Disney in 1971
Last Updated on: September 10th, 2024
The Walt Disney Company has a rich and lengthy history with decades of amazing movies, shows and park experiences.
Here is a quick rundown of everything that happened in the world of Disney in the year 1971. I hope you find this lookback in time helpful and entertaining.
Disney 1971 Company Headlines:
The dominant Disney headline in 1971 is the opening of their massive Florida project in October. This was the realization of Walt’s dream and the biggest project in company history. More to come about this event in a bit.
Almost equal in impact to the future of the company was the passing of Walt’s brother and CEO of the company since Walt’s death, Roy O. Disney on December 21, 1971. Not only was this a sad event and the end of an important chapter in company history, but it also ushered in the company’s first CEO that wasn’t a member of the Disney family. Donn Tatum was quickly named Chairman and CEO of the Company after Roy’s death.
Disney 1971 Movies Headlines:
In 1971, Disney released several movies, including:
- January 20 – The Wild Country
- March 17 – The Barefoot Executive
- June 22 – Scandalous John
- September 1 – The Million Dollar Duck
- December 13 – Bedknobs and Broomsticks
As was custom at this time, Disney also re-released a number of classic movies to theaters in 1971:
- June 23 – 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea
- July 7 – Pinocchio
- December 17 – Lady and the Tramp
Overall, 1971 was a busy year for Disney, with a mix of new live-action films and the release of animated classics.
Disney 1971 Parks Headlines:
Disneyland Headlines:
In 1971, with so much of the company’s focus on opening the new Florida park, things were a bit quieter at the Disneyland theme park in Anaheim, California than in the past. There were a couple of additions to the park including:
- The All American College Band
- The River Belle Terrace restaurant
Other park changes included:
- Renaming the Indian War Canoes to Davy Crockett’s Explorer Canoes
- Closing the Magnolia Tree Terrace restaurant
- Closing the Indian Village attraction
Overall, 1971 was not as significant a year for Disneyland as previous years with classic attractions like the Haunted Mansion, It’s a Small World and The Pirates of the Caribbean opening in the park in the immediate years prior. This lull in Disneyland activity won’t last long as you will see in future installments of this series.
Disney World Headlines:
In 1971, Walt Disney World Resort opened in Orlando, Florida, with the following attractions and features:
- Magic Kingdom: The Magic Kingdom theme park opened with many classic Disney attractions, such as Cinderella Castle, It’s a Small World, Swiss Family Treehouse, Jungle Cruise, Country Bear Jamboree, The Hall of Presidents, The Haunted Mansion, Dumbo the Flying Elephant, Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride, Snow White’s Scary Adventures, Grand Prix Speedway, Walt Disney World Railroad and the Skyway.
- Resorts: Two resorts opened in 1971, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort and Disney’s Contemporary Resort, providing guests with themed accommodations and dining options.
- Transportation: The Walt Disney World Resort launched the Monorail System, which transported guests from the Magic Kingdom to the resorts and other attractions. They also offered ferryboat and bus transportation around the resort.
- Campgrounds: The Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground opened with 780 campsites, allowing guests to enjoy the great outdoors in the heart of Walt Disney World.
Also, in December, the inaugural Walt Disney World Open golf tournament was held at the resort’s Magnolia Course.
Overall, the opening of Walt Disney World in 1971 was a significant milestone for the Disney Company, as it marked their expansion into the East Coast and their first foray into building a full-scale vacation resort. The success of Walt Disney World helped to solidify the Disney Company’s position as a leading player in the theme park and entertainment industry.
Disney 1971 Television Headlines:
Disney didn’t launch anything new on TV in 1971, but The Wonderful World of Disney, which debut in 1969, was going still going strong every Sunday night. This long-running anthology series featured a variety of Disney movies, cartoons, and specials, as well as original programming.
Also, on October 29, 1971, The Grand Opening of Walt Disney World television special featuring Julie Andrews and Glen Campbell aired on NBC.
1971 Archive
Here is the Internet’s largest rundown of all the Disney movies, TV shows, park attractions and more released or opened in the year 1971. New entries added daily, so be sure to check back often.
