Walt Disney was one of the most talented men to ever walk this earth. He devoted his life to entertaining whole families. His last project was Walt Disney World and specifically the Magic Kingdom. He died before his last and best project was completed, but his hand can be clearly seen all over the park today.
Uncle Walt started planning for Disney World in the late 50's and 60's. He used the 1964 World's Fair as a testing ground for several new rides and to see if East Coast audiences would respond to his type of entertainment. Needless to say the fair was a huge success, especially for Uncle Walt. He immediately went to work on the "Florida Project" but died before it opened.
Uncle Walt's stamp still looms large over the Magic Kingdom, the original part of the "Florida Project". To see just how big an influence Uncle Walt still is, here's a list of the current rides that Uncle Walt had a hand in.
On Main Street USA -
The Monorail - Part of Uncle Walt's infatuation with transportation. Uncle Walt thought it would be the future of mass transit.
Walt Disney World Railroad - Uncle Walt loved trains. He had a steam engine and a half mile track in his back yard.
All the buildings on Main Street - these are modeled after Walt's hometown of Marceline Missouri.
Cinderella Castle - This was one of Walt's greatest inspirations. Walt wanted a central gathering place easily accessible from any area of the park. The Magic Kingdom is still the easiest theme park to navigate because of the paths leading to Cinderella Castle.
In Fantasyland -
Cinderella's Golden Carousel - This was part of the park when it opened. Uncle Walt's dream was to build a clean place where families could enjoy time together.
Dumbo - What genius. Take a hokey state fair ride and give it a little character (or a big character in this case) and you have one of the most loved rides anywhere.
The Mad Tea Party - Another amusement park ride that Uncle Walt made special.
It's a Small World - This ride was built for the World's Fair. It was the first ride to transport people by boat through a ride.
In Liberty Square -
The Hall of Presidents was one of the last projects Uncle Walt worked on. At the World's Fair Mr. Lincoln was the first audio-animatronic figure to ever be displayed.
Tom Sawyer Island is another of Walt's ideas. Give kids a place to just romp and play. What a concept in the middle of a theme park.
Haunted Mansion - A Walt Disney original. It was way ahead of it's time. The attraction opened in 1971 with a head in glass, dancing ghosts, and a million other spooks.
In Frontierland -
Country Bear Jamboree - Another of the audio-animatronics wonders that Uncle Walt created. It still wows audiences today.
Frontier Shootin' Gallery - Another cheap carnival side show that Uncle Walt dressed up into a not to be missed attraction.
In Adventureland -
Jungle Cruise - A copy of the Disneyland ride with a few extras.
Pirates of the Caribbean - This opened a couple of years later, but it was one of Walt's projects.
Swiss Family Treehouse - Take the set of the movie and let people walk through it. What a novel idea.
Enchanted Tiki Room or "Tropical Serenade" - This is still the same basic show that Uncle Walt designed, although some new touches have been added.
In Tomorrowland -
Space Mountain - Take a fairly tame roller coaster, put a building around it and turn off the lights. What do you have? One of the best rides ever invented.
Tomorrowland Transit Authority or WEDway People Mover - Uncle Walt thought this and the monorail would be the transportation of the future. We're just now testing his ideas in high-speed trains. He was just slightly ahead of his time.
Tomorrowland Speedway - These little cars were part of the original design. They still putt-putt around today.
Carousel of Progress - It debuted at the Worlds Fair to long lines and adoring fans. The past, the present and the future all in one place. It's getting a little old, but it's still a classic.
Uncle Walt died almost 40 years ago, but his hand still guides the Magic Kingdom. What an incredible man.
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