Disney World has become such a part of our popular culture it seems as if it’s been open forever, but the Magic Kingdom – the first of Disney’s Florida theme parks – opened to the public on October 1, 1971. After the success of Disney Land California, Walt Disney and his brother Roy began buying 27,000 acres of land near Orlando, Florida in. The size of the park would enable Walt’s dream: to create a fantasy world within the park where families could leave the outside world behind.

Although Walt Disney died in 1966, his Roy saw to it that his brother’s dream was realized. EPCOT, another of Walt Disney’s projected theme parks, “where you can touch the future and travel the world,” is most easily identified by its massive silver sphere. Comprised of two themes, the Future World, and the World Showcase, EPCOT opened on October 14, 1982. The Future World’s attractions focus on “fun” science; see future innovations, test drive automotive prototypes, have yourself shrunk as you navigate a 3-D world, and more. The World Showcase allows you to travel from country to country and experience different cultures. On May 1, 1989, Disney-MGM Studios opened, a theme park dedicated to the golden age of Hollywood as well as the history of television. Quickly following its heels was Typhoon Lagoon and Pleasure Island Water Parks on June 1st. On April 1, 1995, Blizzard Beach was opened. Initially intended to be a ski resort, for the obvious reasons, even round-the-clock snowmaking couldn’t stand up to the Florida weather. Legend has it, while higher-ups were trying to figure out what to do with the now-useless park, along came an alligator, belly-first down a rush of water.” “Ice Gator,” quickly became the official mascot of the Blizzard Beach Water Park. Disney’s Animal Kingdom, opened on April 22, 1998, and consists of “wild” animal parks themed by their natural habitats. Animals from all over the world can be found there. There’s also DinoLand USA, where kids can be archeologists and hunt for fossils.