Disney Inn.
Construction begins on Disney-MGM Studios, Walt Disney Worlds third theme park.
The Walt Disney Company announces plans for the construction of Pleasure Island.
The Diamond Horseshoe Revue is renamed the Diamond Horseshoe Jamboree.
1987
Ground-breaking ceremonies are held for Disneys Typhoon Lagoon.
1988
Mickeys Birthdayland (later known as Mickeys Toontown Fair) opens at Disneys Magic Kingdom.
The Norway Pavilion opens in the World Showcase at Epcot with specialty shops, eateries, live entertainment and the Maelstrom thrill ride.
Disneys Grand Floridian Beach Resort and Disneys Caribbean Beach Resort both open at Walt Disney World Resort.
IllumiNations premieres at Epcot.
1989
Disney-MGM Studios opens on May 1; Michael Eisner dedicates the new theme park to Hollywood not a place on a map but a state of mind that exists wherever people dream and wonder and imagine, a place where illusion and reality are fused by technological magic.
Typhoon Lagoon water park opens at Walt Disney World Resort with one of the worlds largest wave pools.
Pleasure Island, an immense entertainment complex with eight eclectic nightclubs, opens its doors at Walt Disney World Resort.
Two new resorts, the Walt Disney World Dolphin and the Walt Disney World Swan, open at Walt Disney World Resort near Epcot.
The Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular premieres at Disney-MGM Studios in September.
Star Tours makes its debut at Disney-MGM Studios in December.
1990
Mickeys Birthdayland changes its name to Mickeys Starland at Disneys Magic Kingdom.
Disneys Beach Club Resort, Disneys Yacht Club Resort, Walt Disney World Dolphin and Walt Disney World Swan all open at Walt Disney World Resort.
The Honey, I Shrunk the Kids Movie Set Adventure opens at Disney-MGM Studios.
1991
Jim Hensons Muppet*Vision 3-D (later known simply as Muppet Vision 3-D) opens at Disney-MGM Studios.
Disneys Port Orleans Resort opens at Walt Disney World Resort.
The Main Street Electrical Light Parade is replaced with the SpectroMagic Parade.
Walt Disney World Resort adds two new championship golf courses: Osprey Ridge and Eagle Pines.
1992
Splash Mountain, a thrill ride that combines the speed and adventure of a classic flume attraction with state-of-the-art Disney audio-animatronics, opens in Frontierland at Disneys Magic Kingdom.
Voyage of the Little Mermaid opens in the Animation Courtyard at Disney-MGM Studios.
Disneys Old Key West Resort and Disneys Dixie Landings Resort both open at Walt Disney World Resort.
The Walt Disney Story closes at Disneys Magic Kingdom.
The Cage nightclub closes at Pleasure Island and soon reopens as 8-Trax dance club.
1993
The ATAS (Academy of Television Arts & Sciences) Hall of Fame Plaza opens at Disney-MGM Studios.
The Hall of Presidents in Liberty Square undergoes a major overhaul that includes the addition of an audio-animatronic Bill Clinton figure and new narration from poet Maya Angelou.
1994
The WEDway People Mover in Tomorrowland is renamed Tomorrowland Transit Authority.
Honey, I Shrunk the Audience, an interactive 3-D adventure, opens in Epcots Future World, replacing Captain EO.
The Timekeeper opens in Tomorrowland at Disneys Magic Kingdom.
Innoventions East and West pavilions open in the former Communicore buildings at Epcot.
The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror makes its debut along Sunset Boulevard at Disney-MGM Studios.
20,000 Leagues Under the Sea closes in Fantasyland at Disneys Magic Kingdom.
Disneys All-Star Sports Resort and Disneys Wilderness Lodge both open at Walt Disney World Resort.
The first annual International Flower & Garden Festival takes place at Epcot.
The Walt Disney World Marathon is run for the first time, drawing approximately 8,200 participants from around the globe.