Disney Movies Released in 1971
The Million Dollar Duck
Scandalous John
The Barefoot Executive
Bedknobs and Broomsticks
Disney Songs Released in 1971
Don’t Let Me Down (Song)
Nobody’s Problems (Song)
The Age of Not Believing (Song)
“The Age of Not Believing” is a song from the 1971 Disney live-action/animated film “Bedknobs and Broomsticks“. The film follows the adventures of three children…
Eglantine (Song)
“Eglantine” is a song from the 1971 Disney live-action/animated musical film “Bedknobs and Broomsticks“. The song was written by the Sherman Brothers and sung in…
Portobello Road (Song)
“Portobello Road” is a song from the Disney musical film “Bedknobs and Broomsticks“. The song is featured in the movie’s opening sequence, and is sung…
With a Flair (Song)
Substitutiary Locomotion (Song)
“Substitutiary Locomotion” is a song from the 1971 Disney live-action and animated musical film “Bedknobs and Broomsticks“. The song is performed by Angela Lansbury, who…
The Beautiful Briny (Song)
“The Beautiful Briny” is a song from the 1971 Disney musical film “Bedknobs and Broomsticks“. The film follows a group of children who are sent…
A Step in the Right Direction (Song)
“A Step in the Right Direction” is a song from the Disney musical film “Bedknobs and Broomsticks“. The song was written by the Sherman Brothers…
The Bear Band Serenade (Song)
“The Bear Band Serenade” is a song from the Disney theme park attraction Country Bear Jamboree. The attraction, which opened in Disneyland in 1972 and…
Swissapolka (Song)
“Swissapolka” is a song from the 1955 Disney animated film “The Great Locomotive Chase“. The film tells the story of a group of Union soldiers…
Disney Attractions Opened in 1971
Papeete Bay Verandah | Polynesian Village Resort | Disney World
Coral Isle Cafe | Polynesian Village Resort | Disney World
South Seas Dining Room | Polynesian Village Resort | Disney World
Grand Canyon Terrace / The Terrace Buffet / The Terrace Buffeteria | Disney’s Contemporary Resort
The Gulf Coast Room | Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Top of the World | Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Here is everything you need to know about the now-closed Top of the World restaurant at Disney’s Contemporary Resort including history, reviews, fun facts, photos and more.
Adventureland Veranda | Disney World
Here is everything you need to know about the extinct Adventureland Veranda restaurant at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom including history, reviews, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!
Mike Fink Keel Boats | Disney World
Here is everything you need to know about Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom’s extinct Mike Fink Keel Boats attraction including history, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!
Frontierland Shootin’ Arcade | Disney World
Here is everything you need to know about Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom’s Frontierland Shootin’ Arcade attraction including history, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!
It’s a Small World | Disney World
Here is everything you need to know about Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom’s It’s a Small World ride including history, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!
Admiral Joe Fowler Riverboat | Disney World
Here is everything you need to know about Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom’s extinct Admiral Joe Fowler Riverboat attraction including history, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!
Penny Arcade | Disney World
Here is everything you need to know about Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom’s extinct Penny Arcade attraction including history, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!
The Campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort
Here is everything you need to know about the amazing The Campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort at Walt Disney World including history, reviews, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!
Jungle Cruise | Disney World
Here is everything you need to know about Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom’s Jungle Cruise ride including history, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!
Country Bear Jamboree | Disney World
Here is everything you need to know about Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom’s Country Bear Jamboree show including history, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!
Character Parade | Disney World
Here is everything you need to know about Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom’s extinct Character Parade including history, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!
The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort
Here is everything you need to know about the amazing The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort at Walt Disney World including history, reviews, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!
Peter Pan’s Flight | Disney World
Here is everything you need to know about Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom’s Peter Pan’s Flight ride including history, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!
Enchanted Tiki Room | Disney World
Here is everything you need to know about Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom’s Enchanted Tiki Room show including history, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!
Walt Disney World Skyway | Disney World
Here is everything you need to know about Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom’s extinct Walt Disney World Skyway ride including history, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!
Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Here is everything you need to know about the amazing Disney’s Contemporary Resort at Walt Disney World including history, reviews, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!
Dumbo the Flying Elephant | Disney World
Here is everything you need to know about Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom’s Dumbo the Flying Elephant ride including history, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!
The Hall of Presidents | Disney World
Here is everything you need to know about Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom’s The Hall of Presidents show including history, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!
Stage Door Cafe | Disneyland
Here is everything you need to know about the amazing Stage Door Cafe restaurant at Disneyland including history, reviews, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
Here is everything you need to know about the amazing Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort at Walt Disney World including history, reviews, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!
