History of Walt Disney World in Timeline

Walt Disney World Resort, located near Orlando, Florida, is a massive entertainment complex that opened on October 1, 1971. Operated by Disney Experiences, it spans approximately 27,000 acres. As a pioneering entertainment resort complex, it is a cornerstone in popular culture. The resort is one of the most iconic and popular destinations in the world.

1912: Lots platted by Munger Land Company

In 1912, the Munger Land Company platted five-acre lots that Walt Disney Productions later acquired to avoid land speculation.

1955: Disneyland Opens

In 1955, Disneyland opened in Anaheim, California. It inspired Walt Disney to develop Walt Disney World in Florida to supplement the original theme park.

1959: Walt Disney Productions Begins Land Search

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

November 1963: Disney Surveys Orlando Site

In November 1963, Walt Disney flew over a potential site in Orlando, Florida and ultimately selected a centrally located site near Bay Lake.

April 1964: Land Acquisition Begins

In April 1964, real estate agents began making offers to landowners in Orange and Osceola counties to secretly acquire land for Walt Disney World.

May 1965: Land Transactions Recorded

In May 1965, major land transactions for Walt Disney World were recorded in Osceola County, Florida, using dummy corporations to avoid speculation.

May 20, 1965: Orlando Sentinel Acknowledges Rumor

On May 20, 1965, the Orlando Sentinel published an article acknowledging the rumor of Disney building an "East Coast" version of Disneyland, but the publication denied its accuracy.

October 1965: Sentinel Visits Disneyland

In October 1965, Emily Bavar from the Sentinel visited Disneyland and interviewed Walt Disney about land purchases in Central Florida.

October 21, 1965: Sentinel Predicts Disney Theme Park in Florida

On October 21, 1965, Emily Bavar wrote a story predicting that Disney was building a second theme park in Florida, based on her visit to Disneyland.

November 15, 1965: Official Reveal of Disney World

On November 15, 1965, Walt Disney officially revealed Disney World alongside Florida Governor Haydon Burns in Orlando, Florida.

November 16, 1965: Walt Disney Visits Site

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

May 26, 1966: Walt Disney Visits Site for Second Time

On May 26, 1966, Walt Disney visited and toured the Walt Disney World site for the second and last time during his lifetime.

December 15, 1966: Walt Disney Dies

On December 15, 1966, Walt Disney passed away due to complications from lung cancer before his vision for Walt Disney World was fully realized.

February 2, 1967: Press Conference Held by Roy O. Disney

On February 2, 1967, Roy O. Disney held a press conference where he emphasized the role of EPCOT and the formation of the Reedy Creek Improvement District with two cities inside it, Bay Lake and Reedy Creek.

May 12, 1967: Reedy Creek Improvement Act Signed into Law

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

May 1967: Reedy Creek Improvement District granted to Disney

In May 1967, Florida Governor Claude Kirk signed into law legislation which granted the Walt Disney Company special status through The Reedy Creek Improvement District.

May 1967: Creation of Reedy Creek Improvement District

In May 1967, the State of Florida created the Reedy Creek Improvement District (RCID) at Disney's request, a governing jurisdiction providing various services to the area.

1967: Construction Begins

In 1967, construction began on Walt Disney World, with the initial plans for a planned community being abandoned in favor of a resort similar to Disneyland.

1968: Supreme Court Ruling on Tax-Exempt Bonds

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

October 1, 1971: Walt Disney World Resort Opens

On October 1, 1971, the Walt Disney World Resort, an entertainment complex located southwest of Orlando, Florida, officially opened its doors to the public. Operated by Disney Experiences, the resort quickly became an iconic destination in the world of entertainment.

December 20, 1971: Roy O. Disney Dies

On December 20, 1971, Roy O. Disney died at the age of 78, less than three months after the opening of Walt Disney World.

1971: Magic Kingdom Opens

In 1971, Magic Kingdom opened as the first theme park in the Walt Disney World complex.

1971: Admission Prices Set

In 1971, admission prices for Walt Disney World were set at $3.50 for adults, $2.50 for juniors under age 18, and $1 for children under twelve. Rides were charged for individually, using a graduated price ticketing system.

1971: Walt Disney World Golf Classic Held

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

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 original Progress City concept. Later, the park was renamed to EPCOT in 1996.

1989: Disney-MGM Studios Theme Park Opens

In 1989, Disney-MGM Studios Theme Park, which would later be known as Disney's Hollywood Studios, opened as the third theme park in Walt Disney World.

April 1993: Disney Wilderness Preserve Established

In April 1993, the Disney Wilderness Preserve was established when Disney purchased 8,500 acres of land for rehabilitating wetland ecosystems and subsequently transferred the land to The Nature Conservancy.

1994: Lawsuit over Disney Security Records

Following the death of their son at the resort in 1994, Bob and Kathy Sipkema sued Disney and the Reedy Creek Improvement District for access to Disney Security records. The court characterized Disney security as a "night watchman" service, not a law enforcement agency, meaning it is not subject to Florida's open records laws.

1996: EPCOT Center Renamed to EPCOT

In 1996, EPCOT Center was renamed to EPCOT.

1998: Disney's Animal Kingdom Opens

In 1998, Disney's Animal Kingdom opened as the fourth theme park in Walt Disney World.

1999: FastPass+ begins

In 1999, FastPass+ which had been free since its introduction began.

September 11, 2001: Increased Security Measures

Since September 11, 2001, uniformed security has been stationed outside each Disney park in Florida to search guests' bags as they enter the parks.

2005: Disney's Magical Express begins

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

2006: Meg Crofton Oversees Walt Disney World

Since 2006, Meg Crofton had overseen the Walt Disney World resort.