Holiday IllumiNations premieres at Epcot.
Planet Hollywood opens in front of the entrance to Pleasure Island.
The Kitchen Kabaret closes at Epcots Land Pavilion.
1995
Blizzard Beach, billed as the Coolest Water Park in Central Florida, opens at Walt Disney World Resort on April Fools Day.
Disneys All-Star Music Resort opens its doors at Walt Disney World Resort.
The first annual International Food & Wine Festival takes place at Epcot.
The Walt Disney World Company announces plans for the development of a fourth theme park, Disneys Animal Kingdom.
Disneys Fairy Tale Wedding Pavilion opens at Disneys Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.
1996
Mickeys Starland changes its name to Mickeys Toontown Fair and adds two new attractions: The Barnstormer at Goofys Wiseacre Farm and Donalds Boat. The track at Tomorrowland Indy Speedway is shortened slightly to make room for the new Toontown attractions.
The American Film Institute Showcase makes its debut at Disney-MGM Studios to commemorate 100 years of American filmmaking.
The first annual Mickeys Not-So-Scary Halloween Party takes place at Disneys Magic Kingdom.
Epcot hosts the first annual ABC Super Soap Weekend.
The Disney Institute makes its debut at Walt Disney World Resort.
Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf is constructed between the Walt Disney Dolphin and the Walt Disney Swan resorts.
Disneys Boardwalk opens at Walt Disney World Resort.
The former Disney Inn reopens as Shades of Green, an Armed Forces Recreation Center.
The inaugural Indy 200 takes place at Walt Disney World Resort.
The Circle of Life and Ellens Energy Adventure attractions both premiere at Epcots Future World.
1997
Disneys Coronado Springs Resort opens its doors at Walt Disney World Resort.
The Richard Petty Driving Experience makes its debut at Walt Disney World Resort.
Disney Village Marketplace and Pleasure Island are joined by Disney West Side and the entire complex is renamed Downtown Disney.
Disneys 220-acre Wide World of Sports Complex opens with a dozen baseball and softball fields, 12 lighted tennis courts, a track-and-field complex, six basketball courts, a golf driving range and six sand volleyball courts.
The Mike Fink Keel Boats attraction closes in Frontierland at Disneys Magic Kingdom.
1998
Disneys Animal Kingdom opens as the fourth theme park at Walt Disney World Resort.
The Tiki Room in Adventureland at Disneys Magic Kingdom changes its name to The Enchanted Tiki Room Under New Management.
Buzz Lightyears Space Ranger Spin opens in Tomorrowland at Disneys Magic Kingdom.
Sponsored by General Motors, Test Track makes its debut at the former site of World of Motion in Future World at Epcot.
Fantasmic! premieres at Disney-MGM Studios.
Mr. Toads Wild Ride closes in Fantasyland, much to the dismay of its many fans, who soon organize a futile Save the Toad campaign.
The Main Street Cinema along Main Street, U.S.A. is converted into a retail store.
DisneyQuest, an indoor interactive theme park, opens its doors at Disney West Side in Downtown Disney.
Cirque du Soleil La Nouba premieres at Disney West Side in Downtown Disney.
1999
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh opens in Fantasyland at the former site of Mr. Toads Wild Ride.
The Rock n Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith makes its debut at Disney-MGM Studios next to the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror.
Disneys Winter Summerland miniature golf course opens adjacent to Blizzard Beach water park.
Disneys All-Star Movies Resort opens its doors at Walt Disney World Resort.
Discovery Island closes to guests as an attraction.
Walt Disney World introduces FASTPASS, a free reservation system that allows guests to avoid crowds at the most popular theme park rides and attractions.
2000
DisneyQuest introduces the Pirates of the Caribbean interactive adventure.
Journey into Your Imagination opens at Epcot.
2001
Walt Disney World Resort launches its 100 Years of Magic Celebration, which includes the debut of the Share A Dream Come True Parade.
