By CARLoS BRAGA
THE history of Walt Disney World in Orlando began on October 1, 1971. The brothers Walt and Roy Disney created a secret project called X. For four years they searched for an ideal place for it to be implemented. 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.
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 history of Walt Disney World and the construction of the project.
– 1965: they announce the Disney project; – 1967: construction begins; – 1971: the opening of the Disney World complex takes place; – 1975: they build the Disney Village Resort and Village Marketplace; – 1997: creation of Disney Wide World of Sports; – 2001: creation of the Disney Animal Kingdom Lodge; – 2003: Creation of Disney Pop Century Resort.
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.
Orlando was the chosen location for the history of Walt Disney World by chance. After all, the Disney brothers are looking for a place with good weather and offering cheaper land. Florida at this time was known for being sunny and having beautiful beaches. Also, it was famous for the large farms in its 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. Gradually, he bought the lots that were needed for the attraction. But, always keeping the care that their plans were not discovered. Because this would generate an overvaluation of land, increasing its price.
So far there are 4 theme parks at Walt Disney World and 2 more water parks, they are: - Magic Kingdom - Epcot - Disney's Hollywood Studios - Disney's Animal Kingdom - Blizzard Beach - Typhoon Lagoon
1965 - Walt Disney announces his project – “Florida Project” 1967 - Construction begins 1971 - Walt Disney World opens on October 1, 1971 (Magic Kingdom, Polynesian Resort, Contemporary Resort, Fort Wilderness and Campground) 1972 - Disney's Village Resort (Treehouse and Vacation Villas) 1973 - Disney's Golf Resort (currently - Shades of Green)
1974 - Discovery Island (definitely closed) 1975 - Disney's Village Resort and Walt Disney Village Marketplace (currently – Downtown Disney Marketplace). 1976 - Disney's River Country Water Park (closed permanently) 1980 - Walt Disney World Conference Center (closed permanently) and Disney's Village Resort (Club Lake Villas)
1982 - On October 1, 1982 the EPCOT Center is opened (currently only EPCOT) 1988 - Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort 1989 - On May 1, 1989, Disney-MGM Studios opens and on June 1, 1989, Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Water Park and Pleasure Island 1990 - Disney's Yacht and Beach Club Resorts, Walt Disney World Swan and Walt Disney World Dolphin
1991 - Disney's Port Orleans Resort and Disney Vacation Club Resort (currently - Disney's Old Key West Resort) 1992 - Disney's Dixie Landings Resort (currently – Port Orleans Riverside) and Bonnet Creek Golf Club 1994 - Disney's All-Star Sports Resort and Disney's Wilderness Lodge 1995 - Disney's All-Star Music Resort, Disney's Blizzard Beach Water Park and Disney's Fairy Tale Wedding Pavilion and Walt Disney World Speedway
1996 - Disney Institute (currently – Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa), Disney's BoardWalk Inn and BoardWalk Villas 1997 - Disney's Coronado Springs Resort, Disney's Wide World of Sports and Downtown Disney West Side 1998 - On April 22, 1998, Disney's Animal Kingdom opens and in June of the same year, DisneyQuest 1999 - Disney's All-Star Movies Resort
2001 - Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge 2002 - Disney's Beach Club Villas 2003 - Disney's Pop Century Resort 2004 - Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa 2008 - Disney-MGM Studios is renamed Disney's Hollywood Studios