Walt Disney World opened 50 years ago today -- see historical pics and how WDW is celebrating
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Walt Disney World Resort opened on October 1, 1971. And on its 50th anniversary, it continues to be a major driver in the travel world. Take look back at its history and what's ahead with the celebrations.
(CNN) — It changed acres and acres of orange groves. It changed Orlando. It changed Florida. It changed an already legendary company. And it changed the entire theme park industry.
Walt Disney World Resort opened on October 1, 1971. And on its 50th anniversary, it continues to be a major driver in the travel world, weathering big shifts in tourism trends, notorious Florida hurricanes and a pandemic.
Back in '71, there was just the one theme park, Magic Kingdom, along with a couple of adjacent golf courses and resorts.
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