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Parks & Travel

How It Started vs. How It’s Going at Walt Disney World® Resort

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before and after of Cinderellas castle at Walt Disney World

Since opening in 1971, Walt Disney World® Resort has delighted generations of Guests. To celebrate the Walt Disney World® Resort 50th Anniversary, we’ve gathered flashback photos from the earliest days, along with photos from today that show how the enchantment has grown. Many of the iconic attractions from opening day are still going strong, like Country Bear Jamboree, Dumbo the Flying Elephant and the fan favorites shown below.

Visit these wonders in person and join The World’s Most Magical Celebration, an 18-month event kicked off on October 1, in honor of the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World® Resort. Receive special vacation financing on select Disney vacation packages purchased with your Disney® Visa® Credit Card.1

Cinderella Castle

Cinderella Castle welcomed the first visitors to Magic Kingdom® Park and has become an instantly recognizable symbol for Walt Disney World® Resort ever since. For the 50th anniversary celebration, this icon has received a dazzling look featuring the all new prismatic treatment, EARidescence. Visit to see Cinderella Castle shimmering with vibrant hues and gold detailing by day and illuminating the park as one of the four Beacons of Magic by night.

Main Street, U.S.A.®

Since day one, Main Street, U.S.A.® has provided the perfect entrance to lead Guests into the excitement with its quaint American charm. Now, it’s home to dining destinations like the Crystal Palace, as well as extraordinary shopping destinations like the Emporium, the largest gift and souvenir shop in Magic Kingdom® Park, where Cardmembers can save 10% on select merchandise purchases of $50 or more when using the Disney Visa Card.23

Haunted Mansion

Disney fans of all ages count this wickedly fun attraction among their all-time favorites, singing along with “Grim Grinning Ghosts” and reciting the Ghost Host narration by heart. Though many of the effects and designs have remained the same over the past 50 years, you’ll notice some updates as you ride the Doom Buggy, such as the addition of a PhotoPass opportunity and a glamorous new look for the Hatbox Ghost.

Jungle Cruise

This comfortable boat ride past exotic views and animal encounters has been cruising through the decades, with many of the popular puns and Dad-worthy jokes being added over the years. The storyline has changed and expanded, and in 2015, a Jungle Cruise-themed restaurant opened. Be sure to check out Jungle Navigation Co. Ltd. Skipper Canteen and remember to use your Disney Visa Card to save 10% on your meal there most days.25

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

A Disney vacation has always been even more memorable when you stay at a Disney hotel, including the tropical fun of Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. This popular destination provides an immersive, colorful atmosphere, including the beloved tiki bar, Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto, and counter service at Pineapple Lanai, where you can redeem Disney Rewards Dollars toward trying the iconic DOLE Whip®.6

Mad Tea Party

When you’re celebrating the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World® Resort, you can celebrate your Unbirthday, too! The spinning teacups inspired by the classic animated feature Alice in Wonderland have offered Guests timeless twists and turns in Fantasyland from the very first day.

Come join the fun at The World’s Most Magical Celebration and walk in the footsteps of 50 years of Guests when you enjoy these classic attractions and more. And during your vacation, remember to treat yourself to some savings when using your Disney Visa Card at select dining locations where you can receive 10% off most days.25

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NEW + EXCLUSIVE

For New Disney® Inspire Visa® Cardmembers

$600 OFFER

A $300 Disney Gift Card eGift upon approval + earn a $300 statement credit after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.12

Learn more
NEW + EXCLUSIVE

For New Disney® Inspire Visa® Cardmembers

$600 OFFER

A $300 Disney Gift Card eGift upon approval + earn a $300 statement credit after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.12

Learn more
NEW + EXCLUSIVE

For New Disney® Inspire Visa® Cardmembers

$600 OFFER

A $300 Disney Gift Card eGift upon approval + earn a $300 statement credit after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.12

Learn more

1Special Vacation Financing

Get special vacation financing on select Disney Resort packages, all Adventures by Disney® packages, National Geographic Expeditions, all AULANI, A Disney Resort & Spa, Ko Olina, Hawai‘i vacation packages, and all Disney Cruise Line packages (collectively, Disney Vacation Packages). Disney Vacation Packages must be booked by you through the Walt Disney Travel Company, Disney Cruise Line or Adventures by Disney Travel Services, Inc., online at Disney sites or through other eligible travel agents or sites, and charged to your Disney Visa Credit Card prior to commencement of your vacation. Other restrictions and exclusions apply. New Applicants: Please refer to the applicable Pricing & Terms for pricing details: Disney Inspire Visa Card pricing↗; Disney Premier Visa Card pricing↗; Disney Visa Card pricing↗. If you received an offer in the mail, please refer to the Pricing & Terms included with that offer. You will receive complete terms and conditions for this offer once you become a cardmember. Existing Cardmembers: For complete details please refer to your Cardmember Agreement.

