Disney SUPER Fans celebrate 50 years of Walt Disney World. The last decade!

The past decade of Walt Disney World's 50-year history was nothing short of incredible. It included the largest expansion in the park's history, the acquisition of two of the world's most-loved franchises, multiple new "lands" and an extended closure that left many questioning the future of Disney Parks.

2010 - The decade kicked off with "Give a Day, Get a Disney Day" campaign. The campaign ended early on March 9 because so many people signed up to volunteer.

In Magic Kingdom, Storytime with Belle ended it's run in Fairytale Garden and was replaced by a Tangled meet and greet.

The Disney Channel Rocks street show replaces High School Musical 3: Senior Year in Hollywood Studios.

2011 - "Let the Memories Begin"

In Hollywood Studios, the Pixar Pals Countdown to Fun Parade begins. Also Star Tours reopens after a major rehab which includes a new story, film, effects and also a new pilot, C3P0!

In Magic Kingdom, Mickey's Toontown Fair closes permanently to make room for a major expansion.

2012 - Disney's Art of Animation resort opens.

The new Test Track opens at EPCOT

The Legend of Captain Jack Sparrow begins in Hollywood Studios

In Magic Kingdom, a Brave meet and greet with Merida replaces Tangled in Fairytale Garden which included interactive activities including an archery lesson. 

Sorcerers of Magic Kingdom is introduced. This interactive game features free collectible cards and takes you on an interactive adventure to defeat the villains throughout the park. New cards would be introduced at the park's Halloween and Christmas party events along with cards for purchase in a take-home game. They have become highly collectible.

Also, the largest expansion in the company's history, New Fantasyland, opens.
The Storybook Circus section of the expansion included a second Dumbo the Flying Elephant ride. The Barnstormer roller coaster remained with a name change from the closure of Toontown. Also included was the Casey Jr. Splash n Soak Station and Pete's Silly Sideshow where you can meet your favorite characters in their circus outfits.

The rest of the expansion included:

An all-new Ariel's Grotto where you can meet Ariel
Under the Sea: Journey of the Little Mermaid a movie-themed dark ride featuring an interactive queue with Scuttle's Scavenger Hunt
Enchanted Tales with Belle, a guest interactive show similar to the former Storytime with Belle
Be Our Guest restaurant
Gaston's Tavern
Bonjour! Village Gifts
The final attractions of the expansion would be open the following year.

2013 - Disney introduced the Limited Time Magic campaign. Throughout the year, parks would feature limited-time special happenings. This included new merchandise, live entertainment, and rare character meets.

In Magic Kingdom, two more pieces of the New Fantasyland expansion are opened. Princess Fairytale Hall featured meet and greet rooms with various princesses (and sometimes princes).
Rapunzel Tower was revealed to be a restroom and charging station area.

In Adventureland, a new interactive game was introduced: A Pirate's Adventure" Treasure of the Seven Seas.

In Animal Kingdom, meet and greets with Mickey and Minnie begin at Adventurer's Outpost.

2014 - "Show Your Disney Side"

This year saw the introduction of Magic Bands and the new Fastpass+ electronic system. The final pieces of the New Fantasyland expansion were put into place with the debut of Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and the Festival of Fantasy parade.

At Animal Kingdom, Camp Minnie Mickey closes and Festival of the Lion King relocates to make room for the next big park expansion.

At EPCOT, Maelstrom closes in the Norway pavilion to be rethemed as a Frozen attraction. And, Spice Road Table opens in the Morocco pavilion.

At Hollywood Studios, The American Idol Experience and the Backlot Tour both close for good while the first Villains Unleashed event debuts.

2015 - Animal Kingdom opens Harambe Market, a East African marketplace featuring four distinct serving stations.

Magic Kingdom opens a newly redesigned hub area providing more space for fireworks and caste show viewing. They also opened a new Jungle Cruise themed restaurant called Jungle Navigation Co. LTD Skipper Canteen.

Downtown Disney is redesigned and reopened as Disney Springs featuring many new shops and restaurants. 

