The History of Walt Disney World

In 1955, Mr. Walt Disney inaugurated Disneyland in Anaheim, California, and despite a somewhat challenging start, he achieved great success in its creation. Market reports conducted that same year showed that a significant portion of the US population resided east of the Mississippi River, a market that Mr. Disney wanted to tap into. Additionally, he was dissatisfied with the types of businesses that had sprung up around the park and sought an opportunity to have more control over a larger piece of land.

In 1959, Walt Disney Productions began the search for a suitable piece of land, and after exploring various locations, Mr. Disney liked what he saw in Orlando. In 1963, he flew over the city and was impressed by the well-developed transportation networks and the presence of McCoy Air Force Base. Over the next three years, land deals in Orlando were negotiated through dummy companies to avoid raising suspicions and prices. When the news finally reached the media, a press conference was held in which Walt Disney explained the plans for the site. Unfortunately, he passed away on December 15, 1966, before witnessing the realization of his dream.

On February 2, 1967, Roy O. Disney, Walt’s brother, held a press conference where he showcased the last movie his brother produced before his death. The film emphasized the significance of EPCOT Center and eventually led to the legislation that established municipal districts, enabling the construction of the park. As the majority of the land was originally swamp, the first focus was on building drainage canals, followed by roads, and then the Magic Kingdom itself. Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Polynesian Resort, and Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground were completed in time for the park’s opening on October 1, 1971. The park was dedicated to Walt Disney and named Walt Disney World by his brother Roy, who unfortunately passed away just three months after its opening.

EPCOT Center was a concept developed by Walt Disney late in his life and was the main driving force behind the purchase of the Orlando property. EPCOT is an acronym for Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow. He intended for the planned city to stimulate new developments in American businesses. He envisioned it as an ever-evolving project, constantly testing and showcasing new innovations and technologies for the public. Although his vision of a complete futuristic city was not realized, EPCOT Center remains a central icon at Walt Disney World, representing both its founder and his visionary ideas.

When the Magic Kingdom opened in 1971, the site employed 5,500 cast members. Presently, it has 66,000 employees. As the largest single-site employer in the US, Walt Disney World operates the Walt Disney World College Program and International College Program, which are highly regarded in business circles. Many of the front-line cast members working in the park also reside in various Disney-owned apartment buildings located on the grounds.

The Magic Kingdom is one of the four theme parks at Walt Disney World and was the first one to be built. It is most famous for Cinderella Castle, a towering white and blue castle with multiple turrets. It reaches a height of 496 feet at its tallest point but appears even taller due to an optical illusion. Many Disney holiday specials offer tours of Cinderella’s castle along with their Orlando hotel packages.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios is the third of the four theme parks to be built (in 1989), and its theme revolves around the entertainment industry, particularly focusing on the 1930s and 1940s. Movie enthusiasts enjoy this park as it provides various interactive film and television “sets” where visitors can immerse themselves and pretend to be part of the production.

Walt Disney World Resort was the visionary concept of Walt Disney, and thanks to his brother Roy, we have witnessed its realization. Although Walt’s envisioned city could not be constructed, the passion and creativity that drove him have been embodied in the parks that bear his name for several decades to come. One can’t help but wonder if Walt, even to this day, gazes down and finds joy in witnessing the awe-filled expressions of young ones as they lay their eyes on Cinderella Castle for the first time.

Manuel Marino

Manuel Marino is a seasoned Senior Producer, Music Composer, and Artist with over a decade of experience. He specializes in branded entertainment across various mediums, including video games, films, and advertising campaigns. With 20+ years as a game music composer, Manuel has worked on numerous platforms, creating diverse orchestral soundtracks. HIRE ME