Walt Disney World has evolved a lot since opening in 1971. Let’s take a look back at what Walt Disney World was like during the 2000s.

2000

Countdown to Extinction was renamed DINOSAUR on May 1, 2000.

2001

The number 2000 on Spaceship Earth was replaced with the word “Epcot” in 2001.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge opened on April 16, 2001.

The Magic Carpets of Aladdin opened in Magic Kingdom on May 23, 2001.

The Sorcerer’s Hat statue appeared at Disney-MGM Studios on September 28, 2001.

TriceraTop Spin opened in Disney’s Animal Kingdom on November 1, 2001.

River Country water park closed on November 2, 2001.

2002

Primeval Whirl opened in Disney’s Animal Kingdom on March 31, 2002.

Journey Into Imagination with Figment opened in Epcot on June 2, 2002. It replaced Journey Into YOUR Imagination.

2003

Reflections of China opened in Epcot on May 22, 2003. It replaced The Wonders of China.

Mickey’s PhilharMagic opened in Magic Kingdom on October 8, 2003. It replaced Legend of the Lion King.

Mission: Space opened in Epcot on October 9, 2003.

The fireworks show Wishes: A Magical Gathering of Disney Dreams debuted on October 9, 2003.

Disney’s Pop Century Resort opened on December 14, 2003.

2004

Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa opened on May 17, 2004.

Turtle Talk with Crush opened in Epcot on November 16, 2004.

Stitch’s Great Escape! opened in the Magic Kingdom on November 16, 2004.

2005

Soarin’ opened in Epcot on May 5, 2005.

Lights, Motors… Action! Stunt Show Spectacular opened in Disney-MGM Studios on May 5, 2005.

2006

The grand opening of Expedition Everest in Disney’s Animal Kingdom was held on April 7, 2006.

2007

The Seas with Nemo & Friends opened in Epcot on January 24, 2007. It replaced The Living Seas.

Finding Nemo – The Musical opened in Disney’s Animal Kingdom on January 24, 2007. It replaced Tarzan Rocks!

Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor opened in Magic Kingdom on April 2, 2007.

Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros opened in Epcot on April 6, 2007. It replaced El Rio del Tiempo.

2008

Disney-MGM Studios was rebranded as Disney’s Hollywood Studios, effective January 7, 2008.

Toy Story Midway Mania! opened in Disney’s Hollywood Studios on May 31, 2008. It replaced Who Wants to Be a Millionaire – Play It!

2009

The American Idol Experience opened in Disney’s Hollywood Studios on February 14, 2009.

Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort opened as part of Disney’s Vacation Club on August 4, 2009.

Happy Saturday! Here are some videos from this week on Disney’s official YouTube channels.

A Message from Mark Hamill and Lucasfilm

Mark Hamill and Lucasfilm thank those who risk their lives every day during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Star Wars: The Clone Wars Cast Shows Off Their Favorite Memorabilia

The cast of The Clone Wars show off their favorite pieces of Star Wars memorabilia.

How to Draw Tiana from The Princess and the Frog

Cleanup Animator Rachel Bibb shows you how to draw Tiana from The Princess and the Frog.

The mountain looms…embark on an adventure at Expedition Everest!

Take a virtual nighttime ride on Expedition Everest at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

A Mouse in Shorts: Animating Mickey Through the Years | Destination D Highlights

Don Hahn, John Pomeroy, and Mark Henn talk about the history of Mickey Mouse and the development of Disney animation.

DCappella – You’re Welcome (Official Video)

Watch DCappella cover “You’re Welcome” from Moana.

Dapper Dans Harmonize to ‘Grim Grinning Ghosts’

The Dapper Dans of Disneyland perform “Grim Grinning Ghosts” from home.

Jack Skellington reigns at Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular!

Watch the fireworks from Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom.

Walt Disney World has changed a lot since 1971, but some classic attractions are still around today. Let’s take a look back at what Walt Disney World was like during the 1990s.

1990

The Walt Disney World Swan opened on January 13, 1990.

The live show Here Come the Muppets premiered on May 25, 1990 at Disney-MGM Studios.

Mickey’s Birthdayland became Mickey’s Starland on May 26, 1990.

The Walt Disney World Dolphin opened on June 4, 1990.

Disney’s Yacht Club Resort opened on November 5, 1990.

