Fun facts to celebrate the Anniversary of the Magic Kingdom & Epcot

Happy 50th Anniversary to Walt Disney World Resort! There’s been a lot of changes and updates to Disney World since the Magic Kingdom made its public debut to guests on October 1, 1971. We also celebrate the 39th anniversary of Epcot, which opened on October 1, 1982. Both Disney theme parks are popular favorites for many. The entertainment and magic found at these Disney Parks helped to shape decades of fond memories for guests. That’s why we highlight some fun facts for both theme parks!

Magic Kingdom

The Magic Kingdom opened as the first part of Walt Disney’s planned Florida Project on October 1, 1971. Adult admission was $3.50. The park opened with 23 attractions! It opened concurrently with two hotels on the property: Disney’s Contemporary Resort and Disney’s Polynesian Resort.

Related: Full List of Every “Fab 50” Character Statue location for Disney World

The Magic Kingdom, the first Walt Disney World Resort theme park, debuted in 1971 – 16 years after Walt Disney’s first park, Disneyland, opened in Anaheim, Calif.  Magic Kingdom Park’s blue- and gold-turreted, 18-tower icon, Cinderella Castle, rises 189 feet above the park’s 142 acres.

Following the success of Disneyland, which opened in 1955, entertainment pioneer Walt Disney (1901-66) set his sights on what he called his company’s “most exciting and challenging assignment” — the creation of a vast vacation paradise known today as Walt Disney World Resort.  Walt’s dream was realized when Magic Kingdom, the first of four theme parks at the sprawling Florida site, opened Oct. 1, 1971.  Walt’s older brother and lifelong business partner, Roy O. Disney, inaugurated the park.  And the magic began.

Epcot

EPCOT is twice the size of the Magic Kingdom, and spans 300 acres. Walt Disney inspired the concept for EPCOT, but did not live to see its completion. He died five years before Magic Kingdom opened on October 1, 1971.

The 305-acre park, identified by its iconic Spaceship Earth geodesic sphere, features two distinct areas.

Future World is a showcase of discovery filled with new ideas and technology, plus an exploration of planet Earth from land and sea to air and space. But it is going through a name change! The land now be called World Nature, World Celebration, and World Discovery.

World Showcase is a kaleidoscope of nations featuring architecturally authentic buildings and backdrops that celebrate their cultural heritage, arts and entertainment. The 11 nations plus an African-themed Outpost are situated along a 1.3-mile promenade encircling the 40-acre World Showcase Lagoon.

Walt Disney envisioned a showcase for innovation, a place to celebrate human achievement and where people could experience the cutting edge of technology.

On Oct. 1, 1978, Card Walker — then president of Walt Disney Productions — revealed plans for Epcot, a theme park inspired by Walt’s philosophies.  A groundbreaking ceremony was held one year later and Epcot opened in 1982.  The debut of Innoventions in 1994 marked an exciting addition to the Epcot experience.  This evolving technology exposition gives Epcot guests an opportunity to explore the latest inventions and innovations that may change the way they live their lives.

There’s A Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow

But wait, there’s more! The future is bright with hope and innovation for both theme parks. Magic Kingdom is getting an epic attraction in Tomorrowland with its TRON Lightcycle Run coaster. Then Epcot is getting two new attractions for Ratatouille and Guardians of the Galaxy. We look forward to celebrating the 50th anniversary celebration of Walt Disney World Resort in 2021!!

Related: A Complete Guide to Disney World’s 3 Resort Hotel Catagories

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