Disney World at 50: The Stories of How Walt's Kingdom Became Magic in Orlando

by Orlando Sentinel

Celebrating 50 years of The Most Magical Place on Earth

Since its opening in October 1971, Walt Disney World has continued to expand and evolve as the most visited vacation resort in the world. What hasn't changed over five decades is the incomparable sense of magic it bestows on all who pass through the arched entrance gates.

Disney World at 50 is a celebration of the park's rich and fascinating history, from its early development as "The Florida Project" to the ever spectacular present. Explore Walt's original utopian vision, the most incredible feats by Disney's Imagineers, and each of the individual theme parks.

Featuring historic coverage and over 100 photos from the Orlando Sentinel archives, the commemorative edition is a visually stunning chronicle of the place where dreams come true.

Genres: Nonfiction, History

176 pages, Hardcover

Published October 19, 2021

Reviews

[Will G · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book published by the local Orlando newspaper, the Orlando Sentinel, specifically for the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World. It is a historical compilation of columns and photographs from the Sentinel published over the years sequentially from when Disney started purchasing land in central Florida all the up to current times. The columns are interesting because they were the news of the times and also because they published plans Disney told them about which ultimately were either modified, changed or eliminated. So this gives you a unique perspective on, "The Happiest Place on Earth."

[Brian · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is about the 50th anniversary of Disney World and it focuses mainly on the first few years of the park, with articles that were written about the park in the early 70's, along with some great pictures. The book was very interesting with lots of fun information about what the park was first like when it opened, along with a story about the "first family" to enter Disney World. The book made me a bit sad when it showcased the park's closures during COVID-19. This is a nice coffee table book for fans of the parks.

[Jocelyn Nielson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Though I had seen this book on various “Disney book” lists, it was not one that I was familiar with and became an impulse purchase from Barnes and Noble. That being said, it was so much better than I thought it would be. I didn’t really have any expectations for it, since I still didn’t know much about it when it came time to reading it, but I was blown away. It contains the articles that focused on Disney World and its creation before and after the resort had opened (in order of publication), and so getting to read all of those was a great experience for me. And the photos? Some of the images that were included were ones that I believe I’ve seen before, but there were so many more that I hadn’t seen, so I spent time going over each photo and reading the captions. I loved that I got a different perspective of Disney World from the point of view of the press, since that’s not one that I’ve had much before. Especially when there were plans mentioned for the resort that were since changed or abandoned, so that was cool to read. I highly recommend reading this!

[Clare Neubert · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. This is a must read for every Disney fan out there! The book is filled with articles and photos that take you back in time to Disney World’s beginnings. I enjoyed learning about how the four parks evolved into what they are today. It was interesting to learn how the popular resorts were constructed as well as their theming. It has some really fun facts too. I had no idea that the first riders of Space Mountain were three astronauts. I thought it was cool how the book talked about Disney’s 25th Birthday where Cinderella’s castle was painted pink to resemble a Birthday cake!

[Ronald J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A history of Walt Disney World from the newspaper that was there, the Orlando Sentinel. It recounts reporter Emily Bavar who in 1965 broke the story that it was Disney Co. buying up local property, specifically 27,800 acres. WDW opened October 1, 1971 attracting only 10,422 visitors the first day, and 11,115 the second, with adults outnumbering kids 10 to 1. You meet the first families admitted to each park, receiving a lifetime pass to all of the parks. There are plenty of photos to give you a feel of the late 60s and early 70s in the park. A Disney fan won't learn very much from this book, but it's an interesting look at the park from the perspective of the media.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

A compilation of newspaper articles from the Orlando Sentinal regarding the first 50 years of Walt Disney World. They start with the conception of the park followed by construction, completion and Opening Day of WDW. Enjoyed reading about the park, how it is run, and how it has expanded through the years. Lots of history such as how much employees were paid, costuming, and various things I did not know.

[Tyler Obenauf · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting collection of articles and photos from the history of Disney World.

[Reanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great history of the beginning of Walt Disney World

[Patricia Reagan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Being a huge Disney fan, there was no doubt that it would get 4 ⭐️’s from me!! The photographs were the best part of this book. Fun to look back and see it through the years.

[Jeff J. · Rating 3 out of 5]

A compilation of news stories from the Orlando Sentinel about the creation and growth of Disney World. Lacks depth.

[Rachel Stoeckert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Could use a bit of editing here and there on the photo captions (some were a bit inaccurate), but otherwise a great read! Really neat compilation of Orlando Sentinel articles throughout WDW’s 50-year history.

[Ricky Kimsey]

Disney World History

This a tie in to the golden anniversary of Disney World. It's made up of newspaper articles from Orlando area newspapers and tells the past,present and future of the resort.

[Jo Donahue · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very interesting look at all of Walt Disney's acc0mplishments and great photos

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun collection of articles from the Orlando Sentinel chronicling the spectulation of what was happening in Orlando, to the annoucement of Disney World through the 50th anniversary.

[Amanda [Novel Addiction] · Rating 3 out of 5]

Let's be honest, I was just here for the pictures.

[I A · Rating 4 out of 5]

A reminder that history was once news and any fan of the Disney Parks or Orlando history will enjoy this compilation!

[Laura Forner · Rating 2 out of 5]

maybe my bad for not realizing this was literally just a compilation of orlando sentinel articles