Walt Disney World Resort
Encyclopedia
Walt Disney World Resort (also known colloquially as Disney World), is the world's most-visited entertaimental resort. Located in Lake Buena Vista, Florida
; approximately 21 miles (33.8 km) southwest of Orlando, Florida
, United States, the resort covers an area of 30080 acre (47 sq mi; 121.7 km²) and includes four theme parks, two water parks, 23 on-site themed resort hotels (excluding eight more that are on-site, but not owned by the Walt Disney Company), including a campground
, two health spas and physical fitness centers, five golf courses, and other recreational venues and entertainment. It opened on October 1, 1971 with only the Magic Kingdom
theme park and has since added Epcot
(October 1, 1982), Disney's Hollywood Studios
(May 1, 1989) and Disney's Animal Kingdom
(April 22, 1998).
The resort was inspired by the dreams of Walt Disney
, who wanted a theme park on the East Coast
to supplement Disneyland in California
(Disney World's Magic Kingdom was designed similarly to Disneyland). However, Walt envisioned Disney World to be much different from Disneyland's one day visit. This included entertainment, uniquely-themed resort hotels, and a much wider variety of sports and recreational opportunities. In fact, Walt's original plans for the Florida property were far more ambitious: he also wanted to construct a real planned city of approximately 20,000 residents, the "Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow
", which would serve as a test bed for city planning and organization. Walt died in 1966 before his vision was fully realized, and his plans for Disney World eventually evolved to what it is today.
, in 1955. Market surveys revealed that only 2% of Disneyland's visitors came from east of the Mississippi River
, where 75 percent of the population of the United States lived. Additionally, Walt Disney
disliked the businesses that had sprung up around Disneyland and wanted control of a much larger area of land for the new project. A more romanticized anecdote was that Walt Disney himself once encountered a family who left Disneyland early because they saw congestion building on the Santa Ana Freeway
(I-5) from the Skyway ride, an incident that committed him to producing a greater buffer from reality at future parks.
Walt Disney flew over the Orlando
site (one of many) in November 1963. Seeing the well-developed network of roads, including the planned Interstate 4
and Florida's Turnpike
, with McCoy Air Force Base
(later Orlando International Airport
) to the east, Disney selected a centrally-located site near Bay Lake.
To avoid a burst of land speculation, Disney used various dummy corporations to acquire 27443 acres (11,105.8 ha) of land. . In May 1965, some of these major land transactions were recorded a few miles southwest of Orlando in Osceola County
. Also, two large tracts totaling $1.5 million were sold, and smaller tracts of flatlands and cattle pastures were purchased by exotic-sounding companies such as the Latin-American Development and Management Corporation and the Reedy Creek Ranch Corporation (Some of these names are now memorialized on a window above Main Street, U.S.A. in the Magic Kingdom
). In addition to three huge parcels of land were many smaller parcels, referred to as "outs."
Much of the land acquired had been plat
ted into 5 acres (2 ha) lots in 1912 by the Munger Land Company and sold to investors. In most cases, the owners were happy to get rid of the land, which was mostly swamp
. Another issue was the mineral rights
to the land, which were owned by Tufts University
. Without the transfer of these rights, Tufts could come in at any time and demand the removal of buildings to obtain minerals. Disney's team eventually negotiated a deal with Tufts to buy the mineral rights for $15,000.
After most of the land had been bought, the truth of the property's owner was leaked to the Orlando Sentinel
newspaper on October 20, 1965. A press conference soon was organized for November 15. At the presentation, Walt Disney explained the plans for the site, including EPCOT
, the Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow, which was to be a futuristic planned city (and which was also known as Progress City). He envisioned a real working city with both commercial and residential areas, but one that also continued to showcase and test new ideas and concepts for urban living.
Walt Disney died from lung cancer
on December 15, 1966, before his vision was realized. His brother and business partner, Roy O. Disney
, postponed his retirement to oversee construction of the resort's first phase.
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 in the film that was played, the last one recorded by Walt Disney before his death. After the film, it was explained that for Disney World, including EPCOT, to succeed, a special district would have to be formed: the Reedy Creek Improvement District
with two cities inside it, the City of Bay Lake
and the City of Reedy Creek (now the City of Lake Buena Vista
). In addition to the standard powers of an incorporated city, which include the issuance of tax-free bonds, the district would have immunity from any current or future county or state land-use laws. The only areas where the district had to submit to the county and state would be property tax
es and elevator
inspections.
The legislation forming the district and the two cities was signed into law by Florida Governor Claude R. Kirk, Jr.
on May 12, 1967. The Florida Supreme Court
then ruled in 1968 that the district was allowed to issue tax-exempt bonds for public projects within the district despite the sole beneficiary being Walt Disney Productions.
The district soon began construction of drainage canals, and Disney built the first roads and the Magic Kingdom. Disney's Contemporary Resort
, Disney's Polynesian Resort
, and Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground
were also completed in time for the park's opening on October 1, 1971. The Palm and Magnolia golf courses near the Magic Kingdom had opened a few weeks before. At the park's opening, Roy O. Disney dedicated the property and declared that it would be known as "Walt Disney World" in his brother's honor. In his own words: "Everyone has heard of Ford cars. But have they all heard of Henry Ford
, who started it all? Walt Disney World is in memory of the man who started it all, so people will know his name as long as Walt Disney World is here." After the dedication, Roy Disney asked Walt's widow, Lillian
, what she thought of Walt Disney World. According to biographer Bob Thomas, she responded, "I think Walt would have approved." Roy O. Disney died on December 20, 1971, less than three months after the property opened.
However, much of Walt Disney's plans for his Progress City were abandoned after his death. The Disney Company board decided that it did not want to be in the business of running a city. The EPCOT concept evolved into EPCOT Center
, the resort's second theme park, which opened in 1982. While still emulating Walt Disney's original idea of showcasing new technology, it is closer to a world's fair
than a "community of tomorrow". The park would later permanently adopt the name Epcot
in 1996. Some of the urban planning concepts from the original idea of EPCOT would instead be integrated into the community of Celebration
much later.
In 1989, the resort added Disney-MGM Studios
, a theme park inspired by show business, whose name was changed to Disney's Hollywood Studios
in 2008. The resort's fourth theme park, Disney's Animal Kingdom
, opened in 1998.
Meg Crofton
was named president of the resort in August 2006, replacing Al Weiss, who had overseen the site since 1994.
city limits and is actually located about 21 miles (33.8 km) southwest of downtown Orlando within southwestern Orange County
, with the remainder in adjacent Osceola County
. The property includes the cities of Lake Buena Vista
and Bay Lake
which are governed by the Reedy Creek Improvement District
. The 25000 acre (101 km²; 39 sq mi) site is accessible from Central Florida's Interstate 4
via Exits 62B (World Drive), 64B (US 192 West), 65B (Osceola Parkway
West), 67B (SR 536 West), and 68 (SR 535
North), and Exit 8 on State Road 429 (Florida)
, the Western Expressway. At its peak, the resort occupied approximately 30000 acres (121.4 km²) or 47 square miles (121.7 km²), about the size of San Francisco, or twice the size of Manhattan
. Portions of the property since have been sold or de-annexed, including land now occupied by the Disney-built community of Celebration
.
Additionally, there are two themed miniature golf complexes, each with two courses, Fantasia Gardens
and Winter Summerland
.
Catch-and-release fishing
excursions are offered daily on the resort's lakes. A Florida fishing license is not required because it occurs on private property. Cane-pole fishing is offered from the docks at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground
and Disney's Port Orleans Resort
.
Additional recreational activities include watercraft rentals, surrey bike rentals, and firework cruises that launch from several resort marinas.
luxury residential community, was announced in June 2010 and will feature homes designed by the Walt Disney Company. The campground, Fort Wilderness also provides guests with the opportunity to stay in cabins as well as camping in tents or campers.
can be transported to their Disney resort from the airport using the complimentary Disney Magical Express service, and have their bags picked up and transported for them through a contract with BAGS Incorporate. Guests board custom motor coaches, watch a video about the Walt Disney World Resort, and their luggage is later delivered directly to their rooms.
, an internship program that offers American and International college students (ICP's) the opportunity to live about 15 miles (24.1 km) off site in 4 Disney-owned apartment complexes and work at the resort, providing much of the theme park and resort "front line" cast members. There is also the Walt Disney World International College Program, an internship program that has college students from all over the world.
, is available for guests at no charge. In 2007, Disney Transport started a guest services upgrade to the buses. SatellGPS systems controlling new public address systems on the buses give safety information, park tips and other general announcements, with music. They are not to be confused with the Disney Cruise Line
and Disney's Magical Express buses, which are operated by Mears Transportation. Taxi boats
link some locations. The Walt Disney World Monorail System
also provides transportation at Walt Disney World.
Previously there were 12 operational monorails, although a crash occurring in July 2009 meant that the Pink and Purple monorails were taken out of service. Parts of the Pink and Purple monorails were used to create a new monorail with the colour Teal, which was put into operation in November 2009, taking the total number of monorails to 11. They operate on three routes that interconnect at the Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC), adjacent to the Magic Kingdom's parking lot. One line provides an express non-stop link from the TTC to the Magic Kingdom, while a second line provides a link from the TTC to Epcot. The third line links the TTC and the Magic Kingdom to the Contemporary
, Polynesian
, and Grand Floridian
resorts.
The major roads within the resort, World Drive, Osceola Parkway and Epcot Center Drive, have segments that are built as freeways with full grade-separated interchange
s. World Drive enters Walt Disney World from U.S. Route 192
and heads north to the Magic Kingdom Resort Area. Osceola Parkway heads east from the Animal Kingdom Resort Area to Interstate 4
. Epcot Center Drive is a freeway for most of its route, running east from World Drive, past the Epcot
parking lot to Interstate 4. Buena Vista Drive is a major surface street, running east from the Animal Kingdom Resort Area to Disney's Hollywood Studios
, the Epcot Resort Area, and Downtown Disney.
The resort's original logo had an oversized "D" with a Mickey Mouse-shaped globe containing latitude and longitude lines, with the property's name presented in a modern, sans-serif font. Walt Disney World Resort retired its original font and symbol during its 25th anniversary celebration in 1996–97. The old "D" symbol still can be found in many places, however, including the SpectroMagic title float, the front car of each monorail, manhole covers, survey markers, select merchandise items and flags flown at several sites across the property.
, England
, since 2009.
Lake Buena Vista, Florida
Lake Buena Vista is a city in Orange County, Florida, United States. It is mostly known for being home to the Walt Disney World Resort. It is one of two Florida municipalities controlled by The Walt Disney Company, the other being Bay Lake....
; approximately 21 miles (33.8 km) southwest of Orlando, Florida
Orlando, Florida
Orlando is a city in the central region of the U.S. state of Florida. It is the county seat of Orange County, and the center of the Greater Orlando metropolitan area. According to the 2010 US Census, the city had a population of 238,300, making Orlando the 79th largest city in the United States...
, United States, the resort covers an area of 30080 acre (47 sq mi; 121.7 km²) and includes four theme parks, two water parks, 23 on-site themed resort hotels (excluding eight more that are on-site, but not owned by the Walt Disney Company), including a campground
Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground
Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground is a themed camping resort located at the Walt Disney World Resort. It officially opened on November 19, 1971....
, two health spas and physical fitness centers, five golf courses, and other recreational venues and entertainment. It opened on October 1, 1971 with only the Magic Kingdom
Magic Kingdom
Magic Kingdom Park is one of four theme parks at the Walt Disney World Resort located near Orlando, Florida. The first park built at the resort, Magic Kingdom opened Oct. 1, 1971. Designed and built by WED Enterprises, the park's layout and attractions are similar to Disneyland in Anaheim, California...
theme park and has since added Epcot
Epcot
Epcot is a theme park in the Walt Disney World Resort, located near Orlando, Florida. The park is dedicated to the celebration of human achievement, namely international culture and technological innovation. The second park built at the resort, it opened on October 1, 1982 and was initially named...
(October 1, 1982), Disney's Hollywood Studios
Disney's Hollywood Studios
Disney's Hollywood Studios is a theme park at the Walt Disney World Resort. Spanning 135 acres in size, its theme is show business, drawing inspiration from the heyday of Hollywood in the 1930s and 1940s...
(May 1, 1989) and Disney's Animal Kingdom
Disney's Animal Kingdom
Disney's Animal Kingdom is an animal theme park located at the Walt Disney World Resort. The fourth park built at the resort, it opened on April 22, 1998, and it is the largest single Disney theme park in the world, covering more than . It is also the first Disney theme park to be themed entirely...
(April 22, 1998).
The resort was inspired by the dreams of Walt Disney
Walt Disney
Walter Elias "Walt" Disney was an American film producer, director, screenwriter, voice actor, animator, entrepreneur, entertainer, international icon, and philanthropist, well-known for his influence in the field of entertainment during the 20th century. Along with his brother Roy O...
, who wanted a theme park on the East Coast
East Coast of the United States
The East Coast of the United States, also known as the Eastern Seaboard, refers to the easternmost coastal states in the United States, which touch the Atlantic Ocean and stretch up to Canada. The term includes the U.S...
to supplement Disneyland in California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
(Disney World's Magic Kingdom was designed similarly to Disneyland). However, Walt envisioned Disney World to be much different from Disneyland's one day visit. This included entertainment, uniquely-themed resort hotels, and a much wider variety of sports and recreational opportunities. In fact, Walt's original plans for the Florida property were far more ambitious: he also wanted to construct a real planned city of approximately 20,000 residents, the "Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow
Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow (concept)
The Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow was a concept developed by Walt Disney near the end of his lifetime. This planned city was his intended purpose for the property purchased near Orlando, Florida, that eventually became the Walt Disney World Resort...
", which would serve as a test bed for city planning and organization. Walt died in 1966 before his vision was fully realized, and his plans for Disney World eventually evolved to what it is today.
History and development
In 1959, Walt Disney Productions began looking for land for a second park to supplement Disneyland, which opened in Anaheim, CaliforniaAnaheim, California
Anaheim is a city in Orange County, California. As of the 2010 United States Census, the city population was about 365,463, making it the most populated city in Orange County, the 10th most-populated city in California, and ranked 54th in the United States...
, in 1955. Market surveys revealed that only 2% of Disneyland's visitors came from east of the Mississippi River
Mississippi River
The Mississippi River is the largest river system in North America. Flowing entirely in the United States, this river rises in western Minnesota and meanders slowly southwards for to the Mississippi River Delta at the Gulf of Mexico. With its many tributaries, the Mississippi's watershed drains...
, where 75 percent of the population of the United States lived. Additionally, Walt Disney
Walt Disney
Walter Elias "Walt" Disney was an American film producer, director, screenwriter, voice actor, animator, entrepreneur, entertainer, international icon, and philanthropist, well-known for his influence in the field of entertainment during the 20th century. Along with his brother Roy O...
disliked the businesses that had sprung up around Disneyland and wanted control of a much larger area of land for the new project. A more romanticized anecdote was that Walt Disney himself once encountered a family who left Disneyland early because they saw congestion building on the Santa Ana Freeway
Santa Ana Freeway
The Santa Ana Freeway is one of the principal freeways in Southern California, connecting Los Angeles and its southeastern suburbs including the freeway's namesake, the city of Santa Ana. The freeway begins at the Four Level Interchange in downtown Los Angeles, signed as U.S. Route 101...
(I-5) from the Skyway ride, an incident that committed him to producing a greater buffer from reality at future parks.
Walt Disney flew over the Orlando
Orlando, Florida
Orlando is a city in the central region of the U.S. state of Florida. It is the county seat of Orange County, and the center of the Greater Orlando metropolitan area. According to the 2010 US Census, the city had a population of 238,300, making Orlando the 79th largest city in the United States...
site (one of many) in November 1963. Seeing the well-developed network of roads, including the planned Interstate 4
Interstate 4
Interstate 4 is a intrastate Highway located entirely within the state of Florida, United States. It goes from Interstate 275 in Tampa, Florida to Interstate 95 at Daytona Beach, Florida . It also has the Florida Department of Transportation designation of State Road 400, but only a small...
and Florida's Turnpike
Florida's Turnpike
Florida's Turnpike , designated as the Ronald Reagan Turnpike, and originally known as the Sunshine State Parkway is a north–south toll road that runs through 11 counties in the Florida peninsula, from U.S...
, with McCoy Air Force Base
McCoy Air Force Base
With McCoy's closure as an active air force installation in 1975, the site was redeveloped and is known today as Orlando International Airport, which carries the airport code MCO .- History :...
(later Orlando International Airport
Orlando International Airport
Orlando International Airport is a major international airport located southeast of the central business district of Orlando. It is the second busiest airport in Florida, after Miami International Airport...
) to the east, Disney selected a centrally-located site near Bay Lake.
To avoid a burst of land speculation, Disney used various dummy corporations to acquire 27443 acres (11,105.8 ha) of land. . In May 1965, some of these major land transactions were recorded a few miles southwest of Orlando in Osceola County
Osceola County, Florida
Osceola County is a county located in the U.S. state of Florida. As of 2000, the population was 172,493. The U.S. Census Bureau 2006 estimate for the county is 244,045, making it the 17th fastest-growing county in the United States. Its county seat is Kissimmee.- History :Osceola County was...
. Also, two large tracts totaling $1.5 million were sold, and smaller tracts of flatlands and cattle pastures were purchased by exotic-sounding companies such as the Latin-American Development and Management Corporation and the Reedy Creek Ranch Corporation (Some of these names are now memorialized on a window above Main Street, U.S.A. in the Magic Kingdom
Magic Kingdom
Magic Kingdom Park is one of four theme parks at the Walt Disney World Resort located near Orlando, Florida. The first park built at the resort, Magic Kingdom opened Oct. 1, 1971. Designed and built by WED Enterprises, the park's layout and attractions are similar to Disneyland in Anaheim, California...
). In addition to three huge parcels of land were many smaller parcels, referred to as "outs."
Much of the land acquired had been plat
Plat
A plat in the U.S. is a map, drawn to scale, showing the divisions of a piece of land. Other English-speaking countries generally call such documents a cadastral map or plan....
ted into 5 acres (2 ha) lots in 1912 by the Munger Land Company and sold to investors. In most cases, the owners were happy to get rid of the land, which was mostly swamp
Swamp
A swamp is a wetland with some flooding of large areas of land by shallow bodies of water. A swamp generally has a large number of hammocks, or dry-land protrusions, covered by aquatic vegetation, or vegetation that tolerates periodical inundation. The two main types of swamp are "true" or swamp...
. Another issue was the mineral rights
Mineral rights
- Mineral estate :Ownership of mineral rights is an estate in real property. Technically it is known as a mineral estate and often referred to as mineral rights...
to the land, which were owned by Tufts University
Tufts University
Tufts University is a private research university located in Medford/Somerville, near Boston, Massachusetts. It is organized into ten schools, including two undergraduate programs and eight graduate divisions, on four campuses in Massachusetts and on the eastern border of France...
. Without the transfer of these rights, Tufts could come in at any time and demand the removal of buildings to obtain minerals. Disney's team eventually negotiated a deal with Tufts to buy the mineral rights for $15,000.
After most of the land had been bought, the truth of the property's owner was leaked to the Orlando Sentinel
Orlando Sentinel
The Orlando Sentinel is the primary newspaper of the Orlando, Florida region. It was founded in 1876. The Sentinel is owned by Tribune Company and is overseen by the Chicago Tribune. As of 2005, the Sentinel’s president and publisher was Kathleen Waltz; she announced her resignation in February 2008...
newspaper on October 20, 1965. A press conference soon was organized for November 15. At the presentation, Walt Disney explained the plans for the site, including EPCOT
Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow (concept)
The Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow was a concept developed by Walt Disney near the end of his lifetime. This planned city was his intended purpose for the property purchased near Orlando, Florida, that eventually became the Walt Disney World Resort...
, the Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow, which was to be a futuristic planned city (and which was also known as Progress City). He envisioned a real working city with both commercial and residential areas, but one that also continued to showcase and test new ideas and concepts for urban living.
Walt Disney died from lung cancer
Lung cancer
Lung cancer is a disease characterized by uncontrolled cell growth in tissues of the lung. If left untreated, this growth can spread beyond the lung in a process called metastasis into nearby tissue and, eventually, into other parts of the body. Most cancers that start in lung, known as primary...
on December 15, 1966, before his vision was realized. His brother and business partner, Roy O. Disney
Roy O. Disney
Roy Oliver Disney was, with his younger brother, Walt Disney, the co-founder of what is now The Walt Disney Company.-Early life:...
, postponed his retirement to oversee construction of the resort's first phase.
On February 2, 1967, Roy O. Disney held a press conference at the Park Theatres in Winter Park, Florida
Winter Park, Florida
Winter Park is a suburban city in Orange County, Florida, United States. The population was 24,090 at the 2000 census. According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2006 estimates, the city had a population of 28,083. It is part of the Orlando–Kissimmee Metropolitan Statistical Area...
. The role of EPCOT was emphasized in the film that was played, the last one recorded by Walt Disney before his death. After the film, it was explained that for Disney World, including EPCOT, to succeed, a special district would have to be formed: the Reedy Creek Improvement District
Reedy Creek Improvement District
The Reedy Creek Improvement District is the immediate governing jurisdiction for the land of the Walt Disney World Resort. As of the late 1990s, it comprised an area of within the outer limits of Orange and Osceola counties in Florida...
with two cities inside it, the City of Bay Lake
Bay Lake, Florida
Bay Lake is a city in Orange County, Florida, United States. The population was 23 at the 2000 census. According to the U.S Census estimates of 2005, the city had a population of 22. It is named after Bay Lake, a lake east of the Magic Kingdom. Most of the Walt Disney World Resort, including...
and the City of Reedy Creek (now the City of Lake Buena Vista
Lake Buena Vista, Florida
Lake Buena Vista is a city in Orange County, Florida, United States. It is mostly known for being home to the Walt Disney World Resort. It is one of two Florida municipalities controlled by The Walt Disney Company, the other being Bay Lake....
). In addition to the standard powers of an incorporated city, which include the issuance of tax-free bonds, the district would have immunity from any current or future county or state land-use laws. The only areas where the district had to submit to the county and state would be property tax
Property tax
A property tax is an ad valorem levy on the value of property that the owner is required to pay. The tax is levied by the governing authority of the jurisdiction in which the property is located; it may be paid to a national government, a federated state or a municipality...
es and elevator
Elevator
An elevator is a type of vertical transport equipment that efficiently moves people or goods between floors of a building, vessel or other structures...
inspections.
