Changes

The Magic Kingdom had soft openings starting on Labor Day 1971. Disney employees, construction workers and local leaders were invited to the openings until September 31. On October 1, 1971 , The Magic Kingdom welcomed its first guests. 10,000 people showed up on October 1, to a smooth opening day. Unlike Disneyland which had been overwhelmed on it's opening day , Walt Disney World ran smooth, 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. This potentially possibility created a fear that the park was going to be overwhelmed and may have led to the lower then expected numbers. Some pundits began to predict that Disney World would be a failure. However by the end of 1971 400,000 people had attended the park including an astonishing 50,000 on November 26th. William Windsor and his family were the official first visitors of the Magic Kingdom (- and thus Walt Disney World).

Also on hand 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” World,” which aired October 29th. 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 for the event.