More than 60 years after Walt and Roy O. Disney first revealed their vision for what would become Walt Disney World, the City of Orlando has officially commemorated the moment with a new plaque marking the historic announcement site.
The dedication took place in the Thornton Park District in Downtown Orlando, where the Disney brothers joined then-Florida Governor Haydon Burns in November 1965 to announce what was known at the time as the “Florida Project.” That announcement would eventually lead to the creation of Walt Disney World Resort, now the largest and most visited theme park destination in the world.
Community members, city leaders, and Disney representatives gathered for the unveiling ceremony at the very building where Walt and Roy first shared their ambitious plans for a new kind of vacation destination in Central Florida.
“Walt and Roy Disney didn’t just announce a theme park in 1965. They announced a partnership with a community that was ready to dream bigger about its future,” said Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer. “With this plaque, we honor more than a historic announcement. We honor a relationship, with both Walt Disney World and our Orlando Main Streets, that bolsters our economy, strengthens our neighborhoods and defines our identity.”
Since opening in 1971, Walt Disney World has grown exponentially from its early concept, the Florida Project. Today, the resort is nearly 30,000 acres, making it almost twice the size of Manhattan. The destination welcomes millions of visitors each year and has become one of Florida’s most powerful economic drivers.
Walt Disney World is also the largest single-site employer in the United States, supporting approximately 80,000 cast members. The company reports employee retention rates of more than 80 percent and an average cast member tenure of about 12 years. Beyond its own workforce, Disney’s operations support thousands of small businesses across the state, with the company estimating that one out of every 32 jobs in Florida connects to Disney.
Disney’s presence also extends beyond tourism and employment. Since the resort opened, the company has contributed hundreds of millions of dollars to local nonprofits, schools, and community organizations. Cast members also participate in volunteer initiatives through the Disney VoluntEARS program, contributing more than 170,000 hours of service in 2025 alone.
Walt Disney World President Jeff Vahle said the new plaque recognizes both the company’s history in the region and its ongoing relationship with the community.
“We thank the city of Orlando and the Thornton Park District for honoring this important part of our shared history,” Walt Disney World President Jeff Vahle said. “This commemorative plaque celebrates our past and reflects the bold vision we need for the future.”
That future includes several major projects currently underway at Walt Disney World, including Tropical Americas at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, The Magic of Disney Animation experience, a Monsters, Inc. land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and the largest expansion ever planned for Magic Kingdom, featuring new lands themed to Disney villains and the world of Cars.
More than six decades after Walt and Roy Disney first shared their dream in Orlando, the new plaque in Thornton Park serves as a reminder of the moment that helped shape Central Florida’s identity and launched one of the world’s most influential tourism destinations.
