50 years ago, Disney World opened its doors and welcomed guests to its Magic Kingdom
Walt Disney secretly bought 40 square miles of land in the Sunshine State, then unveiled plans that would reshape the theme park industry and central Florida.
Disney World, the largest theme park in the world, welcomed its first guests on Oct. 1, 1971. Over the next five decades the park â which covers more than 40 square miles in central Florida â grew into an entertainment complex that includes four theme parks, two waterparks, golf courses, a shopping destination and 27 resort hotels.
Before Disney World and Disneyland, amusement parks had existed for centuries. But Walt Disney came up with a new concept, the theme park, and it connected deeply with visitors.
"You always get that feeling in your belly when you come through the gates. It's exciting every time, no matter how old you get," says Paulette Stinson, who has been to the park some 20 times.