At EPCOT, Captain Eo, which was brought back in tribute after the death of Michael Jackson, closed permanently.

At Hollywood Studios, The Magic of Disney Animation building was closed and the iconic Sorcerer's Hat was dismantled and removed returning the entrance view of the park back to it's original facade featuring the Chinese Theater.

2016 - "Unforgettable Happens Here"

At EPCOT, the former Maelstrom ride reopens as Frozen Ever After. Also Norway hosts Frozen character meet and greets. The very popular Soarin over California ride is redesigned and reopens as Soarin Around the World featuring flyovers of the world's most beautiful scenes.

Animal Kingdom introduces extended hours and begins to offer nighttime entertainment including Sunset Kilimanjaro Safaris and Tree of Life Awakenings.

Magic Kingdom introduces new castle shows, Once Upon a Time and Mickey's Royal Friendship Faire.

Hollywood Studios sees many closures as plans get underway for new lands. This includes the removal of the iconic Earful Tower and the closure of Streets of America, Honey, I Shrunk the Kids Movie Adventure set, and Lights, Motor Cars, Action! These closures also brought the end of the long-running holiday favorite, Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights which closed on January 6. Holiday time begins the new Jingle Bell, Jingle Bam!

photo courtesy of
Bethany Joy Rinderknecht

2017 - "The Magic is Endless"

EPCOT debuts Festival of the Arts

Magic Kingdom - debuts Happily Ever After. The Hall of Presidents reopens after refurbishment to add President Trump.

Minnie Vans are introduced for transportation around Walt Disney World resort. The vans are run through Lyft and are an additional cost.

Hollywood Studios announces the closure of another fan-favorite, The Great Movie Ride. It will be redesigned as the park's first ride featuring Mickey Mouse. 

Animal Kingdom opens it's new land: Pandora - The World of Avatar based on the popular film. This visually stunning land is populated with "floating" mountains, glowing flora and fauna and lush greenery. Along with live entertainment, this land also debuted two new ride experinces: Na'vi River Journey and the wildly-popular Flight of Passage. The new eatery, Satu'li Canteen features the most unique offerings on property with dishes inspired by the Na'vi. A new nighttime show, Rivers of Light, also debuted.

2018 - In Magic Kingdom, the Incredible Tomorrowland Expo kicks off. And in bigger news, the "we want the red head" scene is removed from Pirates of the Caribbean turning Redd into the newest pirate.

EPCOT updated the American Adventure and Mission Space got a new Green mission.

Animal Kingdom celebrated it's 20th anniversary by adding a new show: UP! A Great Bird Adventure. Also, Donald's Dino-Bash opened in Dinoland U.S.A. featuring meet and greets with your favorite duck characters including Launchpad McQuack and Scrooge McDuck.

The biggest news of the year was at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Fan-favorite, Toy Story Mania, received a third track and a new entrance with the debut of the new Toy Story Land. In this new land, you are magically shrunk to the size of a toy and enter Andy's backyard to play. In addition to Toy Story Mania, the land features two new rides: Slinky Dog Dash and Alien Swirling Saucers. Guests can also enjoy new, unique menu items, including breakfast and adult beverages at Woody's Lunch Box.

2019 - After nearly 20 years, EPCOT said goodbye to Illuminations: Reflections of Earth. Epcot Forever debuted in it's place with a new show expected to take it's place the following year.

Magic Kingdom introduced Mickey and Minnie's Surprise Celebration with new food, merchandise and entertainment including the new Moveit! Shakeit! Mousekedanceit! Street Party.

Animal Kingdom celebrated the 25th anniversary of The Lion King with the Hakuna Matata Time Dance Party. 

At Disney's Hollywood Studios, Pixar Place was transformed into Metroville featuring the Incredibles and adding a new meet and greet with Edna Mode. Lightning McQueen's Racing Academy opened and the Wonderful World of Animation show debuted. This year also gave Star Wars fans a thrill with the opening of the much-anticipated Galaxy's Edge. This fully immersive land takes you to the planet Batuu featuring multiple new shops, eateries, experiences and roaming characters. Right in the center is a full scale replica of the famous Millennium Falcon. Millennium Falcon:Smugglers Run puts guests in the cockpit for a wild ride. And, by year's end, Rise of the Resistance opened giving guests the feeling of being in a real Star Wars movie!