Cinderellas Surprise Celebration, a musical extravaganza that takes place directly in front of Cinderella Castle, makes its debut at Disneys Magic Kingdom.
Walt Disney: One Mans Dream opens at Disney-MGM Studios as part of Walt Disney Worlds 100 Years of Magic Celebration.
Who Wants To Be A Millionaire Play It! opens at Disney-MGM Studios.
Disneys Animal Kingdom Lodge opens its doors at Walt Disney World Resort.
The Magic Carpets of Aladdin kiddie ride debuts in Adventureland at Disneys Magic Kingdom.
Playhouse Disney Live on Stage premieres at Disney-MGM Studios.
2002
Disneys Beach Club Villas opens its doors at Walt Disney World Resort.
Journey into Imagination with Figment opens at Epcot.
2003
Diamond Horseshoe Saloon Revue closes and is replaced by Goofys Country Dancin Jamboree in Liberty Square at Disneys Magic Kingdom.
ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter closes in Tomorrowland at Disneys Magic Kingdom.
Mission: SPACE, a state-of-the-art thrill ride, opens at the site of the former Horizons attraction at Epcot.
Mickeys PhilharMagic, a 3-D symfunny of fun, opens in Fantasyland at Disneys Magic Kingdom.
The Disney Golf Classic changes its name to the FUNAI Classic at Walt Disney World Resort.
The Wishes Nighttime Spectacular makes its debut at Disneys Magic Kingdom.
2004
Stitchs Great Escape opens in Tomorrowland at the former site of ExtraTERRORestrial.
Turtle Talk with Crush! opens in The Living Seas at Epcot.
2005
Walt Disney World launches its Happiest Celebration on Earth.
Soarin, a high-flying adventure, opens in The Land Pavilion at Epcot.
The Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show opens at Disney-MGM Studios.
The Crush n Gusher, a series of three thrilling water roller coasters, opens at Typhoon Lagoon.
Journey Into Narnia Creating The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe makes its debut at Disney-MGM Studios.
2006
Expedition Everest, a high-speed train adventure, opens in Asia at Disneys Animal Kingdom.
Pirates of the Caribbean reopens at Disneys Magic Kingdom after several months of renovations to coincide with the summer release of the Disney film, Pirates of Caribbean: Dead Mens Chest.
Source: Orlando Area Guide
1964
As part of the Florida Project, Walt Disney secretly starts purchasing 27,433 acres of swampland in Central Florida for approximately $180 an acre.
The 1964-65 New York Worlds Fair features the extensive use of Disneys state-of-the-art audio-animatronic technology at exhibits such as Carousel of Progress, Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln and Its a Small World.
1965
On October 20, the Orlando Sentinel reports that Walt Disney has been buying up thousands of acres of land in Orange and Osceola counties.
During a press conference on November 15, Walt Disney (accompanied by his brother, Roy, and Florida Governor Haydon Burns) makes the first public announcement detailing his plans for the Florida Project at the Cherry Plaza Hotel in Orlando.
1966
A 24-minute preview of the Florida Project, including plans for EPCOT (Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow), is recorded by Walt Disney on October 27.
Walt Disney dies of lung cancer at the age of 65 on December 15; Walts brother, Roy, moves forward with the Disney World Project.
1967
Legislation creating the Reedy Creek Improvement District, which allows Walt Disney Productions to proceed with construction of Walt Disney World, passes both the Florida House of Representatives and Senate, and is signed into law on May 12.
Site preparation begins for Disneys Magic Kingdom.
1968
A Florida Supreme Court ruling allows the Reedy Creek Improvement District to issue tax-free bonds to help finance the Disney World project.
1969
Construction begins on Disneys Magic Kingdom, including Main Street U.S.A. and the 189-foot-high Cinderella Castle.
1970
The Walt Disney World Conservation Area, which encompasses 7,500 acres, is established by Walt Disney Productions.
