On this day 55 years ago, Walt Disney World officially opened its gates in Florida. Opening day featured Magic Kingdom Park, Disney’s Contemporary Resort, and Disney’s Polynesian Resort, and all three remain beloved parts of the resort more than five decades later.
Disney broke ground on the massive Florida project on May 30, 1967. Two years later, the company announced five initial “theme resorts,” but only the Polynesian and Contemporary were ready to open alongside Magic Kingdom on day one.
The E-Ticket Economy of 1971
Admission to Magic Kingdom cost just $3.50 for adults in 1971, while children’s tickets were only $1.00. That price didn’t include rides, though, since guests had to buy coupon books under the famous A-to-E ticket system. The E-Ticket unlocked the best attractions and cost adults $0.90 in 1971. Disney finally phased out the a la carte ticket system in 1982.
Roy’s Emotional Dedication
While the resort opened its doors on October 1, the official grand opening and dedication came weeks later on October 25, 1971. Walt’s older brother, Roy O. Disney, came out of retirement to see the project through, and he named the resort in Walt’s honor. With Mickey Mouse at his side, Roy read the dedication plaque aloud. Part of it reads, “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 celebration continued with the official dedication parade, Walt Disney World on Parade, which sent 5,000 performers marching through Magic Kingdom Park. Mickey led the way while playing what was then the world’s largest bass drum, and a 1,076-piece marching band served as the parade’s grand finale.
The Marvel of Modular Construction
Disney built the Polynesian and Contemporary using a unique method called “unitized modular construction.” WED Enterprises, Welton Becket & Associates, and United States Steel Corp. designed the process together. At the Contemporary, crews raised the central elevator shaft and then assembled 13 steel-trussed A-frames around it, creating a 150-foot-high skeleton.
Miles away, workers on an assembly line built about 40 rooms per week for both resorts. Each nine-ton room was a finished, free-standing unit with air conditioning, plumbing, sliding glass doors, and groovy ’70s decor. Crews trucked the rooms to each site, where a crane slid them into the building frames like massive dresser drawers. A popular legend claims the rooms could be pulled out for refurbishments, but Disney never designed them to work that way.
To learn the hotel business, Disney leased the 140-room Hilton Inn South in Orlando, which opened in May 1970. The hotel served as a living laboratory where Disney developed training manuals and restaurant menus for its own resorts. Imagineers never developed the remaining “Phase One” resorts, which included Asian, Venetian, and Persian themes.
Walt Disney World Turns 55
Walt Disney World is now the most visited vacation resort in the world and a true staple of American culture. The resort is marking its 55th anniversary with a lighter touch than its massive 50th celebration. Walt Disney World President Joe Schott was scheduled to share brief remarks in front of Cinderella Castle this morning. The resort also released a 55th anniversary merchandise collection, which is available now at the Emporium and Creations Shop while supplies last. Two opening-day Cast Members, Frank and Earliene, modeled the collection, and Earliene has worked as a merchandise hostess at Disney’s Contemporary Resort for all 55 years. Epcot’s 45th birthday is up next in 2027, so the celebrating is far from over.
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