2020 - In an unprecedented move, on March 16, Walt Disney World closed its gates to guests due to the coronavirus pandemic in what was originally expected to be a two-week closure. This closure extended to nearly four months. As a result, all construction was halted delaying many of the expected changes. 
However, just before this closure, another highly-anticipated attraction did have it's opening. Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway opened in Disney's Hollywood Studios in the former home of The Great Movie Ride to the delight of guests. 

2021 - Walt Disney World still struggles to fully reopen as the pandemic continues. Massive construction delays mean some new attractions won't be finished ahead of their planned openings to celebrate the 50th anniversary. Some resorts and restaurants remain closed. As they move forward, guests continue to see big rate hikes along with the reduction or elimination of many services. Many fear the Disney family vacation may become an unattainable dream as prices soar. For now, we are all left to wait and wonder what the next decade of Walt Disney World will look like. As for the resort itself, an 18-month anniversary celebration is due to kick off on October 1 with special decor and offerings throughout all 4 parks.

Parade Timeline:

MAGIC KINGDOM: Festival of Fantasy (2014 - present)
Move It! Shake It! Celebrate It! Street Party (2009 - 2014)
Move It! Shake It! Dance and Play It! Street Party (2014 - 2019)
Move It! Shake It! Mousekedance It! (2019 - present)

Here are some great photos from the last decade submitted by our SUPER fans for you to enjoy!

 

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Disney SUPER Fans celebrate 50 years of Walt Disney World. The new millennium!

The next decade at Walt Disney World would see many changes. About half way through, the Eisner era came to an end as leadership was passed to Bob Iger. The parks would change with things like more intellectual property worked into the attractions, the elimination of roaming characters and the introduction of the Disney Dining Plan. 

photo courtesy of disneyavenue.com

2000 - The Walt Disney World Millennium Celebration was held from October 1, 1999 to January 1, 2001 and was based mainly in EPCOT. Created for this event was the Tapestry of Nations parade and the Illuminations 2000: Reflections of Earth fireworks show.

2001 - At Magic Kingdom, The Magic Carpets of Aladdin opens. Main Street Electrical Parade makes it's last run and Spectromagic resumes.

EPCOT begins the International Flower and Garden Festival and Soarin over California opens.

Who Wants to be a Millionaire? Play it!  and Playhouse Disney: Live on Stage opens at MGM Studios.

And River Country water park closes.

This year also kicked off the 100 Years of Magic celebration to honor the 100th birthday of Walt Disney. 
MGM Studios unveiled the Sorcerer Hat which because the new unofficial "icon" of the park.
The park also debuted Walt Disney: One Man's Dream
and each park got a new parade.

2002 - Pop Century resort opens

Beach Club Villas resort opens

Journey Into Imagination with Figment reopens and the Epcot Seas Aqua Tour opens at EPCOT.

2003 - the new marketing campaign, "Where Magic Lives" begins.

At a cost of $100 million to build, Mission Space opens at EPCOT.

At Magic Kingdom, Mickey's Philharmagic 3D show opens and Wishes: A Magical Gathering of Disney Dreams fireworks show debuts

2004 - At EPCOT, Turtle Talk with Crush opens

At Magic Kingdom, Stitch's Great Escape opens in the location which formerly housed The Extra Terrorestrial Alien Encounter

Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa opens.

2005 - As attention is focused on Disneyland celebrating it's 50th anniversary, all is quiet at Walt Disney World. There are no openings or closures. WDW also celebrates with "The Happiest Celebration on Earth" campaign

2006 continues to be a quiet year. The park's next $100 million attraction is Expedition Everest at Animal Kingdom. It features the largest and most complex audio-animatronic ever built, the Yeti, which would reach out for guests as they rode by. Sadly, just a few months after it opened, there was a crack in the Yeti framing causing them to stop running it with motion. A strobe light now provides the appearance of motion.