The Walt Disney World Preview Center opens in Lake Buena Vista in June.
1971
Disneys Magic Kingdom first opens its doors on October 1 for approximately 10,000 visitors with the following attractions: Cinderellas Golden Carousel, Country Bear Jamboree, Diamond Horseshoe Revue, Dumbo the Flying Elephant, Frontier Shooting Gallery, Hall of Presidents, Haunted Mansion, Its a Small World, Jungle Cruise, Mad Tea Party, Mickey Mouse Revue, Mike Fink Keel Boats, Mr. Toads Wild Ride, Skyway, Snow Whites Adventures, Swiss Family Treehouse, Tiki Room, Tomorrowland Indy Speedway and Walt Disney World Railroad.
The Liberty Square Riverboat opens along the Rivers of America on October 2, the day after the grand opening of Disneys Magic Kingdom.
Adult admission to Disneys Magic Kingdom costs $3.50, while a seven-ride attraction ticket book costs $4.75 and an 11-ride attraction ticket book costs $5.75.
Disneys Contemporary Resort, Disneys Polynesian Resort and Disneys Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground all open at Walt Disney World Resort.
The Palm and Magnolia, two championship golf courses, open at Walt Disney World Resort.
Jack Nicklaus becomes the first champion at the inaugural Walt Disney World Open Invitational.
Several new attractions open at Disneys Magic Kingdom before the end of the year such as Flight to the Moon and Circle-Vision 360.
Roy O. Disney dies on December 20 and Donn Tatum becomes Chairman of the Board at Walt Disney Productions.
1972
If You Had Wings opens in Tomorrowland at Disneys Magic Kingdom and features state-of-the-art OmniMover vehicles.
The Walt Disney Story makes its debut in Town Square at Disneys Magic Kingdom.
1973
The Carousel of Progress is moved from Disneyland, where it first opened in 1967, to Disneys Magic Kingdom.
Tom Sawyer Island makes its debut in Frontierland at Disneys Magic Kingdom.
Pirates of the Caribbean opens in Adventurelands Caribbean Plaza at Disneys Magic Kingdom.
The Golf Resort opens its doors adjacent to Disneys Magic Kingdom.
The Walt Disney World Open Invitational changes its name to the Walt Disney World Golf Classic.
The Swan Boat ride opens in the Plaza at Disneys Magic Kingdom.
1974
Star Jets (later known as Astro Orbiter) opens in Tomorrowland at Disneys Magic Kingdom.
Treasure Island (formerly known as Blackbeards Island and later known as Discovery Island) opens at Walt Disney World Resort.
The Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue makes its debut at Pioneer Hall in Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground.
The Lake Buena Vista Golf Course opens at Lake Buena Vista Village.
1975
The Carousel of Progress opens in Tomorrowland at Disneys Magic Kingdom with the new theme song, The Best Time of Your Life.
Astronauts Scott Carpenter, Gordon Cooper and Jim Irwin take the first ride during the grand opening of RCAs Space Mountain.
Flight to the Moon evolves into Mission to Mars in Tomorrowland.
The WEDway People Mover makes its debut in Tomorrowland.
Treehouse Village , a complex of 60 vacation townhouses, opens at Walt Disney World Resort.
Attendance at Walt Disney World Resort surpasses 50 million guests.
Walt Disney Productions announces plans for Epcot, its second theme park at Walt Disney World Resort.
The Lake Buena Vista Village (later to be known as Disney Village Marketplace) opens at Walt Disney World Resort.
1976
River Country opens as Walt Disney World Resorts first water park at Fort Wilderness Campground.
1977
The Main Street Electrical Light Parade makes its debut at Disneys Magic Kingdom.
1978
Treasure Island is renamed Discovery Island.
1979
Construction begins on Epcot with an initial budget of $600 million.
1980
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, a thrilling roller coaster in the form of a runaway train, opens in Frontierland at Disneys Magic Kingdom.
