On This Date Chelsea Southworth

On October 1st, 1771, Walt Disney World opened near Orlando, Florida. The first park that opened is today the most famous: the Magic Kingdom. The park is divided into six themed lands: Main Street, Adventureland, Frontierland, Liberty Square, Fantasyland, and Tomorrowland. Though it didn't change the game of politics or end a war between nations, the opening of Disney World was still an impactful event on America, and remains so to this day. Disney World is like a small-scale representation of America: on one hand, it celebrates youth and imagination, and is a place where everyone can have fun and be a kid again; on the other hand, it's systematically designed to squeeze every cent of money possible from you, with overpriced concessions and souvenirs that you have no choice but to buy, lest you want your child to start bawling. It's also an American icon; everyone can recall pestering their parents to take them to Disney World, and many fondly remember meeting Mickey or giving their favorite princess a hug.