The legislation forming the district and the two cities was signed into law by Florida Governor Claude R. Kirk, Jr.
Claude R. Kirk, Jr.
Claude Roy Kirk, Jr. was the 36th Governor of the U.S. state of Florida . He was the first Republican Governor of Florida since Reconstruction.-Early life:...
on May 12, 1967. The Florida Supreme Court
Florida Supreme Court
The Supreme Court of the State of Florida is the highest court in the U.S. state of Florida. The Supreme Court consists of seven judges: the Chief Justice and six Justices who are appointed by the Governor to 6-year terms and remain in office if retained in a general election near the end of each...
then ruled in 1968 that the district was allowed to issue tax-exempt bonds for public projects within the district despite the sole beneficiary being Walt Disney Productions.
The district soon began construction of drainage canals, and Disney built the first roads and the Magic Kingdom. Disney's Contemporary Resort
Disney's Contemporary Resort
Disney's Contemporary Resort is a deluxe resort at the Walt Disney World Resort. It opened on October 1, 1971...
, Disney's Polynesian Resort
Disney's Polynesian Resort
Disney's Polynesian Resort is a Disney owned and operated AAA Four-Diamond Award–winning resort located at the Walt Disney World Resort. It began operation on October 1, 1971 as one of Walt Disney World Resort's first two on-site hotels. The resort has a South Seas theme, and originally opened...
, and Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground
Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground
Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground is a themed camping resort located at the Walt Disney World Resort. It officially opened on November 19, 1971....
were also completed in time for the park's opening on October 1, 1971. The Palm and Magnolia golf courses near the Magic Kingdom had opened a few weeks before. At the park's opening, Roy O. Disney dedicated the property and declared that it would be known as "Walt Disney World" in his brother's honor. In his own words: "Everyone has heard of Ford cars. But have they all heard of Henry Ford
Henry Ford
Henry Ford was an American industrialist, the founder of the Ford Motor Company, and sponsor of the development of the assembly line technique of mass production. His introduction of the Model T automobile revolutionized transportation and American industry...
, who started it all? Walt Disney World is in memory of the man who started it all, so people will know his name as long as Walt Disney World is here." After the dedication, Roy Disney asked Walt's widow, Lillian
Lillian Disney
Lillian Disney was the wife of Walt Disney. She was married to him from 1925 until his death in 1966.-Early years:...
, what she thought of Walt Disney World. According to biographer Bob Thomas, she responded, "I think Walt would have approved." Roy O. Disney died on December 20, 1971, less than three months after the property opened.
However, much of Walt Disney's plans for his Progress City were abandoned after his death. The Disney Company board decided that it did not want to be in the business of running a city. The EPCOT concept evolved into EPCOT Center
Epcot
Epcot is a theme park in the Walt Disney World Resort, located near Orlando, Florida. The park is dedicated to the celebration of human achievement, namely international culture and technological innovation. The second park built at the resort, it opened on October 1, 1982 and was initially named...
, the resort's second theme park, which opened in 1982. While still emulating Walt Disney's original idea of showcasing new technology, it is closer to a world's fair
World's Fair
World's fair, World fair, Universal Exposition, and World Expo are various large public exhibitions held in different parts of the world. The first Expo was held in The Crystal Palace in Hyde Park, London, United Kingdom, in 1851, under the title "Great Exhibition of the Works of Industry of All...
than a "community of tomorrow". The park would later permanently adopt the name Epcot
Epcot
Epcot is a theme park in the Walt Disney World Resort, located near Orlando, Florida. The park is dedicated to the celebration of human achievement, namely international culture and technological innovation. The second park built at the resort, it opened on October 1, 1982 and was initially named...
in 1996. Some of the urban planning concepts from the original idea of EPCOT would instead be integrated into the community of Celebration
Celebration, Florida
Celebration is a census-designated place and a master-planned community in Osceola County, Florida, United States, located near Walt Disney World Resort and originally developed by The Walt Disney Company...
much later.
In 1989, the resort added Disney-MGM Studios
Disney's Hollywood Studios
Disney's Hollywood Studios is a theme park at the Walt Disney World Resort. Spanning 135 acres in size, its theme is show business, drawing inspiration from the heyday of Hollywood in the 1930s and 1940s...
, a theme park inspired by show business, whose name was changed to Disney's Hollywood Studios
Disney's Hollywood Studios
Disney's Hollywood Studios is a theme park at the Walt Disney World Resort. Spanning 135 acres in size, its theme is show business, drawing inspiration from the heyday of Hollywood in the 1930s and 1940s...
in 2008. The resort's fourth theme park, Disney's Animal Kingdom
Disney's Animal Kingdom
Disney's Animal Kingdom is an animal theme park located at the Walt Disney World Resort. The fourth park built at the resort, it opened on April 22, 1998, and it is the largest single Disney theme park in the world, covering more than . It is also the first Disney theme park to be themed entirely...
, opened in 1998.
Meg Crofton
Meg Crofton
Meg Gilbert Crofton is an American businesswoman, currently serving as president of the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida...
was named president of the resort in August 2006, replacing Al Weiss, who had overseen the site since 1994.
Location
Despite marketing claims and popular misconceptions, the Florida resort is not located within OrlandoOrlando, Florida
Orlando is a city in the central region of the U.S. state of Florida. It is the county seat of Orange County, and the center of the Greater Orlando metropolitan area. According to the 2010 US Census, the city had a population of 238,300, making Orlando the 79th largest city in the United States...
city limits and is actually located about 21 miles (33.8 km) southwest of downtown Orlando within southwestern Orange County
Orange County, Florida
Orange County is a county located in the U.S. state of Florida and is part of the Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford Metropolitan Statistical Area . As of 2010 U.S. Census, the county had a population of 1,145,956....
, with the remainder in adjacent Osceola County
Osceola County, Florida
Osceola County is a county located in the U.S. state of Florida. As of 2000, the population was 172,493. The U.S. Census Bureau 2006 estimate for the county is 244,045, making it the 17th fastest-growing county in the United States. Its county seat is Kissimmee.- History :Osceola County was...
. The property includes the cities of Lake Buena Vista
Lake Buena Vista, Florida
Lake Buena Vista is a city in Orange County, Florida, United States. It is mostly known for being home to the Walt Disney World Resort. It is one of two Florida municipalities controlled by The Walt Disney Company, the other being Bay Lake....
and Bay Lake
Bay Lake, Florida
Bay Lake is a city in Orange County, Florida, United States. The population was 23 at the 2000 census. According to the U.S Census estimates of 2005, the city had a population of 22. It is named after Bay Lake, a lake east of the Magic Kingdom. Most of the Walt Disney World Resort, including...
which are governed by the Reedy Creek Improvement District
Reedy Creek Improvement District
The Reedy Creek Improvement District is the immediate governing jurisdiction for the land of the Walt Disney World Resort. As of the late 1990s, it comprised an area of within the outer limits of Orange and Osceola counties in Florida...
. The 25000 acre (101 km²; 39 sq mi) site is accessible from Central Florida's Interstate 4
Interstate 4
Interstate 4 is a intrastate Highway located entirely within the state of Florida, United States. It goes from Interstate 275 in Tampa, Florida to Interstate 95 at Daytona Beach, Florida . It also has the Florida Department of Transportation designation of State Road 400, but only a small...
via Exits 62B (World Drive), 64B (US 192 West), 65B (Osceola Parkway
Osceola Parkway
The Osceola Parkway, signed as County Road 522 since around 2003 , is a long, partially-tolled arterial road extending east-west across the northern boundary of Osceola County, Florida, USA roughly paralleling the border with Orange County...
West), 67B (SR 536 West), and 68 (SR 535
Florida State Road 535
Florida State Road 535, also known as Kissimmee-Vineland Road, is a state road in the U.S. state of Florida. The road begins at U.S. Highway 192 in Kissimmee, Florida, heading north, ending in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, formerly Vineland, Florida...
North), and Exit 8 on State Road 429 (Florida)
State Road 429 (Florida)
State Road 429 , also known as the Daniel Webster Western Beltway or Western Expressway, is a limited-access toll road built and maintained by the Orlando Orange County Expressway Authority and Florida's Turnpike Enterprise. It currently extends from Interstate 4 near Walt Disney World north to...
, the Western Expressway. At its peak, the resort occupied approximately 30000 acres (121.4 km²) or 47 square miles (121.7 km²), about the size of San Francisco, or twice the size of Manhattan
Manhattan
Manhattan is the oldest and the most densely populated of the five boroughs of New York City. Located primarily on the island of Manhattan at the mouth of the Hudson River, the boundaries of the borough are identical to those of New York County, an original county of the state of New York...
. Portions of the property since have been sold or de-annexed, including land now occupied by the Disney-built community of Celebration
Celebration, Florida
Celebration is a census-designated place and a master-planned community in Osceola County, Florida, United States, located near Walt Disney World Resort and originally developed by The Walt Disney Company...
.
Theme parks
Walt Disney World Resort features four theme parks. Each park is represented by an iconic structure.- Magic KingdomMagic KingdomMagic Kingdom Park is one of four theme parks at the Walt Disney World Resort located near Orlando, Florida. The first park built at the resort, Magic Kingdom opened Oct. 1, 1971. Designed and built by WED Enterprises, the park's layout and attractions are similar to Disneyland in Anaheim, California...
– Cinderella CastleCinderella CastleCinderella Castle is the fairy tale castle at the center of two Disney theme parks: the Magic Kingdom at the Walt Disney World Resort, and Tokyo Disneyland at the Tokyo Disney Resort. Both serve as worldwide recognized icons and the flagship attraction for their respective theme parks.-Inspiration... - EpcotEpcotEpcot is a theme park in the Walt Disney World Resort, located near Orlando, Florida. The park is dedicated to the celebration of human achievement, namely international culture and technological innovation. The second park built at the resort, it opened on October 1, 1982 and was initially named...
– Spaceship Earth - Disney's Hollywood StudiosDisney's Hollywood StudiosDisney's Hollywood Studios is a theme park at the Walt Disney World Resort. Spanning 135 acres in size, its theme is show business, drawing inspiration from the heyday of Hollywood in the 1930s and 1940s...
– The Sorcerer's HatThe Sorcerer's HatThe Sorcerer's Hat is the icon of Disney's Hollywood Studios, one of four theme parks at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. It replaced the Earful Tower as the theme park's icon in marketing material...
(Formerly the Earful TowerEarful TowerThe Earful Tower is an icon used in Disney theme parks. The tower is based on water towers commonly found on Hollywood studio backlots of the first half of the 1900s, originally a safety measure to douse any fires on the film sets. The tower resembles the water tower found at the Walt Disney...
) - Disney's Animal KingdomDisney's Animal KingdomDisney's Animal Kingdom is an animal theme park located at the Walt Disney World Resort. The fourth park built at the resort, it opened on April 22, 1998, and it is the largest single Disney theme park in the world, covering more than . It is also the first Disney theme park to be themed entirely...
– The Tree of Life
Other attractions
- Downtown DisneyDowntown Disney (Florida)Downtown Disney is an outdoor shopping, dining, and entertainment complex located at the Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. Downtown Disney is open to the public, requires no admission fee, and offers complimentary parking and transportation to all Disney-operated Walt Disney...