The Mickey Mouse Revue in Fantasyland closes and is shipped to Tokyo Disneyland.
1981
Walt Disney World receives the Urban Land Institute Award for Excellence.
1982
Epcot opens on October 1 as the second theme park at Walt Disney World Resort with Future World and nine World Showcase pavilions (USA, Canada, United Kingdom, France, Mexico, Germany, Italy, China and Japan.
A four-mile stretch of the Walt Disney World Monorail System is completed to Epcot.
1983
The Horizons attraction opens in Future World at Epcot.
The Plaza Swan Boats sail for the last time at Disneys Magic Kingdom.
The first annual Night of Joy, a celebration of contemporary Christian music, takes place at Disneys Magic Kingdom.
Journey into Imagination opens at Epcot.
1984
Michael Eisner becomes chairman and chief executive officer and Frank Wells becomes president and chief operating officer of Walt Disney Productions.
The Morocco Pavilion opens in the World Showcase at Epcot between the Japan and France pavilions.
The Country Bear Christmas Special debuts at Disneys Magic Kingdom.
1985
Walt Disney Productions signs a licensing agreement with MGM/UA Entertainment, paving the way for the development of a third Disney theme park, Disney-MGM Studios.
RCAs Home of Future Living closes within Space Mountain.
1986
Sponsored by United Technologies, the Living Seas Pavilion opens in Future World at Epcot.
The Captain EO 3-D film premieres at the Magic Eye Theater in Epcots Future World.
The Golf Resort adds 150 new guestrooms and its name is changed to The Disney Inn.
Construction begins on Disney-MGM Studios, Walt Disney Worlds third theme park.
The Walt Disney Company announces plans for the construction of Pleasure Island.
The Diamond Horseshoe Revue is renamed the Diamond Horseshoe Jamboree.
1987
Ground-breaking ceremonies are held for Disneys Typhoon Lagoon.
1988
Mickeys Birthdayland (later known as Mickeys Toontown Fair) opens at Disneys Magic Kingdom.
The Norway Pavilion opens in the World Showcase at Epcot with specialty shops, eateries, live entertainment and the Maelstrom thrill ride.
Disneys Grand Floridian Beach Resort and Disneys Caribbean Beach Resort both open at Walt Disney World Resort.
IllumiNations premieres at Epcot.
1989
Disney-MGM Studios opens on May 1; Michael Eisner dedicates the new theme park to Hollywood not a place on a map but a state of mind that exists wherever people dream and wonder and imagine, a place where illusion and reality are fused by technological magic.
Typhoon Lagoon water park opens at Walt Disney World Resort with one of the worlds largest wave pools.
Pleasure Island, an immense entertainment complex with eight eclectic nightclubs, opens its doors at Walt Disney World Resort.
Two new resorts, the Walt Disney World Dolphin and the Walt Disney World Swan, open at Walt Disney World Resort near Epcot.
The Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular premieres at Disney-MGM Studios in September.
Star Tours makes its debut at Disney-MGM Studios in December.
1990
Mickeys Birthdayland changes its name to Mickeys Starland at Disneys Magic Kingdom.
Disneys Beach Club Resort, Disneys Yacht Club Resort, Walt Disney World Dolphin and Walt Disney World Swan all open at Walt Disney World Resort.
The Honey, I Shrunk the Kids Movie Set Adventure opens at Disney-MGM Studios.
1991
Jim Hensons Muppet*Vision 3-D (later known simply as Muppet Vision 3-D) opens at Disney-MGM Studios.
Disneys Port Orleans Resort opens at Walt Disney World Resort.
The Main Street Electrical Light Parade is replaced with the SpectroMagic Parade.
Walt Disney World Resort adds two new championship golf courses: Osprey Ridge and Eagle Pines.
1992
Splash Mountain, a thrill ride that combines the speed and adventure of a classic flume attraction with state-of-the-art Disney audio-animatronics, opens in Frontierland at Disneys Magic Kingdom.
