Walt Disney World History in Orlando – Learn Everything!

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Written By Carlos Braga

The Walt Disney World history shows how visionary its creators were. After all, they realized that Orlando was the ideal place even without having any business of the kind in the city.

Knowing the history of the most famous park in the world will increase your desire to travel.

So, see how its construction happened and the most remarkable facts in a timeline.

Walt Disney World Grand Opening - Disney History
Walt Disney World Grand Opening – Disney History

If you plan to travel to the park, find out which are the best attractions.

As well as, have tips that will make your trip even more pleasant and safe. 

Walt Disney World?

Before getting to know Walt Disney World history you need to know what it is.

In short, it is one of the most famous entertainment resorts in the world.

located close to Orlando, receives thousands of visitors daily.

Contains theme parks with references to Disney works.

For example, Avatar, Star Wars, Monsters Inc, Princesses Disney, among others.

Roy and Minnie at the Magic Kingdom - Walt Disney World History
Roy and Minnie in Magic Kingdom – History of Walt Disney World

Thus, visitors can take advantage of attractions and stores that follow the pattern seen in the movies.

It also has spas, gyms, hotels, beauty salon and golf courses.

That way, the whole family has options for fun during their tour or visit.

During your tour, you can meet your favorite movie screen characters.

As well as accompanying themed parades and also a memorable fireworks display at the end of the day.

Construction of Walt Disney World
Construction of Walt Disney World

Walt Disney World History in Orlando

The Walt Disney World history in Orlando began on October 1, 1971.

The brothers Walt and Roy Disney created a secret project called X. For four years they looked for an ideal place to implement it.

They didn't just want to create a park, but something even grander.

So they bought more than 27,000 acres of land, little by little, so as not to attract attention. 

Magic Kingdom pre-construction land
Magic Kingdom pre-construction land

In 1965, the Orlando Sentinel newspaper reported on the purchase and speculated who the owners would be.

In October, a journalist confirmed that it belonged to the Disney brothers, raising the price of the land.

Due to the discovery, on November 15, 1965, they announced the beginning of the Walt Disney World history and project construction.

It was budgeted at least four hundred million dollars.

They relied on cutting-edge technology to design the futuristic place.

In addition, the surrounding city was also benefited, with schools, transport and commerce. 

Walt Disney World History
Walt Disney World History

Walt Disney died in December 1966, leaving Ron to finish the project alone.

Then, on October 1, 1971, Disney World opened, named after Walt to honor him.

Chronological Order of the History of Walt Disney World in Orlando

Below are some of the milestones of the Walt Disney World history and the year they happened:

  • 1965: announce the Disney project;
  • 1967: construction begins;
  • 1971: the opening of the Disney World complex takes place;
  • 1975: Disney Village Resort and Village Mar are builtketplace;
  • 1997: creation of Disney Wide World of Sports;
  • 2001: Creation of Disney Animal Kingdom Lodge;
  • 2003: Creation of Disney Pop Century Resort.
Walt Disney World History
Walt Disney World History

Over the years, in order to improve entertainment, many spaces, shops and parks have been created within the complex.

In fact, it is hoped that others will still be made to maintain the public's interest.

Disney motif in Orlando

Orlando was the chosen location for the Walt Disney World history by chance.

After all, the Disney brothers are looking for a place with good weather and offering cheaper land.

Discovery Island - History of Walt Disney World
Discovery Island – History of Walt Disney World

Florida in this period was known for being sunny and having beautiful beaches.

Also, he was famous for the large farms in his territory.

It was in 1950 that the tourist vocation of the place attracted investments, such as airports.

Then, the visionary Walt Disney realized that it would be the ideal space for his tourist complex.

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Gradually, he bought the lots that were needed for the attraction.

WDW History - Astro Orbiters
WDW History – Astro Orbiters

But, always keeping the care that their plans were not discovered. Because this would generate an overvaluation of land, increasing its price.

Disney Theme Parks in Orlando

Now that you know the Walt Disney World history It is important to know which are the main Parks.

So, when you travel, you already have the script prepared for fun.

Here are the top four attractions you can't miss in Orlando.

Magic Kingdom

It is Disney's main park and has the most famous characters.

Cinderella's Castle at Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World
Cinderella's Castle at Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World

In fact, one of its greatest symbols is Cinderella's castle. 

