First time I was at WDW was summer 1972. I still have the huge map (now framed) in my home. Even in 1972 the park was not finished as many rides were stil not built yet (Space Mountain, for example). Great memoires. I've been back so many times since then. 🙂
I found myself getting choked up watching this - realizing that a good majority of the adults that are in this are probably no longer with us. The sentimental music certainly adds to the melancholy. It does also bring back great memories of my times there with my family. Perhaps our current world situation I as write this (April 2020) is a major contributing factor to why I am having so many mixed emotions about it......
I also thought to myself that a good portion of the folks walking by look older! Prior to credit cards they really had more vacation time and expendable cash-was a WHOLE different world
Me too, and Im 23 years old, went to Disney in 2004 the first time, and just seeing how it used to be, how it still was in my memories from childhood, compared to the cold, money-hungry feeling it has now... It got me too... Great footage 👍❤️
Kathleen Baxter WOW!! I too joined the WDW cast during the Tencennial and my traditions day was the same day Natalie Wood was found dead off the coast of California. My first visit to the Magic Kingdom was in June 1972.
Not a single soul holding a cell phone, everyone is standing straight, alert, looking at everything, families are together enjoying the parks. Those were thr simplr days... what an awesome video
Whoever shot and stored the physical 16mm film cans did an outstanding job. This is a pretty jaw-dropping example of top-notch film preservation. Excellent transfer to digital as well. Thank you for posting!
Or Women with Pink , Blue , Green , or Purple Hair ,No Tattoos , & No Men Hating Feminists. 😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅 And No Gender Confusion. 😍😍😍@@forceghostyoda5730
Absolutely. We were not jammed in there like sardines. Everyone said hello, good bye, and the biggest one is if someone bummed into you “ excuse me, or pardon me was used all the time”. Not now. This is an excellent post of the “Magical” times
correct...today...the technology has gone up 1000%...but the QUALITY of people has hit an all time low...no manners, respect or discipline in today's society...just selfish, narcissist, people with big egos It's a "SELFIE" culture nowadays...
I was 10 years old when this was filmed. Disney offered a welcome escape from the Vietnam war, P.O.W. - M.I.A., L.S.D. and Nixon. Our best days await us in Tomorrow land.
Rachel me to im 33 now and I always wished I could visit the 70s eara to go to Disneyland and to see the world how it was when I believe people were happier and communicated more. I didn’t get to go to Disney land till 2013 for the 1st time was best holiday of my life and have been back 3 times now and am meant to be going in feb next year for 50th anniversary of the Orlando park I don’t no if I will get there in current state. Walt Disney new what he had in mind and kept battaling to get his dreams dispite all his set backs trying to get animation of the ground shame he never saw Orlando open as he passed away before it opened. RIP Walt. There’s no place like it on earth and his quote upholds his saying it’s the happiest place on earth and even thou it’s expensive to go now it’s worth every penny as the magic is incredible I’m emotional watching this I want to be there now hope to get the three weeks I’m booked for next year. Stay safe.
I was there in 74&76,this brings back memories. No large crowds or waiting in reallly long lines .My dad took some home movies with his camera. The quality of this video is amazing
My dad worked for Goodyear in Los Angeles. He helped negotiate an employee package, as union steward, that included Disney admission a few times a year. I grew up there, as a result. So nostalgic😊😢 miss this world. Thanks for this beautiful film.
I understand what you mean but as a parent who really wanted his children to see this place, I'd like to think this would bring happy memories more than heartbreak!
You want to know why it warmed your heart and it brought a tear to your eye , because this was when America was truly America people dress in clothes for every occasion they had manners respect for each other they knew then how to take care of private property no grafitti , you were able to compliment a lady not get in trouble what a great time even if it is before my time .
Similarly, on first visit in early 70s, my first impression was from the Monorail. I was blown away from that alone, and wondered 'Do people really have lodging in the pyramid hotel (Contempo), oh my goodness it was as if I landed on the moon. I was a young boy, and loved it.
I enjoyed this video. The 16 mm was clear and had good color. In June of 1970, I enlisted in the Navy 2 weeks out of high school. My first visit to Disney World was in 1988. Since then, my wife and I have gone at least once a year. Our last visit was January 2020 before the pandemic. Our hearts go out to all the Disney employees furloughed in these troubling times. Thank you to all who have brought happiness, joy and memories to all that will last a lifetime. We plan to come back in 2 years.
i was a teenager when mom and dad took us to walt disney world in 1972. we had a room at the contempory facing the magic kingdom. i have so many great memories, i cried watching this, and it also gave me joy. thank you walt and roy disney!!!
