Why was Walt Disney World made?

Answer 1

Walt was in debt way beyond his means to build Disneyland and only managed to buy enough land for the park and parking lots. Shortly after Disneyland proved to be a success, motels and gas stations and restaurants popped up on the streets surrounding the park. Walt didn't like the abrupt transition from his Happiest Place on Earth to modern reality and regretted not having more land to surround his property as a buffer zone, as well as to expand the park itself. Disneyland was the first Theme Park, and was often referred to as "Walt's Folly". Experienced amusement parks thought it would fail, and the concept of a second ticket to a different park was not thought of.

In the late 50's/early 60's Walt started scouting for a new place to build his dream park, with enough land surrounding it to hold whatever they could dream up. There were other conditions too, like proximity to a major airport and highways. The Disney company began buying Florida swampland under assumed names (in order to kep the price down) until word got out that Disney was buying the land. They created their own legislative district as well, and worked on supplying their own power, water, and other utilities.

Before his death, Walt already had big plans for "the Florida project". The Magic Kingdom would be built in Florida, and the Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow (EPCOT, which is now more of a permanent world's fair). Additionally, they would build hotels on the property. Sadly, Walt died before Disney World opened in 1971, but the company has been expanding the resort ever since.

It was as a result of the success of Disney World that other operators (including Disneyland management) saw the value in a second gate ticket and in keeping people on property to spend their dollars at Disney. Disneyland now has a second gate in California Adventure, and has built several new hotels in addition to the original Disneyland Hotel.

More information on the development of Disney World can be found at the link.

Answer 2

As with any company in the free enterprise system, you "Follow The Money". Theme parks with amusement rides, interesting situations for young and old, and thrills is BIG MONEY. When you do it better than anybody else, its even bigger. Disney Productions is probably the best in the business and their company grosses billions of dollars annually because they fill a need for people.

Answer 3

.....to give us a glimpse of candyfloss heaven. To entertain us for a while before we go back into reality....to make a lot of money for Walt Disney.

Answer 4

to honor Walt Disney and all his wonderful creations

Answer 5

Purely for entertainment and a way for a very smart man to make money. Some things just keep getting bigger and bigger. Just like a snowball rolling down a hill.

Answer 6

so walt disney could make his pockets deeper

Answer 7

walt wanted an amusement park which both children and adults could enjoy!

Answer 8

to make money for that old Nazi Walt

Answer 9

to attract all us Brits to Florida especially in the hurricane season

Answer 10

Purely as an investment.