On October 1, 1971, the Walt Disney World Opening Day 1971 officially began. The resort debuted with Magic Kingdom Park, Disney’s Contemporary Resort, and Disney’s Polynesian Resort. Over five decades later, the resort still creates magical memories for guests worldwide. The massive Florida project broke ground on May 30, 1967. In 1969, Disney announced five initial “theme resorts.” Only two—Polynesian and Contemporary—opened alongside Magic Kingdom on day one.
The E-Ticket Economy of 1971
Admission to the Magic Kingdom cost $3.50 in 1971. Children’s tickets were just $1.00. However, the admission price did not include ride tickets. The popular E-Ticket was required for the best attractions. Those tickets cost $0.90 for adults nearly 50 years ago. That’s equivalent to about $6.50 today after adjusting for inflation. The famous A-to-E ticket system required guests to purchase coupon books. Disney finally phased out this a la carte process in 1982.
Roy’s Emotional Dedication
The Resort opened its doors on October 1, 1971. The official grand opening and dedication took place weeks later. The date was October 25, 1971. Walt’s older brother, Roy O. Disney, ensured the park was completed. He came out of retirement to name the park in Walt’s honor. Roy read the dedication plaque aloud with Mickey Mouse at his side. The iconic plaque states: “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.”
The official dedication parade, Walt Disney World on Parade, traveled through Magic Kingdom Park. It included 5,000 performers. Mickey Mouse led the way, playing the world’s largest bass drum at the time. A 1,076-piece ceremonial marching band performed as the parade’s pinnacle.
The Marvel of Modular Construction
Disney’s Polynesian Resort and Contemporary Resort used a unique method. It was called “unitized modular construction.” WED Enterprises, Welton Becket & Associates, and United States Steel Corp. designed them together. Crews raised the Contemporary’s central elevator shaft. They assembled 13 steel-trussed A-frames around it, forming a 150-foot-high skeleton. Miles away, assembly-line workers built rooms for both resorts. They finished about 40 rooms per week.
Each nine-ton room was a finished, free-standing unit. They included air conditioning, plumbing, sliding-glass doors, and groovy decor. Crews trucked the finished rooms to the sites. A crane then slid them into the building frames like massive dresser drawers. A popular legend claims the rooms were removable for refurbishments. However, the structures were never intended to allow for that.
To help learn the hotel business, Disney leased the Hilton Inn South in Orlando. This 140-room hotel opened in May 1970. It served as a living laboratory. Disney developed training manuals and restaurant menus here for its own resorts. Imagineers never developed the remaining “Phase One” resorts. These included Asian, Venetian, and Persian motifs.
Walt Disney World Today
Today, Walt Disney World is the most visited vacation resort globally. It averages over 52 million annual guests. The resort is the flagship destination of Disney’s worldwide corporate enterprise. It is a popular staple in American culture. Magic Kingdom’s 55th anniversary and Epcot’s 45th birthday are coming soon. Expect even bigger celebrations than ever before.
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