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The Magic Kingdom had soft openings starting on Labor Day 1971, with Disney employees, construction workers and local leaders being invited to the park until September 31. On October 1, 1971, The Magic Kingdom opened its gates and welcomed its first guests. 10,000 people showed up that day to visit Disney’s newest park <ref> http://thisdayindisneyhistory.homestead.com/disneyworldgrandopening.html </ref>. Unlike Disneyland which had been overwhelmed on its opening day, Walt Disney World’s opening ran smoothly, and any issues were quickly resolved. Before the opening of Disney World, Florida State Troopers issued a warning saying that a potential 300,000 people could show up on opening day <ref name= "realityland"/>. This possibility created a fear that the park was going to be overwhelmed by the number of guests and may have led to the lower than expected attendance . Some pundits began to predict that Disney World would be a failure; however by the end of October 1971, 400,000 people had attended the park <ref> https://www.mouseplanet.com/9747/WDW_October_1_1971 </ref>. The climax of the grand opening happened between October 23 and October 25, 1971 when the Magic Kingdom was officially dedicated <ref> http://allears.net/ae/issue599.htm </ref>. Roy O Disney, with Mickey Mouse by his side gave the dedication speech on the 25th:

Also on hand for the event was the 60-nation World Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Maestro Arthur Fiedler. NBC taped a program called “The Grand Opening of Walt Disney World,” which aired October 29th <ref> http://allears.net/ae/issue599.htm </ref>. Taking part in the televised opening were Julie Andrews, Glen Campbell, Buddy Hackett, Jonathan Winters, Bob Hope, Rock Hudson, Annette Funicello and Fred MacMurray. Other prominent figures in business, government and industry were also on hand <ref> http://thisdayindisneyhistory.homestead.com/disneyworldgrandopening.html </ref>.