2007 - The Year of a Million Dreams

The "year" actually ran from October 1, 2006 to December 31, 2008. It featured a year full of one-of-a-kind surprises that ranged from things like special buttons, new character costumes and dream fastpasses all the way to free trips and stays in the much-coveted Cinderella Castle Suite!

New experiences in Magic Kingdom included: Disney Dreams Come True Parade, Dream Along with Mickey, The Laugh Floor Comedy Club and the Main Street Family Fun Parade featuring unprecedented family participation.

The Living Seas became The Seas with Nemo and Friends in EPCOT and Finding Nemo, the Musical debuted in Animal Kingdom.

2008 - As The Year of a Million Dreams continued, Pleasure Island closed in Downtown Disney. 
Also, Spaceship Earth reopened after a major renovations.
Also, On January 6, Disney MGM Studios closed it's gates for good. It would reopen the next day as Disney's Hollywood Studios!

2009 - This year introduced "Celebrate Today"/"What will You Celebrate?" featuring a free ticket to a Disney theme park on your birthday.

The American Idol Experience opens at MGM Studios

The Sum of all Thrills open at EPCOT's Innoventions

At Magic Kingdom, Space Mountain gets an extensive refurbishment and Hall of Presidents reopens with new speeches by George Washington and Barack Obama.

Parade Timeline:
EPCOT - Tapestry of Dreams parade (2001 - 2003)
ANIMAL KINGDOM - Mickey's Jammin Jungle Parade (2001 - 2014) This parade became Mickey's Jingle Jungle Parade for the holidays.
MGM STUDIOS - Disney Stars and Motor Cars Parade (2001 - 2008) This parade became the Hollywood Holly-days Parade for the holidays
Block Party Bash (2008 - 2011)
MAGIC KINGDOM - Spectromagic (2001 - 2010)
Share a Dream Come True (2001 - 2006)
Disney Dreams Come True (2006 - 2009)
Celebrate a Dream Come True (2009 - 2014)

Here are some great photos from the first decade of the new millennium  submitted by our SUPER fans for you to enjoy!


Stay with us for our final article showcasing the latest decade of Walt Disney World!!
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Disney SUPER Fans celebrate 50 years of Walt Disney World. The 80s!

photo courtesy of Google Images

The Eisner Era, TWO new parks, the Mickey Ice Cream bar! Plus leg warmers and big hair!! It's Disney World in the 80s!!!! The 80s saw many changes and major expansions at Walt Disney World. By the end of the decade, there would be two new parks, new icons, new attractions and 3 times the magic and memories.

photo courtesy of Google Images

1980 would see the close of the Mickey Mouse Revue and also the Admiral Joe Fowler riverboat retired from operation.

However, before the year ended the next iconic mountain, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, opened in Magic Kingdom.

photo courtesy of Google Images

1981 - Disney releases a film titled A Dream Called Disney World as a souvenir. Also, the EPCOT preview center in Magic Kingdom begins showing A Dream Called EPCOT. By the 10th anniversary of it's opening, attendance at Walt Disney World reaches 126 million. Finally, the live stage show, Disney World is Your World begins playing in Tomorrowland.

1982 saw the opening of Walt Disney World's second park, EPCOT. Although Walt's vision of this Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow was for it to be a real, working community, the finished product was much different. But what would it be exactly? Some Imagineers thought the park should represent the cutting edge of technology. Others thought it should celebrate international customs and culture. In the end, both won out and EPCOT became a park with two parts, Future World and the World Showcase.

In Future World, Spaceship Earth opens and becomes the "icon" of EPCOT. The Journey Into Imagination pavilion included Image Works and the Magic Eye theater showing the 3D film Magic Journeys. The Land pavilion included Listen to the Land, Tomorrow's Harvest tour, Kitchen Kabaret show, the Harvest Theater showing the film Symbiosis along with the Farmer's Market food court and the Good Turn restaurant. The Universe of Energy pavilion features multiple films. The World of Motion pavilion features a film and a General Motors auto display. Displays also open in Communicore East and West.