Miss those days -It was less crowded and people were a bit classier and much better behaved and less loud. I stopped going to Disney a few years back because I just didn't like what I was seeing and hearing around me.
WOW, you could actually see the pavement back in those days. No CROWDS ! And get a picture with a character with out hers of people fighting for a picture
Wow yeah I feel the same I do like Disney but I think for what you pay it’s far too much to be mainly spending most of your day waiting in line and the crowds are way too big when the fireworks and parades are in
Wow this is great ! My Grandmother took me for the first time in July 1973 I was 10 years old- I remember riding 20’000 leagues - we stayed at the Poly- I was blown away when the monorail picked us up and went through the contemporary!!!
I remember when they closed down 20,000 leagues under the sea and how long it was closed for. Living locally I always said that’s what divided the good old world Disney when everything changed.
i joined the cast for the Tencennial in 1981 and stayed until 2001. This is just great! thank you so much for sharing, I'm all emotional and stuff right now! haha
I went to Disney World for the first time last year and it is really cool to see what is still there when watching this. Beautiful memories captured on film...Today's Disney World is still magical but crowded and chaotic, I love how relaxing it looks back then.
This brings back memories. My first visit was the summer of 1972 (I was seven). I have pictures with those very same Seven Dwarfs!! We have 8 mm film as well. I loved the Christmas decorations back then. We would arrive when MK opened and stayed until it closed (1 am). Of course, back then, it was the only park. Thanks for sharing!!
I was there in December of 76. I had just turned 11 and we camped at the campground and my mom let me have free run of both the park and campground alone. Can you imagine? Many things look the same. I was burning through E tickets on Space Mountain and the free If You Had Wings
Thank you!!! It is making my day and weeks watching all Disney! I need to feel the Magic virtually right now! It brings tears to my eyes! So happy!!!! ❤️
I love how it looks so similar to how it looks now. Almost as if it was meant to be a timeless land for the past, present and future, a place where everyone can enter a world of fantasy and where everyone belongs, where the young and young at heart can come to laugh, play and have a good time.
This brought back wonderful memories from my childhood and trips there with my parents and sister. So much has changed since it first opened. Glad to see this bit of nostalgia lives on.
I remember great memories of my mom taking me in 1973 now I live 20 min from Disney world and always I feel those memories when we get to go they were building space mountain when we were there crazy how time flies
I am wowed! My father worked for Eastern Airlines and so we got to go I think in 72 maybe. He made us wear suits throughout our visit because we represented the airline. Good Lord we were hot! Thank you for sharing. This is absolutely wonderful and God bless Walt and Roy for bringing their dreams to reality for us.
I remember coming here with a few buddies a few weeks after opening day in 1971. We were innocent young college kids who had so much fun but were out of place since the people were either children, parents, or grandparents. One of the BEST moments of my life so far man.
I went to the Preview Center before Disney opened. Dad took us out there after church. It was right there where all the other hotels are on that road up to Disney Shopping Village. Lordy, then we went to a preview party at the Magic Kingdom one night before the opening in October. I guess by the calendar I was eight. That was fun to watch.
Wow! That's so exciting that you got to go to the preview party at The Magic Kingdom! Oh, and that preview building is still there... on Hotel Plaza Blvd. I believe it's now the Amateur Athletic Union.
My dad took us there as well. I clearly remember seeing the castle in pieces laying on the white limestone gravel. We rode on a golf cart. My dad told me to “remember this because one day it’s going to be so big and you will be able to remember how it looked and how it all was constructed ... all the people it took to make it ...”. He was a construction pipe fitter and welder and he took us there but I know he really wanted to see it himself. WDW is so so so much more complex and giant now and the attractions are bigger and faster but this 1972 Walt Disney World was simply more fun. It felt light and free and the characters including Mickey himself would just walk right up to you and play and dance with us. A long wait time would be ten minutes. Breathing room and running room. A sight to behold on Main Street USA with the trolly cars and turn of the century fire trucks, cars, horses all chugging along to happy music and the scent of cotton candy and salty buttery popcorn. This is a wonderful video.
SO BEAUTIFUL!!! This was the WDW I dreamed about since they opened (I was 8) finally experienced for my honeymoon in 1987 (& almost every year since then). Thank you so much for sharing!!!!
Disney World's first Christmas! Beautiful footage. It's strange seeing how empty the land in Frontierland was where Splash Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad are now.
I remember my dad taking me out of school in 1976 to go to Disneyland on a Wednesday. We started the day with breakfast on main street. We were the only ones in the restaurant on the patio facing Main st and only a few people were walking by. The rest of the day was pretty similar and we pretty much had the park to ourselves. My how things have changed.......
I’ve been going my whole life, then with husband, then our kids were lucky enough to be part of a Disney family too. Best memories of the anticipation, the magic, and that feeling of being away for a little while. Thank you for this beautiful moment!
Wow! This brings back a lot of memories of our first trip in 1971. Just MK then and a couple of hotels but it was something special to a 13 year old with eyes like saucers. Then Epcot Center opened in 1981 and that was even more incredible. Now 52 years later and a DVC member since 1992 I'm still at going at least once or even twice a year but nothing compares to what it was back in the 70s and 80s.
We went to WDW soo many times in 1971 & 72 that I wouldn't be surprised if my family is in some of those shots. Glad you got a shot of the old Preview Center, we went there in early 1970.
I actually got to take my dad's 1975 Dodge Royal Monaco to my Senior prom a couple of years back. It was a gorgeous 40,000 miles example. Cream with a white vinyl top, black interior bubble top 4 door. Never understood why 70's cars got such a bad name for themselves. That Monaco had excellent fit and finish and the materials feel better than my 2012 Jetta 🤷🏼♂️ didn't have chyslers lean burn tho
My father was a private pilot for over 40 years. He owned a Piper Cherokee and then a customized Comanche. I had the amazing opportunity to fly over Disney World when it was under construction (still have the pictures and movies). I don't think anybody knew what to expect from it but boy was I overjoyed when my parents flew us down when it opened up. We stayed in the Contemporary Hotel and to this day I can still smell and feel it like it was yesterday. I was one lucky child to be able to have those experiences! 10:18 I have to laugh. It's a bit late for the crossing gates to go down!😵
I know its because it *was* new, but its amazing just HOW new it looked. Nothing had filled in yet, plants and trees were small, emtpy space everywhere. I first went in 1984, so this is before my time.
Loved the Race cars/ grand pree!! Brings back warm memories!! Living in South Florida at the time made the trip as a kid or young teen in the mid 1970's!! Such a fun place!! Loved the Hall of Presidents, its a small world, pirates of the Carribean!! The wings of man by eastern Airlines and a whole lot more!! Brings tears to my eyes watching this clip of Disney World of the past!!!!
Thank you for this. Amazing to see how well film cleans up & can be re scanned and remastered to whatever the current video resolution is. 80s & 90s kids & history got screwed by VHS taking over & things didn't improve till DV & HD were widely adopted around 2010 that's 30 years of blurry memories. 😢 We should have stuck with film!
Something weird going on there. Some might call it a ghost, others might call it an invisibility cloak, but there's definitely a figure crossing in the original footage that we no longer see fully.
We were there. My dad drove us down to Disneyworld from Kentucky and we went there on Christmas Day 1971. I was one year old. I was hoping I might catch a glimpse of us somewhere in this beautiful recording.
What beautiful footage.. as clear as day for its age ❤ Brings back memories of my three visits to Florida from the uk, my first being when I was 21. I have a son that age now, and I’ve always wanted him to experience this magical place I WILL visit again .. hopefully soon now that I’ve seen this and gotten all nostalgic! ❤
I love this. Even though it was shot in 71’. I was there three times a year from first grade 82’ - 6th grade 88’ and I remember it just like this. The be most Magical two memories were going home to the Contemporary ( that where we always stayed) and looking up a the castle early in the morning when they used to let the people who stayed on property go into the parks 1-2 hours early…no people! That by far is my best memory. Great, no outstanding job with this. Love it
I visited the Preview Center with my parents, the year before the park opened. In later years I wondered where that building was in relationship to the park, or if the building had been razed. Good news! It is the headquarters of the AAU and is located in the area of “Good Neighbor” hotels.
Brings back memories. Fun fact: the rooms at the Contemporary Hotel are supposed to be removable, but the foundation settled too much in the sandy soil and squeezed the walls, making removing the rooms impossible.
@@adrianrosado2223when the contemporary was built, it was supposed to be a new way of designing buildings. The rooms were built separately in boxes and slid into place, and the idea was should the rooms ever need to be changed, a crane can remove the rooms to change them or rebuild them
love seeing vintage video of any kind, but a place i went in late 70s first time, once in late 80's and two more times in late 90s. wish the sound of footage was on.
Yeah I was there for Xmas-New Years 1971! It was magical alright! I stayed in the Contemporary Tower, had a view overlooking the park, it was fantastic!
First time I was at WDW was summer 1972. I still have the huge map (now framed) in my home. Even in 1972 the park was not finished as many rides were stil not built yet (Space Mountain, for example). Great memoires. I've been back so many times since then. 🙂
Closest thing to a time machine we will ever have.
And we didn't have to get up to 88 miles per hour. 😀
AMEN!!!
I found myself getting choked up watching this - realizing that a good majority of the adults that are in this are probably no longer with us. The sentimental music certainly adds to the melancholy. It does also bring back great memories of my times there with my family. Perhaps our current world situation I as write this (April 2020) is a major contributing factor to why I am having so many mixed emotions about it......
I also thought to myself that a good portion of the folks walking by look older! Prior to credit cards they really had more vacation time and expendable cash-was a WHOLE different world
Me too, and Im 23 years old, went to Disney in 2004 the first time, and just seeing how it used to be, how it still was in my memories from childhood, compared to the cold, money-hungry feeling it has now... It got me too... Great footage 👍❤️
I was 14 when I went there in 1978. All people seemed more polite, refined, respectful and decent.
Hope ur ok
@@TeamJRob boomer
The world has changed so much in a relatively short period of time
And not for the better.
Make America Great Again
It was magic back then :D now we have AI.
I enjoy not only looking all the vintage rides but also at the fashions in clothing
Kathleen Baxter WOW!! I too joined the WDW cast during the Tencennial and my traditions day was the same day Natalie Wood was found dead off the coast of California. My first visit to the Magic Kingdom was in June 1972.
Especially the history of it Is like wow brings u back to when u were a kid
I know! I'd rather see more footage of the guests so I can see more 70s styles.
Don’t forget about the cool automobiles.
Were blacks allowed in there back then ?
Not a single soul holding a cell phone, everyone is standing straight, alert, looking at everything, families are together enjoying the parks. Those were thr simplr days... what an awesome video
That´s true!!!
We live in a societ
3:11 - 3:23 lol. Nope. Nobody alert, or enjoying the parks. Bored.
like what is the point of going if you are just gona be on cellphone
Ok boomer 😂
Whoever shot and stored the physical 16mm film cans did an outstanding job. This is a pretty jaw-dropping example of top-notch film preservation. Excellent transfer to digital as well. Thank you for posting!
It was digitally restored and enhanced. That had a lot to do with it.
That was great. The hair styles, the clothes, the crowd levels! What I wouldn’t give to be able to experience that back in 1971!
Yes, collared shirts and blouses instead of plain sloppy looking t-shirts.
I was there in 1971
Back when it was a
special magical place
Yes and no bald women with piercings
Or Women with Pink , Blue , Green , or Purple Hair ,No Tattoos , & No Men Hating Feminists.
😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅
And No Gender Confusion. 😍😍😍@@forceghostyoda5730
a time when the public had manners, respect, and discipline to enjoy and appreciate the art of once was.
Absolutely. We were not jammed in there like sardines. Everyone said hello, good bye, and the biggest one is if someone bummed into you “ excuse me, or pardon me was used all the time”. Not now. This is an excellent post of the “Magical” times
correct...today...the technology has gone up 1000%...but the QUALITY of people has hit an all time low...no manners, respect or discipline in today's society...just selfish, narcissist, people with big egos It's a "SELFIE" culture nowadays...
I wish I could go to the 70s for a few days. Such a cool time to be alive.
I was 10 years old when this was filmed. Disney offered a welcome escape from the Vietnam war, P.O.W. - M.I.A., L.S.D. and Nixon. Our best days await us in Tomorrow land.
Tim Wittwer Why do you look 30 in your profile picture?
@@raleemay Probably because I stayed away from LSD. 😁
Rachel_Rebel_Makeup this was a great time! I was 3 and didn’t probably visit Disneyland for another couple years. :-)
Rachel me to im 33 now and I always wished I could visit the 70s eara to go to Disneyland and to see the world how it was when I believe people were happier and communicated more. I didn’t get to go to Disney land till 2013 for the 1st time was best holiday of my life and have been back 3 times now and am meant to be going in feb next year for 50th anniversary of the Orlando park I don’t no if I will get there in current state. Walt Disney new what he had in mind and kept battaling to get his dreams dispite all his set backs trying to get animation of the ground shame he never saw Orlando open as he passed away before it opened. RIP Walt. There’s no place like it on earth and his quote upholds his saying it’s the happiest place on earth and even thou it’s expensive to go now it’s worth every penny as the magic is incredible I’m emotional watching this I want to be there now hope to get the three weeks I’m booked for next year. Stay safe.
I was there in 74&76,this brings back memories. No large crowds or waiting in reallly long lines .My dad took some home movies with his camera. The quality of this video is amazing
I would love to see the videos if you can post them! ❤
My dad worked for Goodyear in Los Angeles. He helped negotiate an employee package, as union steward, that included Disney admission a few times a year. I grew up there, as a result. So nostalgic😊😢 miss this world.
Thanks for this beautiful film.
Watching this just breaks my heart. I had so many good memories with my mom and dad on vacation. We would go to Disney every year. It was the Best!
Me too but still have my happy memories of my parents and grandparents.
I understand what you mean but as a parent who really wanted his children to see this place, I'd like to think this would bring happy memories more than heartbreak!
June of 1974 was my first time at WDW, I was 9, my dad saved for two years, went down by auto train and drive home.
Before the price increases, before the bad stuff...
This is golden...
You want to know why it warmed your heart and it brought a tear to your eye , because this was when America was truly America people dress in clothes for every occasion they had manners respect for each other they knew then how to take care of private property no grafitti , you were able to compliment a lady not get in trouble what a great time even if it is before my time .
I was there in August of 1970 with my mom and dad. I was 8. I wish I would have seem them in this. I miss them so much.
Only, Walt Disney World didn't open until 1971 with their first park, Magic Kingdom m :P
October 1, 1971 was opening day. Check your memory bank.
I love the dresses and purses. And the lack of cell phones and crowds, too! :) thanks for posting.
That's a huge part of it, definitely
This does make me miss those simpler and sweeter days. I am so grateful for UA-cam so that we can all enjoy these memories!
Similarly, on first visit in early 70s, my first impression was from the Monorail. I was blown away from that alone, and wondered 'Do people really have lodging in the pyramid hotel (Contempo), oh my goodness it was as if I landed on the moon. I was a young boy, and loved it.
I enjoyed this video. The 16 mm was clear and had good color. In June of 1970, I enlisted in the Navy 2 weeks out of high school. My first visit to Disney World was in 1988. Since then, my wife and I have gone at least once a year. Our last visit was January 2020 before the pandemic. Our hearts go out to all the Disney employees furloughed in these troubling times. Thank you to all who have brought happiness, joy and memories to all that will last a lifetime. We plan to come back in 2 years.
It was digitally restored and enhanced. That had a lot to do with it.
it is amazing that this was shot on tech from the late 60s early 70s and it looks this good
jason leman
Super 8 film can look great when properly transferred
I mean it's film... unless happened to get exposed to sunlight or something it was always going to look good and this was clearly well-preserved
Apparently this was shot on 16mm film (and it looks it). Tons of TV and even feature films have been shot on 16mm which is why this looks so good.
It was digitally restored and enhanced. That had a lot to do with it.
i was a teenager when mom and dad took us to walt disney world in 1972. we had a room at the contempory facing the magic kingdom. i have so many great memories, i cried watching this, and it also gave me joy. thank you walt and roy disney!!!
Wish I could go back in time... my parents never took me to Disney and I so wished they had!
Miss those days -It was less crowded and people were a bit classier and much better behaved and less loud.
I stopped going to Disney a few years back because I just didn't like what I was seeing and hearing around me.
Same here we had passes for years got too crowded and the people there geez
WOW, you could actually see the pavement back in those days. No CROWDS ! And get a picture with a character with out hers of people fighting for a picture
And crazy to think in 1971 price of admission was $3.50 for adults and teens were $2.50 and children from 3 to 11 were just $1.00!
my thoughts exactly... Where are all the people?
Wow yeah I feel the same I do like Disney but I think for what you pay it’s far too much to be mainly spending most of your day waiting in line and the crowds are way too big when the fireworks and parades are in
@@leemoore8068 if you get fast passes, it will make ur your visit 100% better
@@morecrapforputdowns that's crazy!!!
Wow this is great ! My Grandmother took me for the first time in July 1973 I was 10 years old- I remember riding 20’000 leagues - we stayed at the Poly- I was blown away when the monorail picked us up and went through the contemporary!!!
I remember when they closed down 20,000 leagues under the sea and how long it was closed for. Living locally I always said that’s what divided the good old world Disney when everything changed.
ahhhh....those were the days allright...I was just graduating from high school in 72...what a great time to be alive!
Wow adults and kids actually walking around! Only saw a couple of strollers!
Do adults and kids not walk around in 2024?
i joined the cast for the Tencennial in 1981 and stayed until 2001. This is just great! thank you so much for sharing, I'm all emotional and stuff right now! haha
That monorail and the Contemporary hotel must have been the absolute business back in 1970. Amazing.
This warmed my heart and brought a tear to my eye. I'm so nostalgic for a time I was never alive in
Dresses, skirts, large gas guzzling cars! Memories! Thanks for film/video.
I went to Disney World for the first time last year and it is really cool to see what is still there when watching this. Beautiful memories captured on film...Today's Disney World is still magical but crowded and chaotic, I love how relaxing it looks back then.
This brings back memories. My first visit was the summer of 1972 (I was seven). I have pictures with those very same Seven Dwarfs!! We have 8 mm film as well. I loved the Christmas decorations back then. We would arrive when MK opened and stayed until it closed (1 am). Of course, back then, it was the only park. Thanks for sharing!!
I was there in December of 76. I had just turned 11 and we camped at the campground and my mom let me have free run of both the park and campground alone. Can you imagine? Many things look the same. I was burning through E tickets on Space Mountain and the free If You Had Wings
Wow! So much footage has degraded over time, but the quality here is like it's fresh from Kodak. Thanks so much for presenting this!
Thank you!!! It is making my day and weeks watching all Disney! I need to feel the Magic virtually right now! It brings tears to my eyes! So happy!!!! ❤️
I love how it looks so similar to how it looks now. Almost as if it was meant to be a timeless land for the past, present and future, a place where everyone can enter a world of fantasy and where everyone belongs, where the young and young at heart can come to laugh, play and have a good time.
The MK had such charm in the ‘70s and ‘80s that’s gone now forever.
Ahhh, the beautiful and genteel World we used to have 😢
This brought back wonderful memories from my childhood and trips there with my parents and sister. So much has changed since it first opened. Glad to see this bit of nostalgia lives on.
Wow. The ten year olds in this footage are all 60 now. Crazy.
You were four years younger when you left your comment.
@@loganq Which reminds me it’s time to take some Ibuprofen, thank you.
I remember great memories of my mom taking me in 1973 now I live 20 min from Disney world and always I feel those memories when we get to go they were building space mountain when we were there crazy how time flies
I am wowed! My father worked for Eastern Airlines and so we got to go I think in 72 maybe. He made us wear suits throughout our visit because we represented the airline. Good Lord we were hot! Thank you for sharing. This is absolutely wonderful and God bless Walt and Roy for bringing their dreams to reality for us.
I remember coming here with a few buddies a few weeks after opening day in 1971. We were innocent young college kids who had so much fun but were out of place since the people were either children, parents, or grandparents. One of the BEST moments of my life so far man.
Magic kingdom was very primitive back then but those were some of the finest times in a simple era
I wash there back in June 1972. I wish I was able to step back in time and go there again!
I went to the Preview Center before Disney opened. Dad took us out there after church. It was right there where all the other hotels are on that road up to Disney Shopping Village. Lordy, then we went to a preview party at the Magic Kingdom one night before the opening in October. I guess by the calendar I was eight. That was fun to watch.
Wow! That's so exciting that you got to go to the preview party at The Magic Kingdom! Oh, and that preview building is still there... on Hotel Plaza Blvd. I believe it's now the Amateur Athletic Union.
That's awsome
That's a great memory, thanks for sharing.
Wow.. Your Dad sounds great. I try to do stuff like that for my daughters. Thanks so much for sharing..
