The Orlando Sentinel from Orlando, Florida • Page 42

Walt Disney World JfegdOER rlanuo Orlando evening star Wednesday, October 27, 1971 1-D Dedication hails man's imagination I yllli rw i lb The man behind it all, the dreamer, was not there. But his lit mt i i IJ f-li I 1 I- I presence couia oe Ten, ana many inousanas gazea in awe ut what he had started. The small bronze plaque summed up what it all meant. It said: "Walt Disney World is a tribute to the philosophy and life of Walter Elias Disney." i The plaque was unveiled Monday, the closing day of Grand Opening weekend. Visitors admitted to the park during the three day period approached 100,000.

The crush of people was evidence of how one man's dream had become a reality. And though several expressed sorrow that the man behind it all was not there to see his $400-million creation, raspy-voiced Andy Devine said what others must have thought: "Actually, I feel Walt is here. And he probably has the best seat in the house." Th rlimriY of ddirntion camA with thf rrnth of cymbals and a herald of trumpets. It was a 1,076 piece marching band, led by Meredith "Music Man" Willson. a -i.

l.jj.j i i i iL ri fi Inuunrl tho cnorrnrnlnr nnrnrit rinwn Mnin Stroot USA I'i r.v I i aIj. rv Monday was also an important day for Roy Disney, broth- .1 I p. i a til i er ot me areamer. Koy uisney was presenrea wim an amen- can flag from President Richard Nixon. TL.

tl I 1 I 1.J1L. Is 1 I 7 1 I f. My v- i II 1 i ne rresiaeru cmeT aiae, n. naiueman, presemea ine flag to Disney and told him it was the first one ever presented personally by the President to anyone. The flag flew briskly over Main Street U.S.A., as final dedication ceremonies were completed and the last roll of film was shot for an NBC national television spectacular to be shown Friday evening.

Florida's first family made up only a tiny fraction of the Vi- many celebrities on hand to dedicate the park. bov. Keubin Askew paid tribute to the vast imagination of Walt Disney, I Ml A k- 1 1 123 i and to the park, by vowing he would return. "There's just too much we haven't seen," the governor said of the 'Vacation Kingdom, 40 times the size of California's Disneyland. The plaque Monday not only eulogized Walt Disney, it also acknowledged the many people who worked to make his dream materialize, saying it was a tribute to "the talents, the dedication, and the loyalty of the entire Disney organization that made Walt Disney's dream come true." "May Walt Disney World bring Joy and Inspiration and New Knowledge to all who come to this happy place A Magic Kingdom where the young at heart of all ages can laugh and play and learn together." The plaque was signed by Roy Disney.

If only his brother could have seen it, he said, Walt Disney would have thoroughly enjoyed his creation. Below, all the Disney characters come alive, colorfully costumed, greeting and dancing with guests. From left, Deborah Latham from Miami, dances with Donald Duck, Snow White with Dopey strolls through Park, Stacy Trammell of Jacksonville tries on Mickey Mouse hat, and at right, Mickey at the end of each day, leads parade. Characters dance down Main Street U.S.A. officially dedicating Walt Disney World.

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