History of Walt Disney World in Timeline

Walt Disney World Resort, located near Orlando, Florida, opened on October 1, 1971. Operated by Disney Experiences, a division of the Walt Disney Company, this pioneering entertainment resort complex spans nearly 25,000 acres, with about half developed. It stands as a cornerstone in popular entertainment. It is one of the most iconic entertainment resort complexes in the world.

1912: Platted Land

In 1912, the Munger Land Company platted five-acre lots that were later acquired by Walt Disney Productions in the 1960s for Walt Disney World. These lots, known as "outs", were mostly swamp and were willingly sold by their owners.

1955: Disneyland Opens

In 1955, Disneyland in Anaheim, California opened, serving as the inspiration for Walt Disney World. The success of Disneyland highlighted the demand for a similar resort on the East Coast, leading to the planning and development of Walt Disney World in Florida.

1959: Land Search Begins

In 1959, Walt Disney Productions began searching for land to build a second resort to complement Disneyland in Anaheim, California.

November 1963: Site Selection in Orlando

In November 1963, Walt Disney surveyed potential sites for Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. He chose a centrally located site near Bay Lake due to its well-developed road network and proximity to McCoy Air Force Base, which later became Orlando International Airport.

April 1964: Land Acquisition Begins

In April 1964, real estate agents, unaware of their client's identity, began making offers to landowners in Orange and Osceola counties to acquire land for Walt Disney World. They negotiated numerous land contracts discreetly.

May 1965: Land Transactions Recorded

In May 1965, major land transactions for Walt Disney World were recorded in Osceola County, Florida. Dummy corporations such as "Ayefour Corporation", "Latin-American Development and Management Corporation", and the "Reedy Creek Ranch Corporation" were used to acquire land discreetly.

May 20, 1965: Rumors of East Coast Disneyland

On May 20, 1965, an Orlando Sentinel news article acknowledged rumors that Disney was building an "East Coast" version of Disneyland. However, the publication initially dismissed the rumors based on an earlier interview with Walt Disney.

October 1965: Sentinel Visits Disneyland

In October 1965, editor Emily Bavar from the Sentinel visited Disneyland and interviewed Walt Disney about land purchases in Central Florida. Disney denied the rumors, but Bavar's research led her to predict that Disney was building a second theme park in Florida.

October 21, 1965: Disney Building a Second Theme Park

On October 21, 1965, Emily Bavar published a story predicting that Disney was building a second theme park in Florida based on her visit to Disneyland and an interview with Walt Disney.

November 15, 1965: Official Reveal of Disney World

On November 15, 1965, Walt Disney and Florida Governor Haydon Burns officially revealed the plans for Walt Disney World in Orlando. Burns called the new theme park "the greatest attraction in the history of Florida".

November 16, 1965: Walt Disney Site Visit

On November 16, 1965, the day after the press conference, Walt Disney personally visited and toured the site of Walt Disney World.

December 15, 1966: Walt Disney's Death

On December 15, 1966, Walt Disney died during the initial planning stages of Walt Disney World. His death led to uncertainty about the project's future, but his brother Roy O. Disney ensured its completion.

December 15, 1966: Death of Walt Disney

Walt Disney died on December 15, 1966, due to circulatory collapse caused by smoking-related lung cancer, before his vision for Walt Disney World was realized.

February 2, 1967: Press Conference on EPCOT and Reedy Creek

On February 2, 1967, Roy O. Disney held a press conference emphasizing the role of EPCOT and announcing the formation of the Reedy Creek Improvement District, which included the cities of Bay Lake and Reedy Creek (now Lake Buena Vista).

May 12, 1967: Reedy Creek Improvement Act

On May 12, 1967, Florida Governor Claude R. Kirk, Jr. signed the legislation forming the Reedy Creek Improvement District and the cities within it into law, including the Reedy Creek Improvement Act.

May 1967: Reedy Creek Improvement District Established

In May 1967, Florida Governor Claude Kirk signed into law legislation which granted the company special status, establishing The Reedy Creek Improvement District.

