Why Walt Disney Opted for Orlando over California for His Theme Park
Walt Disney World was not built on firm, dry ground but in a swamp. The project required a unique approach, with the underground tunnel infrastructure being constructed first before the park was built upon it. This method, although unconventional, was necessary due to the swampy terrain.
Today, if you drive south on US 441 or Interstate 75 south of Gainesville, you pass through Paynes Prairie preserve, which gives you a glimpse of what Orlando looked like before the construction of Walt Disney World. This once-swampy area was ideal for Disney due to its dirt-cheap land prices at the time.
At the time, California was home to one of Disney's theme parks, Disneyland. Due to its congested surroundings, it was difficult for Disneyland to expand. This limitation significantly influenced Disney's decision to look for new locations. Additionally, Walt Disney wanted a park on the East Coast to cater to tourists from the eastern part of the United States. This strategic move ensured a broader audience, as traveling to California was daunting for many.
The land deal in Florida was more attractive. Until the state of DeSantis started meddling with Disney, Florida allowed Disney significant autonomy. The state was at the forefront of ecological and recovery projects before they became popular. DeSantis, on the other hand, is more focused on revenue from Disney World rather than the long-term benefits to the state.
Exploring the history behind Disneyland in California reveals that it is noticeably smaller, more cramped, and in some parts, rather dirty. This is largely due to the lack of space. Even before the opening of Disney World in 1971, Disneyland was expanding beyond its original boundaries, indicating an inherent limitation in its size.
In the 1950s, Walt Disney chose to build Disneyland in Anaheim for several reasons. One of the primary factors was his connection to the Hollywood movie industry. Many of the original creators and designers of Disneyland were also part of Disney Studios, making it a seamless transition.
Walt Disney purchased the land for Disney World in Florida in the 1960s, a decade after the opening of Disneyland. Despite having the land reserved for years, he still chose Florida due to its strategic location next to available development land and proximity to the freeway. The land in Florida was not only cheaper but also conveniently located close to the Disney studio in California.