Roy O. Disney and Mickey Mouse at the Oct. 25, 1971, dedication ceremony for Walt Disney World Resort on Main Street, U.S.A., in Magic Kingdom Park in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (Disney) (Roy O. Disney and Mickey Mouse at the Oct. 25, 1971, dedication cer

Disney World Dedication Happened 50 Years Ago: October 25, 1971

We’ve recently covered plenty of news about the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World.  By now, you probably know the key date that everyone has been talking about: October 1, 1971.  However, did you know that that Magic Kingdom wasn’t formally dedicated until October 25, 1971?

On October 25, Walt’s older brother Roy O. Disney officially dedicated the Walt Disney World resort.

Roy’s dedication speech was part of a three-day grand opening event that took place from October 24 – 25.

Roy O Disney dedication ceremony. Photo credits (C) Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved
Roy O. Disney and Mickey Mouse at the Oct. 25, 1971, Roy O Disney dedication ceremony. Photo credits (C) Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved

At 2 PM on Monday, October 25, 1971, Roy read this dedication, which was in many ways a tribute to his brother Walt as well as the people who made the Magic Kingdom a reality:

“Walt Disney World is a tribute to the philosophy and life of Walter Elias Disney … and to the talents, the dedication and the loyalty of the entire Disney organization that made Walt Disney’s dream come true. May Walt Disney World bring joy and inspiration and New Knowledge to all who come to this happy place … a Magic Kingdom where the young at heart of all ages can laugh and play and learn – together.”

Walt Disney World dedication plaque. Photo credits (C) Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved
Walt Disney World dedication plaque. Photo credits (C) Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved

Roy came out of retirement to finish his brother’s dream of building the Magic Kingdom.  After Walt’s death, the Disney Company was in a period of transition and turmoil.  Employees didn’t know if the company would or could actually finish the Magic Kingdom without Walt.  It’s not a stretch to say that we would not have Walt Disney World today were it not for Roy.

Disney created a statue to honor Roy, together with Mickey Mouse and installed it in the Magic Kingdom on October 25, 1999.  Called “Sharing the Magic,” Disney Legend Blaine Gibson (who also created the famous “Partners” statue of Walt and Mickey Mouse), sits near the entrance to Main Street USA.

"Sharing the Magic" statue of Roy O Disney and Minnie Mouse, created by Disney Legend Blaine Gibson.
“Sharing the Magic” statue of Roy O Disney and Minnie Mouse, created by Disney Legend Blaine Gibson.

Disney has often placed the “Sharing the Magic” statue of Roy and Minnie near the flag pole, where Roy read the dedication speech.  However, sometimes they move the status near Town Hall, especially when the Magic Kingdom puts up its huge Christmas Tree.

Did you know that Disney World was officially dedicated on October 25, 1971?