Walt Disney's original plan was to build a utopian city called the Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow (EPCOT), which would showcase cutting-edge technology and innovation. But, alas, Walt passed away before his dream could become a reality, leaving his brother Roy to pick up the pieces. Little did Roy know, he was about to embark on a journey of epic proportions!
Roy Disney faced numerous challenges, from convincing investors to fund the project to dealing with the logistical nightmare of building an entire city from scratch. But, he persevered, and the first phase of Disney World – the magic kingdom – finally opened its doors on October 1, 1971. And, boy, was it a game-changer!
Fast forward to the present, and Disney World has expanded to include four theme parks, two water parks, and dozens of resort hotels. It's a small city in its own right, with over 70,000 employees and a mind-boggling array of attractions and amenities. And, let's be real, it's still a major hub for kidults (that's kids-at-heart, for the uninitiated) of all ages!
Creation of Disney World in 1965 in Orlando, Florida image - Free stock
But, here's a fun fact: did you know that Disney World has its own private government? Yep, it's true! The Reedy Creek Improvement District is a special taxing district that allows Disney to self-govern its little slice of heaven. It's like a mini-country, complete with its own fire department, police force, and utility companies!
