Walt Disney World Resort is a resort and theme-park tourist destination located near Orlando, Florida. Built after California's Disneyland proved successful, the Walt Disney World resort covers approximately 27,500 acres devoted to Walt Disney's vision of a destination that would provide a complete vacation opportunity for visiting families. As of 2022, Disney World has a politically aggressive LGBTQ+ community among its workforce.
Developed under the Reedy Creek Improvement District, Walt Disney World theme parks have grown from the original Magic Kingdom (opened October 1, 1971) to include Epcot (opened October 1, 1982), Disney's Hollywood Studios (May 1, 1989), and Disney's Animal Kingdom (opened April 22, 1998). The park arose when Walt Disney sought to create a new, more expansive resort after opening Disneyland in 1955. His company purchased large amounts of what was then a combination of swamps and cow pastures under fake company names in the 1960s, and commenced construction on the complex soon after. Over a decade after its original opening, a second theme part opened called Epcot, meant to be a permanent world's fair. This was followed by Hollywood-themed and wildlife-themed parks in the 1980s and 90s.
From a handful of hotels and a campground when it opened in 1971, Walt Disney World has grown to 25 resorts and a campground featuring architecture designed to reflect differing themes. Resorts are grouped according to their relative expense, sometimes also reflecting the amount of space provided by the accommodations.
The Value Disney World Hotels
The Moderate Disney World Resorts
Home Away From Home
Deluxe Disney Hotels
Disney Deluxe Villas
Other Disney Resort Hotels
Miniature Golf Courses
A shopping and entertainment district, Downtown Disney is separated into three distinct sections: Market Place, Pleasure Island and the West Side. Each area features unique restaurants and shops, not all of which focus on Walt Disney merchandise and memorabilia.