October 1, 2001, marks the 30th anniversary of Walt Disney World. But this year, instead of having a big, flashy celebration built around that anniversary, Disney is having a big, flashy celebration built around the 100th anniversary of Walt Disney's birth, which is actually December 5, 2001. But I've been reflecting a bit on Walt Disney World's 30th anniversary.

I don't really remember much about October 1, 1971, since I was only 7 months old myself. But I'm certain it was a big occasion, because until that time there had only been one other Disney park. Things were much different back then than they are now. There was only one park, a couple of hotels, a campground, and golf courses. The Magic Kingdom itself was much different as well. The attractions included no thrill rides, such as Space Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain, Splash Mountain, or even Pirates of the Caribbean. However, guests could find several of the popular attractions from Disneyland, including the Fantasyland rides, as well as the Haunted Mansion and the Enchanted Tiki Room. There were even a few new attractions, Country Bear Jamboree, Hall of Presidents and Mickey Mouse Revue.

Walt Disney World has had quite a spectacular 30 years, with several important dates happening after the opening. Of course, the major ones would be the opening of EPCOT Center on October 1, 1982, the opening of the Disney-MGM Studios on May 1, 1989, and the opening of Animal Kingdom on April 22, 1998. There have been several other big days, including the opening of the various hotels, water parks, and shopping areas, as well as the milestone attendance days. Also, there have been the starting dates for the various celebrations, most of which have been observances of anniversaries.

But there's one day of Walt Disney World history that really stands out to me. That day is July 17, 1983. It may have been a normal Sunday as far as most were concerned, but that was the first day I visited Walt Disney World, a day I will always remember. I remember Pirates of the Caribbean being the first attraction we visited. I was immediately fascinated by everything that I saw, enjoying every attraction we visited, with each attraction seeming to be at least as good as the previous one. But it wasn't until a few days later, when we were at the beach, that I started to realize just how special a place Walt Disney World was. I suppose that while we were there enjoying everything, I didn't have much time to stop and think about it all. But while relaxing at the beach, I had more time to reflect on it all.

The Magic Kingdom on July 17, 1983

I'm still not exactly sure why we went that first time. My aunt, uncle, and cousins had been there in early June of 1983, and when they returned home, they told us about everything they had seen, but I really didn't pay much attention. My parents had also been to Tampa in March of 1983 on a business trip, and were interested in going back there for a vacation, mainly to visit the beach. So for one reason or another, they decided that we would stop by Walt Disney World first for a couple of days, since we would be in the area.

Spaceship Earth at EPCOT Center on July 18, 1983

Before our trip, I hadn't really paid much attention to the Disney Channel, which we had been getting with our cable since the end of May. But I started watching it more, mainly to see more of Walt Disney World. Gradually, I started to be interested by the other movies and shows they had (Zorro almost immediately became one of my favorites). So I guess that's how I first got interested in Disney. All because of a vacation my family happened to take.

My ticket from our first visit to Walt Disney World in 1983. Remember when they had a Junior ticket in addition to Adult and Child?
Ticket artwork (c) Disney

I have been quite fortunate to visit Walt Disney World at least once a year since that first visit. I have had the joy of performing with my high school band in the Magic Kingdom. I have had the priviledge of working at the Disney Store, helping to share a bit of Disney with others. I have been fortunate enough to represent my store at the finals of the Disney Store Trivia Competition. I have had the honor of meeting great people around the world who also enjoy Disney. All because of a vacation my family happened to take.

So as Walt Disney World's 30th anniversary arrives, I am quite glad that it has been around all this time. It would be quite interesting to see how different my life, as well as the lives of many others, would be without it. I hope I can continue enjoying Walt Disney World for many more years to come.

- Story and Photos by Steve Burns
Posted

Steve is a three-time Disney Store National Trivia finalist and webmaster of BurnsLand, home of Steve's Disney Railroad Adventures.

E-mail Steve at steve@startedbyamouse.com, discuss this article in the StartedByAMouse.com Disney Discussion Forums or use the Talkback feature below.

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