1967: Construction Begins

In 1967, construction began on Walt Disney World, focusing on building a resort similar to Disneyland. The initial plans for a planned community were abandoned.

1968: Court Approves Tax-Exempt Bonds

In 1968, the Supreme Court of Florida ruled that the Reedy Creek Improvement District could issue tax-exempt bonds for public projects within the district, even though the sole beneficiary was Walt Disney Productions.

October 1, 1971: Park Opening

On October 1, 1971, the Magic Kingdom opened, and the Contemporary Resort Hotel was completed. The Palm and Magnolia golf courses had opened a few weeks prior.

October 1, 1971: Walt Disney World Opens

On October 1, 1971, Walt Disney World Resort officially opened to the public, marking the culmination of years of planning and construction. Operated by Disney Experiences, a division of the Walt Disney Company, it quickly became an iconic entertainment destination.

December 20, 1971: Death of Roy O. Disney

Roy O. Disney died on December 20, 1971, less than three months after the opening of Walt Disney World, which he dedicated in his brother's honor.

1971: Walt Disney World Golf Classic Begins

From 1971 to 2012, the Magnolia and Palm courses played home to the PGA Tour's Walt Disney World Golf Classic.

1971: Magic Kingdom Opens

In 1971, Magic Kingdom, the first theme park in the Walt Disney World complex, opened to the public. This marked the beginning of Walt Disney World as a major entertainment destination.

1971: Admission Prices

In 1971, admission prices for Walt Disney World were $3.50 for adults, $2.50 for juniors under 18, and $1 for children under twelve. Individual ride tickets were charged separately using a graduated price ticketing system.

October 1, 1982: Individual Ride Tickets Discontinued

On October 1, 1982, individual ride tickets were discontinued at Walt Disney World with the opening of EPCOT.

1982: EPCOT Center Opens

In 1982, EPCOT Center opened as the resort's second theme park, evolving from Walt Disney's Progress City concept. It showcased new technology and international cultures.

1989: Disney-MGM Studios Opens

In 1989, Disney-MGM Studios (later Disney's Hollywood Studios) opened, inspired by show business.

April 1993: Disney Wilderness Preserve Established

In April 1993, the Disney Wilderness Preserve was established through an agreement with The Nature Conservancy and the state of Florida. Disney purchased 8,500 acres of land for wetland ecosystem rehabilitation.

1994: Lawsuit Regarding Disney Security

In 1994, Disney and the Reedy Creek Improvement District were sued for access to Disney Security records following a death at the resort.

1996: EPCOT Renamed

In 1996, EPCOT Center was renamed EPCOT.

1998: Disney's Animal Kingdom Opens

In 1998, Disney's Animal Kingdom opened as the fourth theme park in Walt Disney World, focusing on animal conservation and natural environments.

1999: Introduction of FastPass+

In 1999, FastPass+ was introduced and has been free since it's introduction.

September 11, 2001: Increased Security Measures

Beginning September 11, 2001, uniformed security personnel were stationed outside each Disney park in Florida to search guests' bags.

2005: Introduction of Disney's Magical Express

In 2005, Disney's Magical Express, a complimentary transportation and luggage service, began for Walt Disney Resort guests.

2006: Meg Crofton Oversees Site

In 2006, Meg Crofton began overseeing Walt Disney World, a position she held until being replaced by George Kalogridis in December 2012.

2008: Disney-MGM Studios Renamed

In 2008, Disney-MGM Studios was renamed Disney's Hollywood Studios.

October 2009: Town Twinning Competition

In October 2009, Disney World announced a competition to find a town to twin with.

December 2009: Resort Twinned with Swindon

In December 2009, Walt Disney World announced it would be twinned with Swindon, England, after Rebecca Warren won a competition with a poem.

December 2012: George Kalogridis Named President

In December 2012, George Kalogridis was named president of Walt Disney World, replacing Meg Crofton.

2012: Walt Disney World Golf Classic Ends

From 1971 to 2012, the Magnolia and Palm courses played home to the PGA Tour's Walt Disney World Golf Classic.