- Disney's BoardWalkDisney's BoardWalk ResortDisney's BoardWalk Resort is a hotel and entertainment complex at the Walt Disney World Resort. First opened in 1996, the BoardWalk Resort lies alongside Crescent Lake and is situated between Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios. The resort is owned and operated by Walt Disney Parks and Resorts...
- Disney's Wedding PavilionDisney's Wedding PavilionDisney's Wedding Pavilion is a facility at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida that hosts weddings, vow renewals and commitment ceremonies. Located on the shores of the Seven Seas Lagoon near the Magic Kingdom theme park, the pavilion opened on July 15, 1995....
- ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex
- Walt Disney World SpeedwayWalt Disney World SpeedwayWalt Disney World Speedway is a racing facility located on the grounds of the Walt Disney World resort near Orlando, Florida.It was built in 1995 by IMS Events, Inc., a subsidiary of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Corporation, and was designed primarily as a venue for the Indy 200 at Walt Disney...
(Home of the Richard Petty Driving Experience)
Golf and recreation
Disney's property includes five golf courses. The four 18-hole golf courses are the Palm (4½ Stars), the Magnolia (4 Stars), Lake Buena Vista (4 Stars) and Osprey Ridge (4½ Stars). There is also a nine-hole walking course called Oak Trail, designed for young golfers. The Magnolia and Palm courses play home to the PGA Tour's Children's Miracle Network Classic.Additionally, there are two themed miniature golf complexes, each with two courses, Fantasia Gardens
Fantasia Gardens
The Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf complex is a miniature golf course located at the Walt Disney World Resort. Located across from the Swan and Dolphin resorts, it offers two 18-hole courses themed after the movie Fantasia. It is opened from 10am - 11pm daily...
and Winter Summerland
Winter Summerland
Winter Summerland is a miniature golf course at Disney World in Florida. Half of the golf course is winter themed while the other half is summer themed. The story behind the theming is that Santa came to Florida for a vacation and when it was time to go home half of the elves wanted to go home and...
.
Catch-and-release fishing
Fishing
Fishing is the activity of trying to catch wild fish. Fish are normally caught in the wild. Techniques for catching fish include hand gathering, spearing, netting, angling and trapping....
excursions are offered daily on the resort's lakes. A Florida fishing license is not required because it occurs on private property. Cane-pole fishing is offered from the docks at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground
Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground
Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground is a themed camping resort located at the Walt Disney World Resort. It officially opened on November 19, 1971....
and Disney's Port Orleans Resort
Disney's Port Orleans Resort
Disney's Port Orleans Resort French Quarter and Disney's Port Orleans Resort Riverside are a pair of resort hotels located at the Walt Disney World Resort. The two hotels are themed to look like New Orleans and the Old South...
.
Additional recreational activities include watercraft rentals, surrey bike rentals, and firework cruises that launch from several resort marinas.
Former parks and attractions
- Disney's River CountryDisney's River CountryDisney's River Country was the first water park at the Walt Disney World Resort. It opened on June 20, 1976 and ceased operations on November 2, 2001...
: The first water park at the Walt Disney World Resort. It opened on June 20, 1976 and closed on November 1, 2001. - Discovery Island: An island in Bay Lake which was home to many species of animals and birds. It opened on April 8, 1974 and closed on April 8, 1999.
On-site Disney Resorts & accommodations
There are 33 resorts and hotels located on the Walt Disney World property. Of those, 24 are owned and operated by the Walt Disney Company. The Disney resorts are classified into five categories: Deluxe, Moderate, Value, Disney Vacation Club Villas, and Campground. Additionally, they are located in four resort areas: Magic Kingdom Resort Area, Epcot Resort Area, Downtown Disney Resort Area and Animal Kingdom Resort Area. A new concept, the Golden Oak at Walt Disney World ResortGolden Oak at Walt Disney World Resort
Golden Oak at Walt Disney World Resort is a future luxury residential resort community within the Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. It was designed by Walt Disney Imagineering and will be owned and operated by a newly formed Disney subsidiary, Golden Oak Realty. The development...
luxury residential community, was announced in June 2010 and will feature homes designed by the Walt Disney Company. The campground, Fort Wilderness also provides guests with the opportunity to stay in cabins as well as camping in tents or campers.
Deluxe resorts
| Resort Name | Opening Date: | Theme: | Number of Rooms: | Owner: | Resort Area |
| Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge is an African-themed deluxe resort at the Walt Disney World Resort. It opened on April 16, 2001. The resort is owned and operated by Walt Disney Parks and Resorts.... |
April 16, 2001 | African Wildlife Preserve | 1,307 | Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Walt Disney Parks and Resorts is the segment of The Walt Disney Company that conceives, builds, and manages the company's theme parks and holiday resorts, as well as a variety of additional family-oriented leisure enterprises... |
Animal Kingdom |
| Disney's Beach Club Resort Disney's Beach Club Resort Disney's Beach Club Resort is a beach-themed deluxe resort at the Walt Disney World Resort. It opened on November 19, 1990. The resort is owned and operated by Walt Disney Parks and Resorts.... |
November 19, 1990 | Newport Beach Cottage | 583 | Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Walt Disney Parks and Resorts is the segment of The Walt Disney Company that conceives, builds, and manages the company's theme parks and holiday resorts, as well as a variety of additional family-oriented leisure enterprises... |
Epcot |
| Disney's BoardWalk Inn Disney's BoardWalk Inn Disney's BoardWalk Inn is a deluxe resort part of Disney's BoardWalk Resort, at the Walt Disney World Resort. It opened on July 1, 1996. The resort is owned and operated by Walt Disney Parks and Resorts.... |
July 1, 1996 | Early 20th Century Ocean City, NJ | 378 | Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Walt Disney Parks and Resorts is the segment of The Walt Disney Company that conceives, builds, and manages the company's theme parks and holiday resorts, as well as a variety of additional family-oriented leisure enterprises... |
Epcot |
| Disney's Contemporary Resort Disney's Contemporary Resort Disney's Contemporary Resort is a deluxe resort at the Walt Disney World Resort. It opened on October 1, 1971... |
October 1, 1971 | Modern | 655 | Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Walt Disney Parks and Resorts is the segment of The Walt Disney Company that conceives, builds, and manages the company's theme parks and holiday resorts, as well as a variety of additional family-oriented leisure enterprises... |
Magic Kingdom |
| Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is a AAA Four Diamond Award–winning, Victorian themed luxury hotel and spa located at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. The property opened on June 28, 1988 as the Grand Floridian Beach Resort. The name changed to Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa... |
July 1, 1988 | Victorian Seaside Resort | 867 | Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Walt Disney Parks and Resorts is the segment of The Walt Disney Company that conceives, builds, and manages the company's theme parks and holiday resorts, as well as a variety of additional family-oriented leisure enterprises... |
Magic Kingdom |
| Disney's Polynesian Resort Disney's Polynesian Resort Disney's Polynesian Resort is a Disney owned and operated AAA Four-Diamond Award–winning resort located at the Walt Disney World Resort. It began operation on October 1, 1971 as one of Walt Disney World Resort's first two on-site hotels. The resort has a South Seas theme, and originally opened... |
October 1, 1971 | South Seas | 847 | Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Walt Disney Parks and Resorts is the segment of The Walt Disney Company that conceives, builds, and manages the company's theme parks and holiday resorts, as well as a variety of additional family-oriented leisure enterprises... |
Magic Kingdom |
| Disney's Wilderness Lodge Disney's Wilderness Lodge Disney's Wilderness Lodge is a resort hotel located at the Walt Disney World Resort. It opened on May 28, 1994. The resort is owned and operated by Walt Disney Parks and Resorts.... |
May 28, 1994 | Pacific Northwest | 729 | Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Walt Disney Parks and Resorts is the segment of The Walt Disney Company that conceives, builds, and manages the company's theme parks and holiday resorts, as well as a variety of additional family-oriented leisure enterprises... |
Magic Kingdom |
| Disney's Yacht Club Resort Disney's Yacht Club Resort Disney's Yacht Club Resort is a New England nautical-themed resort, at Walt Disney World. First opened on November 5, 1990, it is one of several Epcot Area Resorts. Disney's Yacht Club is located next to a sister resort, Disney's Beach Club Resort, and across Crescent Lake from Disney's BoardWalk... |
November 5, 1990 | Martha's Vineyard Resort | 630 | Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Walt Disney Parks and Resorts is the segment of The Walt Disney Company that conceives, builds, and manages the company's theme parks and holiday resorts, as well as a variety of additional family-oriented leisure enterprises... |
Epcot |
Moderate resorts
| Resort Name | Opening Date: | Theme: | Number of Rooms: | Owner: | Resort Area: |
| Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort is a resort which is located in the Walt Disney World Resort. It is located in the Epcot area of Walt Disney World, close to the waterpark Typhoon Lagoon and is classified as a moderately priced resort. The resort started operating on October 1, 1988 and is owned and... |
October 1, 1988 | Tropical Islands | 2,112 | Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Walt Disney Parks and Resorts is the segment of The Walt Disney Company that conceives, builds, and manages the company's theme parks and holiday resorts, as well as a variety of additional family-oriented leisure enterprises... |
Epcot |
| Disney's Coronado Springs Resort Disney's Coronado Springs Resort Disney's Coronado Springs Resort is a resort hotel at the Walt Disney World Resort that opened on August 1, 1997. Inspired by the explorers who searched for the fabled Seven Cities of Gold, the resort features a Southwestern U.S./Mexican theme in elements, such as a tiled stucco lobby and a pyramid... |
August 1, 1997 | American Southwest | 1,915 | Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Walt Disney Parks and Resorts is the segment of The Walt Disney Company that conceives, builds, and manages the company's theme parks and holiday resorts, as well as a variety of additional family-oriented leisure enterprises... |
Animal Kingdom |
| Disney's Port Orleans Resort French Quarter Disney's Port Orleans Resort Disney's Port Orleans Resort French Quarter and Disney's Port Orleans Resort Riverside are a pair of resort hotels located at the Walt Disney World Resort. The two hotels are themed to look like New Orleans and the Old South... |
May 17, 1991 | New Orleans French Quarter | 1,008 | Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Walt Disney Parks and Resorts is the segment of The Walt Disney Company that conceives, builds, and manages the company's theme parks and holiday resorts, as well as a variety of additional family-oriented leisure enterprises... |
Downtown Disney |
| Disney's Port Orleans Resort Riverside Disney's Port Orleans Resort Disney's Port Orleans Resort French Quarter and Disney's Port Orleans Resort Riverside are a pair of resort hotels located at the Walt Disney World Resort. The two hotels are themed to look like New Orleans and the Old South... |
February 2, 1992 | Antebellum South | 2,048 | Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Walt Disney Parks and Resorts is the segment of The Walt Disney Company that conceives, builds, and manages the company's theme parks and holiday resorts, as well as a variety of additional family-oriented leisure enterprises... |
Downtown Disney |
Value resorts
| Resort Name | Opening Date: | Theme: | Number of Rooms: | Owner: | Resort Area: |
| Disney's Pop Century Resort Disney's Pop Century Resort Disney's Pop Century Resort is a resort at the Walt Disney World Resort. It is one of four hotels that make up the "value resort" group, along with the Disney's All-Star Sports Resort, Disney's All-Star Movies Resort, and Disney's All-Star Music Resort. The hotel is themed around different decades... |
December 14, 2003 | American Pop Culture | 2,880 | Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Walt Disney Parks and Resorts is the segment of The Walt Disney Company that conceives, builds, and manages the company's theme parks and holiday resorts, as well as a variety of additional family-oriented leisure enterprises... |
Animal Kingdom |
| Disney's All-Star Movies Resort Disney's All-Star Movies Resort Disney's All-Star Movies Resort is a resort hotel located at the Walt Disney World Resort. It is one of four Disney Resorts in the "Value" category along with Disney's All-Star Sports Resort, Disney's All-Star Music Resort, and Disney's Pop Century Resort. The resort is located on the southern... |
January 15, 1999 | Disney Movies | 1,920 | Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Walt Disney Parks and Resorts is the segment of The Walt Disney Company that conceives, builds, and manages the company's theme parks and holiday resorts, as well as a variety of additional family-oriented leisure enterprises... |
Animal Kingdom |
| Disney's All-Star Music Resort Disney's All-Star Music Resort Disney's All-Star Music Resort is a resort that is part of the Walt Disney World Resort. It is one of four resorts in the Value Resort category, along with Disney's All-Star Sports Resort, Disney's All-Star Movies Resort, and Disney's Pop Century Resort. The resort is located on the southern... |
