WHY WE SHOULD REMEMBER…
Fifty years ago, on 1 October 1971, Walt Disney World Resort in Florida admitted its first visitors. On that opening day, around 10,000 people paid the $3.50 admission fee, purchased a $4.25 coupon book valid for seven rides, and dined on hot dogs at 45 cents each. “We need a place like this because of the world situation,” one Floridian motel owner explained, “a place where we can come and relax and forget about all the bad things.” And a parent from Tampa Bay confided: “Let’s face it, I’m going to be back here whether I like it or not – the kids will see to that.” Three weeks later, Roy Disney formally dedicated the resort to his late brother Walt, announcing his hopes: “May Walt Disney World bring joy and inspiration and new knowledge to all who come to this happy place.”