October 27, 2014: FAA Prohibited Airspace Zone

As of October 27, 2014, Walt Disney World became covered by a permanent FAA prohibited airspace zone, restricting all airspace activities without approval from the federal government of the United States.

2014: Resort Occupies Nearly 25,000 Acres

By 2014, the resort occupied nearly 25,000 acres (39 sq mi; 101 km).

2015: Enhanced Security Measures

In late 2015, Disney confirmed the addition of randomized secondary screenings and dogs trained to detect body-worn explosives within parks, in addition to metal detectors at entrances.

January 21, 2016: Management Structure Changes

On January 21, 2016, Walt Disney World changed its management structure. General managers within theme parks became responsible for an area or land instead of functional areas. Hotel general managers began managing single hotels instead of multiple.

April 3, 2017: Bag Checkpoint Expansion

Starting April 3, 2017, bag checkpoints were placed at Magic Kingdom's resort monorail entryways, the Transportation and Ticket Center's ferry entry points, and the walkway from Disney's Contemporary Resort.

October 18, 2017: Pet dogs allowed at select Disney World Resorts

On October 18, 2017, Disney World announced that resort guests could bring pet dogs to Disney's Yacht Club Resort, Disney's Port Orleans Resort – Riverside, Disney's Art of Animation Resort, and Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground.

October 2018: Ashes Scattering Trend

In October 2018, The Wall Street Journal reported that Walt Disney World parks were becoming a popular (though illegal) spot for families to scatter the ashes of loved ones.

December 2018: Disney Acquired Nearly 3,000 Acres

Between December 2018 and April 2020, Disney additionally acquired nearly 3,000 acres (5 sq mi; 12 km), in separate transactions.

2018: Most Visited Vacation Resort

In 2018, Walt Disney World was recognized as the most visited vacation resort in the world, with an average annual attendance of over 58 million visitors.

2018: Theme Park Rankings

In 2018, all four of Walt Disney World's theme parks ranked in the top 9 most visited theme parks worldwide: Magic Kingdom (1st), Disney's Animal Kingdom (6th), EPCOT (7th), and Disney's Hollywood Studios (9th).

2019: Josh D'Amaro becomes president of the resort

In 2019, Josh D'Amaro replaced George Kalogridis as president of the resort. He had previously held the position of vice president of Animal Kingdom.

2019: Payroll information

In 2019, Walt Disney World had a total payroll of over $3 billion.

2019: Disney Skyliner Opening

In 2019, the Disney Skyliner, a gondola lift system, opened, connecting Disney's Hollywood Studios and EPCOT with four resort hotels.

2019: Walt Disney World Hosts NBA Bubble

In June 2020, Walt Disney World was chosen to host the NBA Bubble for play of the 2019–20 season of the National Basketball Association (NBA) to resume at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.

February 2020: Bob Chapek Promoted to CEO

In February 2020, Bob Chapek was promoted to CEO of the Walt Disney Company.

March 12, 2020: Disney World and Disneyland Paris Announce Temporary Closure

On March 12, 2020, a Disney spokesperson announced that Disney World and Disneyland Paris would temporarily close due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

March 15, 2020: Disney World and Disneyland Paris Temporarily Closed

Due to the announcement on March 12, 2020, Disney World and Disneyland Paris closed on March 15, 2020.

April 2020: Disney Acquired Nearly 3,000 Acres

Between December 2018 and April 2020, Disney additionally acquired nearly 3,000 acres (5 sq mi; 12 km), in separate transactions.

May 2020: Josh D'Amaro Promoted to Chairman

In May 2020, Josh D'Amaro was promoted to chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products, succeeding Bob Chapek.

June 2020: Walt Disney World Chosen to Host NBA Bubble

In June 2020, Walt Disney World was chosen to host the NBA Bubble for play of the 2019–20 season of the National Basketball Association (NBA) to resume at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.

July 11, 2020: Disney World Reopens with Restrictions

On July 11, 2020, Disney World officially reopened at 25% capacity at the Magic Kingdom and Disney's Animal Kingdom, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic in Florida. Masks were required, temperatures were taken, plexiglass was installed, and large crowd shows were not offered.

