LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — Walt Disney World is preparing to mark 55 years since it first opened in Central Florida.
Magic Kingdom welcomed its first guests on Oct. 1, 1971, and Disney is celebrating the milestone with a new collection of 55th anniversary merchandise.
Disney highlighted two cast members, Frank and Earliene, who both started working at Walt Disney World on opening day and remain with the company 55 years later.
Frank now works as an Entertainment Readiness Manager with Disney Live Entertainment, while Earliene works as a merchandise hostess at Disney’s Contemporary Resort.
The anniversary collection includes shirts, hoodies, hats, Minnie ears, backpacks and tumblers commemorating Walt Disney World’s 55th anniversary.
Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
©2026 Cox Media Group






