History of Walt Disney World in Timeline

Walt Disney World Resort, situated southwest of Orlando, Florida, is a massive entertainment complex that opened in 1971. Operated by Disney Experiences, it encompasses nearly 25,000 acres, half of which is developed. Designed for extended stays, the resort features four theme parks (Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom), two water parks, golf courses, conference centers, a sports complex, and a shopping/dining district. Accommodation options include 19 Disney-owned hotels and a camping resort, alongside other non-Disney resorts in the vicinity.

1912: Platted Five-Acre Lots

In 1912, the Munger Land Company platted five-acre lots that would later be acquired by Disney for Walt Disney World. These smaller parcels, referred to as "outs," were mostly swamp and posed a minor obstacle to Disney's land acquisition efforts in the 1960s.

1955: Disneyland's operations Prompt Search for Second Resort

In 1955, Disneyland opened in Anaheim, California. Due to it being limited in expansion due to the establishments around it, this event caused Walt Disney Productions to begin looking for land to house a second resort to supplement Disneyland.

1955: Disneyland Opens

In 1955, Disneyland opened in Anaheim, California. This served as the inspiration for Walt Disney World but was limited in expansion due to surrounding establishments.

1959: Walt Disney Productions Searches for Land

In 1959, Walt Disney Productions began searching for land to house a second resort to supplement Disneyland in Anaheim, California. Market surveys revealed low visitation from east of the Mississippi River, prompting the need for a new location.

November 1963: Walt Disney Flies Over Orlando Site

In November 1963, Walt Disney conducted an aerial survey of a potential site in Orlando, Florida, as part of the search for land for a new resort. He was drawn to the area due to its well-developed road network and planned infrastructure projects, ultimately leading to its selection for "The Florida Project."

April 1964: Land Acquisition Begins

In April 1964, real estate agents, unaware of their client's identity, began making offers to landowners in southwest Orange and northwest Osceola counties to acquire land for Walt Disney World. The agents negotiated numerous land contracts, sometimes for as little as $100 an acre, while keeping the full extent of their intentions secret to avoid speculation.

May 1965: Land Transactions Recorded

In May 1965, major land transactions were recorded in Osceola County, a few miles southwest of Orlando, as Walt Disney Productions continued its secret acquisition of land for "The Florida Project" using various dummy corporations. These transactions marked a significant step in consolidating the land needed for the development of Walt Disney World.

May 20, 1965: Orlando Sentinel Acknowledges Disney Rumor

On May 20, 1965, an Orlando Sentinel news article acknowledged a popular rumor that Disney was building an "East Coast" version of Disneyland. However, the publication denied its accuracy based on an earlier interview with Disney at Kennedy Space Center, where he claimed a $50 million investment was in the works for Disneyland.

October 1965: Emily Bavar Visits Disneyland

In October 1965, editor Emily Bavar from the Orlando Sentinel visited Disneyland during the park's 10th-anniversary celebration. During this visit, she questioned Walt Disney about the land purchases in Central Florida and authored a story predicting that Disney was building a second theme park in Florida.

October 21, 1965: Sentinel Predicts Second Theme Park

On October 21, 1965, Emily Bavar of the Orlando Sentinel authored a story predicting that Disney was building a second theme park in Florida. This was based on her research during a visit to Disneyland and Walt Disney's reaction when questioned about land purchases in Central Florida.

November 15, 1965: Official Reveal of Disney World

On November 15, 1965, the official reveal of Disney World took place in Orlando, Florida. Walt Disney joined Florida Governor Haydon Burns for the event, where they announced the new theme park as "the greatest attraction in the history of Florida".

November 16, 1965: Walt Disney Tours Site

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

May 26, 1966: Walt Disney's Second Site Visit

On May 26, 1966, Walt Disney made his second and final visit to the Walt Disney World site before his death. This visit took place during the planning stages of the project.

December 15, 1966: Walt Disney's Death

On December 15, 1966, Walt Disney passed away during the initial planning stages of Walt Disney World. His brother, Roy O. Disney, ensured that Walt's vision came to life despite this setback.

