Mickey Mouse, aboard a large bass drum, leads a parade down Main Street as Walt Disney World holds its grand dedication ceremony in October 1971. It has been 50 years since the resort first opened in Orlando.
AP
Actress and singer Julie Andrews, center, performs at Disney's Magic Kingdom Park in October 1971.
NBCUniversal/Getty Images
Hundreds of balloons are released near the Cinderella Castle after the grand opening ceremony.
AP
The entrance to the Magic Kingdom Park in 1971. The first phase of Walt Disney World also included the Contemporary Resort and the Polynesian Resort.
Disney
A family rides into Disney World aboard a monorail train circling the resort in October 1971. The Contemporary Resort in the background was still unfinished.
AP
Roy O. Disney, Walt Disney's brother, joins Mickey Mouse for the dedication ceremony in 1971. Walt Disney had died in 1966. "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," Roy said.
Disney
A man works on the Dumbo carousel ride in 1971.
Disney
The Cinderella Castle, the iconic building at the center of the Magic Kingdom Park, took 18 months to complete. It has since become a worldwide symbol of the Walt Disney Co.
Disney
Main Street, U.S.A., the beginning of the Magic Kingdom Park, is under construction in 1971.
Disney
Disney's Polynesian Resort is unfinished in 1971. It opened on October 1 of that year.