October 2020: COVID-19 Impact on Attendance

In October 2020, Disney World attendance remained at a maximum of 25% capacity due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

October 2020: Attendance restrictions following COVID-19 closure

In October 2020, full capacity attendance was still not permitted at Disney World following the COVID-19 closure earlier that year.

November 2020: Resort Increased Guest Capacity

In November 2020, the resort increased the guest capacity to 35% at all four theme parks.

2020: Layoffs and Reduced Capacity at Disney World

In 2020, Disney World laid off 6,500 employees and only operated at 25% capacity after reopening during the COVID-19 pandemic.

2020: Workforce size

In 2020, Walt Disney World employed over 77,000 Cast Members.

May 13, 2021: Further Increase of Capacity Announced

On May 13, 2021, CEO Bob Chapek announced a further increase of capacity at the resort, effective immediately.

June 2021: Temperature Checks and Mask Mandates Lifted

By mid-June 2021, temperature checks and mask mandates (except while on Disney transportation) had been lifted at the resort.

July 2021: COVID-19 vaccination policy

In July 2021, Disney World announced that all its staff workers in the United States would have to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to return to work.

July 2021: Mask Mandates Reinstated

In late July 2021, mask mandates were reinstated for all attractions and indoor areas due to new guidance from the CDC.

August 2021: FastPass+ Replaced with Genie+

In August 2021, The Walt Disney Company announced that FastPass+, which had been free since its introduction in 1999, would be retired and replaced with Genie+, starting at $18 to $35 per day.

October 1, 2021: 50th Anniversary Celebration Begins

Starting on October 1, 2021, the resort honored its 50th anniversary with "The World's Most Magical Celebration", which lasted for 18 consecutive months.

January 2022: Disney's Magical Express Ends

In January 2022, Disney's Magical Express, a complimentary transportation and luggage service offered to Walt Disney Resort guests, ended.

February 2022: Mask Mandates Lifted

In February 2022, the reinstated mask mandates were lifted.

April 2022: Mask Mandates on Disney Transportation Lifted

In April 2022, following a court decision ending the federal mask mandate for public transportation, the mask mandates on Disney transportation were lifted.

April 22, 2022: End of Self-Governing Status Announced

On April 22, 2022, the self-governing status which the Walt Disney Company had in the area around Disney World for more than 50 years came to an end after Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed into law legislation requiring the area to come under the legal jurisdiction of the state of Florida.

March 31, 2023: End of 50th Anniversary Celebration

On March 31, 2023, Walt Disney World's "The World's Most Magical Celebration" ended after 18 months.

May 2023: Governor DeSantis plans to target Disney's monorail system

As of May 2023, Governor Ron DeSantis has also been planning to target Disney's monorail system and let Florida's Department of Transportation inspect the privately owned system.

June 1, 2023: End of Self-Governing Authority

On June 1, 2023, Walt Disney World's Reedy Creek Improvement District came under the legal jurisdiction of the state of Florida.

June 2023: New Law Affecting Disney's Self-Governing Status Goes into Effect

In June 2023, the law ending Disney's self-governing status went into effect, placing the area under the legal jurisdiction of the state of Florida.

2023: New Union Contract

In 2023, a new union contract was negotiated and put into effect, setting the starting hourly rate for Cast Members at $17 per hour, valid through 2027.

2023: Reedy Creek Name Change

In 2023, the Reedy Creek Improvement District (RCID) became known as the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District (CFTOD).

2024: Number of Disney owned and operated resort hotels

As of 2024, there are 31 Disney owned and operated resort hotels and Disney Vacation Club (DVC) villas at the Walt Disney World Resort, along with one camping resort, Fort Wilderness, which includes traditional campgrounds and wood cabins.

August 2025: Walt Disney World Enters "Unprecedented Era of Growth"

In August 2025, Walt Disney World officials described the resort as entering “an unprecedented era of growth,” announcing multiple new capital projects across its theme parks.

2027: Union contract validity