Walt Disney World

Walt Disney with Company at Press Conference

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Roy Disney inspecting property in Florida

Walt Disney World 1971

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Walt Disney World Resort logo

Walt Disney World Resort, commonly referred to as Walt Disney World or simply Disney World, is an expansive entertainment complex located in the Central Florida region of the United States. It is renowned for being the flagship destination of Disney's worldwide theme park empire. The resort was conceived by Walt Disney in the 1960s as a means to expand on the success of Disneyland in California. Following Disney's death in 1966, the company carried forward his vision, opening the resort on October 1, 1971.

History

The creation of Walt Disney World was significantly influenced by the limitations Walt Disney encountered with Disneyland. Seeking to overcome these, Disney secretly acquired large parcels of land in Central Florida under various pseudonyms to avoid speculation and price hikes. The announcement of the project was made in 1965, and it was to include not only a theme park but also an Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow (EPCOT), a vision of a futuristic city. Although the original concept of EPCOT as a city was never realized, it later inspired a theme park of the same name.

Parks and Attractions

Walt Disney World covers approximately 25,000 acres, featuring four major theme parks: Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney's Hollywood Studios, and Disney's Animal Kingdom. Each park is known for its distinctive theme, ranging from fairy tales and fantasy in Magic Kingdom to the technological innovations and international cultures in EPCOT.

Magic Kingdom

Magic Kingdom, the first park to open at the resort, is designed similarly to Disneyland, featuring themed lands such as Main Street, U.S.A., Fantasyland, and Tomorrowland. It is home to iconic attractions like Cinderella Castle, Space Mountain, and Pirates of the Caribbean.

EPCOT

EPCOT, which stands for Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow, opened in 1982. It is divided into two sections: Future World, which focuses on technology and innovation, and World Showcase, which presents pavilions from 11 countries around the world.

Disney's Hollywood Studios

Originally opened as Disney-MGM Studios in 1989, this park is themed around the entertainment industry, offering attractions and shows inspired by movies, television, and music. Notable attractions include The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror and Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge.

Disney's Animal Kingdom

Opened in 1998, Disney's Animal Kingdom combines a traditional theme park with a zoo, emphasizing conservation and nature. It is notable for attractions such as Expedition Everest and Pandora – The World of Avatar.

Resorts and Accommodations

Walt Disney World offers a wide range of accommodations, from budget-friendly hotels to luxury resorts. These are categorized into Deluxe, Moderate, and Value resorts, each providing guests with unique themes and amenities. The resort also includes Disney Vacation Club properties, offering villas and suites for members.

Transportation

The resort has an extensive transportation system, including buses, monorails, and watercraft, facilitating easy movement between the parks, resorts, and other venues. The Disney Skyliner, a gondola lift system, was added in 2019, connecting EPCOT and Disney's Hollywood Studios with several resorts.

Impact and Legacy

Walt Disney World is not only a major tourist destination but also a significant contributor to the economy of Central Florida. It has inspired the creation of Disney parks and resorts worldwide, setting standards for theme park design and guest experience. The resort continues to expand and evolve, introducing new attractions and technologies to enhance the visitor experience.