The Walt Disney World Story – 1977

OPENINGS
In January, Magic Kingdom Baby Care Center (presented by Gerber).

In May, Empress Lilly Riverboat restaurant dedicated by Mrs. Walt Disney.

In June, Fairway Villas, Village Verandah Restaurant, “Main Street Electrical Parade,” “Fantasy in the Sky” fireworks.

HIGHLIGHTS
Attendance: 13,057,154 for the year; single day: 82,938, on Dec. 28.

ANNUAL EVENTS
Grier Jones & Gibby Gilbert won Golf Classic/National Team Championship at 35-under-par.

Rock Hudson narrated Candlelight Processional.

SPECIAL EVENTS
Magic Kingdom events starred Steve Allen and Jayne Meadows New Year’s Eve; Sylvers for the Valentine Party; Starland Vocal Band for the Mad Hatter’s Ball; Starbuck for May Grad Nites; Mary MacGregor, Larry Gatlin and Roy Clark at other entertainment events.

CELEBRATED GUESTS
King Hussein of Jordan; Prime Minister Robert D. Muldoon of New Zealand; President Alfredo Stroessner of Paraguay; Mrs. Anwar Sadat of Egypt; First Lady of Mexico Senora Carmen Lopez-Portillo; Sen. George McGovern, South Dakota; Bob Hope.