Walt Disney directed the purchase of 43 square miles of virgin land - twice the size of Manhattan Island - in the center of the state of Florida. Here, he master planned a whole new Disney World of entertainment, to include a new amusement theme park, motel-hotel resort vacation center, an industrial complex, an airport of the future, and his Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow. Following his death, Walt's older brother Roy oversaw the completion of this project.After more than seven years of master planning and preparation, including 52 months of actual construction, Walt Disney World opened to the public as scheduled on October 1, 1971.

The dedication of the MAGIC KINGDOM Park was held on October 25, 1971. Many celebrities were on hand for the festivities, as well as Walt’s entire family. Arthur Fiedler conducted the World Symphony Orchestra at the base of Cinderella Castle. Roy O. Disney stood with MICKEY MOUSE in Town Square and read the dedication plaque:

WALT DISNEY WORLD is a tribute to the philosophy and life of Walter Elias Disney . . . and to the talents, the dedication, and the loyalty of the entire Disney organization that made Walt Disney’s dream come true. 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.







MAP-MAGIC KINGDOM TOUR DISNEY WORLD
SATELLITE IMAGE OF THE MAGIC KINGDOM
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