The Spot Where the Magic Began Is Now Officially Marked in Florida

Orlando Unveils New Plaque Honoring the Original Walt Disney World Announcement Site

More than 60 years after Walt and Roy O. Disney first revealed their ambitious plans for what would become Walt Disney World, the City of Orlando is honoring that historic moment with a brand-new commemorative plaque marking the original announcement site in downtown Orlando.

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The dedication took place in the Thornton Park District, where Walt and Roy stood alongside Florida Governor Haydon Burns in November 1965 to unveil what was then called the “Florida Project.” That announcement would eventually lead to the creation of Walt Disney World Resort, which opened in 1971 and has since grown into the most visited vacation destination in the world. Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and Walt Disney World President Jeff Vahle joined community members for the ceremony as the plaque was officially revealed at the very building where the historic press conference took place.

During the ceremony, Mayor Dyer reflected on how the announcement wasn’t just about building a theme park, but about launching a partnership between Disney and the Orlando community. That partnership has transformed Central Florida over the decades, helping shape the region into a global tourism powerhouse while supporting local businesses, neighborhoods, and workforce development across the state.

Today, Walt Disney World spans nearly 30,000 acres across Central Florida, making it almost twice the size of Manhattan. The resort is also the largest single-site employer in the United States, supporting more than 80,000 Cast Members. According to Disney, roughly one out of every 32 jobs in Florida is connected to Walt Disney World through direct employment, tourism, and related industries.

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Beyond economic impact, Disney continues to invest in the future of the region through new attractions and expansions. Current projects across the resort include the upcoming Tropical Americas land at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, a Monsters, Inc. themed land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and the largest expansion in Magic Kingdom history with upcoming Cars and Disney Villains areas.

The newly installed plaque in Thornton Park serves as a reminder of where it all began. What started as Walt Disney’s bold vision for a new kind of theme park destination has grown into an entertainment empire that continues to evolve while shaping Central Florida’s identity.

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