Walt Disney did not see the realization of Disney World when he died, however it was his original idea. The story of Disney World began naturally with Walt Disney. He was a visionary who lived on through the death of his brother Roy Disney.
Walt Disney’s Idea
Walt Disney did not just dream of another Disneyland. Walt dreamed not only of Disneyland but also something similar. He wanted entertainment to his parks. He also wanted a space where he could add to or modify his existing park and structures. This project was also a way for him to experiment with urban planning. It is true that the EPCOT (the Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow) was born out of his original ideas.
All the way from Opening up to Right Now
Walt Disney World officially opened five years after Walt Disney died. It was first open on October 1, 1971. The park opened with Disney’s Contemporary Resort (Polynesian Resort), Fort Wilderness Resort, and Campground.
Disney’s Village Resort was built in 1995 with the addition of the tree house, vacation villas and the Disney Village Resort. Next, Disney’s Golf Resort opened. Discovery Island was also open in the next 2 years. Built in 1975 were the Fairway Villas, and the Walt Disney Village Marketplace.
Disney’s River Country Water Park, which was opened in June 1976. The Walt Disney World Conference Center was built in 1980. Another village resort, Club Lake Villas, was also constructed. EPCOT appeared in 1982.
The first two Disney parks, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort in Florida and the Caribbean Beach Resort were opened for business in 1988. The parks continued to grow in 1989. MGM Studios, Typhoon Lagoon Water Park, and Pleasure Island opened.
From 1990 to 1992, there were more resorts for guests. This included Disney Yacht and Beach Club Resorts, Walt Disney Swan and Dolphin Resorts, Port Orleans Resorts, Old Key West Resorts, Disney’s Dixie Landings Resort and Walt Disney Swan and Dolphin Resorts. To the expanding Walt Disney World, was also added Bonnet Creek Golf Club as well as Disney Vacation Club.
The 1994 openings of Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort, and Disney’s Wilderness Lodge was a major milestone. In 1995, Disney’s All-Star Music Resort was opened. Blizzard Beach Water park and Fairytale Wedding Pavilion followed.
In 1997, Disney’s Boardwalk Resort and the Disney Institute were ready. 1997 saw the opening of Coronado Springs Resort. The same year saw the addition of Downtown Disney West Side and Disney’s Wide World of Sports. Disney’s Animal Kingdom was added in 1998. The addition of Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort was made in 1999. The additions of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge in 2001 and Pop Century Resort in 2003 were respectively made. The fourth addition was Disney’s Saratoga’s Springs Resort and Spa.
These are just a few of the many facilities that have been made available over the years. Disney World is a place that has come a long ways. Many of its guests still live there today.