Five Decades of Magic at Walt Disney World - A look at some rare construction photos from 1971 - 1979

Jun 28, 2021 in "Walt Disney World Resort 50th Anniversary Celebration - The World’s Most Magical Celebration"

Posted: Monday June 28, 2021 11:02am ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

Walt Disney World celebrates its 50th anniversary on October 1 2021, and as the countdown to the anniversary continues, Disney is today sharing some rare photographs of the resort construction and milestones from the early years.

In this first set of images, we look at 1971 - 1979. All photos Copyright The Walt Disney Company.

1965

Nov. 15 – Walt Disney and his brother Roy publicly announce plans for Disney World in a press conference held in downtown Orlando, Florida.

1966

Oct. 27 – Walt Disney records a film outlining plans for the Florida Project – including details for Disney World and the Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow (EPCOT).

1967

May 30 – Groundbreaking officially kicks off construction of Walt Disney World Resort. Walt Disney’s brother, Roy O. Disney officially named the project “Walt Disney World” to ensure the world will always remember the man behind this historic dream.






1970

Jan. 16 – The Walt Disney World Preview Center opens in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., becoming the first location to welcome guests on Walt Disney World property. It features scale models and artist renderings for many of the diverse experiences being created for the “Vacation Kingdom of the World.”

1971

Oct. 1 – Walt Disney World officially opens to the public. Phase one includes Magic Kingdom Park, Disney’s Contemporary Resort and Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. The resort is a showplace of innovation, featuring a transportation system of monorails, watercraft, trams and motor coaches, as well as a centralized computer network and other groundbreaking systems supporting the many guest offerings and attractions.

“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.” – Official Dedication, Oct. 25, 1971



Oct. 25 – The Electrical Water Pageant debuts, bringing twinkling lights and a colorful synthesizer soundtrack to become a guest favorite along the waters of Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake.

Nov. 19 – Disney’s Fort Wilderness Campground opens, nestled among acres of scenic pine and cypress forest and evoking the timeless beauty of the American frontier.

1973

Dec. 15 – Walt Disney World Resort expands with a new hotel, now known as Shades of Green, and a new attraction, Pirates of the Caribbean, in Adventureland.

1974

June 30 – The Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue premieres at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort. Today, it is one of the longest-running dinner shows in American history.

1975

Jan. 15 – Tomorrowland expands with Space Mountain and GE Carousel of Progress opens, further enhancing Tomorrowland with the latter currently holding the record for longest-running stage show in the history of American theater.

March 22 – Lake Buena Vista Shopping Village opens with 28 shops and four restaurants. It will evolve over the decades and become The Marketplace at Disney Springs.

June 7 – Walt Disney World Resort honors America’s bicentennial with America On Parade. With 50 floats and more than 200 performers paying tribute to America’s history, people and traditions, it stands as the largest daily parade ever staged in a Disney park.

July 1 – The WEDway PeopleMover (now known as Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover) is added to Tomorrowland, providing new views along its highway in the sky.

July 14 – Preliminary plans for EPCOT are announced.

1976

June 20 – Disney’s River Country water park opens next to Fort Wilderness. The popularity of River Country eventually inspires Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon and Disney’s Blizzard Beach water parks.

1977

June 11 – The Magic Kingdom is aglow as The Main Street Electrical Parade makes its first Florida appearance, which followed its 1972 debut at Disneyland park in California.

1979

Oct. 1 – After years of planning, construction begins on EPCOT.

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CreathirDec 10, 2023

I thought they were a fun addition to the parks. Personally I’d have made the replacement medallions the same bronze/gold color, but that’s just me.

nickysDec 10, 2023

Why? When I go back, whether that’s in a year, 2 years or further out, I’d love to be able to use my MB+ to activate them again. They were fun last year, why not let guests who didn’t get to see them at the time have a chance? You’re free to ignore them if you’re not interested.

Vegas Disney FanDec 10, 2023

The Tinkerbell one looks fantastic, the rest don’t match and look horrible. I wonder why they chose to use silver on bronze statues?

MagicHappens1971Dec 10, 2023

Gotta sell those MagicBand+ somehow

BrianDec 09, 2023

I just wish they'd take them out at this point. The hidden ones, like Tinkerbell and Abu are fun, but the ones out in the open seem out of place. I gave it a pass (to avoid my personal scorn) during the anniversary celebration, but that's far in the rear view mirror at this point.

DisoneDec 09, 2023

Agree! Took the post right off my fingertips.

drizgirlDec 09, 2023

Some of those are fine. Some of them are just perplexing.

DCBakerDec 09, 2023

The 50th medallions on a number of golden statues at Magic Kingdom that didn't have them removed yet have been recently covered or replaced. 758241

BrianNov 18, 2023

This special was produced by Fox 35, the Orlando Fox affiliate, for the 50th anniversary, and was recently posted to YouTube. I wanted to share since it has an inside look at the costuming 'vault' where costumes from past and present (and even in some cases, future) are stored, how the land for WDW was acquired and an interview with the daughter of one of the landowners, and an interview with three opening day cast members.

LittleBufordOct 01, 2023

I loved it! Watched it three times during my trip this summer.

ToTBellHopOct 01, 2023

Way to end your celebration with class and optimism toward the future.

Sir_CliffSep 30, 2023

Definitely had the same impression. I'm kind of curious to understand what made Dream and Shine Brighter hit just the right spot. I'm normally not a big fan of the castle shows featuring the characters, but this one just felt like pure joy. I suppose a lot of credit needs to go to the performers, who were fantastic.

Disney AnalystSep 30, 2023

The 50th could never.

NotCalledBobSep 30, 2023

I'd take Natacha for next Chair of DPEP over Ken or Jeff.