WDW Opened on This Day in 1971

[Weegl]

If you can believe it, Walt Disney World officially opened its doors on this day (October 1) in 1971. There were 26 themed rides operating.

The House of Mouse had arrived in FL!!!

I have such fond memories of those early days...I was only 7 and we stayed at the Contemporary right after it opened. I can remember the game room at the CR...it was sooo large! (remember, I was only 7). My souvenir from the trip was a large Pooh, which I still have to this day.

Does anyone else remember those early days?

 

[DisneyDude10171]

I wasn't around then, but today is one of my favorite days (see my ID...)

 

[Baloo]

WELCOME to the DIS Weegl !

Thanks for reminding me today was the anniversary! I didn't go for the first time until 1991 and I was a little bit past 7!!

I bet your folks only paid about $40 for that room...awwwwwww those were the days!!!

 

[SimbaNoodle]

Happy Anniversary Walt Disney World.

I didn't know that, but I will never forget it. WDW is my favorite place.

 

[missydisney]

I remember theday well. It was my 9th birthday. I wanted to go sooooo bad. All I got was a bookcover. I did finally get to go in 1988 as an adult and have been at least once a year since 1995. Five trips this year. I'm making up for lost time. LOL
Many changes have been made but it is still a very magical place and holds a special place in my heart.

 

[sue1013]

I remember what I don't remember is what we did for 3-4 days with only the Magic Kingdom. My father complained the entire time about the food so would never go back. Had to wait until I could go back myself and have been doing so at least once a year since Epcot opened.

 

[missydisney]

My first trip in 1988 at 26 was with my mom, my 16 year old sister and my son then 5 and my daughter then 3. My mom won't stay out after dark and dosen't eat but one meal a day when she travels. My first enjoyalbe trip was with my family my husband and our 4 kids in July 1995. My husband is still not a huge fan but we are taking our first no kids trip ever to the CBR this Saturday.

 

[tinkerb]

My very first visit was in Nov 1971, I was 11 and we stayed at the Polynesian. It was the start of a lifelong love of WDW.

 

[eeyore0062]

Happy Birthday WALT DISNEY WORLD!!!!!

 

[jfis1020]

My first trip was December 1971 and I was 8 years old. It was my family and 60,00 others that day in the Magic Kingdom! It took three hours to get a cheeseburger for lunch! Just after that my parents stayed at the Contemporary (without us ). They paid $25 a night!

I can't count the number of times I have been there, but one of my fondest memories is December 31, 1980 and my senior year of high school. My girlfriend and I saw "K.C. and the Sunshine Band" there for New Years Eve!!

My Dad always believed that everyone should experience Disney World. He took his girlfriend in September 1992. The day after their visit to the M.K. he suffered a stroke and later died. But, he was happy...............he had just been to Disney World!

My DH and I now take our three kids at least twice a year. I always think of my dad. I can still see him sitting in the rocking chairs outside the former "Diamond Horseshoe Revue". He'd say
"you kids go and have a good time........I'll be right here just rocking and enjoying the scenery"!

Yes WDW has changed, but only for the better. I love how some of those things just still hang in there. It keeps the memories fresh!

 

[georgina]

I was wearing my 100 years of magic shirt today, and somebody pointed that out to me - Oct 1 was when the MK opened! My first trip there wasn't until 1998.

 

[Weegl]

Definitely continues to be a special place. Since it was just the MK back then, I remember spending time with my brothers in the seven seas lagoon and riding the monorail...over and over again.

IMHO, the place has only gotten better. I've probebly been 100 times and sinec my kids are now 6 & 4, we spend ALOT of time visiting the place.

More commercial...yes. But there's more to offer for everyone!

I think I still have some ticket books from those early days...unfortunately they're only full of "A" tickets!!!