Voyage of the Little Mermaid opens in the Animation Courtyard at Disney-MGM Studios.
Disneys Old Key West Resort and Disneys Dixie Landings Resort both open at Walt Disney World Resort.
The Walt Disney Story closes at Disneys Magic Kingdom.
The Cage nightclub closes at Pleasure Island and soon reopens as 8-Trax dance club.
1993
The ATAS (Academy of Television Arts & Sciences) Hall of Fame Plaza opens at Disney-MGM Studios.
The Hall of Presidents in Liberty Square undergoes a major overhaul that includes the addition of an audio-animatronic Bill Clinton figure and new narration from poet Maya Angelou.
1994
The WEDway People Mover in Tomorrowland is renamed Tomorrowland Transit Authority.
Honey, I Shrunk the Audience, an interactive 3-D adventure, opens in Epcots Future World, replacing Captain EO.
The Timekeeper opens in Tomorrowland at Disneys Magic Kingdom.
Innoventions East and West pavilions open in the former Communicore buildings at Epcot.
The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror makes its debut along Sunset Boulevard at Disney-MGM Studios.
20,000 Leagues Under the Sea closes in Fantasyland at Disneys Magic Kingdom.
Disneys All-Star Sports Resort and Disneys Wilderness Lodge both open at Walt Disney World Resort.
The first annual International Flower & Garden Festival takes place at Epcot.
The Walt Disney World Marathon is run for the first time, drawing approximately 8,200 participants from around the globe.
Holiday IllumiNations premieres at Epcot.
Planet Hollywood opens in front of the entrance to Pleasure Island.
The Kitchen Kabaret closes at Epcots Land Pavilion.
1995
Blizzard Beach, billed as the Coolest Water Park in Central Florida, opens at Walt Disney World Resort on April Fools Day.
Disneys All-Star Music Resort opens its doors at Walt Disney World Resort.
The first annual International Food & Wine Festival takes place at Epcot.
The Walt Disney World Company announces plans for the development of a fourth theme park, Disneys Animal Kingdom.
Disneys Fairy Tale Wedding Pavilion opens at Disneys Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.
1996
Mickeys Starland changes its name to Mickeys Toontown Fair and adds two new attractions: The Barnstormer at Goofys Wiseacre Farm and Donalds Boat. The track at Tomorrowland Indy Speedway is shortened slightly to make room for the new Toontown attractions.
The American Film Institute Showcase makes its debut at Disney-MGM Studios to commemorate 100 years of American filmmaking.
The first annual Mickeys Not-So-Scary Halloween Party takes place at Disneys Magic Kingdom.
Epcot hosts the first annual ABC Super Soap Weekend.
The Disney Institute makes its debut at Walt Disney World Resort.
Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf is constructed between the Walt Disney Dolphin and the Walt Disney Swan resorts.
Disneys Boardwalk opens at Walt Disney World Resort.
The former Disney Inn reopens as Shades of Green, an Armed Forces Recreation Center.
The inaugural Indy 200 takes place at Walt Disney World Resort.
The Circle of Life and Ellens Energy Adventure attractions both premiere at Epcots Future World.
1997
Disneys Coronado Springs Resort opens its doors at Walt Disney World Resort.
The Richard Petty Driving Experience makes its debut at Walt Disney World Resort.
Disney Village Marketplace and Pleasure Island are joined by Disney West Side and the entire complex is renamed Downtown Disney.
Disneys 220-acre Wide World of Sports Complex opens with a dozen baseball and softball fields, 12 lighted tennis courts, a track-and-field complex, six basketball courts, a golf driving range and six sand volleyball courts.
The Mike Fink Keel Boats attraction closes in Frontierland at Disneys Magic Kingdom.
1998
Disneys Animal Kingdom opens as the fourth theme park at Walt Disney World Resort.
