On November 15, 1965, Walt and Roy Disney, alongside Florida Governor Haydon Burns, officially announced the ambitious Florida Project, later known as Walt Disney World. This historic press conference at the Cherry Plaza Hotel in Orlando, Florida, would change the future of tourism and entertainment in Central Florida.
A Defining Moment in Disney History
Held at the Egyptian Room of the Cherry Plaza Hotel, the event introduced Disney’s plans for an innovative entertainment complex. Governor Burns welcomed Walt and Roy Disney, who shared their vision. Walt Disney emphasized that this project would be more than a theme park, promising a combination of accommodations, recreation, and the revolutionary Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow (EPCOT). Interestingly, note that the EPCOT described by Walt Disney is NOT the Epcot we have today.
Details of the Florida Project Unveiled
During the conference, Walt Disney explained how Walt Disney World would differ from Disneyland in California. The Florida location offered vast land, ideal for controlling the surrounding environment and avoiding the commercialization that developed around Disneyland. The initial investment was set to surpass Disneyland’s, with plans to open within three years.
The Mystery Behind the Land Acquisition
Before the announcement, speculation surrounded the massive land purchases in Central Florida. On October 21, 1965, journalist Emily Bavar suggested Disney was behind the purchases. This prompted Governor Burns and Disney to confirm the rumors. Walt Disney highlighted the strategic location near major highways and an airport, making the site perfect for the expansive project.
Impact and Legacy of the 1965 Press Conference
This press conference paved the way for Walt Disney World, which opened on October 1, 1971. The resort became a cornerstone of Florida’s tourism economy, with Walt Disney’s vision influencing theme park design and urban planning worldwide. The innovative EPCOT concept continued to inspire future projects, emphasizing community, innovation, and entertainment.
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