Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
History
When Disneyland opened in southern California, it took off in a huge way, fundamentally
transforming the concept of theme parks. Walt Disney, however, was irritated at the hotels
and concessions that were springing up in a manner that he felt was entirely parasitic. In
1965, after a secret four-year search, he bought 27,000 acres of swamp, field and wood-
land in central Florida. His vision was to create a family vacation destination and he
wanted to control every aspect - hotels, restaurants, parking and transportation. He would
never see the realization of his dreams; in 1966, at age 65, Walt Disney died of lung can-
cer. His brother Roy took over responsibility for development. Walt Disney World's Magic
Kingdom opened in 1971, and three months later Roy died of a brain hemorrhage. Epcot
opened in 1982, Hollywood Studios in 1989 and Animal Kingdom in 1998.
Sights & Activities