The Tiki Room in Adventureland at Disneys Magic Kingdom changes its name to The Enchanted Tiki Room Under New Management.
Buzz Lightyears Space Ranger Spin opens in Tomorrowland at Disneys Magic Kingdom.
Sponsored by General Motors, Test Track makes its debut at the former site of World of Motion in Future World at Epcot.
Fantasmic! premieres at Disney-MGM Studios.
Mr. Toads Wild Ride closes in Fantasyland, much to the dismay of its many fans, who soon organize a futile Save the Toad campaign.
The Main Street Cinema along Main Street, U.S.A. is converted into a retail store.
DisneyQuest, an indoor interactive theme park, opens its doors at Disney West Side in Downtown Disney.
Cirque du Soleil La Nouba premieres at Disney West Side in Downtown Disney.
1999
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh opens in Fantasyland at the former site of Mr. Toads Wild Ride.
The Rock n Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith makes its debut at Disney-MGM Studios next to the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror.
Disneys Winter Summerland miniature golf course opens adjacent to Blizzard Beach water park.
Disneys All-Star Movies Resort opens its doors at Walt Disney World Resort.
Discovery Island closes to guests as an attraction.
Walt Disney World introduces FASTPASS, a free reservation system that allows guests to avoid crowds at the most popular theme park rides and attractions.
2000
DisneyQuest introduces the Pirates of the Caribbean interactive adventure.
Journey into Your Imagination opens at Epcot.
2001
Walt Disney World Resort launches its 100 Years of Magic Celebration, which includes the debut of the Share A Dream Come True Parade.
Cinderellas Surprise Celebration, a musical extravaganza that takes place directly in front of Cinderella Castle, makes its debut at Disneys Magic Kingdom.
Walt Disney: One Mans Dream opens at Disney-MGM Studios as part of Walt Disney Worlds 100 Years of Magic Celebration.
Who Wants To Be A Millionaire Play It! opens at Disney-MGM Studios.
Disneys Animal Kingdom Lodge opens its doors at Walt Disney World Resort.
The Magic Carpets of Aladdin kiddie ride debuts in Adventureland at Disneys Magic Kingdom.
Playhouse Disney Live on Stage premieres at Disney-MGM Studios.
2002
Disneys Beach Club Villas opens its doors at Walt Disney World Resort.
Journey into Imagination with Figment opens at Epcot.
2003
Diamond Horseshoe Saloon Revue closes and is replaced by Goofys Country Dancin Jamboree in Liberty Square at Disneys Magic Kingdom.
ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter closes in Tomorrowland at Disneys Magic Kingdom.
Mission: SPACE, a state-of-the-art thrill ride, opens at the site of the former Horizons attraction at Epcot.
Mickeys PhilharMagic, a 3-D symfunny of fun, opens in Fantasyland at Disneys Magic Kingdom.
The Disney Golf Classic changes its name to the FUNAI Classic at Walt Disney World Resort.
The Wishes Nighttime Spectacular makes its debut at Disneys Magic Kingdom.
2004
Stitchs Great Escape opens in Tomorrowland at the former site of ExtraTERRORestrial.
Turtle Talk with Crush! opens in The Living Seas at Epcot.
2005
Walt Disney World launches its Happiest Celebration on Earth.
Soarin, a high-flying adventure, opens in The Land Pavilion at Epcot.
The Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show opens at Disney-MGM Studios.
The Crush n Gusher, a series of three thrilling water roller coasters, opens at Typhoon Lagoon.
Journey Into Narnia Creating The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe makes its debut at Disney-MGM Studios.
2006
Expedition Everest, a high-speed train adventure, opens in Asia at Disneys Animal Kingdom.
Pirates of the Caribbean reopens at Disneys Magic Kingdom after several months of renovations to coincide with the summer release of the Disney film, Pirates of Caribbean: Dead Mens Chest.
Source: Orlando Area Guide
