10 Walt Disney World Facts That Might Make You Feel Old

Guests who travel to Walt Disney World to enjoy a vacation often feel like kids at heart as they frolic through the theme parks enjoying classic and thrilling attractions. With so many amazing experiences allowing guests to feel the whimsy and thrill of childhood again, there are also plenty of Disney facts which might make some guests feel old. From attractions being decades old to the age that characters or prominent Disney influences would be today, guests might be surprised at how old they feel when they hear the numbers behind these facts. But no matter how old they might feel, a trip to Walt Disney World is sure to make them feel young again! Here are ten Disney facts that might make guests feel old.

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10. Magic Kingdom Opened In 1971 –

Guests who visit Walt Disney World are certain to spend plenty of time in the Magic Kingdom enjoying the differently themed lands and dozens of classic and entertaining attractions. While everything in the park looks neat, well preserved, and brand new, some guests might feel old learning that the Magic Kingdom first opened its gates 48 years ago! October 1, 1971 was the official opening of the park, and guests have been enjoying all that is has to offer each day since.

9. Epcot Opened In 1982 –

Eleven years after the Magic Kingdom opened, Epcot made its debut on October 1, 1982. With a focus on the future, technology, and innovation, some guests might be shocked to learn that Epcot is actually 37 years old!

8. Disney’s Hollywood Studios Opened In 1989 –

May 1, 1989 marked the official opening of Walt Disney World’s third theme park, Disney’s Hollywood Studios. When the park originally opened, it was named Disney-MGM Studios until it was renamed on January 7, 2008. While the park aims to bring guests back to the glitz and glamour of classic Hollywood, they might be surprised to learn that Disney’s Hollywood Studios is 31 years old!

7. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Opened in 1998 –

Disney’s Animal Kingdom is the newest of the four Walt Disney World theme parks and still feels brand new to many guests. Opening on Earth Day, April 22, 1998, the park celebrates the beauty of nature and the importance of preserving the environment. While everything in the park looks beautiful and new, it might make some guests feel old to learn that Disney’s Animal Kingdom is 22 years old!

6. Snow White Was Released In 1937 –

There are currently countless Disney classic animated films for guests to enjoy, but the original was Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs which was released in 1937 which was 83 years ago! Snow White was supposed to be 14 in the film, which would mean she was born in 1923 making her 97 years old!

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5. Ariel Would Be 46—

Another beloved Disney classic animated film is The Little Mermaid which was released in 1989, 31 years ago. Since Ariel was supposed to be 16 in the film, guests can assume that she was born in 1973 which would make her 47 years old this year!

4. Mickey Is 91 –

Mickey Mouse originally debuted in Steamboat Willie which premiered on November 18, 1928. Not only was it the first cartoon to feature the iconic character, but it was also the first to include sound! Since that was Mickey’s debut, his birthday is considered to be that date making him a spry 91 years old today!

3. Walt Disney Would Be 119 –

Walt Disney was the mastermind and creative force behind so much of what guests love to enjoy and experience today. From classic films to the Disney Parks, Walt Disney has had a massive impact on any Disney fan. He was born in 1901 and unfortunately died in 1966 from lung cancer at the age of 65. If Walt Disney were to have survived and continued living, he would have been 119 this year!

2. The Lion King Is 26 Years Old –

Perhaps the most recognized and adored of all the Disney animated films is The Lion King which tells the story of Simba as he watches his uncle murder his father for the throne and enters into exile. Guests love watching Simba ultimately return as the rightful ruler of Pride Rock, but might be surprised to learn that the film was released in 1994 making it 26 years old this year!

1. Space Mountain Opened In 1975 –

A classic attraction in the Magic Kingdom which many guests love enjoying on a Walt Disney World vacation is Space Mountain which blasts them off into the galaxy for a thrilling ride in near darkness. While the attraction seems very futuristic and galactic, guests might be shocked to learn that it opened 45 years ago in 1975! Guests who walk through the queue of Space Mountain can find nods to the original opening date in signage that advertises Starport 75.