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The Beginning
Magic Kingdom, the first of the four Disney World parks has it's grand opening with ten thousand visitors in attendance. Only 12 opening day attractions still remain there today. Cinderella's Golden Carousel (now Prince Charming's Regal Carousel), Dumbo the Flying Elephant, Frontierland Shooting Gallery, Hall of Presidents, Haunted Mansion, It's a Small World, Jungle Cruise, The Mad Tea Party, Swiss Family Treehouse, Walt Disney World Railroad, and Grand Prix Raceway (now Tomorrowland Speedway) -
Pirates of the Caribbean
On this day, Pirates of the Caribbean opened in Magic Kingdom. This ride became an instant Disney classic. It is now one of the most well known Magic Kingdom attractions, and it even inspired an extremely well-known and popular movie series, starring Johnny Depp. -
Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow Grand Opening
Epcot's first dedication ceremony occurred on October 1, the 11th anniversary of Magic Kingdom, for it's best known monument, Spaceship Earth (the big golf ball, as some know it). Over the next few weeks, each of Epcot's attractions got a special dedication ceremony. Universe of Energy, The Land, World of Motion (no longer open), The American Adventure, China, Canada, Italy, Germany, United Kingdom, France, Japan, and Communicore (no longer open), were the first attractions at the grand opening. -
IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth
The nighttime firework and laser show, Illuminations premiered on this day, replacing Laserphonic Fantasy as Epcot's nighttime spectacular. -
Mickey's Birthdayland
Mickey's Birthdayland opened in Magic Kingdom. It was originally intended to be a temporary land just for Mickey Mouse's birthday; however, it became Mickey's Starland in 1990, and eventually became Mickey's Toontown Fair. It was an instant hit among families with children who loved to meet the characters, see their houses, and in 1996, even ride a small roller coaster centered around Goofy. -
Disney-MGM Studios
Disney-MGM Studios opened its gates, allowing its guests to experience attractions such as the Great Movie Ride, Backstage Studio Tour (later called Studio Backlot Tour, and very recently removed), the Monster Sound Show (no longer open), Superstar Television (no longer open), and the Magic of Disney Animation (very recently replaced by a Star Wars themed area). The park also offered a behind the scenes walking tour, SoundWorks exhibit, and Thetaer of the Stars. -
Towering Thrills
The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, one of Disney-MGM Studios' and now Disney's Hollywood Studios' flagship attractions opened its elevator doors for the first time. Ever since, it has been providing great thrills for Disney enthusiasts for almost 12 years, because this elevator led directly to . . . one of Disney World's most recognizable rides. -
Animal Kingdom
Disney World's fourth and final theme park opened, showing people parts of nature and wilderness that, before, they could only see in exotic parts of the world. Opening attractions included the Boneyard dinosaur dig area, Countdown to Extinction, Cretaceous Trail walking path, Discovery River Boats, Festival of the Lion King, Flights of Wonder, Gorilla Exploration Trail, a Jungle Book stage show, Kilimanjaro Safaris, a Pocahontas attraction, and the Wildlife Express to Rafiki's Planet Watch. -
Fantasmic!
Fantasmic! is an incredibly stunning and spectacular nighttime show that everyone has loved since it opened this day. It's Mickey Mouse against all the forces of evil, and ends with the power of Mickey's dreams being the greatest weapon of all to defeat all of the evil. With visually stunning water, projection, fire, and pyrotechnic effects, Fantasmic! was an instant hit for people of all ages. It's my personal favorite, and no trip to Disney could possibly be complete without this amazing show. -
Asia
The Asia section of Animal Kingdom was opened, originally featuring Kali River Rapids and Maharajah Jungle Trek, two attractions that are still successful in Animal Kingdom today. -
Wishes!
Wishes: A Magical Gathering of Disney Dreams opened in Magic Kingdom. It is still around today, and is one of the most amazing fireworks shows that there has ever been. It is narrated by Jiminy Cricket, features many Disney songs, and even has Tinker Bell flying across the night sky over the heads of the crowd packed onto Main street U.S.A. to get a chance to see this spectacular display of perfectly choreographed pyrotechnics. -
Land and Sea
Epcot's future world got two major additions at this time. First, the Land pavilion obtained a new ride, bringing attention to a pavilion which had previously been not as exciting. Soarin' debuted, a direct copy of the Disneyland California version, and was a huge success. It had frequent wait times of over 100 minutes right up until it closed to be replaced by Soarin' around the world this June. Slightly more than a year later, the Seas Pavilion became the Seas with Nemo and Friends. -
Forbidden Mountain
Expedition Everest: Legend of the Forbidden Mountain opened, bringing guests into Animal Kingdom like no other attraction had been able to thus far. AK had plenty of animals, walking attractions, and spectacular sights, but it had lacked one thing to bring guests back again and again: a thrill ride. Everest fixed this problem by throwing guests on a train straight into the Forbidden Mountain, and into the face of the Yeti. -
Hollywood
Disney-MGM Studios got a name change. After an 18 year partnership with MGM, Disney decided to focus on a broader range of entertainment, and became Disney's Hollywood Studios, also commonly known as DHS. -
Centerpiece Change at DHS
The Sorcerer's hat began to be removed on this day. It had served as the centerpiece of the park since 2001. Many people my age had known the hat as the centerpiece of the park for as long as they had lived. It's removal may have been more the end of an era than the park's name change had been in 2008. Though it is gone now, the sorcerer's hat will always be remembered.