My dad took us there as well. I clearly remember seeing the castle in pieces laying on the white limestone gravel. We rode on a golf cart. My dad told me to “remember this because one day it’s going to be so big and you will be able to remember how it looked and how it all was constructed ... all the people it took to make it ...”. He was a construction pipe fitter and welder and he took us there but I know he really wanted to see it himself. WDW is so so so much more complex and giant now and the attractions are bigger and faster but this 1972 Walt Disney World was simply more fun. It felt light and free and the characters including Mickey himself would just walk right up to you and play and dance with us. A long wait time would be ten minutes. Breathing room and running room. A sight to behold on Main Street USA with the trolly cars and turn of the century fire trucks, cars, horses all chugging along to happy music and the scent of cotton candy and salty buttery popcorn. This is a wonderful video.
Woah the park itself looks so colourful and clean and nicer
SO BEAUTIFUL!!! This was the WDW I dreamed about since they opened (I was 8) finally experienced for my honeymoon in 1987 (& almost every year since then). Thank you so much for sharing!!!!
Wow!! watching this, really makes me miss my parents.What great times!!
Thanks for watching! Glad you enjoyed :)
This is epic and I love this! Thank you to whoever filmed this and preserved it! Nothing beats vintage DISNEY WORLD!
Disney World's first Christmas! Beautiful footage. It's strange seeing how empty the land in Frontierland was where Splash Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad are now.
Simply amazing restoration! Like a time machine.
If only Disney still had this magic.
Prepare for when I grow up.
3:57
Disney today has men wearing dresses...greeting little kids. Only the men aren't playing a character.
Exactly...
I remember my dad taking me out of school in 1976 to go to Disneyland on a Wednesday. We started the day with breakfast on main street. We were the only ones in the restaurant on the patio facing Main st and only a few people were walking by. The rest of the day was pretty similar and we pretty much had the park to ourselves. My how things have changed.......
Fire Power that might happen again when they reopen it will be 25% capacity. And not so many people will go to the restaurants
Yes, had to wait until Wednesday bc mon-Tues dl closed then. Sounds like u had nice time.
Fire Power this is WDW not DL
I was 6 when I first went in 74. Great memories this brings back.
I’ve been going my whole life, then with husband, then our kids were lucky enough to be part of a Disney family too. Best memories of the anticipation, the magic, and that feeling of being away for a little while. Thank you for this beautiful moment!
Thank you for the memories of this happy place.
My Parents took me for the first time when I was three. That was in 1973 so alot of this feels like a dream which is actually memory. Thanks for this.
Wow! This brings back a lot of memories of our first trip in 1971. Just MK then and a couple of hotels but it was something special to a 13 year old with eyes like saucers. Then Epcot Center opened in 1981 and that was even more incredible. Now 52 years later and a DVC member since 1992 I'm still at going at least once or even twice a year but nothing compares to what it was back in the 70s and 80s.
There’s SO MUCH that still has NOT changed since 1970-71
It's so cool to look at these old movies. And great quality! Well done!
It was digitally restored and enhanced. That has a lot to do with it.
It was digitally restored and enhanced. That has a lot to do with it.
We went to WDW soo many times in 1971 & 72 that I wouldn't be surprised if my family is in some of those shots. Glad you got a shot of the old Preview Center, we went there in early 1970.
So AMAZING to see the Disney I remember from the 70s!!! Awesome video!! Cherish those times as Disney will never be that great ever again.......
My first visit was in Feb '72...brings back amazing memories, thank you!
USA 70's cars were the best. Big old boats! Great footage....
I actually got to take my dad's 1975 Dodge Royal Monaco to my Senior prom a couple of years back. It was a gorgeous 40,000 miles example. Cream with a white vinyl top, black interior bubble top 4 door. Never understood why 70's cars got such a bad name for themselves. That Monaco had excellent fit and finish and the materials feel better than my 2012 Jetta 🤷🏼♂️ didn't have chyslers lean burn tho
My father was a private pilot for over 40 years. He owned a Piper Cherokee and then a customized Comanche. I had the amazing opportunity to fly over Disney World when it was under construction (still have the pictures and movies). I don't think anybody knew what to expect from it but boy was I overjoyed when my parents flew us down when it opened up. We stayed in the Contemporary Hotel and to this day I can still smell and feel it like it was yesterday. I was one lucky child to be able to have those experiences! 10:18 I have to laugh. It's a bit late for the crossing gates to go down!😵
Here's a fun fact: back then the Contemporary Hotel cost $65 a night! very expensive still back in those days!