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

On February 2, 1967, Roy O. Disney held a press conference at the Park Theatres in Winter Park, Florida. The role of EPCOT was emphasized and it was explained that for Disney World, including EPCOT, to succeed, the Reedy Creek Improvement District would have to be formed.

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

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

1967: Construction Begins

In 1967, construction began on Walt Disney World, with the company focusing on building a resort similar to Disneyland rather than the planned community concept. This marked a significant step towards realizing Walt Disney's vision.

1968: Supreme Court Rules 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, despite Walt Disney Productions being the sole beneficiary.

October 1, 1971: Magic Kingdom and Contemporary Resort Hotel Open

On October 1, 1971, the Magic Kingdom and the Contemporary Resort Hotel opened to the public. The Palm and Magnolia golf courses near the Magic Kingdom also opened a few weeks before.

October 1, 1971: Walt Disney World Resort Opens

On October 1, 1971, the Walt Disney World Resort officially opened to the public, marking the culmination of years of planning and construction. This entertainment complex, located southwest of Orlando, Florida, featured the Magic Kingdom as its first theme park and initiated a new era for Disney's presence in the leisure and tourism industry.

December 20, 1971: Roy O. Disney's Death

On December 20, 1971, Roy O. Disney died at the age of 78, less than three months after the opening of Walt Disney World. He had postponed his retirement to oversee the construction of the resort's first phase.

1971: Magic Kingdom Opens

In 1971, Magic Kingdom was the first theme park to open in the Walt Disney World complex, marking a significant milestone in the project's development.

1971: Admission Prices

In 1971, admission prices to Walt Disney World were $3.50 for adults, $2.50 for juniors under age 18, and $1 for children under twelve.

1982: EPCOT Center Opens

In 1982, EPCOT Center (later renamed EPCOT) opened as the second theme park in Walt Disney World. EPCOT, was designed to showcase new technology and international cultures.

1989: Disney-MGM Studios Theme Park Opens

In 1989, Disney-MGM Studios Theme Park (later renamed Disney's Hollywood Studios) opened as the third theme park in Walt Disney World, expanding the entertainment options available to visitors.

April 1993: Disney Wilderness Preserve Established

In April 1993, the Disney Wilderness Preserve was established as part of an agreement between Disney, The Nature Conservancy, and the state of Florida. Disney purchased 8,500 acres of land to rehabilitate wetland ecosystems, demonstrating a commitment to environmental conservation.

1996: EPCOT Renamed

In 1996, EPCOT Center was renamed EPCOT, reflecting a shift in its focus and identity within the Walt Disney World Resort.

1998: Disney's Animal Kingdom Opens

In 1998, Disney's Animal Kingdom opened as the fourth theme park at Walt Disney World, adding a unique experience focused on animal conservation and natural environments.

2006: Meg Crofton Oversees

In 2006, Meg Crofton began overseeing the site.

2008: Disney-MGM Studios Renamed

In 2008, Disney-MGM Studios was renamed Disney's Hollywood Studios. This change reflected a broader focus on the entertainment industry.

October 2009: Disney World Announces Town Twinning Competition

In October 2009, Disney World announced a competition to find a town to become twinned with the resort. This initiative aimed to foster cultural exchange and collaboration.

December 2009: Swindon Announced as Twinned Town

In December 2009, Disney World announced that the English town of Swindon would be twinned with the resort. This decision followed Rebecca Warren's win in a competition with a poem.

December 2012: George Kalogridis Named President

In December 2012, George Kalogridis was named president of Walt Disney World, succeeding Meg Crofton, who had overseen the site since 2006.

October 27, 2014: Permanent FAA Prohibited Airspace Zone

On October 27, 2014, Walt Disney World became covered by a permanent FAA prohibited airspace zone. This measure restricts all airspace activities, including drone usage, without approval from the federal government of the United States.

2018: Most Visited Vacation Resort

In 2018, Walt Disney World was recognized as the most visited vacation resort in the world, boasting an average annual attendance of over 58 million visitors. This cemented its status as a leading global destination.