Undoubtedly the Magic Kingdom It is the epicenter of the Magic of all of Walt Disney World.

Epcot

The country park, as it is known, unites the different world cultures.

Spaceship Earth - Epcot Attraction
Spaceship Earth – Epcot Attraction

It also has futuristic and technological touches. It is usually a favorite place for adults.

Hollywood Studios

He is part of Walt Disney World history and it's one of the smaller parks, but a lot of fun.

The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror - Hollywood Studios Attraction
The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror – Hollywood Studios Attraction

It has a movie theme and attractions like roller coasters.

One of the advantages is that in one day you can go to all the toys that are on site.

Animal kingdom

One of the most recent and flashy of the place.

Animal Kingdom - Walt Disney World Park
Animal kingdom – Walt Disney World Park

Thus, it is themed with regions of the world, in the smallest details.

In addition to having several attractions, you can see real animals in space.

Walt Disney World History: How to enjoy the trip

After getting to know Walt Disney World history it is even more irresistible to visit the park. So, it's important that you have a good travel schedule so you don't miss any attractions.

historia-walt-disney-world-poster
historia-walt-disney-world-poster

A simple suggestion, but that makes a difference, is to create an itinerary considering your travel time.

So, see how many days you will be there and write down the attractions you want to see.

Researching each park and seeing which rides or stores you want to visit is critical.

Thus, you can know the time you will have to go to each one of them. That way, you can create a schedule of days.

Walt Disney World History
Walt Disney World History

It is interesting to leave one free to revisit the parks you like the most.

Also don't forget to set aside time to rest, eat and take lots of pictures. By the way, consider the queue times for each attraction.

Having this organization will make your experience even more amazing.

So, schedule yourself to get to know all the history and fun that Disney in Orlando can offer for you and your family.

I hope again that this post helped you in your research for your trip to Disney or Orlando.

As a way to help us keep the blog going, we just ask you to help us by sharing this publication and subscribing to our social networks as Facebook, Instagram or Youtube channel.

In addition to helping us, we are sure that there you will find hundreds of useful posts for your trip!

About the Author Carlos Braga:

Unparalleled experience in Orlando and Disney! As a former Universal Orlando team member and a passionate devotee of the magic of Disney, I have become a true Orlando travel expert. Before becoming a renowned travel consultant dedicated to Orlando, I had already made hundreds of visits to the parks, cultivating my knowledge and passion mainly over the last 7 years as a consultant and specialist in Disney travel.

My journey into this enchanted world began in 1995, when I took my first trip to Orlando. Since then, my love for Disney and the city has only grown. In 2023, we celebrate the sixth anniversary of 'Partiu Disney Parks', consolidating our role as one of the main sources of information about Disney and Orlando Parks.

During these six years of existence, we have continued to offer quality and updated content, being the reliable source for all those looking for essential information to plan their trip to Disney and Orlando. With my vast experience and passion for this magical destination, I am here to guide you every step of the way towards the most incredible Orlando and Disney experience!

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I hope again that this post helped you in your research for your trip to Disney or Orlando.

As a way to help us keep the blog going, we just ask you to help us by sharing this publication and subscribing to our social networks as Facebook, Instagram or Youtube channel.

In addition to helping us, we are sure that there you will find hundreds of useful posts for your trip!

About the Author Carlos Braga:

Unparalleled experience in Orlando and Disney! As a former Universal Orlando team member and a passionate devotee of the magic of Disney, I have become a true Orlando travel expert. Before becoming a renowned travel consultant dedicated to Orlando, I had already made hundreds of visits to the parks, cultivating my knowledge and passion mainly over the last 7 years as a consultant and specialist in Disney travel.

My journey into this enchanted world began in 1995, when I took my first trip to Orlando. Since then, my love for Disney and the city has only grown. In 2023, we celebrate the sixth anniversary of 'Partiu Disney Parks', consolidating our role as one of the main sources of information about Disney and Orlando Parks.

During these six years of existence, we have continued to offer quality and updated content, being the reliable source for all those looking for essential information to plan their trip to Disney and Orlando. With my vast experience and passion for this magical destination, I am here to guide you every step of the way towards the most incredible Orlando and Disney experience!

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