2008: Disney-MGM Studios Renamed Disney's Hollywood Studios

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

October 2009: Disney World Announces Town Twinning Competition

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

December 2009: Disney World Twinned with Swindon

In December 2009, Disney World announced that it would be twinned with the English town of Swindon after Rebecca Warren won the 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 Held

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

October 27, 2014: Permanent FAA Prohibited Airspace Zone

As of October 27, 2014, Walt Disney World is covered by a permanent FAA prohibited airspace zone restricting all airspace activities, including drone usage, without federal government approval.

2014: Disney World occupied nearly 25,000 acres

By 2014, the Walt Disney World resort occupied nearly 25,000 acres (39 sq mi; 101 km), an area larger than Manhattan, New York City.

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, to provide enhanced security.

January 21, 2016: Management Structure Changed

On January 21, 2016, the resort's management structure was changed, with theme park general managers being in charge of an area or land, instead of on a functional basis.

April 3, 2017: Bag Checkpoints at Magic Kingdom Entryways

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

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

On October 18, 2017, it was announced that visitors 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 Controversy

In October 2018, The Wall Street Journal reported that Walt Disney World parks were becoming a popular, albeit illegal, spot for families to scatter the ashes of loved ones, with The Haunted Mansion at Magic Kingdom being the favorite location. Anyone caught spreading cremated remains is escorted from the park.

December 2018: Disney acquired nearly 3,000 acres

Between December 2018 and April 2020, the company 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 exceeding 58 million visitors.

2018: Theme Park Rankings

In 2018, the resort's four theme parks all ranked in the top 9 on the list of the 25 most visited theme parks in the world: Magic Kingdom, Disney's Animal Kingdom, EPCOT, and Disney's Hollywood Studios.

2019: Josh D'Amaro became president of the resort.

In 2019, Josh D'Amaro replaced George Kalogridis as president of the Walt Disney World resort.

2019: NBA Bubble

In 2019, 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.

2019: Walt Disney World Payroll

In 2019, Walt Disney World's total payroll was over $3 billion.

2019: Disney Skyliner Opening

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

February 2020: Bob Chapek promoted to CEO of the Walt Disney Company

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

March 12, 2020: Disney World and Disneyland Paris to temporarily close

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 COVID-19 pandemic

Disney World and Disneyland Paris began temporarily closing on March 15, 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

April 2020: Disney acquired nearly 3,000 acres

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

May 2020: Josh D'Amaro promoted to chairman of Disney Parks

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

June 2020: 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.

July 11, 2020: Disney World Reopened with Restrictions

On July 11, 2020, Disney World officially reopened, beginning operations 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 at all times, all guests had their temperature taken upon entry, plexiglass was installed, and shows were not offered.

October 2020: Attendance Capacity Restrictions

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

October 2020: Attendance Limits due to COVID-19

In October 2020, maximum Disney World attendance was still limited to 25% capacity due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which significantly reduced annual attendance and potentially lowered revenue and visitor numbers to the Orlando region.

November 2020: Walt Disney World Increases Capacity

In November 2020, Walt Disney World increased guest capacity to 35% at all four theme parks.

2020: Disney World layoffs and capacity restrictions

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

2020: Cast Member Employment

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

May 13, 2021: Walt Disney World Increases Capacity

On May 13, 2021, Disney CEO Bob Chapek announced an immediate increase of guest capacity at Walt Disney World, but did not specify the new capacity level.

June 2021: Walt Disney World Lifts Temperature Checks and Mask Mandates

By mid-June 2021, Walt Disney World lifted temperature checks and mask mandates (except while on Disney transportation).

July 2021: COVID-19 Vaccination Mandate

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, and aimed to return to full capacity for people who are immunized.

July 2021: Walt Disney World Reinstates Mask Mandates

In late July 2021, Walt Disney World reinstated mask mandates for all attractions and indoor areas in light of new guidance issued by the Centers for Disease Control as the delta variant drove a significant increase in local cases.

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: Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary Celebration Begins

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

January 2022: Disney's Magical Express service ends

Disney's Magical Express, a complimentary transportation and luggage service offered to Walt Disney Resort guests that began in 2005, ended in January 2022.

February 2022: Walt Disney World Lifts Reinstated Mask Mandates

In February 2022, Walt Disney World lifted the mask mandates that had been reinstated the previous year.

April 2022: Walt Disney World Lifts Mask Mandates on Transportation

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

April 22, 2022: Florida ends Disney's self-governing status

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

March 31, 2023: End of "The World's Most Magical Celebration"

On March 31, 2023, the 18 consecutive months of "The World's Most Magical Celebration" which was to celebrate the resort's 50th anniversary, came to an end.

May 2023: Governor Ron 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: Reedy Creek Under State Jurisdiction

On June 1, 2023, Walt Disney World's Reedy Creek Improvement District came under the legal jurisdiction of the state of Florida, following legislation signed into law by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis on April 22, 2022.

June 2023: Law abolishing Reedy Creek Improvement District goes into effect

In June 2023, the law abolishing The Reedy Creek Improvement District which the Walt Disney Company had used to run the area since May 1967, went into effect.

2023: Union Contract Negotiation

In 2023, a new union contract was negotiated and put into effect, setting the starting hourly rate for part-time and full-time Cast Members at 17 dollars per hour.

2023: Reedy Creek Improvement District Renamed

In 2023, the Reedy Creek Improvement District (RCID) was renamed the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District (CFTOD).

2024: Disney owned and operated resort hotels and Disney Vacation Club (DVC) villas

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 announces "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.