By D23 Team
1. Roy O. Disney and Mickey Mouse celebrate the opening of Walt Disney World. (Historical photo, courtesy of the Walt Disney Archives)
2. The Imagination Pavilion shines at Epcot.
3. The wildest ride in the wilderness gears up for a new day.
4. A quiet night in Adventureland (watch out for the spitting camels!).
5. The beginnings of a magnificent menagerie at Magic Kingdom Park. (Historical photo)
6. Giraffe roam through the savannas of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge.
7. Cinderella’s Royal Table is ready for its regal guests.
8. The sun sets over the Morocco Pavilion at Epcot.
9. The stage is set at Disney’s Hollywood Studios Park.
10. A magical view from Disney’s Contemporary Resort.
11. A flurry of fun awaits at Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park.
12. Magic Kingdom Park celebrates America’s Bicentennial. (Historical photo)
13. Adventureland awaits!
14. Take a ride on Prince Charming Regal Carrousel.
15. Stroll through Disney Springs.
16. One little spark of imagination… (Historical photo)
17. When hinges creak in door-less chambers…
18. Take the Wildlife Express Train to Rafiki’s Planet Watch.
19. All aboard the Walt Disney World Railroad for a full circle tour of Magic Kingdom Park.
20. Magic Kingdom Park’s Cinderella Castle at dusk.
21. Welcome to Harambe at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park.
22. It’s always a perfect time for a Parisian treat at the France Pavilion at Epcot.
23. Magic on the move. (Historical photo, courtesy of the Walt Disney Archives)
24. “To all who come to this happy place, welcome.”
25. Experience the magic of Africa in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge.
26. “A dream is a wish your heart makes… ”
27. Classic Mickey Mouse balloons welcome guests to Magic Kingdom Park.
28. Explore the wonderful waters at The Living Seas in Epcot, reimagined in 2007 to include Nemo and his fishy friends. (Historical photo)
29. Night falls upon the Haunted Mansion in Magic Kingdom Park.
30. “Walkin’ right down the middle of Main Street, U.S.A.”
31. Take adventure to new heights at Swiss Family Treehouse in Magic Kingdom Park.
32. The sun sets on a shipwreck at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park.
33. Full steam ahead down the Rivers of America on the Liberty Belle.
34. Wander through the Italy Pavilion at Epcot.
35. Dino-Sue towers over DinoLand U.S.A. at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park.
36. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police march through the Canada Pavilion at Epcot. (Historical photo)
37. Echo Lake at Disney’s Hollywood Studios Park.
38. Blast off on Space Mountain at Magic Kingdom Park.
39. A 90-foot-tall mural created by Disney Legend Mary Blair welcomes you into Disney’s Contemporary Resort.
40. Stunning sights await on the Kilimanjaro Safaris at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park.
41. Fireworks light up the night at Magic Kingdom Park.
42. The Tree of Life at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park features more than 300 different animals.
43. A bird’s eye view of Magic Kingdom Park.
44. Full steam ahead! (Historical photo, courtesy of the Walt Disney Archives)
45. Walt Disney World on opening day October 1, 1971. Happy 45th Anniversary! (Historical photo, courtesy of the Walt Disney Archives)
