The History of Disney World – 10 Steps To the Birth of The Most Visited Theme Park On The Planet

We’ve walked its’ sunny streets lined with rides, shops and attractions. Been inspired by the World Showcase and futuristic lands in EPCOT. Ridden on the monorail, trains and water slides at the various parks. But have you ever wondered how this magical destination in Florida was born? We’ve pulled together interesting facts behind the planning and building of the most visited theme park in the world. Enjoy!

1. The Math and Method Behind Walt’s Inspiration for Disney World Resort:

Disney conducted market surveys that concluded that only 5% of Disneyland’s visitors came from east of the Mississippi River, where 75% of the population of the United States lived. This fueled Walt Disney’s dream of developing a park in the eastern U.S. in an area where he could purchase a much larger area of land. This way he could have plenty of room for expansion and provide a buffer around the resort, as he disliked many of the businesses that had sprung up around Disneyland.

2. Scope of the project:

Disney World covers 42,000 acres, houses 24 themed resort hotels, four theme parks, two water parks, four golf courses, in addition to many other recreational and entertainment venues including Downtown Disney and Disney’s Boardwalk.

3. The Park’s Debut:

Magic Kingdom was the first theme park to open followed by Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

4. The Loss of a Visionary:

Disney World Resort complex was developed by Walt Disney in the 1960s, but regrettably, Walt died in 1966 before construction even began on “The Florida Project.” Roy O. Disney, Walt’s brother, delayed his retirement so that he could oversee the first phase of construction of Disney World Resort.

5. Red Tape #1:

After much lobbying, the Government of Florida gave The Walt Disney Company the standard powers and autonomy of a city that was incorporated. Original plans called for the addition of an “Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow” (EPCOT), that would serve as a test bed for new innovations in city living.

6. Working Under the Radar:

To avoid a rush of land speculators, Disney setup various dummy corporations which acquired 27,433 acres of land. “American Development and Management Corporation” and the “Reedy Creek Ranch Corporation” were two such dummy companies (some of these names are now memorialized on a window above Main Street, U.S.A. in the Magic Kingdom).

7. The Secret is Out:

Following the purchase of the lion share of the land, the true owner of the property was leaked to the Orlando Sentinel newspaper on October 20, 1965. By November 15th a press conference was held at which Walt Disney explained the plans for the site. One of the more exciting aspects of the plan was EPCOT, the Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow. Originally designed to become a working city with both commercial and residential areas showcasing and testing new concepts for urban living.

8. Red Tape #2:

February 2, 1967, Roy Disney held a press conference where he emphasized the role of EPCOT. To further make his point, a film was played which was recorded by Walt Disney before his death explaining their plans for Disney World. Following the film, Disney explained that for Disney World and EPCOT to succeed a special district would need to be formed. Legislation forming the district, which would be comprised of two cities, became law on May 12, 1967. As part of their powers of an incorporated city, the district would have immunity from any and all future county or state land-use laws. So now, to this day, the only county and state oversight that Disney must adhere to are for property taxes and elevator inspections. Nice huh?

9. Construction:

Work then began in earnest on the Resort complex, first with drainage canals followed by the first roads into the property followed by the construction of Magic Kingdom. The first segment of Disney World Resort to open were The Palm and Magnolia golf courses. The Contemporary Resort, Polynesian Village and Fort Wilderness were also ready for guests at the parks opening on October 1, 1971.

10. The Birth of Walt’s Dream:

Time to get out the kleenex: On opening day, Roy O. Disney dedicated the property and declared it would be known as Walt Disney World in his brother’s honor. “Everyone has heard of Ford Cars. But have they all heard of Henry Ford, who started it all? Walt Disney World is in memory of the man who started it all, so people will know his name as long as Walt Disney World is here.” Following the dedication, Roy Disney inquired of Walt’s widow, Lillian, what her thoughts were about the new park. According to biographer Bob Thomas she said, “ I think Walt would have approved.” Less than three months after the property opened, Roy O. Disney died on December 20, 1971.

We hope you were inspired by this historical account of the inception, planning, construction and dedication of Disney World Resort. The scope of Walt’s dream was epic, his commitment to detail was legendary and his love of bringing magic to life was a gift to us all. Thank you Walt for not giving up on your dreams. We will never forget you!

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The Disney World Resort Project Timeline

1965	Walt Disney announces Florida Project
1966	Walt Disney dies of lung cancer at age 65
1967	Construction of Walt Disney World Resort begins
1971	Magic Kingdom Palm and Magnolia Golf Courses Disney’s Contemporary Resort Disney’s Polynesian Resort Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground Roy O. Disney dies at age 78
1972	Disney’s Village Resort
1973	The Golf Resort
1974	Discovery Island
1975	Walt Disney Village Marketplace
1976	Disney’s River Country
1980	Walt Disney World Conference Center
1982	Epcot
1986	The Disney Inn
1988	Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
1989	Disney-MGM Studios Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Pleasure Island
1990	Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resort Walt Disney World Swan Walt Disney World Dolphin
1991	Disney’s Port Orleans Resort French Quarter Disney Vacation Club Disney’s Old Key West Resort
1992	Disney’s Port Orleans Resort Riverside (Dixie Landings) Bonnet Creek Golf Club
1994	Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Shades of Green
1995	Disney’s All-Star Music Resort Disney’s Blizzard Beach Disney’s Fairy Tale Wedding Pavilion Walt Disney World Speedway
1996	Disney Institute Disney’s BoardWalk Inn and BoardWalk Villas
1997	Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex Downtown Disney West Side
1998	Disney’s Animal Kingdom DisneyQuest
1999	Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort
2000	The Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
2001	Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
2002	Disney’s Beach Club Villas
2003	Disney’s Pop Century Resort
2004	Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
2007	Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas
2008	Disney-MGM Studios is renamed Disney’s Hollywood Studios
2009	Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort Treehouse Villas
2011	Golden Oak at Walt Disney World Resort
2012	Disney’s Art of Animation Resort Phase 1 of New Fantasyland
2013	The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
2014	Phase 2 of New Fantasyland

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Do you have any interesting facts to share about Disney World Resort? We’d love to hear from you. Please include your thoughts in the comments below: