A dedication ceremony took place in Orlando commemorating the Walt Disney World Announcement Site from 1965.
While Disney World may be celebrating its 55th birthday later this year, the story of Walt Disney World in Florida goes back further. In November 1965, Walt and Roy O. Disney joined Florida’s Governor Haydon Burns in what is now the Thornton Park District of Downtown Orlando to announce the “Florida Project,” what would go on to become Walt Disney World Resort.
In honor of the announcement sites, Florida has unveiled a commemorative plaque that is now on display.
Walt Disney World Announcement Site Plaque
On March 6, 2026, a dedication ceremony was held to celebrate the unveiling of a new commemorative plaque at the site of the Florida Project press conference in the Thornton Park District of Downtown Orlando. Walt Disney World President Jeff Vahle, along with Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, were both on hand along with community members as the plaque debuted at the same building that the Disney brothers first announced their initial vision for walt Disney World.
“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 Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer. “With this plaque, we honor more than a historic announcement. We honor a relationship with both Walt Disney World and our Orlando Main Streets, that bolsters our economy, strengthens our neighborhoods, and defines our identity.”
Photo Courtesy of Disney
What began as the Florida Project has now grown to over 30,000 acres of Central Florida. Walt Disney World is the largest single-site employer in teh United States, with 80,000 Cast Members and parks that continue to grow.
“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.”