Disney World's Transformation From The 60s To Today (In Pictures)

Since its opening in 1971, Disney World has made several renovations to keep up with the times. The theme park is beloved by the young and old, and its transformation since opening day to now shows a dramatically different park.

Not only have rides become more technologically advanced, but our favorite Disney characters like Mickey and Minnie have received their makeovers, making them look just a little more kid-friendly. Photos from the past up until now even show us that some of the oldest rides have stood the test of time and will always be a family favorite, including Dumbo The Flying Elephant.

However, what does remain the same is people's love for Disney World and the special sense of wonder and magic it brings visitors no matter what age. Here are 15 photos of Disney World's transformation from its opening day to today that show its captivating changes.

15 Disney World's Transformation From The Past To Now Is Fascinating

Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida was founded nearly 50 years ago and is still the most magical place on earth. However, things have changed over the years including tearing down old rides to keep up with today's Disney fan. Attractions that are coming soon to the park include Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway and Remy's Ratatouille Adventure.

14 Even Mickey And Minnie Have Gotten Makeovers

Besides the theme parks, rides and restaurants, Disney World is known for its character experiences where families can meet and take photos with these famous faces. We can't imagine any child wanting to stand near Mickey and Minnie in the left photo, so thankfully, Disney gave the famous duo a major makeover adding a lot more color to them and giving them proportionate heads.

13 Popular Rides Are Shinier And Capture Our Eyes

Many rides have stood the test of time at Disney World, including "Dumbo The Flying Elephant," "Space Mountain," and "It's A Small World" to name a few. However, these famous attractions have received their fair share of updates, including making them a lot more vibrant, to keep up with the rides around them.

12 Disney World Has Updated With The Times

It seems like there is a new renovation happening at Disney World every year. When it opened to the public in 1971, there was only one theme park, Magic Kingdom, and three resorts nearby. Today, there are four huge theme parks, including Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, and Magic Kingdom, along with more than 25 resorts near the property.

11 Our Favorite Pals Look A Lot Friendlier

Just like Mickey and Minnie, pretty much every famous Disney character has gotten their very own makeover. From Winnie the Pooh to Peter Pan, current characters look a lot friendlier, colorful, and welcoming than those of the past. Plus, Disney continues to include more characters to their park, including Frozen's Elsa and Anna and Princess Elena of Elena of Avalor.

10 Rides Are More Thrilling

Everyone wants to experience some sort of thrill when they go to a theme park and over the years Disney World has created all sorts of attractions to get visitors excited. In 1994, Disney opened the famous The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror and for Animal Kingdom, opened the exciting Expedition Everest in 2006.

9 "Themed Lands" Look Way More Enhanced

Along with Disney characters and rides, the six lands, which consist of Main Street U.S.A., Tomorrowland, Fantasyland, Frontierland, Liberty Square, and Adventureland, all had their own upgrades whether it was new rides or a well-needed paint job. Tomorrowland, a theme park depicting the future, definitely had to continue to keep up with new and exciting technological advances every year.

8 Visitors Still Get To Meet Beloved Disney Characters

What hasn't changed are the amazing Disney characters that can be found throughout the park. From Disney princesses like Snow White and Ariel to beloved characters like Woody and Buzz Lightyear, families can find their favorite characters and even show their kids which characters where their favorite when they grew up.

7 Main Street USA Has Always Been A Special Place For Families

Main Street U.S.A. hasn't changed much, but Disney World visitors will notice interiors are different from the past, but exteriors remain largely the same besides a few color changes to make buildings look more vibrant and lively. Walt Disney wanted to create a space for families to enjoy a day together and did just that with this special part of the park.

6 Some Of The Oldest Attractions Are Still Around

Older attractions like "It's A Small World" was once one of the most popular rides in the park. The boat ride takes visitors through rooms with singing dolls that represent different countries around the world. Today, with so many new faster attractions, the ride rarely exceeds a 30-minute wait time.

5 Parades And Shows Are Stepping Up Their Game Every Year

Parades were a lot simpler 30 years ago with famous characters like Mickey, Dumbo, and Pluto walking up and down Main Street to say hello to visitors. Today, there are large floats, music, dancing, and performers that make for a very thrilling experience for the entire family.

4 Taking Photos In Front Of Cinderella's Castle Continues Today

Taking photos in front of Cinderella's Castle is always a must-do when visiting Disney World. Cinderella's Castle is iconic and today, everyone wants to capture the perfect shot in front of it. There are now tons of blog posts about how to capture the best shot near the castle and avoid the huge crowds surrounding it!

3 The Park Is Way More Technologically Advanced

Disney World is known for including the latest cutting-edge technology in its parks. Theme parks are getting more creative thanks to an innovative Imagineering team that works hard to give visitors the best and most memorable experience.

2 It's Hard To Realize You're At A Resort That's Nearly 50 Years Old

Disney World looks nothing like it did when it opened to visitors in 1971 and that's because it is keeping up with the times. New attractions are being added every year, while outdated ones are either being taken out or swapped for something grander. However, one thing that stays the same is the magic visitors feel when they enter the park.

1 Even Cinderella's Castle Is Getting A Huge Makeover

Even Cinderella's Castle is getting a makeover! Earlier this year, it was announced that the famous castle in the Magic Kingdom will undergo renovations including a new paint job that will turn the castle pink with gold embroidery and bolder colors. The refurbishments are being done to celebrate Walt Disney World's 50th Anniversary in 2021.

Next: Las Vegas’ Transformation In The Last 50 Years, In 20 Pictures