Disney’s Beach Club Resort opened on November 19, 1990.

1991

Muppet Vision 3-D opened at Disney-MGM Studios on May 16, 1991.

Disney’s Port Orleans Resort opened on May 17, 1991.

The parade Spectromagic began at Magic Kingdom on October 1, 1991.

The Beauty and the Beast stage show opened at Disney-MGM Studios on November 22, 1991.

Disney’s Old Key West Resort opened as part of the Disney Vacation Club Resorts on December 20, 1991.

1992

Voyage of the Little Mermaid opened in Disney-MGM Studios on January 7, 1992. It replaced Here Come the Muppets.

Disney’s Dixie Landings Resort opened on February 2, 1992. It was renamed Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside in 2001.

Splash Mountain opened in Frontierland in the Magic Kingdom on July 17, 1992.

1993

Diana, Princess of Wales and her sons William and Harry visited Walt Disney World in August 1993.

1994

Disney’s All Star Sports Resort opened on April 29, 1994.

Astro Orbiter opened in Magic Kingdom on April 30, 1994. It replaced Star Jets.

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge opened on May 28, 1994.

Legend of the Lion King opened in Magic Kingdom on July 8, 1994. It replaced Magic Journeys.

The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror opened in Disney-MGM Studios on July 22, 1994.

Honey, I Shrunk the Audience opened in Epcot on November 21, 1994. It replaced Captain EO.

Disney’s All-Star Music Resort opened on November 22, 1994.

1995

The Blizzard Beach water park opened on April 1, 1995.

The Partners statue was placed in Magic Kingdom on June 19, 1995.

Disney’s Wedding Pavilion opened on July 15, 1995.

The first Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party took place on October 31, 1995. 

The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights made its debut in Disney-MGM Studios in 1995.

1996

The Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf course opened on May 20, 1996.

The Boardwalk resort area opened on July 1, 1996.

Ellen’s Energy Adventure opened in Epcot on September 15, 1996. It replaced Universe of Energy.

The Walt Disney World Anniversary celebration ran from October 1, 1996, to January 31, 1998. Cinderella Castle was transformed into a pink birthday cake castle.

Mickey’s Starland reopened as Mickey’s Toontown Fair on October 1, 1996. It was closed on February 11, 2011 to build New Fantasyland.

The Barnstormer at Goofy’s Wiseacre Farm opened in Magic Kingdom on October 1, 1996.

1997

Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex opened on March 28, 1997.

Star Wars Weekends took place for the first time in May 1997.

Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort opened on August 1, 1997.

Disney Village Marketplace was renamed Downtown Disney on September 7, 1997.

1998

Disney’s Animal Kingdom opened on April 22, 1998.

Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin opened in the Magic Kingdom on October 7, 1998.

Fantasmic! premiered at Disney-MGM Studios on October 15, 1998.

La Nouba by Cirque du Soleil premiered on December 23, 1998.

1999

Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort opened on January 15, 1999.

The Winter Summerland miniature golf course opened on March 12, 1999.

Test Track opened in Future World in Epcot on March 17, 1999.

Kali River Rapids opened in Disney’s Animal Kingdom on March 18, 1999.

Discovery Island closed on April 8, 1999.

The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh opened in Magic Kingdom on June 4, 1999. It replaced Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride.

Rock ‘N’ Roller Coaster opened in Disney-MGM Studios on July 29, 1999.

The Walt Disney World Millenium Celebration began on October 1, 1999.

Hello there! Here are some videos from this week on Disney’s official YouTube channels.

Celebrating May the 4th in a Galaxy Far, Far Away

Watch a Star Wars montage created for May the Fourth.

Meet the Inspiring Women of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge | D23 Expo

Watch a panel from D23 Expo 2019 featuring some of the women from across Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products who are responsible for bringing Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge to life.

Join the Resistance and Live Your Adventure in a Galaxy Far, Far Away

Take a virtual ride on Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance.

Mariachi Cobre from EPCOT Bring Their Vibrant #VoicesFromHome to Your Home

Mariachi Cobre (from the Mexico Pavilion in EPCOT) perform from home.

Tonga Toast at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

Learn the recipe for Tonga Toast from Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort.

Celebrate the Reopening of Shanghai Disneyland

Watch the Shanghai Disney Resort Grand Opening Gala, filmed in 2016.

