Ten Fun Facts from Walt Disney World’s Opening Day
As you may know, Walt Disney World is currently celebrating its 50th anniversary with The World’s Most Magical Celebration. Well, here are ten fun facts to learn about Disney World’s opening day on October 1, 1971.
Number One
As you look around the parks, Guests see tens of thousands of people. However, the Magic Kingdom only welcomed 8,000 to 10,000 people. Now (prior to the pandemic), daily attendance in the Magic Kingdom averages 50,000 people or more.
Number Two
Walt Disney World construction cost about $400 million over 18 months. Disneyland, by comparison, cost $17 million; therefore, this was only 4.25% of Disney World’s construction costs.
Number Three
Although Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway is the first ride to feature Mickey Mouse, he did star in an attraction. Mickey Mouse Revue was an audio-animatronic stage show, where Mickey Mouse led an orchestra including Winnie the Pooh, Goofy, Baloo, Minnie Mouse, and more!
Number Four
There were only six E-Ticket attractions on opening day, costing Guests 90 cents each to experience. Those attractions included Jungle Cruise, Tropical Serenade, Haunted Mansion, “it’s a small world,” Mickey Mouse Revue, and 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.
Photo: Disney Parks
Number Five
Dumbo the Flying Elephant was much less impressive back in 1971. Then, there were only 10 flying elephants and none of them wore hats; now, there are 32 ride vehicles.
Number Six
The Mile Long Bar, an opening day restaurant, used mirrors to make it appear a mile long. Also, all Guests could get at this “bar” were light snacks and family-friendly beverages.
Number Seven
Although no one found alcoholic drinks at the Magic Kingdom, The Tobacconist housed on Main Street, U.S.A. This shop sold cigars, pipes, and bags of tobacco until 1985.
Number Eight
Included in these ten fun facts, Cinderella’s Royal Table was called Stefan’s Banquet Hall on Walt Disney World’s opening day. The name perplexed Guests since Stefan is Aurora’s father, not Cinderella’s.
Number Nine
Disney’s Contemporary Resort was almost named Tempo-Bay Resort. Also, the Contemporary’s rooms were built off-site and fitted into place by a crane.
Photo: AP Photo/SDS
Number Ten
The monorail, Walt Disney World’s iconic transportation system, opened with the park on October 1, 1971. The monorail’s four stations and two lines took Guests to the Ticket and Transportation System, the Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Contemporary Resort, and Disney’s Polynesian Resort.
So, did you learn something new? Hopefully, these ten fun facts taught you something as you look back on Walt Disney World’s opening day!
Photo: Four Seasons
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