Take a Look at Rare, Never Before Seen Historical Disney Images

This week commemorates 57 years since the Florida groundbreaking for what would eventually become Walt Disney World. To celebrate, Disney released seven historical images from the archives. 

Some of these images are so rare that they’ve never been released! 

Cinderella Castle

Photo: Disney/Cinderella Castle

This never-before-seen image offers a glimpse of Cinderella Castle under construction. The castle was one of the first structures built on the Walt Disney World site. 

Looking closely, you can see hints of future attractions in the background. The left side of the photo hints at the future location of “It’s a Small World” and the top right reveals the early structure for the 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea ride. 

Photo: Disney/Cinderella Castle

The talented Imagineers meticulously crafted the castle’s iconic features, like turrets, gargoyles, and stonework offsite before transporting them to the park for assembly.

Imagine the site — Cinderella Castle rising piece by piece, taking shape with every crane load. 

Magic Kingdom Park

Photo: Disney/Magic Kingdom Park

In this rare image, you can see the rest of the park begin to take shape while the work on Cinderella Castle progressed.

While guests would experience some familiar favorites from Disneyland, Magic Kingdom Park boasted unique offerings as well, such as the beloved Country Bear Jamboree

Photo: Disney

As the park began to take shape, a press event held in 1969 gave visitors a look at what Walt Disney World would eventually become. 

Photo: Disney 

Guests could visit the Ramada Inn Tower in Ocoee, FL to take in scale models, artwork, and Audio-Animatronic figures to grasp the full vision of Disney World.

Photo: Disney

A special event was held to announce the opening of Walt Disney World Resort. Disney leaders like Roy O. Disney met guests and signed autographs.

The big news was the official opening date: October 1, 1971.

Photo: Disney

At the event, Roy O. Disney expressed his joy in fulfilling Walt Disney’s dream of a new park. He emphasized that everything guests see reflects Walt’s initial vision and dedication.

He then declared the Walt Disney Company’s commitment to bringing those plans to life at Walt Disney World.

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