Try this New Easy At-Home Grey Stuff Recipe, It’s Delicious

You can make the “Grey Stuff” from Beauty and the Beast using this recipe.

Walt Disney World has changed a lot since 1971, but some classic attractions are still around today. In its second decade, two new Walt Disney World parks opened. Let’s take a look back at what Walt Disney World was like during the 1980s.

1980

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad opened on September 23, 1980. It had a grand opening on November 15, 1980.

In late 1980, the Admiral Joe Fowler riverboat was accidentally dropped by a crane and damaged beyond repair. It was eventually scrapped for parts.

1981

The Tencennial Parade began on October 1, 1981.

1982

EPCOT Center opened on October 1, 1982.

1983

Journey Into Imagination opened in EPCOT Center on March 5, 1983. It featured Figment and the Dreamfinder.

Horizons opened in EPCOT Center on October 1, 1983.

1984

Donald Duck’s 50th Birthday Parade began at Magic Kingdom.

1986

The Living Seas opened in EPCOT Center on January 15, 1986.

The Golf Resort was renamed the Disney Inn on February 1, 1986.

Captain EO opened in EPCOT Center on September 12, 1986. It replaced Magic Journeys.

1987

Magic Journeys opened in Magic Kingdom on December 15, 1987. It replaced The Mickey Mouse Revue.

1988

IllumiNations debuted at EPCOT on January 30, 1988.

Mickey’s Birthdayland opened in Magic Kingdom on June 18, 1988.

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort opened on June 28, 1988.

Maelstrom opened in EPCOT Center on July 5, 1988.

Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort opened on October 1, 1988.

1989

Disney-MGM Studios opened on May 1, 1989. It would later be renamed Hollywood Studios.

Pleasure Island officially opened on May 1, 1989.

Typhoon Lagoon opened on June 1, 1989.

Walt Disney World Village was renamed Disney Village Marketplace in 1989.

Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular celebrated it grand opening on August 25, 1989.

The Wonders of Life pavilion opened in EPCOT Center on October 19, 1989. It included Body Wars, Cranium Command, short films, and interactive attractions that focused on health and wellness.

Star Tours opened at Disney-MGM Studios on December 15, 1989.

May the Fourth be with you! Today is May 4, 2020! Disney+ and Shop Disney are releasing new Star Wars content on this special day.

The final episode of The Clone Wars is airing today on Disney+.

Disney Gallery: The Mandalorian is now streaming on Disney+.

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker is now available on Disney+.

Shop Disney will be releasing Star Wars Day merchandise at 10 am EST on shopdisney.com.

For a list of more Star Wars Day deals from a variety of retailers, click here: https://www.starwars.com/news/star-wars-day-deals

Shop Disney is releasing new Star Wars merchandise tomorrow at 10 am EST on shopdisney.com. There will be a virtual waiting room. Check out the Star Wars Day products below.

Star Wars “May the 4th Be With You” Collectible Key – $12.99

Clone trooper “May the 4th Be With You” shirt and tumbler

Clone Troopers “May the 4th Be With You” 2020 Pin – Star Wars Day – $54.99

Star Wars Day: “May the 4th Be With You” 2020 Pin – $16.99

Yoda “May the 4th Be With You” 2020 Pin – Star Wars Day – $17.99

Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back – 40th Anniversary Pin – $16.99

Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back 40th Anniversary Mug – $20.99

Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back 40th Anniversary Collection mugs

Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back – 40th Anniversary Tie-Dye Spirit Jersey for Adults – $64.99

Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back – 40th Anniversary T-Shirt – $40.99

Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back – 40th Anniversary Yoda Plush $40.99

Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back – 40th Anniversary Deluxe Figure Play Set – $30.99

Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back – 40th Anniversary Imperial Probe Droid – $27.99

Ahsoka Tano Ear Headband by Ashley Eckstein for Her Universe – $78.99

Restock – Droid Ear Headband by Ashley Eckstein for Her Universe – $78

I hope everyone is having a magical Saturday! Here are some videos from this week on Disney’s official YouTube channels.

“Adventure” | At Home With Olaf

Olaf’s body has to find his head. This is part of the “At Home With Olaf” series.

Learn to Draw Spider-Man at Home in Honor of National Super Hero Day

Brian Crosby, Creative Director of Marvel Themed Entertainment, shows you how to draw Spider-Man in his new WEB suit.

