Timeline: 1981 - 1989

1981: Walt Disney World recieves the Urban Land Institute Award for Excellence.

1982: EPCOT opened on October 1st as the 2nd theme park at Walt Disney World Resort with Future World Pavilions that included The Land, Spaceship Earth, Universe of Energy and World of Motion as well as nine world Showcase Pavilions; (USA, Canada, United Kingdom, France, Mexico, Germany, Italy, China and Japan). A four mile stretch of the Walt Disney World Monarail system is completed from the ticket and transportation center to EPCOT.

1983: Horizons attraction opens in Future World, EPCOT, alongside Journey into Imaginations.
The Plaza Swan boats sailed for the last time this year.

1984: Michael Eisner becomes Chairman and CEO and Frank Wells becomes President and Chief of Operation officer of Walt Disney Productions.
The Morocco Pavilion opens in the world showcase between France and Japan.
The Country Bear Christmas special debuts at the Country Bear Jamboree at Magic Kingdom.

1985: Walt Disney Productions signs a licensing agreement with MGM/VA Entertainment, paving the way for the developement of a 3rd theme park, Disney's MGM Studios.

1986: Living Seas Pavilion opens in Future World, EPCOT.
The Golf resort adds 150 new guest rooms and its name is changed to The Disney Inn.
Construction began on Disney's MGM studios.
The Walt Disney Company announces plans for the construction of Pleasure Island.

1987: Ground-breaking ceremonies are held for Typhoon Lagoon.

1988: Mickey's Birthdayland opens at Magic Kingdom.
The Norway Pavilion opens in the World Showcase at EPCOT.
New additions to the resorts accommodations included the Grand Floridian Beach Resort, and the the Caribbean Beach Resort.
Illuminations premieres at EPCOT

1989: Disney's MGM Studio's opens on May 1st; Michael Eisner dedicates the new theme park to "Hollywood - not a place on a map but a state of mind that exists whenever people dream and wonder and imagine, a place where illusion and reality are fused by technological magic"
Typhoon Lagoon opens with one of the largest wave pools in the world. Pleasure Island also opens with 8 nightclubs.
Near EPCOT two new resorts opened. Walt Disney World Dolphin Resort, and the Walt Disney World Swan Resort.
In September, Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular debuts while in the December Star Tours joined the list of attractions.
Tony's Town Square Restaurant opened in Magic Kingdom on Main Street USA.