Happy 50th Birthday To These 8 Attractions!

We (just like all Disney fans) cannot stop talking about all things 50th Anniversary! It’s crazy to think that some of our favorites have been in Walt Disney World since October 1, 1971- when the magic first started. Knowing that our grandparents 

have been one the same rides that our grandkids will be on—just takes Disney magic to a whole new level. Here are the rides that have been there since the first “Once Upon A Time…”

1.) It’s A Small World

I wanted to get this one out first, in hopes that the song would be out of your head by the end of the blog. It’s A Small World boat ride with over 300 cultural colorful characters, first premiered in 1964 New York’s World Fair before being in Disneyland and then with the help of Mary Blair’s artwork was created again for Disney World. The times.com states that “It’s a Small World” is the most publicly performed song of all time- both publicly and in your head. You can leave Magic Kingdom with a hopper pass, but you can’t leave that song on the monorail. 

2.) DUMBO The Flying Elephant

The Flying Dumbos! Dumbo is the only Disney movie where the protagonist has zero lines, yet The Flying Dumbos has the most ride locations across all WD parks. That’s right- the Flying Dumbos are in six Disney park locations, and is noted to be one of the most iconic Disney rides!

3.) The Haunted Mansion

Disney’s famous “Haunted Mansion” dark ride has been in Magic Kingdom with it’s “999 Happy Haunts” since the very beginning. It’s a favorite for the 50th Anniversary and ESPECIALLY in October for Halloween. The Haunted Mansion was recreated in five Disney parks due to it’s popularity and it’s just been confirmed they are currently filming a movie based on the ride. The film will star Rosario Dawson, Owen Wilson, Danny DeVito, and Tiffany Haddish. The release date is not yet confirmed, which is totally fine- we have too much 50th Anniversary exploring to do!

4.) Jungle Cruise

The corny Dad jokes have been getting laughs since 1971 on the Jungle Cruise. This attraction was there on the opening day of Disney World and Disneyland! Fun Fact: The plane in the water you see, was bought by Disney which they had cut in half. The other half was displayed in the Casablanca scene in Disney’s Great Movie Ride. (Which isn’t around anymore.)

5.) Mad Tea Party

There are currently six Starbucks locations in Disney- but they’ve got nothing on the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party. Families have been spinning themselves in life sized tea cups for decades before anyone had even heard of a frappuccino. Fun Fact: Walt Disney World and Starbucks both opened in 1971! Caffeine, DVC points, and Disney Magic…things you can never have too much of!

6.) Peter Pan’s Flight

Peter Pan’s Flight opened two days after the grand opening- it’s official birthday was October 3rd, 1971. It needed some major revamping, because at first Peter Pan wasn’t in it at all. The intent was that the audience and ride-goers would soar through London as Peter Pan, but the feedback was unanimous- they wanted to see more Peter and Tink. It took Disney a whole two days to add colorful murals and scenes from the movie that we still see today.

7.) Swiss Family Robinson

The Robinson’s treehouse is currently still at three of the Disney Parks. The attraction is based off of the 1960 film and Disney is set to have a Swiss Family Robinson series coming to Disney Plus with the next year. That being said, this Robison’s home is not going anywhere.

8.) Prince Charming’s Regal Carrousel

With over 90 unique horses on this carrousel, it not only has been one of our favorite places to take pictures over the years, but it is one of the oldest rides in the park. The carrousel itself was made in 1917 in Pennsylvania as the Liberty Carrousel with painted scenes of Liberty Maidens on it (which are still there today if you look closely.) It was purchased by Disney in 1967 and with no two horses alike, it was a must have for Magic Kingdom.

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