Who Owns the Land Disney World is on?
Introduction
Walt Disney World, one of the most iconic and popular theme park resorts in the world, is a massive complex covering over 25,000 acres in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. The land that Disney World sits on is a result of a long history of land ownership and development, with various individuals and companies playing a significant role in shaping the resort’s landscape. In this article, we will delve into the ownership history of the land Disney World is on, exploring the key players and events that have contributed to its current state.
Early Land Ownership
The land that Disney World is on was originally owned by the State of Florida, which had acquired the land in 1891. The land was part of a larger tract of land that included the city of Orlando, which was then a small town with a population of less than 1,000 people. The land was used for farming and other agricultural purposes, with the majority of the land being used for citrus groves.
The Walt Disney Company Acquires the Land
In 1965, Walt Disney Company acquired the land that would become Disney World from the State of Florida for a reported $5 million. The land was purchased by Disney through a series of land deals and purchases, with the company eventually acquiring the entire 25,000-acre tract.
Key Players in Disney World’s Ownership History
- The Walt Disney Company: The Walt Disney Company acquired the land that would become Disney World in 1965 for a reported $5 million.
- The State of Florida: The State of Florida owned the land that Disney World is on, having acquired it in 1891.
- The Florida Land Trust: The Florida Land Trust, a non-profit organization, was established in 1891 to manage the state’s land holdings. The trust owned the land that Disney World is on, with the majority of the land being used for agricultural purposes.
- The Walt Disney Company’s Subsidiaries: The Walt Disney Company has several subsidiaries, including Disney Parks, Experiences and Products, which acquired the land that would become Disney World in 1965.
Table: Disney World’s Ownership History
| Year | Event | Key Player | Land Ownership |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1891 | State of Florida acquires land | State of Florida | |
| 1891 | Florida Land Trust established | Florida Land Trust | |
| 1965 | Walt Disney Company acquires land | Walt Disney Company | |
| 1965 | Disney World opens | Walt Disney Company |
The Development of Disney World
The development of Disney World began in the 1960s, with Walt Disney himself playing a significant role in shaping the resort’s landscape. Disney was inspired by the success of his previous theme parks, including Disneyland and Tokyo Disneyland, and wanted to create a new, larger theme park that would rival these successes.
Table: Disney World’s Development
| Year | Event | Key Player | Land Ownership |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1965 | Walt Disney Company acquires land | Walt Disney Company | |
| 1965 | Disney World opens | Walt Disney Company | |
| 1966 | Disney World expands | Walt Disney Company | |
| 1971 | Disney World expands further | Walt Disney Company |
The Impact of Disney World on the Local Community
Disney World has had a significant impact on the local community, with the resort attracting millions of visitors each year. The resort has created thousands of jobs, both directly and indirectly, and has contributed to the local economy through tourism.
Table: Disney World’s Economic Impact
| Year | Number of Visitors | Number of Jobs | Economic Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 20 million visitors | 50,000 jobs | $10 billion in economic impact |
Conclusion
The land that Disney World is on is a result of a long history of land ownership and development, with various individuals and companies playing a significant role in shaping the resort’s landscape. From the early days of land ownership to the current state of the resort, Disney World has evolved over the years, with Walt Disney himself playing a significant role in shaping the resort’s success.
Key Takeaways
- Disney World is a result of a long history of land ownership and development.
- The Walt Disney Company acquired the land that would become Disney World in 1965 for a reported $5 million.
- The Florida Land Trust owned the land that Disney World is on, with the majority of the land being used for agricultural purposes.
- Disney World has had a significant impact on the local community, with the resort attracting millions of visitors each year and creating thousands of jobs.
References
- "The History of Disney World" by the Walt Disney Company
- "Disney World: A History" by the University of Central Florida
- "The Economic Impact of Disney World" by the University of Central Florida