Over 55 years ago, Walt and Roy Disney sat in front of 350 members of the press and 700 members of government to announce what would be the largest private investment in American history, the Florida Project. Now known as Walt Disney World, this project has re-shaped Central Florida into the tourism powerhouse it is today. Members of the Walt Disney Company and Orlando government came together to commemorate this initial announcement with a new plaque in Thornton Park.
While many know of Walt and Roy Disney’s announcement of the Florida Project, the actual location and specifics about this day are rarely shared. Walt Disney went to extensive lengths to buy up land in Central Florida before the price skyrocketed when local businesses and land owners realized who was purchasing the space. Unlike Disneyland Resort, this time Walt wanted “the blessing of size.” And that he certainly achieved, with the Walt Disney World Resort being double the size of Manhattan.
Steve Vagnini, with the Walt Disney Archives, states that this piece of Orlando has hidden Disney history that city visitors could have easily missed.
One day, one press conference, and all was changed for Orlando's history. pic.twitter.com/7PqmkHyAyv
— Everything You Need To Know (@EYNTKinfo) March 19, 2026
Now know as the Thornton Park District, located directly next to Lake Eola, a plaque has been raised to commemorate the incredible achievement of the Disney Brothers in creating what we now know as Walt Disney World. Over the 55+ years since “The Mouse” moved in, Walt Disney World Resort has helped redefine Orlando as the tourism epicenter of the world. 80,000 Cast Members, living all throughout Central Florida, make Walt Disney World the largest single site employer in the nation.
Orlando Mayor, Buddy Dyer, spoke about why this was an important moment to remember, not just for @WaltDisneyWorld but all of Central Florida. pic.twitter.com/qUDSB0CSSl
— Everything You Need To Know (@EYNTKinfo) March 5, 2026
Orlando and Disney work together more than you might think
As much as we all like to think of Walt Disney World Resort as a perfect bubble, this mega-operation wouldn’t be possible without the hardworking locals providing the food, services and man-power to keep the Mouse House running. Cast Members aren’t the only ones working with Walt Disney World. The destination works daily with small businesses, local governments, overseas contractors and everything in between. The magic of Disney might just people in their people and logistic skills.
If you would like to see the plaque for yourself, head to the Thornton Park area, southeast of Lake Eola near Aku Aku Tiki Bar and World of Beer. If you want to visit, explore and support local businesses, try going on a Sunday when they host the Downtown Orlando Farmers Market. Hosted each Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (weather permitting) this marketplace has food and wares and has been doing so since 1987.