November 22, 1994 | Music | 1,604 | Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Walt Disney Parks and Resorts is the segment of The Walt Disney Company that conceives, builds, and manages the company's theme parks and holiday resorts, as well as a variety of additional family-oriented leisure enterprises... |
Animal Kingdom |
| Disney's All-Star Sports Resort Disney's All-Star Sports Resort Disney's All-Star Sports Resort is a resort that is part of the Walt Disney World Resort. It is one of four Resorts in the Value Resort category, along with Disney's All-Star Music Resort, Disney's All-Star Movies Resort, and Disney's Pop Century Resort. The resort is located on the southern... |
April 24, 1994 | Sports | 1,920 | Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Walt Disney Parks and Resorts is the segment of The Walt Disney Company that conceives, builds, and manages the company's theme parks and holiday resorts, as well as a variety of additional family-oriented leisure enterprises... |
Animal Kingdom |
Cabins and campgrounds
| Resort Name | Opening Date: | Theme: | Number of Campsites: | Number of Cabins: | Owner: | Resort Area: |
| Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground is a themed camping resort located at the Walt Disney World Resort. It officially opened on November 19, 1971.... |
November 19, 1971 | Rustic Woods Camping | 800 | 409 | Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Walt Disney Parks and Resorts is the segment of The Walt Disney Company that conceives, builds, and manages the company's theme parks and holiday resorts, as well as a variety of additional family-oriented leisure enterprises... |
Magic Kingdom |
Disney Vacation Club Resorts/Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts
| Resort Name | Opening Date: | Theme: | Number of Rooms: | Owner: | Resort Area: |
| Disney's Old Key West Resort Disney's Old Key West Resort Disney's Old Key West Resort is a Disney Vacation Club resort at the Walt Disney World Resort. It opened on December 20, 1991 and was formerly known as Disney's Vacation Club Resort up until January 1996 when it was renamed. It was the first Disney Vacation Club Timeshare Resort, and has the... |
December 20, 1991 | Early 20th Century Key West | 761 | Disney Vacation Club Disney Vacation Club Disney Vacation Club is a vacation timeshare division owned and operated by The Walt Disney Company. It allows buying real estate interest in a DVC resort. Disney Vacation Club's President is Claire Bilby.... |
Downtown Disney |
| Disney's BoardWalk Villas Disney's BoardWalk Villas Disney's BoardWalk Villas is a Disney Vacation Club Resort located at the Walt Disney World Resort. Disney's Boardwalk Villas opened on July 1, 1996, as a 1920's-1940's era hotel, overlooking a boardwalk, adjacent to Crescent Lake. The boardwalk and lake offer many shops, restaurants and... |
July 1, 1996 | Early 20th Century Atlantic City, NJ | 583 | Disney Vacation Club Disney Vacation Club Disney Vacation Club is a vacation timeshare division owned and operated by The Walt Disney Company. It allows buying real estate interest in a DVC resort. Disney Vacation Club's President is Claire Bilby.... |
Epcot Resort Area |
| The Villas at Disney's Wilderness Lodge The Villas at Disney's Wilderness Lodge The Villas at Disney's Wilderness Lodge is a Disney Vacation Club Timeshare resort at the Walt Disney World Resort. Announced in 1998, the property first accepted guests in November 2000. The Villas at Disney's Wilderness Lodge are adjacent to Disney's Wilderness Lodge, whose design is based on the... |
November 15, 2000 | Pacific Northwest | 136 | Disney Vacation Club Disney Vacation Club Disney Vacation Club is a vacation timeshare division owned and operated by The Walt Disney Company. It allows buying real estate interest in a DVC resort. Disney Vacation Club's President is Claire Bilby.... |
Magic Kingdom |
| Disney's Beach Club Villas Disney's Beach Club Villas Disney's Beach Club Villas is a Disney Vacation Club resort at the Walt Disney World Resort.-General Information and Facts:Disney's Beach Club Villas opened on July 1, 2002 and is the fourth Disney Vacation Club Resort operating at Walt Disney World... |
July 1, 2002 | Newport Beach Resort | 282 | Disney Vacation Club Disney Vacation Club Disney Vacation Club is a vacation timeshare division owned and operated by The Walt Disney Company. It allows buying real estate interest in a DVC resort. Disney Vacation Club's President is Claire Bilby.... |
Epcot |
| Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa is a Disney Vacation Club resort at the Walt Disney World Resort. The resort is the seventh Disney Vacation Club resort and is situated on the former site of the Disney Institute. It first opened May 17, 2004 and was built in three phases. It is now the... |
May 17, 2004 | 1880s Upstate New York Resort | 1,260 | Disney Vacation Club Disney Vacation Club Disney Vacation Club is a vacation timeshare division owned and operated by The Walt Disney Company. It allows buying real estate interest in a DVC resort. Disney Vacation Club's President is Claire Bilby.... |
Downtown Disney |
| Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas is a Disney Vacation Club resort located at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge at the Walt Disney World Resort.Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas is located in the Animal Kingdom Resort Area, adjacent to Disney's Animal Kingdom.... |
August 15, 2007 | African Safari Lodge | 458 | Disney Vacation Club Disney Vacation Club Disney Vacation Club is a vacation timeshare division owned and operated by The Walt Disney Company. It allows buying real estate interest in a DVC resort. Disney Vacation Club's President is Claire Bilby.... |
Animal Kingdom |
| Bay Lake Tower Bay Lake Tower Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort , is a Disney Vacation Club resort located at the Walt Disney World Resort. It officially opened on August 4, 2009.... |
August 4, 2009 | Modern | 428 | Disney Vacation Club Disney Vacation Club Disney Vacation Club is a vacation timeshare division owned and operated by The Walt Disney Company. It allows buying real estate interest in a DVC resort. Disney Vacation Club's President is Claire Bilby.... |
Magic Kingdom |
Future Disney resorts
| Resort Name | Opening Date: | Theme: | Number of Rooms: | Owner: | Resort Area: |
| Disney's Art of Animation Resort Disney's Art of Animation Resort Disney's Art of Animation Resort is a future resort within Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. It is located where construction on the unfinished half of Disney's Pop Century Resort was started but later abandoned after the September 11 attacks.The resort is the first to be built... |
May 31, 2012 | Walt Disney Characters | 864 | Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Walt Disney Parks and Resorts is the segment of The Walt Disney Company that conceives, builds, and manages the company's theme parks and holiday resorts, as well as a variety of additional family-oriented leisure enterprises... |
Animal Kingdom |
Future residential areas
| Community Name | Opening Date: | Theme: | Number of Homes: | Owner: | Resort Area: |
| Golden Oak at Walt Disney World Resort Golden Oak at Walt Disney World Resort Golden Oak at Walt Disney World Resort is a future luxury residential resort community within the Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. It was designed by Walt Disney Imagineering and will be owned and operated by a newly formed Disney subsidiary, Golden Oak Realty. The development... |
Fall 2011 | Spanish Revival | 450 | Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Walt Disney Parks and Resorts is the segment of The Walt Disney Company that conceives, builds, and manages the company's theme parks and holiday resorts, as well as a variety of additional family-oriented leisure enterprises... |
Magic Kingdom |
On-site Non-Disney hotels
| Hotel Name | Opening Date: | Theme: | Number of Rooms: | Owner: | Resort Area |
| Best Western Lake Buena Vista Resort Hotel Best Western Lake Buena Vista Resort Hotel The Best Western Lake Buena Vista Resort Hotel is a 325-room resort that is on the property of Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. The resort is located across from the Downtown Disney area. The hotel originally opened in November 1972 as the Travelodge at Lake Buena Vista... |
November 21, 1972 | None | 325 | Best Western Best Western Best Western International, Inc. is the third largest hotel chain, with over 4,195 hotels in nearly 80 countries. The chain, with its corporate headquarters in Phoenix, Arizona, operates more than 2,000 hotels in North America alone. Best Western has a marketing program involving placement of free... |
Downtown Disney Resort Area Hotels |
| Doubletree Guest Suite Resort Doubletree Guest Suite Resort The Doubletree Guest Suites, in the Walt Disney World Resort is a 229-room all suite hotel located within the Downtown Disney Resort Area. The hotel is located on the property of the Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida.... |
March 15, 1987 | None | 229 | Hilton Hotels Corporation Hilton Hotels Corporation Hilton Worldwide is a global hospitality company. It is owned by the Blackstone Group, a private equity firm. As of July 2011 Hilton brands encompass 3,750 hotels with over 600,000 rooms in 84 countries... |
Downtown Disney Resort Area Hotels |
| Wyndham Lake Buena Vista | October 15, 1972 | None | 626 | Wyndham Hotels & Resorts Wyndham Hotels & Resorts Wyndham Hotels and Resorts is a group of chains of hotels and resorts located mainly in the United States and Canada, but also in Mexico and the Caribbean.-History:... |
Downtown Disney Resort Area Hotels |
| Hilton Walt Disney World Hilton Walt Disney World The Hilton in the Walt Disney World Resort is an AAA Four-Diamond hotel located adjacent to the Downtown Disney complex located on Walt Disney World Resort property in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. The hotel, which opened in November 1983, is among seven hotels that make up the Downtown Disney Resort... |
November 23, 1983 | None | 787 | Hilton Hotels Corporation Hilton Hotels Corporation Hilton Worldwide is a global hospitality company. It is owned by the Blackstone Group, a private equity firm. As of July 2011 Hilton brands encompass 3,750 hotels with over 600,000 rooms in 84 countries... |
Downtown Disney Resort Area Hotels |
| Holiday Inn in the Walt Disney World Resort Holiday Inn in the Walt Disney World Resort Holiday Inn in the Walt Disney World Resort is a resort hotel located on the property of Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. It is near the Downtown Disney district on Hotel Plaza Boulevard. The hotel opened in February 1973 as a Howard Johnson's; it was expanded in 1978 . It... |
February 8, 1973 | None | 323 | InterContinental Hotels Group InterContinental Hotels Group InterContinental Hotels Group plc is a global hotels company headquartered in Denham, United Kingdom. It is the largest hotels company in the world measured by rooms , and has over 4,500 hotels across over 100 countries... |
Downtown Disney Resort Area Hotels |
| Royal Plaza Royal Plaza The Royal Plaza is a 394-room resort on the property of Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. It is located near the Downtown Disney area on Hotel Plaza Blvd. The resort originally opened as The Royal Inn in October 1972. In the mid or late 1970's, the hotel's name was changed to... |
October 1, 1972 | None | 394 | N/A | Downtown Disney Resort Area Hotels |
| Shades of Green | February 1, 1994 | Upscale Country Club | 586 | United States Department of Defense United States Department of Defense The United States Department of Defense is the U.S... |
Magic Kingdom Resort Area |
| Buena Vista Palace Resort & Spa Buena Vista Palace Resort & Spa The Buena Vista Palace is a 1,014-room resort located on directly across from the Downtown Disney Marketplace. The hotel, which opened in March 1983, is among seven hotels that make up the Downtown Disney Area Resorts... |
March 10, 1983 | None | 1,014 | Blackstone Group Blackstone Group The Blackstone Group L.P. is an American-based alternative asset management and financial services company that specializes in private equity, real estate, and credit and marketable alternative investment strategies, as well as financial advisory services, such as mergers and acquisitions ,... |
Downtown Disney Resort Area Hotels |
| Walt Disney World Dolphin Walt Disney World Dolphin The Walt Disney World Dolphin is a resort hotel designed by architect Michael Graves located between Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios in the Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, next to Disney's BoardWalk Resort area... |
June 1, 1990 | Underwater | 1,509 | Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide | Epcot |
| Walt Disney World Swan Walt Disney World Swan The Walt Disney World Swan is a resort hotel designed by architect Michael Graves located between Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios behind Disney's BoardWalk Resort and across from its sister resort, the Walt Disney World Dolphin... |
January 13, 1990 | Underwater | 756 | Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide | Epcot |
Disney beach resorts
Disney often advertises its two off-site beach resorts as destinations to complement a Disney World vacation.| Resort Name | Opening Date: | Theme: | Number of Rooms: | Owner: | Location: |
| Disney's Vero Beach Resort Disney's Vero Beach Resort Disney's Vero Beach Resort is a Disney Vacation Club resort located in Vero Beach, Florida. The resort was the first Disney Vacation Club resort to be constructed outside of the Walt Disney World Resort area.- Accommodations :... |
October 1, 1995 | Old Florida | 211 | Disney Vacation Club Disney Vacation Club Disney Vacation Club is a vacation timeshare division owned and operated by The Walt Disney Company. It allows buying real estate interest in a DVC resort. Disney Vacation Club's President is Claire Bilby.... |
Vero Beach, Florida |
| Disney's Hilton Head Island Resort Disney's Hilton Head Island Resort Disney's Hilton Head Island Resort is a Disney Vacation Club Resort located in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. Designed by Cooper, Robertson & Partners, it opened on March 1, 1996.... |
March 1, 1996 | South Carolina Lowcountry | 123 | Disney Vacation Club Disney Vacation Club Disney Vacation Club is a vacation timeshare division owned and operated by The Walt Disney Company. It allows buying real estate interest in a DVC resort. Disney Vacation Club's President is Claire Bilby.... |
Hilton Head, South Carolina |
Former Disney resorts
- The Golf Resort — Became The Disney Inn, and later became Shades of Green.
