Over sixty years ago, a bold vision for the future of entertainment was shared in downtown Orlando.
That ambitious idea eventually transformed the global attractions industry and the local economy. Now, city officials have taken a step to mark the exact location where this transformative journey began.
On March 6, 2026, a commemorative plaque was unveiled in the Thornton Park District of downtown Orlando. The marker sits at the specific building where, on November 15, 1965, Walt and Roy Disney stood alongside then Florida Governor Hayden Burns to reveal the Florida Project. This initial press conference laid the groundwork for what operates today as Walt Disney World.
To mark this full circle moment in the region’s history, community leaders gathered for a dedication ceremony. Walt Disney World President Jeff Vahle attended the event, joining Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer.
Addressing the crowd, Dyer emphasised the broader impact of the 1965 event. “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 Dyer. “With this plaque, we honour more than a historic announcement. We honour a relationship with both Walt Disney World and our Orlando Main Streets that bolsters our economy, strengthens our neighbourhoods, and defines our identity.”
Economic impact and industry growth
For attractions industry professionals, the scale of the resulting development remains a benchmark. The original Florida Project now encompasses nearly 30,000 acres in Central Florida. Operating as the largest single-site employer in the United States, Walt Disney World currently supports 80,000 cast members.
The company reports an employee retention rate exceeding 80 per cent and an average tenure of 12 years. According to the economic data released alongside the dedication, one out of every 32 jobs in the state of Florida can be attributed to Disney operations. The company also maintained a strong presence in local community efforts, logging over 170,000 volunteer hours in 2025 alone.
Looking toward future expansions
As the plaque honours the past, significant capital investments continue to reshape the resort’s future. Ongoing expansion projects include the development of Tropical Americas at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, new Monsters, Inc. and Magic of Disney Animation areas at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, alongside major additions to Magic Kingdom featuring Cars and Villains themed lands.
