Long before Aladdin took Jasmine on a magic carpet ride, Julie Andrews took TV viewers on a tour of a whole new world with new fantastic things to see when “The Grand Opening of Walt Disney World” debuted on The Wonderful World of Disney. After a song from Glen Campbell, Julie rides the Monorail into the new resort, explaining, “This is a world of lakes and waterways, of incredible new rides and illusions, of wildlife sanctuaries for nature’s creatures, as well as camping grounds and golf courses and all a manner of wonderful things for the human species. Best of all, it is a place to stir the imagination and instill a sense of good for tomorrow. A joyful land built by an inspired dreamer for other dreamers, and dreams still to come.” With music, comedy, and variety, viewers get their first glimpse at the all-new Disney resort. In a tribute to Walt Disney, legendary comic Bob Hope stated, “Walt Disney always believed in the beauty and natural wonders of the world, but he felt as we passed through, we should try to add a little wonder and beauty to it. Maybe you’ll understand that Walt’s dream was just a beginning. The dream doesn’t stop here… this is the start of it.”