- Disney's Village Resort — Became the Villas at Disney InstituteDisney InstituteDisney Institute is the professional development and external training arm of The Walt Disney Company. The company showcases 'the business behind the magic' through seminars, workshops and presentations, as well as programs for professionals from many different industries, including healthcare,...
and then Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & SpaDisney's Saratoga Springs Resort & SpaDisney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa is a Disney Vacation Club resort at the Walt Disney World Resort. The resort is the seventh Disney Vacation Club resort and is situated on the former site of the Disney Institute. It first opened May 17, 2004 and was built in three phases. It is now the...
. The "Tree House" Villas were permanently decommissioned because they were not accessible to disabled guests. Until early 2008, they were used for International ProgramWalt Disney World International ProgramThe Walt Disney World International Program is an international internship program sponsored and operated by The Walt Disney Company at the Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, in the United States...
Cast Member housing. In February 2008, Disney submitted plans to the South Florida Water Management DistrictSouth Florida Water Management DistrictThe South Florida Water Management District is a regional governmental agency supervised by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection , and is responsible for water quality, flood control, water supply and restoration of the environment in 16 counties in Central and Southern Florida...
to replace the 60 existing villas with 60 new villas. The Treehouse Villas opened during the summer of 2009.
Never-built Disney resorts
- Disney's Asian ResortDisney's Asian ResortDisney's Asian Resort was a themed hotel planned for Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. Designed in the 1960s when the resort first was envisioned, it was scheduled to begin operation in 1974, three years after Walt Disney World opened in 1971.Due to the 1973 oil crisis, the...
- Disney's Persian ResortDisney's Persian ResortDisney's Persian Resort was a themed hotel planned for Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. Due to the 1973 oil crisis, the project was cancelled, along with Disney's Venetian Resort and Disney's Asian Resort...
- Disney's Venetian ResortDisney's Venetian ResortDisney's Venetian Resort was to be a Disney-owned Deluxe resort to be located at Walt Disney World in Lake Buena Vista, Florida that originally would have begun operation on October 1, 1971. It was going to be themed after Venice, Italy located on Seven Seas Lagoon. Due to the 1973 Oil Embargo,...
- Disney's Mediterranean ResortDisney's Mediterranean ResortDisney's Mediterranean Resort was a proposed Disney Deluxe resort to be located at Walt Disney World in Lake Buena Vista, Florida that originally would have begun operation in the late 1990s. It was going to be themed after a small Greek island and be located on Seven Seas Lagoon...
- Fort Wilderness JunctionFort Wilderness JunctionFort Wilderness Junction was to be a 600-room hotel at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida between Fort Wilderness and Disney's Wilderness Lodge....
Former Disney residential areas
- Celebration (A town designed and built by Disney, but no longer owned by Disney.)
- Lake Buena Vista (Disney originally intended this area to become a complete community with multiple residences, shopping, and offices, but transformed the original homes into hotel lodging in the 1970s, which were demolished in the early 2000s to build Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & SpaDisney's Saratoga Springs Resort & SpaDisney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa is a Disney Vacation Club resort at the Walt Disney World Resort. The resort is the seventh Disney Vacation Club resort and is situated on the former site of the Disney Institute. It first opened May 17, 2004 and was built in three phases. It is now the...
)
Disney's Magical Express
Guests with a Disney Resort reservation arriving at Orlando International AirportOrlando International Airport
Orlando International Airport is a major international airport located southeast of the central business district of Orlando. It is the second busiest airport in Florida, after Miami International Airport...
can be transported to their Disney resort from the airport using the complimentary Disney Magical Express service, and have their bags picked up and transported for them through a contract with BAGS Incorporate. Guests board custom motor coaches, watch a video about the Walt Disney World Resort, and their luggage is later delivered directly to their rooms.
Executive management
- President, Walt Disney World Resort – Meg CroftonMeg CroftonMeg Gilbert Crofton is an American businesswoman, currently serving as president of the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida...
- Senior Vice President of Operations and Next Generation Experiences, Walt Disney World Resort – Jim MacPhee
- Senior Vice President of Operations, Sales, and Alliance Development, Walt Disney World Resort — George Aguel
- Vice President, Magic Kingdom — Phil Holmes
- Vice President, Epcot — Rilous CarterRilous CarterRilous Carter is the Vice President of Disney's Epcot. He was previously was the VP of Disney's Hollywood Studios before switching positions with Dan Cockerell.- References :...
- Vice President, Disney's Hollywood Studios – Dan Cockerell
- Vice President, Disney's Animal Kingdom — Michael Colglazier
- Vice President, Downtown Disney — Keith Bradford
- Vice President, Resort Operations — Kevin Myers
- Vice President, Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex and Disney Water Parks —Ken Potrock
- Vice President, Transportation, Sports, and Golf — Jim Vendur
- Vice President, Global Relationship Marketing, Disney Destinations LLC. – Greg Albrecht
- Vice President Engineering, Walt Disney World Resort — Trevor Larsen
- Vice President, Animal Programs and Environmental Initiatives — Dr. Jackie Ogden
- Senior Vice President of Public Affairs, Walt Disney World Resort — Brian Besanceney
- Vice President, Community Relations and Minority Business Development, Walt Disney World Resort — Eugene Campbell
- Vice President Government Relations, Walt Disney World Resort — Bill Warren
Former Executive Management
- Former President, Walt Disney World Resort 1994–2006 — Al Weiss
- Former Executive Vice President of Operations, Walt Disney World Resort 1994-2006 — Lee Cockerell
- Former Senior Vice President of Operations, Walt Disney World Resort 2006-2009 — Erin WallaceErin WallaceErin J. Wallace is the Senior Vice President of Operations, Integration/line of business, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. She was Promoted to this new role in February 2009. Prior to being Senior Vice President of Operations, Walt Disney World Resort, she was the Vice President of the Magic Kingdom...
- Former Senior Vice President of Operations, Walt Disney World Resort — Karl HolzKarl HolzKarl L. Holz is the current President for Disney Cruise Line as of February 14, 2009. Holz was moved back to his former role as part of the corporate merger of Disney Cruise Line and New Vacation Operations...
- Former Vice President, Magic Kingdom 2000-2001 — Erin WallaceErin WallaceErin J. Wallace is the Senior Vice President of Operations, Integration/line of business, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. She was Promoted to this new role in February 2009. Prior to being Senior Vice President of Operations, Walt Disney World Resort, she was the Vice President of the Magic Kingdom...
- Former Vice President, Magic Kingdom 1987-1994 — Bill Sullivan
- Former Vice President, Epcot 2007-2009 — Jim MacPhee
- Former Vice President, Epcot 2001-2007 — Brad Rex
- Former Vice President, Epcot 1994-1996 — Linda Warren
- Former Vice President, Epcot 1987-1990 — Norm Doerges
- Former Vice President, Disney's Hollywood Studios — Michael O'Grattan
- Former Vice President, Disney-MGM-Studios — Bruce Laval
- Former Vice President, Disney's Animal Kingdom — Val Bunting
- Former Vice President, Disney's Animal Kingdom — Kevin Lasnsberry
- Former Vice President, Downtown Disney — Kevin Lasnsberry
- Former Vice President, Downtown Disney — Djuan RiversDjuan RiversDjuan Rivers is the Vice President and General Manager of the forthcoming Disney Aulani Resort & Spa in Hawaii.-Background:Djuan Rivers is an Orlando native and attended Emory University where he earned his Bachelor of Arts in Economics in 1987....
- Former Vice President, Downtown Disney — Karl HolzKarl HolzKarl L. Holz is the current President for Disney Cruise Line as of February 14, 2009. Holz was moved back to his former role as part of the corporate merger of Disney Cruise Line and New Vacation Operations...
- Former Vice President, Magic Kingdom 2000-2001 — Erin Wallace
Attendance
The June 2011 AECOM Theme Park Attendance report, included the following information:- Magic KingdomMagic KingdomMagic Kingdom Park is one of four theme parks at the Walt Disney World Resort located near Orlando, Florida. The first park built at the resort, Magic Kingdom opened Oct. 1, 1971. Designed and built by WED Enterprises, the park's layout and attractions are similar to Disneyland in Anaheim, California...
, 16.97 million visits (No. 1 worldwide) - EpcotEpcotEpcot is a theme park in the Walt Disney World Resort, located near Orlando, Florida. The park is dedicated to the celebration of human achievement, namely international culture and technological innovation. The second park built at the resort, it opened on October 1, 1982 and was initially named...
