Walt Disney Productions' The Magic of Walt Disney World - TV Version (1974)

This is the TV version on the Magic of Walt Disney World. It had originally been released in 1972 as a featurette with the comedy film Walt Disney Productions’ Snowball Express. It was expanded into an hour version in 1974 with new narration for Walt’s TV show as Space Mountain was about to open. The new narration is by actor Andrew Duggan. A TV episode like this worked much like similar Disneyland episodes that would get potential guests excited to visit the resort. This expanded version shows several attractions not included in the theatrical version of this film.

This is an incredibly historical film capturing a snapshot of Walt Disney World as it was originally built and not what it became. Several of these attractions, such as Liberty Square and the Hall of Presidents, were planned by Walt for Disneyland and work began under his supervision. Many of these places no longer exist and none of them exist as originally built. Whereas the construction of Disneyland was oversaw by Walt, Walt Disney World was over overseen by Walt’s brother Roy. In many ways, this was how Roy dealt with his grief over the loss of his brother. Admiral Joe Fowler was in charge of building each of these parks. Both are modern marvels.

Original airdate March 31, 1974

Posted for historical purposes. This channel is not affiliated with the Walt Disney Company.