2Disney Theme Park & Resort Perks

Offers and offer elements including, but not limited to, participating locations and eligible items, are subject to availability, capacity limitations, closures and additional restrictions and exclusions, may change or be canceled without notice, and are not guaranteed. Must use your valid Disney Visa Card and/or Disney Rewards Redemption Card as form(s) of payment at the time of purchase for full amount of purchase to receive special offers. Merchandise discount may not be available for certain items and at certain locations including Disneyland® Resort and Walt Disney World® Resort Operating Participant locations and any other locations or kiosks that are not owned or operated by the owners of the Disneyland® Resort or Walt Disney World® Resort. To receive a merchandise discount, you must mention the specific offer. For entry into the Disney, Heroic Encounter or Star Wars Cardmember Photo Opportunities, you must present your valid Disney Visa Card. Not valid in combination with other offers, discounts, promotions or with any previous purchase. Minimum purchase and/or separate Theme Park admission and Theme Park reservation may be required. Offers are for personal use only and may not be transferred or resold. Chase is not responsible or liable for fulfillment of these Disney Theme Park and Resort perks.

3Merchandise Savings at Disney Theme Parks & Resorts

Offer and offer elements including, but not limited to, participating locations and eligible items, are subject to availability, capacity limitations, closures, and additional restrictions and exclusions, may change or be canceled without notice, and are not guaranteed. Must use your valid Disney Visa Card and/or Disney Rewards Redemption Card as form(s) of payment at the time of purchase for full amount of purchase and mention this offer. Discount is not valid on previous purchases or on purchases of the following: ticket media, Disney Gift Cards, Theme Park admission, arcades, tobacco, alcohol, outdoor vending (e.g., in-Park balloon vendors, glow vendors), Add-a-Dollar (Disney Conservation Fund), postage stamps, rentals (e.g., strollers, ECVs), personalization, Lightning Lane Single Pass, Lightning Lane Multi Pass, Disney PhotoPass® purchases (e.g., purchases through any application, website or onsite sales location), Memory Maker and Memory Maker One Day, Capture Your Moment and other photo sessions requiring reservations, select print packages, original or consignment art, select limited editions, select collectibles, select specialized toys, select specialty items (including, without limitation, one-of-a-kind art, Disney-branded original art, celebrity memorabilia, framed Disney Dollars, Artist Sketch Program, framed Disney Gift Cards, framed ticket media, Walt Disney Classics Collection, handmade products (physically touched by an artist/vendor) and artist-signed Vinylmation), purchase-with-purchase offers, select reusable shopping bags, newspapers/periodicals, books, sundries, pantry/prepared foods, digital/video/disposable cameras, consumer electronics (including, without limitation, DVDs, CDs, and software media), national branded fragrances, treatments and cosmetics, Lladró®, Swarovski® Crystal, Tiffany & Co.® Jewelry, Bvlgari®, handmade items, special orders, live auction artwork, select product launches, select premium branded items, Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, Savi's Workshop – Handbuilt Lightsabers, and Droid Depot packages, phone, internet, email or mail order purchases, shipping or taxes. Discount is not available at games, Cast Connection, Disney's Character Premiere, Disney's Character Warehouse or Walt Disney World® Resort Operating Participant locations and any other locations or kiosks that are not owned or operated by the owners of the Walt Disney World® Resort, except for Arribas Brothers locations (Crystal Arts by Arribas Brothers, Crystal Arts stores and kiosks), Balocoloc Venetian Masks at La Gemma Elegante, Basin®, Basin White®, Chapel Hats, Columbia Sportswear Company, Crown & Crest, Good Fortune Gifts and House of Good Fortune, Joffrey's coffee/tea kiosks and Tea Traders Café by Joffrey's, Just Fun Socks, Levi's®, Luxury of Time, Sanuk, Shop for Ireland at Raglan Road™, Sperry, Stance, Sugarboo & Co., and Volcom. Not valid in combination with other offers, discounts or promotions. Separate Theme Park admission and Theme Park reservation may be required. Discount is for personal use only and may not be transferred or used to purchase merchandise with the intent to resell the merchandise.