, 10.83 million visits (No. 5) - Disney's Animal KingdomDisney's Animal KingdomDisney's Animal Kingdom is an animal theme park located at the Walt Disney World Resort. The fourth park built at the resort, it opened on April 22, 1998, and it is the largest single Disney theme park in the world, covering more than . It is also the first Disney theme park to be themed entirely...
, 9.87 million visits (No. 7) - Disney's Hollywood StudiosDisney's Hollywood StudiosDisney's Hollywood Studios is a theme park at the Walt Disney World Resort. Spanning 135 acres in size, its theme is show business, drawing inspiration from the heyday of Hollywood in the 1930s and 1940s...
, 9.60 million visits (No. 8)
Employment
When the Magic Kingdom opened in 1971, the site employed about 5,500 "cast members". Today it employs more than 66,000, spending more than $1.2 billion on payroll and $474 million on benefits each year. The largest single-site employer in the United States, Walt Disney World Resort has more than 3,700 job classifications. The resort also sponsors and operates the Walt Disney World College ProgramWalt Disney World College Program
The Walt Disney College Program is a U.S. national internship program operated by The Walt Disney Company, located at the Walt Disney World Resort and the Disneyland Resort...
, an internship program that offers American and International college students (ICP's) the opportunity to live about 15 miles (24.1 km) off site in 4 Disney-owned apartment complexes and work at the resort, providing much of the theme park and resort "front line" cast members. There is also the Walt Disney World International College Program, an internship program that has college students from all over the world.
Maintenance
In a March 30, 2004 article in The Orlando Sentinel, then-Walt Disney World president Al Weiss gave some insight into how the parks are maintained:- More than 5,000 cast members are dedicated to maintenance and engineering, including 750 horticulturists and 600 painters.
- Disney spends more than $100 million every year on maintenance at the Magic Kingdom. In 2003, $6 million was spent on renovating its Crystal Palace restaurant. 90 percent of guests say that the upkeep and cleanliness of the Magic Kingdom are excellent or very good.
- The streets in the parks are steam cleaned every night.
- There are cast members permanently assigned to painting the antique carousel horses; they use genuine gold leaf.
- There is a tree farm on site so that when a mature tree needs to be replaced, a thirty-year-old tree will be available to replace it.
Transportation
A fleet of Disney-operated buses on property, branded Disney TransportDisney Transport
Disney Transport is the privately operated transportation system at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. Most movements are made using buses that run along the resort's public roads maintained by the Reedy Creek Improvement District and private roads...
, is available for guests at no charge. In 2007, Disney Transport started a guest services upgrade to the buses. SatellGPS systems controlling new public address systems on the buses give safety information, park tips and other general announcements, with music. They are not to be confused with the Disney Cruise Line
Disney Cruise Line
Disney Cruise Line is an American cruise line company owned and operated by Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, a division of The Walt Disney Company and is headquartered in Celebration, Florida. The business is run by President Karl Holz. Disney Cruise Line operates the Disney Cruise Line Terminal,...
and Disney's Magical Express buses, which are operated by Mears Transportation. Taxi boats
Water taxi
A water taxi or water bus, also known as a commuter boat, is a watercraft used to provide public transport, usually but not always in an urban environment. Service may be scheduled with multiple stops, operating in a similar manner to a bus, or on demand to many locations, operating in a similar...
link some locations. The Walt Disney World Monorail System
Walt Disney World Monorail System
The Walt Disney World Monorail System is a public transit system in operation at the Walt Disney World Resort.The Walt Disney World Resort currently operates twelve Mark VI monorail trains on three lines of service. The monorail system opened in 1971 with two routes and with Mark IV monorail trains...
also provides transportation at Walt Disney World.
Previously there were 12 operational monorails, although a crash occurring in July 2009 meant that the Pink and Purple monorails were taken out of service. Parts of the Pink and Purple monorails were used to create a new monorail with the colour Teal, which was put into operation in November 2009, taking the total number of monorails to 11. They operate on three routes that interconnect at the Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC), adjacent to the Magic Kingdom's parking lot. One line provides an express non-stop link from the TTC to the Magic Kingdom, while a second line provides a link from the TTC to Epcot. The third line links the TTC and the Magic Kingdom to the Contemporary
Disney's Contemporary Resort
Disney's Contemporary Resort is a deluxe resort at the Walt Disney World Resort. It opened on October 1, 1971...
, Polynesian
Disney's Polynesian Resort
Disney's Polynesian Resort is a Disney owned and operated AAA Four-Diamond Award–winning resort located at the Walt Disney World Resort. It began operation on October 1, 1971 as one of Walt Disney World Resort's first two on-site hotels. The resort has a South Seas theme, and originally opened...
, and Grand Floridian
Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is a AAA Four Diamond Award–winning, Victorian themed luxury hotel and spa located at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. The property opened on June 28, 1988 as the Grand Floridian Beach Resort. The name changed to Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa...
resorts.
The major roads within the resort, World Drive, Osceola Parkway and Epcot Center Drive, have segments that are built as freeways with full grade-separated interchange
Interchange (road)
In the field of road transport, an interchange is a road junction that typically uses grade separation, and one or more ramps, to permit traffic on at least one highway to pass through the junction without directly crossing any other traffic stream. It differs from a standard intersection, at which...
s. World Drive enters Walt Disney World from U.S. Route 192
U.S. Route 192
U.S. Route 192 is an east–west route of the United States Numbered Highway system in central Florida. It runs 75.04 miles from U.S. Route 27 in Citrus Ridge, Lake County, east past Walt Disney World and through Kissimmee, St. Cloud and Melbourne, to end at State Road A1A in Indialantic, one...
and heads north to the Magic Kingdom Resort Area. Osceola Parkway heads east from the Animal Kingdom Resort Area to Interstate 4
Interstate 4
Interstate 4 is a intrastate Highway located entirely within the state of Florida, United States. It goes from Interstate 275 in Tampa, Florida to Interstate 95 at Daytona Beach, Florida . It also has the Florida Department of Transportation designation of State Road 400, but only a small...
. Epcot Center Drive is a freeway for most of its route, running east from World Drive, past the Epcot
Epcot
Epcot is a theme park in the Walt Disney World Resort, located near Orlando, Florida. The park is dedicated to the celebration of human achievement, namely international culture and technological innovation. The second park built at the resort, it opened on October 1, 1982 and was initially named...
parking lot to Interstate 4. Buena Vista Drive is a major surface street, running east from the Animal Kingdom Resort Area to Disney's Hollywood Studios
Disney's Hollywood Studios
Disney's Hollywood Studios is a theme park at the Walt Disney World Resort. Spanning 135 acres in size, its theme is show business, drawing inspiration from the heyday of Hollywood in the 1930s and 1940s...
, the Epcot Resort Area, and Downtown Disney.
Name and logo
During the resort's early planning stages, Walt Disney referred to the project as Project X, The Florida Project, Disney World, and The Disney World. Early visual references used the same medieval font as Disneyland. Walt Disney was very involved in the site selection and project planning in the years before his death. The secretive names were chosen because of the high confidentiality of the project during the initial planning. After Walt Disney's death, Roy O. Disney added the name Walt to Disney World as a permanent tribute to his brother.The resort's original logo had an oversized "D" with a Mickey Mouse-shaped globe containing latitude and longitude lines, with the property's name presented in a modern, sans-serif font. Walt Disney World Resort retired its original font and symbol during its 25th anniversary celebration in 1996–97. The old "D" symbol still can be found in many places, however, including the SpectroMagic title float, the front car of each monorail, manhole covers, survey markers, select merchandise items and flags flown at several sites across the property.
Twin town
As part of a competition run by Disney for 2010, Walt Disney World Resort has an unofficial twinning (sister city) with SwindonSwindon
Swindon is a large town within the borough of Swindon and ceremonial county of Wiltshire, in South West England. It is midway between Bristol, west and Reading, east. London is east...
, England
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
, since 2009.
Development timeline
| 1965 | Walt Disney Walt Disney Walter Elias "Walt" Disney was an American film producer, director, screenwriter, voice actor, animator, entrepreneur, entertainer, international icon, and philanthropist, well-known for his influence in the field of entertainment during the 20th century. Along with his brother Roy O... announces Florida Florida Florida is a state in the southeastern United States, located on the nation's Atlantic and Gulf coasts. It is bordered to the west by the Gulf of Mexico, to the north by Alabama and Georgia and to the east by the Atlantic Ocean. With a population of 18,801,310 as measured by the 2010 census, it... Project |
| 1967 | Construction begins |
| 1971 | Magic Kingdom Magic Kingdom Magic Kingdom Park is one of four theme parks at the Walt Disney World Resort located near Orlando, Florida. The first park built at the resort, Magic Kingdom opened Oct. 1, 1971. Designed and built by WED Enterprises, the park's layout and attractions are similar to Disneyland in Anaheim, California... Palm and Magnolia Golf Courses Disney's Contemporary Resort Disney's Contemporary Resort Disney's Contemporary Resort is a deluxe resort at the Walt Disney World Resort. It opened on October 1, 1971... Disney's Polynesian Resort Disney's Polynesian Resort Disney's Polynesian Resort is a Disney owned and operated AAA Four-Diamond Award–winning resort located at the Walt Disney World Resort. It began operation on October 1, 1971 as one of Walt Disney World Resort's first two on-site hotels. The resort has a South Seas theme, and originally opened... Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground is a themed camping resort located at the Walt Disney World Resort. It officially opened on November 19, 1971.... |
| 1972 | Disney's Village Resort Disney Village Disney Village is a shopping, dining and entertainment complex in Disneyland Paris, Marne-la-Vallée, France. Originally named Festival Disney, it opened April 12, 1992 with what was then the Euro Disney Resort and originally covered an area of approximately 18,000 m².Based on Walt Disney World's... |
| 1973 | The Golf Resort |
| 1974 | Discovery Island |
| 1975 | Disney's Village Resort Walt Disney Village Marketplace Downtown Disney (Florida) Downtown Disney is an outdoor shopping, dining, and entertainment complex located at the Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. Downtown Disney is open to the public, requires no admission fee, and offers complimentary parking and transportation to all Disney-operated Walt Disney... |
| 1976 | Disney's River Country Disney's River Country Disney's River Country was the first water park at the Walt Disney World Resort. It opened on June 20, 1976 and ceased operations on November 2, 2001... |
| 1980 | Walt Disney World Conference Center Walt Disney World Conference Center The Walt Disney World Conference Center was a chalet-style building that was designed for small and medium-sized business meetings. It opened in August 1980 along the banks of Club Lake and was then converted into part of the Disney Institute... Disney's Village Resort — Club Lake Villas |
| 1982 | Epcot Epcot Epcot is a theme park in the Walt Disney World Resort, located near Orlando, Florida. The park is dedicated to the celebration of human achievement, namely international culture and technological innovation. The second park built at the resort, it opened on October 1, 1982 and was initially named... |
| 1986 | The Disney Inn |
| 1988 | Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is a AAA Four Diamond Award–winning, Victorian themed luxury hotel and spa located at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. The property opened on June 28, 1988 as the Grand Floridian Beach Resort. The name changed to Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa... Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort is a resort which is located in the Walt Disney World Resort. It is located in the Epcot area of Walt Disney World, close to the waterpark Typhoon Lagoon and is classified as a moderately priced resort. The resort started operating on October 1, 1988 and is owned and... |
