10 Ways Walt Disney World Has Changed Over the Years

8. The addition of new resort hotels When Disney World opened nearly 50 years ago in October of 1971, it did so with only three resort hotels available for accommodations. They were Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort and Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground. To say the number of hotels at Disney has increased is an understatement. Over the years, value, moderate and deluxe resorts have been added. There are now 25+ to choose from. And more are in the works, with a new Star Wars-themed resort hotel coming soon, among others.