Before the Magic Kingdom celebrated any anniversaries, the park hosted a big blowout for its grand opening and dedication. The first guests had entered the gates on October 1, 1971, but the official opening ceremonies didn't happen until October 25. The pomp and circumstance that day included a 1500-voice choir singing "When You Wish Upon a Star," an immense balloon release (a tradition which Disney stopped in the late-80s out of concern for the environment), and The Music Man composer Meredith Wilson leading a parade of characters, performers and 1076 trombones up Main Street, U.S.A. (All photos ©Disney)
Walt Disney's brother and business partner, Roy O. Disney led the ceremony with the reading of the dedication:
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.
When Walt Disney passed away in December 1966, Roy was preparing to retire. Land had been purchased and preliminary plans made for what was then known as The Florida Project, but in Walt's absence, no one knew what might become of it all. To his immense credit, Roy stepped up, postponing retirement to lead Walt Disney Productions through this trying time, with the goal of seeing The Florida Project through to completion.
His first move was to change the name of the project from the proposed Disneyworld to Walt Disney World, to help ensure the public would never forget this was Walt's greatest dream. Roy dedicated the park to his brother in October 1971 and died just two months later. He never got that retirement, but he did earn our eternal gratitude.
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