The World Showcase opened with 9 countries represented: Canada, China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Mexico, United Kingdom, and USA (The American Adventure). Canada, China and France all feature films showcasing their countries. Mexico would feature the only ride in the World Showcase, El Rio del Tiempo. The American Adventure attraction opens featuring the Audio-Animatronics character of Ben Franklin which walks during the show for the first time.

1983 - The Journey Into Imagination attraction opens at EPCOT along with the Horizons pavilion. The Horizons pavilion included the films Choose Your Tomorrow and Omnisphere. A New World Fantasy Show debuts on the World Showcase Lagoon and the Plaza Swan Boats closes at Magic Kingdom. 

1984 - Bistro de Paris restaurant opens in the France pavilion, the Laserphonic Fantasy show debuts in the World Showcase Lagoon, and Morocco is added at the 10th country represented in the World Showcase. 
In Magic Kingdom, the Frontierland Shootin Arcade opens and the Country Bears Christmas Special Show debuts.

photo courtesy of mealtrip.com

1985 - Lotus Blossom Cafe and Nine Dragons Restaurant are added to the China pavilion in EPCOT's World Showcase. 
Disney Clothiers Shop opens in Magic Kingdom.
That same year, Disney announces it's plans to build a third Hollywood-style theme park.

1986 - The 3D film, Captain EO, starring Michael Jackson debuts at the Magic Eye Theater. 
The Living Seas attraction also opens which includes a 5.7 million gallon aquarium, multiple movies and the Coral Reef restaurant.
Merlin's Magic Shop opens in Magic Kingdom and construction begins on Disney-MGM Studios park.

1987 - If You Had Wings is closed in Magic Kingdom and replaced by If You Could Fly.
Also, Disney Dollars debut in EPCOT and Disneyland.

1988 - IllumiNations debuts on the World Showcase lagoon. The Norway pavilion joins the World Showcase as the 11th and final country to date. 
Mickey's Birthdayland opens as the 7th themed land in Magic Kingdom.
The Grand Floridian Resort and Caribbean Beach Resort hotels open.

1989 - If You Could Fly closes at Magic Kingdom replaced by Delta Dreamflight and Tony's Town Square Restaurant opens in Magic Kingdom.

Typhoon Lagoon water park opens. Pleasure Island opens.

In EPCOT, the Wonders of Life pavilion opens which includes Body Wars and Cranium Command.

photo courtesy of funaticstv.com

On May 1, 1989, Disney-MGM Studios park opened. Opening day attractions included:
The Great Movie Ride
The Backstage Studio Tour
The Magic of Disney Animation Tour
The Monster Sound Show
The SuperStar Television attraction
The Disney Classics Theater
The Theater of the Stars

The original layout of Disney-MGM Studios was created in the shape of a Mickey head that could be seen from the air. The opening also featured many specialty shops and restaurants including: 50's Prime Time Cafe, Studio Catering Co., Min & Bill's Dockside Diner, Hollywood and Vine and the Hollywood Brown Derby.

1986 Lisa Mumme

PARADE TIMELINE:

Walt Disney World's Tencennial Parade 1981 - 1982
Mickey Mouse Character Parade 1983
Donald's 50th Birthday Parade 1984
Mickey's Street Party 1985 - 1986
Walt Disney World's 15th Anniversary Parade 1986
Spirit of America 1987-1988
Mickey's All American Birthday Parade 1988 - 1990

Here are some great 80s photos submitted by our SUPER fans for you to enjoy!


Stay with us as we explore all the exciting changes at Walt Disney World in the 1990s!

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Disney SUPER Fans celebrate 50 years of Walt Disney World. The 70s!

photo: Google Images

The death of Walt Disney in 1966 left many worried about the future of his dream to build an east coast resort, Disney World. However, Walt's brother, Roy O. Disney, postponed his retirement to see the first phase of the Florida Project completed. On October 1, 1971, Roy opened the renamed Walt Disney World to the world in honor of his late brother. 

Over the next 50 years, this park has become the biggest, most-visited tourist destination in the world. Join Disney SUPER Fans as we look back at what's changed and what's stayed the same in the Most Magical Place on Earth!

