Walt Disney World 20th Anniversary: Past, Present and Future (1991)

A Milestone Celebration: 20 Years of Walt Disney World Magic

“Looks like another party celebrating the 20th anniversary of Walt Disney World,” quips Michael Eisner, then CEO of The Walt Disney Company, in the opening moments of this special television event.

Originally aired in 1991, Walt Disney World 20th Anniversary: Past, Present and Future commemorates two decades of imagination, innovation, and vacation magic. With host John Lithgow guiding the way, viewers take a nostalgic and inspiring tour of the past, a celebration of the present, and a look ahead to the future of Walt Disney World.

Once Upon a Time in 1955…

This special doesn’t begin in Florida—it starts 3,000 miles away in a California orange grove with the story of Disneyland. From that humble beginning came Walt’s dream for something even bigger: an entire Vacation Kingdom. That dream became a reality on October 1, 1971, with the opening of Walt Disney World.

Through rare footage, interviews, and concept models, the special honors Walt’s original vision and the Imagineers who brought it to life.

Past, Present… and Future!

From the charm of Main Street, U.S.A. to the futuristic promise of Tomorrowland, this special celebrates the evolution of Disney parks. You’ll revisit legendary attractions like:

• The Haunted Mansion
• Pirates of the Caribbean
• Spaceship Earth at EPCOT Center
• And the just-opened Tower of Terror under construction at Disney-MGM Studios

You’ll also hear from Disney legends including Roy E. Disney, Marty Sklar, Dick Nunis, John Hench, and Card Walker—each sharing behind-the-scenes insights on the challenges, triumphs, and innovations of building Walt Disney World.

A Message for the Next Generation

Michael Eisner closes the special with a challenge: to make the next 20 years of Disney Parks just as magical as the first. And if you’ve visited Walt Disney World since 1991, you know they accepted that challenge with new parks, resorts, and technologies that continue to push the boundaries of imagination.

For more Disney Anniversary’s be sure to check out. Disneyland 10th. 25th with Danny Kaye. 30th. 35th. 40th. 50th along with the 50th-anniversary media event. and the 60th featuring Elton john.

Walt Disney World Anniversary?  Check out the 10th. 15th. 20th The Dream is Alive. 25th Party. Inside-out 25th.  25th Witching you Were here.  Remembering the Magic 25th.  25th Anniversary Resort TV Magic.