| 1989 | Disney's Hollywood Studios Disney's Hollywood Studios Disney's Hollywood Studios is a theme park at the Walt Disney World Resort. Spanning 135 acres in size, its theme is show business, drawing inspiration from the heyday of Hollywood in the 1930s and 1940s... (originally Disney-MGM Studios) Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Typhoon Lagoon is a water park located at the Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, United States.The park, which opened on June 1, 1989, is home to the world's largest outdoor wave pool. The theme of the park is the "Disney legend" of a typhoon that wreaked havoc upon a formerly... Pleasure Island |
| 1990 | Disney's Yacht Club Disney's Yacht Club Resort Disney's Yacht Club Resort is a New England nautical-themed resort, at Walt Disney World. First opened on November 5, 1990, it is one of several Epcot Area Resorts. Disney's Yacht Club is located next to a sister resort, Disney's Beach Club Resort, and across Crescent Lake from Disney's BoardWalk... and Beach Club Disney's Beach Club Resort Disney's Beach Club Resort is a beach-themed deluxe resort at the Walt Disney World Resort. It opened on November 19, 1990. The resort is owned and operated by Walt Disney Parks and Resorts.... Resorts Walt Disney World Swan Walt Disney World Swan The Walt Disney World Swan is a resort hotel designed by architect Michael Graves located between Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios behind Disney's BoardWalk Resort and across from its sister resort, the Walt Disney World Dolphin... Walt Disney World Dolphin Walt Disney World Dolphin The Walt Disney World Dolphin is a resort hotel designed by architect Michael Graves located between Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios in the Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, next to Disney's BoardWalk Resort area... |
| 1991 | Disney's Port Orleans Resort French Quarter Disney's Port Orleans Resort Disney's Port Orleans Resort French Quarter and Disney's Port Orleans Resort Riverside are a pair of resort hotels located at the Walt Disney World Resort. The two hotels are themed to look like New Orleans and the Old South... Disney Vacation Club Disney Vacation Club Disney Vacation Club is a vacation timeshare division owned and operated by The Walt Disney Company. It allows buying real estate interest in a DVC resort. Disney Vacation Club's President is Claire Bilby.... Disney's Old Key West Resort Disney's Old Key West Resort Disney's Old Key West Resort is a Disney Vacation Club resort at the Walt Disney World Resort. It opened on December 20, 1991 and was formerly known as Disney's Vacation Club Resort up until January 1996 when it was renamed. It was the first Disney Vacation Club Timeshare Resort, and has the... |
| 1992 | Disney's Port Orleans Resort Riverside Disney's Port Orleans Resort Disney's Port Orleans Resort French Quarter and Disney's Port Orleans Resort Riverside are a pair of resort hotels located at the Walt Disney World Resort. The two hotels are themed to look like New Orleans and the Old South... Bonnet Creek Golf Club |
| 1994 | Disney's All-Star Sports Resort Disney's All-Star Sports Resort Disney's All-Star Sports Resort is a resort that is part of the Walt Disney World Resort. It is one of four Resorts in the Value Resort category, along with Disney's All-Star Music Resort, Disney's All-Star Movies Resort, and Disney's Pop Century Resort. The resort is located on the southern... Disney's Wilderness Lodge Disney's Wilderness Lodge Disney's Wilderness Lodge is a resort hotel located at the Walt Disney World Resort. It opened on May 28, 1994. The resort is owned and operated by Walt Disney Parks and Resorts.... Shades of Green |
| 1995 | Disney's All-Star Music Resort Disney's All-Star Music Resort Disney's All-Star Music Resort is a resort that is part of the Walt Disney World Resort. It is one of four resorts in the Value Resort category, along with Disney's All-Star Sports Resort, Disney's All-Star Movies Resort, and Disney's Pop Century Resort. The resort is located on the southern... Disney's Blizzard Beach Disney's Blizzard Beach Blizzard Beach is a water park located at the Walt Disney World Resort.The park opened on April 1, 1995 and was the third Walt Disney World water park. The theme of the park is the "Disney legend" of a freak snowstorm in the area, leading to the construction of Florida's first ski resort... Disney's Fairy Tale Wedding Pavilion Walt Disney World Speedway Walt Disney World Speedway Walt Disney World Speedway is a racing facility located on the grounds of the Walt Disney World resort near Orlando, Florida.It was built in 1995 by IMS Events, Inc., a subsidiary of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Corporation, and was designed primarily as a venue for the Indy 200 at Walt Disney... |
| 1996 | Disney Institute Disney Institute Disney Institute is the professional development and external training arm of The Walt Disney Company. The company showcases 'the business behind the magic' through seminars, workshops and presentations, as well as programs for professionals from many different industries, including healthcare,... Disney's BoardWalk Inn Disney's BoardWalk Inn Disney's BoardWalk Inn is a deluxe resort part of Disney's BoardWalk Resort, at the Walt Disney World Resort. It opened on July 1, 1996. The resort is owned and operated by Walt Disney Parks and Resorts.... and BoardWalk Villas |
| 1997 | Disney's Coronado Springs Resort Disney's Coronado Springs Resort Disney's Coronado Springs Resort is a resort hotel at the Walt Disney World Resort that opened on August 1, 1997. Inspired by the explorers who searched for the fabled Seven Cities of Gold, the resort features a Southwestern U.S./Mexican theme in elements, such as a tiled stucco lobby and a pyramid... Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex is a athletic complex located in the Walt Disney World Resort. The complex includes 9 venues and hosts numerous amateur and professional sporting events throughout the year.... Downtown Disney West Side Downtown Disney (Florida) Downtown Disney is an outdoor shopping, dining, and entertainment complex located at the Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. Downtown Disney is open to the public, requires no admission fee, and offers complimentary parking and transportation to all Disney-operated Walt Disney... |
| 1998 | Disney's Animal Kingdom Disney's Animal Kingdom Disney's Animal Kingdom is an animal theme park located at the Walt Disney World Resort. The fourth park built at the resort, it opened on April 22, 1998, and it is the largest single Disney theme park in the world, covering more than . It is also the first Disney theme park to be themed entirely... DisneyQuest DisneyQuest DisneyQuest is an "indoor interactive theme park" located in Downtown Disney at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. It is housed in a five-story, windowless building... |
| 1999 | Disney's All-Star Movies Resort Disney's All-Star Movies Resort Disney's All-Star Movies Resort is a resort hotel located at the Walt Disney World Resort. It is one of four Disney Resorts in the "Value" category along with Disney's All-Star Sports Resort, Disney's All-Star Music Resort, and Disney's Pop Century Resort. The resort is located on the southern... |
| 2000 | The Villas at Disney's Wilderness Lodge The Villas at Disney's Wilderness Lodge The Villas at Disney's Wilderness Lodge is a Disney Vacation Club Timeshare resort at the Walt Disney World Resort. Announced in 1998, the property first accepted guests in November 2000. The Villas at Disney's Wilderness Lodge are adjacent to Disney's Wilderness Lodge, whose design is based on the... |
| 2001 | Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge is an African-themed deluxe resort at the Walt Disney World Resort. It opened on April 16, 2001. The resort is owned and operated by Walt Disney Parks and Resorts.... |
| 2002 | Disney's Beach Club Villas Disney's Beach Club Villas Disney's Beach Club Villas is a Disney Vacation Club resort at the Walt Disney World Resort.-General Information and Facts:Disney's Beach Club Villas opened on July 1, 2002 and is the fourth Disney Vacation Club Resort operating at Walt Disney World... |
| 2003 | Disney's Pop Century Resort Disney's Pop Century Resort Disney's Pop Century Resort is a resort at the Walt Disney World Resort. It is one of four hotels that make up the "value resort" group, along with the Disney's All-Star Sports Resort, Disney's All-Star Movies Resort, and Disney's All-Star Music Resort. The hotel is themed around different decades... |
| 2004 | Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa is a Disney Vacation Club resort at the Walt Disney World Resort. The resort is the seventh Disney Vacation Club resort and is situated on the former site of the Disney Institute. It first opened May 17, 2004 and was built in three phases. It is now the... |
| 2007 | Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas is a Disney Vacation Club resort located at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge at the Walt Disney World Resort.Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas is located in the Animal Kingdom Resort Area, adjacent to Disney's Animal Kingdom.... |
| 2009 | Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort Treehouse Villas Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa is a Disney Vacation Club resort at the Walt Disney World Resort. The resort is the seventh Disney Vacation Club resort and is situated on the former site of the Disney Institute. It first opened May 17, 2004 and was built in three phases. It is now the... |
| 2011 | Golden Oak at Walt Disney World Resort Golden Oak at Walt Disney World Resort Golden Oak at Walt Disney World Resort is a future luxury residential resort community within the Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. It was designed by Walt Disney Imagineering and will be owned and operated by a newly formed Disney subsidiary, Golden Oak Realty. The development... |
| 2012 | Disney's Art of Animation Resort Disney's Art of Animation Resort Disney's Art of Animation Resort is a future resort within Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. It is located where construction on the unfinished half of Disney's Pop Century Resort was started but later abandoned after the September 11 attacks.The resort is the first to be built... |
See also
- Incidents at Walt Disney World ResortIncidents at Walt Disney World ResortThis is a summary of notable incidents that have taken place at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.Several people have died or been injured while riding attractions at Walt Disney World theme parks. Since 2001, Disney has been required to report incidents to state authorities...
- Walt Disney Travel Company, IncorporatedWalt Disney Travel Company, IncorporatedThe Walt Disney Travel Company, Incorporated, along with the Walt Disney World Company, the Walt Disney World Hospitality and Recreation Corporation and the Reedy Creek Improvement District, owns the land in the Walt Disney World Resort...
- Walt Disney World Casting CenterWalt Disney World Casting CenterThe Walt Disney World Casting Center is the official center for employment and recruiting for the Walt Disney World Resort. Designed by architect Robert A. M. Stern, the building opened in 1989...
- Walt Disney World College ProgramWalt Disney World College ProgramThe Walt Disney College Program is a U.S. national internship program operated by The Walt Disney Company, located at the Walt Disney World Resort and the Disneyland Resort...
- Walt Disney World CompanyWalt Disney World CompanyThe Walt Disney World Company manages and operates the Walt Disney World Resort near Orlando, Florida. The resort land is owned by the Walt Disney World Company, the Walt Disney Travel Company, and the Walt Disney World Hospitality and Recreation Corporation. All are wholly owned subsidiaries of...
- Walt Disney World ExplorerWalt Disney World ExplorerWalt Disney World Explorer is a CD-ROM application, released by Disney Interactive around 1996 that lets the user explore the Walt Disney World Resort near Orlando, Florida. The program consists of virtual tours through all of the Disney parks, and trivia about the parks, attractions and hotels...
- Walt Disney World Hospitality and Recreation CorporationWalt Disney World Hospitality and Recreation CorporationThe Walt Disney World Hospitality and Recreation Corporation, along with the Walt Disney World Company, Walt Disney Travel Company, Incorporated, and the Reedy Creek Improvement District, owns the land in the Walt Disney World Resort...
- Walt Disney World International ProgramWalt Disney World International ProgramThe Walt Disney World International Program is an international internship program sponsored and operated by The Walt Disney Company at the Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, in the United States...
External links
- Walt Disney World Resort
- Shades of Green (Hotel at the Walt Disney World Resort for servicemembers and their families.)