Walt Disney World continues to be a place of wonder and magic, attracting millions of visitors each year. From thrilling rides to enchanting experiences, there are many Walt Disney World perks that you can do today that our parents could only dream about. For example, you can now even enjoy a drink in the parks!
Over its 50-plus years, there have been some crazy things that guests used to be able to do at Walt Disney World that are no longer possible. Here are five nostalgic experiences that Disney fans will love to remember, and I’m not just talking FastPass!
1. Celebrate New Year’s Eve Every Day
You may be surprised to learn that there was a time when you could celebrate New Year’s Eve every single day. As part of the adult-centric Pleasure Island, which was located where Disney Springs now stands, visitors could enjoy nightly New Year’s Eve fireworks and festivities.
Pleasure Island at Downtown Disney. Where New Year’s Eve happened more than once a year.
From 1990 to 2005, this daily celebration featured midnight countdowns, fireworks, and revelry around a massive outdoor stage. The tradition ended suddenly in 2005. If you stayed at a Disney Resort during that time, you would remember seeing video promos on your room’s TV. It was a wild and unique Disney World experience.
2. Watch Movies and TV Shows Being Produced at Disney-MGM Studios
Disney’s Hollywood Studios, originally known as Disney-MGM Studios, opened in 1988 with a unique offering. Part of the park was dedicated to filming movies and television shows right inside Disney World. From Ernest Saves Christmas to The Golden Girls, several films and TV shows were shot within or just outside the park.
Visitors who happened to be at the park on filming days might have seen the action up close.
Bonus fact: Disney-MGM Studios also functioned as an animation studio from 1988 to 2003. Producing beloved classics like Mulan and Lilo & Stitch.
3. Swim in the Lakes at Walt Disney World Resorts
If you’ve ever experienced the heat and humidity of Central Florida, especially during the summer, you know how tempting it can be to take a dip in one of the many lakes at Walt Disney World. And believe it or not, that’s something you used to be able to do! Whether you were staying at the Contemporary Resort, Fort Wilderness, or the Polynesian Village Resort, you could swim in Bay Lake or the Seven Seas Lagoon.
This practice was stopped in 1998 due to safety concerns. The presence of Florida’s infamous alligators, which sometimes roam Disney property, made swimming in these lakes risky. I mean, you still could jump in the lakes on your own accord, but it would be mildly suicidal. Not to mention frown upon.
4. Teachers Once Got Free Admission to EPCOT in 1994
Teachers work hard to inspire their students, and in 1994, Walt Disney World recognized them. That year, the company offered free admission to EPCOT for public and private school teachers in grades K-12. This initiative was designed to spur innovation in teaching by allowing educators to experience EPCOT’s educational attractions firsthand.
EPCOT Center from 1994 welcomed teachers for free.
It was a great deal that rewarded teachers and also aimed to boost attendance at EPCOT during a time of slower-than-usual visitor numbers. This offer reflected EPCOT’s original mission to educate and inspire.
5. Disney World Tickets Used to Be Less Than $50 for a Family of Four
It’s no secret that a trip to Walt Disney World can be expensive, but did you know that in 1981, you could take a family of four to the Magic Kingdom for less than $50 per day? Back then, general admission tickets to the only Disney World park at the time were just $9.50 each. This totals $38 for a family of four.
That $38 in 1981 is equivalent to roughly $134 in 2025 when adjusted for inflation. Today, a single-day ticket to the Magic Kingdom costs between $109 and $164, depending on the day. On the cheapest day, a family of four would spend $560.20 after tax—a significant increase from 1981.
While today’s tickets offer more attractions, shows, and activities, it’s clear that the cost of visiting Disney World has skyrocketed over the years.
A lot has changed at the most magical place on Earth. Some changes are for the better, while others might leave us nostalgic for the past, but there’s no denying that Walt Disney World still holds a special place in the hearts of young and old alike.
