It is the largest Disney theme park in the world - larger than its theme parks in California. Disney World in Orlando includes Epcot, Magic Kingdom Park, Disney's Animal Kingdom Park, and Disney's Hollywood Studios, which by some measures also include the first and second-largest Disney theme parks.

His brother, Roy, would go on to lead the company's Florida project. It was not until May 30th, 1967, that groundbreaking kicked off. On this day, Roy O. Disney named the project 'Walt Disney World' to ensure that the world would always remember his brother's dream, the theme park company said.

Disney had also eyed the Big Easy as a possible theme park location, and even began purchasing property in New Orleans, but ultimately chose Orlando after politicians in Louisiana demanded too much. Another city where Disney could have created his World was St. Louis.

Sadly, Walt never lived to see this dream fully realized, as he passed away in 1966 before construction on the park had even begun.

15 Interesting Facts About Disney Theme Parks That You Probably Didn't Know

• Disney's Main Street Is Scented.
• Disney Visitors Eat A Wild Amount Of Turkey.
• Disney Parks Offer 'Extra Magic Hours'
• It Would Likely Take Your Entire Life To Stay In Every Disney World Hotel Room.
• Disneyland Has Its Own Cats.

Disney shows and movies resonate with people of all ages, races, and cultures. The stories and characters are created in such a way that anyone can relate them to. Therefore, Disney television series and films have become increasingly famous around the world.

In 1964, Walt Disney began secretly buying millions of dollars worth of Central Florida farmland. As vast areas of land were purchased in lots of 5,000 acres here, 20,000 there -- at remarkably high prices -- rumors flew as to who needed so much land and had the money to acquire it.

The first public announcement came Nov. 16, 1965, in an Orlando press conference with Walt and brother Roy O. Disney, Florida Gov. Hayden Burns and other dignitaries. Walt described his dreams of building first a unique entertainment and vacation center and eventually a way of life found nowhere else in the world.

With space in California limited by the surrounding city, Disney bought a much larger parcel of land in Florida in 1965. Ringing in at a total of 43 square miles - or 27,520 acres - Walt Disney World is substantially larger than its older sibling. The park also has grown and it now covers 47 square miles.

In 1965 he purchased 43 acres (17 hectares) of barren land in central Florida. Disney died late the following year, and his brother Roy Disney assumed supervision of the project. The Walt Disney World Resort opened in 1971 to great success.

Walt Disney Roy Disney Walt Disney World

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