Retro Gameplay: The Lion King | Oh My Disney

Meghan (@strawburry17) and Andre (@blacknerd) play The Lion King. The game was released in 1994.

Inside the Final Duel: Maul vs. Ahsoka | Star Wars: The Clone Wars

Dave Filoni discusses the making of Maul and Ahsoka Tano’s climactic battle on Mandalore.

Celebrating Disney Classics with Paige O’Hara and Don Hahn | D23 Inside Disney

Paige O’Hara and Don Hahn talk about Beauty and the Beast.

How to Draw Bruni from Frozen 2

Animation Supervisor Trent Correy teaches you how to draw Bruni from Frozen 2.

Laugh Your Way through Andy’s Latest Toy Creation

Take a virtual ride on Slinky Dog Dash at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, with some trivia thrown in.

DCappella – Friend Like Me (Home Performance)

DCappella performs “Friend Like Me” from Aladdin at home.

Disney Magic Makes a Night in Disneyland Paris Absolutely Unforgettable

Watch the fireworks at Disneyland Paris.

Walt Disney World has changed a lot since the 1970s, but some classic attractions are still around today. Magic Kingdom was the only Disney park in Florida at the time. Let’s take a look back at what Walt Disney World was like during its first several years of operation.

1971

Magic Kingdom opened on October 1, 1971. The Monorail and ferry boat were in service. There were two resorts: Disney’s Contemporary Resort and Disney’s Polynesian Resort. The Palm and Magnolia golf courses opened as well.

On October 2, 1971, the Liberty Square Riverboat opened. The riverboat was named the Admiral Joe Fowler.

Magic Kingdom held a Grand Opening Parade on October 25, 1971.

On October 25, 1971, the Electrical Water Pageant began.

Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground opened on November 19, 1971.

Walt Disney World’s first Candlelight Processional was performed on December 18 and 19, 1971. The narrator was Rock Hudson. Candlelight was moved to Epcot in 1994.

Here is guide map from 1971. The planned Persian, Asian, and Venetian hotels were eventually scrapped.

1973

Tom Sawyer Island opened on May 20, 1973.

The Richard F. Irvine riverboat opened to the public on May 20, 1973. It joined the Admiral Joe Fowler on the Rivers of America. The Richard F. Irvine was later refurbished and renamed the Liberty Belle.

The Golf Resort opened on December 15, 1973. It would eventually become the Shades of Green resort.

On December 17, 1973, Pirates of the Caribbean opened.

1974

Pioneer Hall at Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground opened on April 1, 1974.

Treasure Island opened on April 8, 1974. It was a wildlife observation area that was renamed Discovery Island a few years later.

The Hoop Dee Doo Musical Review opened in Pioneer Hall on June 14, 1974.

Star Jets opened on November 28, 1974.

1975

On January 15, 1975, Space Mountain opened.

Carousel of Progress also opened on January 15, 1975.

On March 22, 1975, the Lake Buena Vista Shopping Village opened. This area is now known as Disney Springs.

On June 6, 1975, America on Parade began. It was a temporary parade for the USA’s bicentennial. It ran until September 6, 1976.

On July 1, 1975, the Wedway PeopleMover opened. It it now called the Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover.

1976

Disney’s River Country opened on June 20, 1976. It was the first water park at Walt Disney World.

1977

On June 11, 1977, the Main Street Electrical Parade began. It was a copy of the version in Disneyland, but the floats were wider.

Lake Buena Vista Shopping Village was renamed Walt Disney World Village in 1977.

1978

Magic Kingdom had a special 50th birthday parade for Mickey Mouse on November 18, 1978.

1979

On October 1, 1979, ground was broken for EPCOT Center.

Happy Earth Day! Today is also Animal Kingdom’s 22nd birthday.

You can now purchase a limited edition Earth Day 2020 trading pin on shopdisney.com. It features Flik from A Bug’s Life.

Shop Disney also just released an ear hat designed by Disney Imagineer Joe Rohde.

Shop Disney is also selling shirts for Earth Day.

Box Lunch is selling a Funko POP figure of Meeko and Flit from Pocahontas for Earth Day.

You can watch Disney Nature documentaries on Disney+. Elephant and Dolphin Reef were released earlier this month. Penguins was released last year.