Happy Birthday Walt Disney World. Disney World opened to the public on October 1, 1971, nearly five years after Walt Disney died from cardiac arrest (brought on from the removal of his cancerous left lung on November 7, 1966).
Walt’s older brother Roy O. Disney, at 73 years old, and enjoying retirement, had a big decision after Walt died on December 15, 1966.
Sell or develop.
Disney had purchased 27,443 acres, or 43 square miles, of alligator, snake and mosquito infested swampland during the mid-1960’s. It is said the purchase price averaged less than $200 an acre.
Bought it cheap, sell it cheap. Or, build? And build Roy did.
Thank you to Walt Disney, Roy O. Disney, and the entire Disney organization for making Walt Disney’s biggest dream come to life.
My Family has enjoyed hundreds of visits to Walt Disney World. Our home is located just a few miles from Cinderella Castle. Every night we see and hear the Magic Kingdom fireworks.
It’s been a dream come true to live so close to the most Magical place on Planet Earth.