Skip to content

40th anniversary

Magic Kingdom Turns 40 and Life Goes On


(click to embiggen)

The 40th Anniversary of Walt Disney World and the Magic Kingdom was punctuated by big moments at the start and end of the day with long lines for everything in between. Since Disney has chosen to ignore the anniversary in favor of a more bland promotional strategy, my expectations for the October 1st activities were quite low. Indeed, up to 3 days before the event I was told there wouldn’t even be a press event. But at the last minute, things came together and it was actually a decent show.


The morning started early for guests looking to line up for merchandise. Which had its own transportation challenges since there is no transport from the TTC at 6AM. If you entered early enough in the day you got a special map like the above and a 40th anniversary button. Both very nice. Both were essentially gone by 3pm. (click to embiggen)

Video highlights of the morning and more photos below the jump:

Read More »Magic Kingdom Turns 40 and Life Goes On

Walt Disney World 40th Anniversary is Today!

Today marks the big 40 for Walt Disney World and the Magic Kingdom. I’m out and about today trying to soak in as much of the atmosphere and celebration there is today. Disney is putting on a small bit of a show today, but there… Read More »Walt Disney World 40th Anniversary is Today!

Fan Led Walt Disney World 40th Celebration – Project XL

Project XL: The World at 40 is not about your shirt size, but rather is the latest in a series of fun fan organized events by the group WDW Celebrations. This one centers around the 40th anniversary of Walt Disney World, which is now less… Read More »Fan Led Walt Disney World 40th Celebration – Project XL

Project XL: Fans celebrate Walt Disney World’s 40th Anniversary

I’ve attended a number of fan organized celebrations and conventions in the past. However, none had access to the parks like WDWCelebrations has been able to get. That’s due in part to the nature of their events they work with Disney to make sure there… Read More »Project XL: Fans celebrate Walt Disney World’s 40th Anniversary

Magic Kingdom 1971 – Walt Disney World 40th Anniv

Continuing the series on celebrating the 40th anniversary of Walt Disney World, here’s a 10 minute clip that looks at the first ever holiday season for the Magic Kingdom back in December 1971. There’s a little Busch Gardens there in the middle (No live animals… Read More »Magic Kingdom 1971 – Walt Disney World 40th Anniv

Magic Kingdom 1979 Home Video

This year marks the 40th Anniversary of the Magic Kingdom. I thought I’d spend a little time surfing through vintage home video of the park to celebrate. Lots of great stuff out there, but I’m sharing this one today because of a unique coincidence. You… Read More »Magic Kingdom 1979 Home Video

How should Walt Disney World celebrate it’s 40th Anniversary?

Now that the 2010 promotion for Disneyland and Walt Disney World has been revealed with a bit of a huh? I think it’s time to look forward to 2011 and Walt Disney World’s 40th Anniversary. In 2011 the Fantasyland Princess expansion will still be under… Read More »How should Walt Disney World celebrate it’s 40th Anniversary?