Disney World Turns 55: A Legacy Born from Swampy Land
Walt Disney World marked its 55th anniversary on October 1, 2026. The resort's Magic Kingdom theme park opened in 1971 with one theme park, two hotels, and a campground built on 27,400 acres of Central Florida swampland.
The original vision for Walt Disney World was 'The Vacation Kingdom of the World,' as envisioned by Walt Disney himself. Today, it's the world's most visited theme park resort.