4Dining Savings at Walt Disney World® Resort

Offer and offer elements including, but not limited to, participating locations and eligible food and beverages, are subject to availability, capacity limitations, closures, and additional restrictions and exclusions, may change or be canceled without notice, and are not guaranteed. Offer excludes alcoholic beverages, select new food and beverage offerings, merchandise, tobacco, room service, holiday buffets, tax and gratuity. Must use your valid Disney Visa Card and/or Disney Rewards Redemption Card at time of purchase for full amount of purchase. Discount valid at the following restaurant locations: Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge & Villas: Boma – Flavors of Africa, Jiko – The Cooking Place (see restrictions), and Sanaa; Disney's Beach Club Resort: Beaches and Cream and Cape May Cafe; Disney's BoardWalk Inn & Villas: Flying Fish (see restrictions); Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort: Sebastian's Bistro; Disney's Contemporary Resort: Steakhouse 71; Disney's Coronado Springs Resort: Three Bridges Bar & Grill and Toledo – Tapas, Steak & Seafood; Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa: Citricos (see restrictions), Grand Floridian Cafe, and Narcoossee's (see restrictions); Disney's Old Key West Resort: Olivia's Cafe; Disney's Polynesian Village Resort: Kona Cafe; Disney's Port Orleans Resort: Boatwrights Dining Hall; Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa: The Turf Club Bar and Grill; Disney's Wilderness Lodge: Whispering Canyon Cafe; Disney's Yacht Club Resort: Ale & Compass Restaurant and Yachtsman Steakhouse; Disney's Animal Kingdom® Theme Park: Tiffins; Disney's Hollywood Studios®: Roundup Rodeo BBQ, Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant, and The Hollywood Brown Derby (see restrictions); EPCOT®: Biergarten Restaurant (see restrictions), Coral Reef Restaurant, Le Cellier Steakhouse, Rose & Crown Dining Room, and Spice Road Table; Magic Kingdom® Park: Crystal Palace, Diamond Horseshoe, Jungle Navigation Co. Ltd. Skipper Canteen, Liberty Tree Tavern, The Plaza Restaurant, and Tony's Town Square Restaurant. For locations where it is noted to see restrictions, the discount does not apply to the following dates: 11/27/2025, 12/25/2025, 12/28/2025, 12/29/2025, 12/30/2025, 12/31/2025, 1/1/2026, 1/2/2026, 2/13/2026, 2/14/2026, 2/15/2026, 4/3/2026, 4/4/2026 and 4/5/2026. Subject to restaurant availability, operating hours and closures. Reservations may be required. Not valid in combination with other offers, discounts or promotions. Separate Theme Park admission and Theme Park reservation may be required. Discount is for personal use only and may not be transferred or resold.

5Disney Rewards Dollars

Disney Rewards Dollars are subject to the Disney Rewards Dollars Terms and Conditions for Disney Visa Credit Cards available at DisneyRewards.com/Terms.

6$300 Disney Gift Card eGift with the Disney Inspire Visa Card

This product is not available to either (i) current cardmembers of this credit card, or (ii) previous cardmembers of this credit card who received a new cardmember bonus for this credit card within the last 24 months. Upon approval of your Disney Inspire Visa Card application, you will be sent your Disney Gift Card eGift via email within hours to any valid email address. The Disney Gift Card eGift can be used at select participating locations at Walt Disney World® Resort, Disneyland® Resort, Disney Cruise Line, Disney Store locations in the U.S., DisneyStore.com, and Adventures by Disney®. Disney Gift Card eGifts are redeemable for goods and services at participating Disney locations. Disney Gift Card eGifts are not refundable or redeemable for cash unless required by law. Disney Gift Card eGifts are not for resale. Disney Gift Card eGifts are issued by, and represents a legal obligation solely of, Disney Gift Card Services, Inc. Lost, damaged or stolen Disney Gift Card eGifts may be replaced only if original email and complete card number are provided. For Disney Gift Card eGift balance inquiries, call 1-877-650-4327 or visit DisneyGiftCard.com. For complete terms and conditions (including arbitration agreement), visit DisneyGiftCard.com. The value of this offer or program may result in miscellaneous income received from Chase and we may be required to send you, and file with the IRS, a Form 1099-MISC (Miscellaneous Information) or Form 1042-S (Foreign Person's U.S. Source Income Subject to Withholding) for the year in which you participate and are awarded the benefits of the offer/program. You are responsible for any tax liability related to participating in the offer/program. Please consult your own tax advisor if you have any questions about how this could affect your taxes. Chase is not responsible for the provision of, or failure to provide, the stated benefits and services. All trademarks are property of their respective owners. If your account is not open for at least 6 months, Chase and Disney reserve the right to cancel the Disney Gift Card eGift.

7$300 Statement Credit with the Disney Inspire Visa Card

This product is not available to either (i) current cardmembers of this credit card, or (ii) previous cardmembers of this credit card who received a new cardmember bonus for this credit card within the last 24 months. Offers may vary and may not be available through all application methods when applying for the Disney Visa Credit Cards. In some instances, an application may require additional time to process. To qualify and receive your $300 statement credit, you must make Purchases totaling $1,000 or more during the first 3 months from account opening. ("Purchases" do not include balance transfers, cash advances, travelers checks, foreign currency, money orders, wire transfers or similar cash-like transactions, lottery tickets, casino gaming chips, race track wagers or similar betting transactions, any checks that access your account, interest, unauthorized or fraudulent charges, and fees of any kind, including an annual fee, if applicable.) To be eligible for this bonus offer, account must be open and not in default at the time of fulfillment. After qualifying, please allow up to 8 weeks for your credit to appear in your statement.

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