Hardly any crowds, and no friggin stroller pens.. miss these days
I know its because it *was* new, but its amazing just HOW new it looked. Nothing had filled in yet, plants and trees were small, emtpy space everywhere. I first went in 1984, so this is before my time.
The park is so beautiful, clean, and new!
I am watching this while sitting in hotel in disney world and can compare how much it changed and how kuch it didnt.
Loved the Race cars/ grand pree!! Brings back warm memories!! Living in South Florida at the time made the trip as a kid or young teen in the mid 1970's!! Such a fun place!! Loved the Hall of Presidents, its a small world, pirates of the Carribean!! The wings of man by eastern Airlines and a whole lot more!! Brings tears to my eyes watching this clip of Disney World of the past!!!!
My first visit to Disney World was in June 1972. This brought back so many memories. Thank you for posting this Disney treasure.
OMG!!! This brings back memories!!! My favorite ride at Disney World was the 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea ride ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
My husband’s too
That is stunning! Almost easier to believe you had a time machine than that that is old film. :)
Thank you for this. Amazing to see how well film cleans up & can be re scanned and remastered to whatever the current video resolution is. 80s & 90s kids & history got screwed by VHS taking over & things didn't improve till DV & HD were widely adopted around 2010 that's 30 years of blurry memories. 😢 We should have stuck with film!
Well said. Exactly
The park opened Oct, 71. My parents, grandparents and myself were there in Dec, 71. Still have the pictures.
I might be in this. I grew up in Cocoa Beach and we were always at Disney World.
At around the 11:19 mark of the video, it looks like a spirit runs across the street. I replayed it over a few times and I am not sure what that was.
Something weird going on there. Some might call it a ghost, others might call it an invisibility cloak, but there's definitely a figure crossing in the original footage that we no longer see fully.
Amazing video!!! I love this place!!! God bless Walt Disney!!!
Why do I feel like things were better back then
We were there. My dad drove us down to Disneyworld from Kentucky and we went there on Christmas Day 1971. I was one year old. I was hoping I might catch a glimpse of us somewhere in this beautiful recording.
What beautiful footage.. as clear as day for its age ❤
Brings back memories of my three visits to Florida from the uk, my first being when I was 21.
I have a son that age now, and I’ve always wanted him to experience this magical place
I WILL visit again .. hopefully soon now that I’ve seen this and gotten all nostalgic! ❤
It was digitally restored and enhanced. That has a lot to do with it.
I was at Disney World in '74. Oh those cloths. :D
I love this. Even though it was shot in 71’. I was there three times a year from first grade 82’ - 6th grade 88’ and I remember it just like this. The be most Magical two memories were going home to the Contemporary ( that where we always stayed) and looking up a the castle early in the morning when they used to let the people who stayed on property go into the parks 1-2 hours early…no people! That by far is my best memory. Great, no outstanding job with this. Love it
Truly glorious! It amazes me to see how much the landscape truly has changed. Thanks!
I visited the Preview Center with my parents, the year before the park opened. In later years I wondered where that building was in relationship to the park, or if the building had been razed. Good news! It is the headquarters of the AAU and is located in the area of “Good Neighbor” hotels.
Holy shit.
People were in better shape and looked way happier than today.
Those were the days... Our family went to Cali every February for quite a few years - no crowds, no waiting in line, it was awesome...
People were so much thinner then !
Thank you for sharing. The footage brings back a lot of memories.
wow, this is great footage
Brings back memories. Fun fact: the rooms at the Contemporary Hotel are supposed to be removable, but the foundation settled too much in the sandy soil and squeezed the walls, making removing the rooms impossible.
What do you mean “removable”?
@@adrianrosado2223when the contemporary was built, it was supposed to be a new way of designing buildings. The rooms were built separately in boxes and slid into place, and the idea was should the rooms ever need to be changed, a crane can remove the rooms to change them or rebuild them
@@brandonthetoyandgamecollector very, very cool! I am a local, and had never heard that before. Pretty amazing thanks for the knowledge!
Thank you for sharing this wonderful gem.
Awesome footage ❤
I like that some rides are still in the same spots so the frame of reference for location isn't lost.
Look forward to coming home again.
love seeing vintage video of any kind, but a place i went in late 70s first time, once in late 80's and two more times in late 90s. wish the sound of footage was on.
Yeah I was there for Xmas-New Years 1971! It was magical alright! I stayed in the Contemporary Tower, had a view overlooking the park, it was fantastic!