The Epic Journey of Disney World

Let's consult a map. Here's Germany. Morocco. And Fantasyland. But beyond Walt Disney World's borders, you find a larger boundary - the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District. This district has been at the center of a feud between Disney and Governor Ron DeSantis, but its origins date back even before their conflict began.

To understand the history of Florida and the birth of EPCOT, the lost city, is crucial. Walt Disney envisioned a "community of tomorrow that will never be completed." And the reason Disney World is here, and not elsewhere, lies not in the park itself, but in the surrounding areas.

Downtown Anaheim, a 40-minute drive from Los Angeles, is home to Disneyland, which opened in 1955. Disney believed that the site had enough land for future growth. However, as time passed, the area became densely developed, limiting Disneyland's control over its expansion. Walt Disney needed a new park on the East Coast, with ample land and a favorable climate.

Flying over Orlando, he saw the intersecting highways - I-4, I-95, and the Sunshine State Parkway. It was a sign. Mysterious land deals started happening, leading Floridians to suspect that the mystery industry was none other than Disney. The size of the land purchased was immense, far larger than Disneyland itself.

With the land story making headlines, Disney held a press conference with Governor Hayden Burns and brother Roy Disney to unveil their plans for Disney World. Their vision was to bring a new world of entertainment, pleasure, and economic development to Florida. Walt Disney emphasized the opportunity to start from scratch and create something unique.

The land acquired by Disney required extensive work, including drainage, development, and more. While some areas were initially orange groves, the majority was labeled as swamp on the 1962 map, known as the Reedy Creek Swamp. However, Walt Disney had grander ambitions beyond just a theme park.

Concept art showcased an industrial complex and a constantly evolving city known as EPCOT. Walt Disney aimed to create an Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow, where various activities would be tied together by a high-speed transit system. It would be a living blueprint of the future, unlike anything found elsewhere in the world.

To have complete control over the land, Disney needed political authority. The solution came in the form of the Reedy Creek Improvement District, which was granted the power to regulate across counties, acting as its own government. Disney utilized its powers to construct an underground tunnel system, the utilidors, a monorail, and even their own lake.

Despite Walt Disney's passing, his dream of a city part of Disney World never materialized. EPCOT became part of the theme park, but the comprehensive plan for the district showed a shift away from Walt's original vision. The focus was on conservation rather than future city development.

While Disney accommodates a massive transient population in its hotels, the number of permanent residents within the district is minimal. Residential developments were excluded from the district, removing voting rights on the board. Celebration, Florida, and Plantation Park Condos were de-annexed, severing their ties to the district.

Recently, a feud between Disney and Governor DeSantis arose due to a controversial law. Disney's CEO expressed disappointment, questioning the justifiability and sustainability of their association with a California-based company. However, dissolving the district would be challenging, considering its power to finance projects through bonds.

Despite potential changes to the district's name, board composition, and processes, Germany and Morocco will remain intact. The kingdom of Disney will likely retain its kingdom-like status. Meanwhile, Disney has already expressed plans for a significant expansion, emphasizing the ongoing relevance and growth of Disney World.