Photo: Google Images

Phase One consisted of Magic Kingdom, 2 hotels (the Contemporary Resort Hotel and the Polynesian Village), Fort Wilderness campground, The Palm and Magnolia golf courses, a shopping village and a monorail.

On October 1, 1971, Magic Kingdom opened with the following attractions in 6 themed lands:

Main Street USA: Main Street Vehicles, Walt Disney World Railroad, Main Street Cinema, Penny Arcade

Adventureland: Jungle Cruise, Sunshine Pavilion, Swiss Family Treehouse, Tropical Seranade

Frontierland: Mike Fink Keel Boats, Diamond Horseshoe Review, Frontier Shooting Gallery, Country Bear Jamboree, Davey Crockett's Explorer Canoes

Liberty Square: Haunted Mansion, Hall of Presidents

Fantasyland: Snow White's Adventures, Mickey Mouse Review, Mr. Toad's Wild Ride, Cinderella's Golden Carousel, Dumbo the Flying Elephant, Mad Tea Party, It's a Small World, Skyway

Tomorrowland: Grand Prix Raceway

Before the end of the month, several more attractions would open including:
The Admiral Joe Fowler Riverboat
Peter Pan's Flight
20,000 Leagues Under the Sea
Electrical Water Pageant and the
The Circlevision 360 film America the Beautiful

1972 saw the addition of more shops and locomotives in Magic Kingdom along with the new If You Had Wings attraction sponsored by Eastern Airlines in Tomorrowland. By the end of the year, construction would also begin on Space Mountain.

photo courtesy of disneyopolis.com

In 1973, the Walt Disney Story film and attraction open on Main Street USA. Spring saw the opening of the Tom Sawyer Island rafts and attraction along with the Richard F. Irvine Riverboat and the Plaza Swan Boats attraction.
In December of 1973, Pirates of the Caribbean opened in Adventureland.

photo courtesy of Renee Ovelgone-Kahn 

1974 saw the opening of Pioneer Hall in April and the premiere of Hoop Dee Doo Musical Revue as a summer workshop program. By September, the Revue became a permanent attraction. Still running today, it is one of the longest running dinner shows in the country.

This year also saw the film America the Beautiful replaced by Magic Carpet Round the World, the opening of the Disney Village Resort Hotel, the Treasure Island nature preserve and the Buena Vista Golf Club. By late fall, Star Jets opens in Tomorrowland.

photo courtesy of Kristi Killian Scott

In January 1975, Space Mountain opens. Colonel James Irwin, pilot of Apollo 15 lunar module, is the first official rider. The same year, these attractions were also added to Tomorrowland:
Mission to Mars
Carousel of Progress
WEDway Peoplemover

Harmony Barber Shop also opened on Main Street U.S.A.

photo courtesy of Renee Ovelgone-Kahn

In 1976, the first water park opened at Walt Disney World opened: River Country

photo courtesy of Leslie Schneps Hornstein

Walt Disney World also celebrated America's bicentennial with America on Parade!

photo courtesy of Renee Ovelgone-Kahn

In 1977, Lillian Disney christened the Empress Lilly Riverboat. 
The Main Street Electrical Parade premiers and Treasure Island is renamed to Discovery Island. 

photo courtesy of Leslie Schneps Hornstein 

1978 is the first year that sees no changes at Magic Kingdom

photo courtesy of Donna Hawkins

In 1979, as the decade comes to a close, Walt Disney World looks to the future and the next phase. Groundbreaking begins for EPCOT.

1978 Marci Gentry Nowell

From the beginning, Walt Disney World has been entertaining their huge crowds with parades. Here is the parade timeline for Magic Kingdom:
Character Parade 1971 - 1975
America on Parade 1975 - 1976
Cavalcade of Characters 1977 - 1978
Mickey's 50th Birthday Parade 1978
Dumbo's Circus Parade 1979


Here are some 1970s photos submitted by our SUPER fans for you to enjoy:




Stay with us as we move into the next decade to see the exciting changes at Walt Disney World in the 1980s! 

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