The Thornton Park District in Downtown Orlando has unveiled a commemorative plaque at the site where Walt and Roy Disney announced the “Florida Project” in November 1965, the press conference that launched what would become Walt Disney World.
A dedication ceremony was held at the building where the Disney brothers joined Florida Governor Haydon Burns more than 60 years ago to reveal their plans for Central Florida. The Thornton Park District is a member of Orlando’s Main Streets program.
Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and Walt Disney World President Jeff Vahle attended the ceremony. “Walt and Roy Disney didn’t just announce a theme park in 1965,” Mayor Dyer said. “They announced a partnership with a community that was ready to dream bigger about its future. With this plaque, we honor more than a historic announcement. We honor a relationship that bolsters our economy, strengthens our neighborhoods and defines our identity.”
Disney’s Footprint in Florida
Walt Disney World now spans nearly 30,000 acres in Central Florida, nearly twice the size of the island of Manhattan. The resort is the largest single-site employer in the United States, supporting 80,000 cast members. Disney says the company leads the industry in employee retention at a rate of over 80%, with an average tenure of 12 years.
Beyond its own workforce, Disney supports thousands of small businesses across Florida. According to Disney, one out of every 32 jobs in the state can be attributed to the company. Since opening in 1971, Walt Disney World has provided hundreds of millions of dollars in support to local nonprofits, schools, and other organizations. Disney VoluntEARS contributed more than 170,000 hours of community service in 2025.
“We thank the city of Orlando and the Thornton Park District for honoring this important part of our shared history,” Walt Disney World President Jeff Vahle said. “This commemorative plaque celebrates our past and reflects the bold vision we need for the future.”
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