Disney World at 50: First visits lead to lasting memories
The recent launch of Walt Disney World’s 50th-anniversary celebration had folks in nostalgia mode, remembering past visits and attractions. During the media event leading up to Oct. 1, I started asking interview subjects about their first trip to WDW.
As fate (or Disney magic) would have it, the first three people I asked had memories evenly spaced apart, from 1971 to 1981 to 1991. This week’s installment to Disney World at 50 (updated Wednesdays at OrlandoSentinel.com), features three Disney officials recalling their first impressions of Magic Kingdom, in their own words.
Tom Fitzgerald, portfolio creative executive, Walt Disney Imagineering
“It was 1971. It was December. We could not stay on the property, couldn’t get a room. So, we stayed in Clearwater. … I had been to Disneyland, and so it was a bit of shock seeing the Magic Kingdom, where the landscaping was not grown in after coming to Disneyland where, you know, it had 15 years of growth.
“I think what amazed me as a kid was the ‘Vacation Kingdom’ part, was the fact that you got on a monorail and you went through a hotel and you went past the Polynesian and you could see the fun there and you can see sailboats out on the lake. And it’s like, ‘Oh, I want to stay here.’
“And then just differences, like, this Haunted Mansion is different. I know Disneyland. This castle is different, much bigger than Disneyland. … Then shows, where, you know, there was no Pirates [of the Caribbean] initially. There was not much in Tomorrowland. It didn’t have Carousel [of Progress] or WEDway or Space Mountain yet. But we did have If You Had Wings, which I love. Eastern Airlines, right? Mickey Mouse Musical Revue. …
“I remember just being amazed at the scale. We drove in the bottom of the property and it took forever to get to the parking lot. Miles! We’re just driving for miles and there was nothing back then. Nothing but a two-lane road with nothing but grass that was mown. Then pine scrub trees. I’m going ‘Where is it?’ Then of course later, watching the Walt film and we’re going to put the park all the way at the end and everyone will drive. You can see the wisdom in the master planning.
“We came, I think, almost every year and then I worked here in ’77 and ’78 when I was in college, but I remember we finally did get stay in the tower, the Contemporary, and I sat out on the balcony. Family went to sleep, and I watched them take the monorails off. My dad eventually says it’s time to go to bed. Years later, on a business trip … I swear I was in the same room. … and I sat and watched them take the monorails off.”
Melissa Valiquette, vice president, Magic Kingdom
“My very first trip to Walt Disney World was 1981, so we only visited the Magic Kingdom. Epcot was under construction. I came with my mother, my grandmother and my sister — it was a girls trip, and it was such a special experience. I have so many memories. In fact, I have some pictures today of me in front of the castle at such a young age and me in front of the castle today.
“That is one of the things that the more things change, the more they stay the same. It was such a nostalgic memory for me as a place where we feel safe and happy and joyous and there is so much to celebrate. I think that’s part of what draws people to Walt Disney World. It is either a place where maybe you did have some special childhood memories, or it’s a place where you’re making wonderful memories for yourself and your children.”
Ken Facey, former Walt Disney World ambassador
“I remember coming in 1991. First of all, I was so nervous to meet Mickey Mouse because I watched him on television. I couldn’t believe I was going to meet him. So I had heart palpitations as we came into the park, and I remember coming in and there was this 3 o’clock parade and just being awe-struck that I saw these floats.
“My mom and my aunts and whatnot went to go get a park map, and I saw a cast member talking to a guest. And the way that the guests looked at the cast member, it was like a hero almost. And I was like, ‘Wow, are all people like this here in the Magic Kingdom?’ And I walked around that day, looking at how guests interacted with the cast members and vice versa. And just thought to myself one day I have to be a part of that. And that was it.”
[Later, Facey is asked if he was surprised by the size of Mickey]
“I wasn’t surprised because what introduced me to Walt Disney World is this television special called “Walt Disney World’s 15th Birthday Celebration.” Michael Eisner introduced a special on a “Wonderful World of Disney” and then Mickey Mouse was here on Main Street talking to the camera. [Mickey said] I can’t wait to see people and it’s going to be a great celebration. And when I saw Mickey Mouse it was exactly what I saw on television. And I couldn’t believe it was, like, the real deal you know. I was just so excited.”
Disney World at 50 series
Read the Orlando Sentinel’s “Disney World at 50”series — a year’s worth of stories leading up to the 50th anniversary of the historic opening of Walt Disney World on Oct. 1, 1971. Find stories, photos and videos at OrlandoSentinel.com/ wdw50.
Order our book
Order your copy of “Disney World at 50,” the Orlando Sentinel’s new hardcover keepsake book chronicling the 50th anniversary of the opening of the most magical place on Earth. Supplies are limited. Order your copy at OrlandoSentinel.com/disneybook.