Walt Disney World and Orlando celebrate 60 years of the ‘Florida Project’

Walt Disney World, the City of Orlando, and Thornton Park District unveiled a plaque Thursday afternoon celebrating 60 years since Walt Disney himself held a press conference to announce what was known then as the “Florida Project.”The project became Walt Disney World Resort as we know it today.The announcement in front of about 350 members of the press and 750 business and civic leaders back in 1965 changed the trajectory of Orlando, turning the quiet Central Florida town into a global destination.Today, Walt Disney World employs about 80,000 cast members and generates roughly $40 billion annually in economic impact, according to the company.”I hope that this plaque not only serves as a celebration to our history but serves as a reminder as to what we can accomplish when we have a bold vision and we work on it together,” Jeff Vahle, president of Walt Disney World, said.The plaque will be placed on an exterior wall at the site of the former Cherry Plaza Hotel, where the near the entrance to MAA Parkside on East Central Boulevard.

ORLANDO, Fla. —

Walt Disney World, the City of Orlando, and Thornton Park District unveiled a plaque Thursday afternoon celebrating 60 years since Walt Disney himself held a press conference to announce what was known then as the “Florida Project.”

The project became Walt Disney World Resort as we know it today.

The announcement in front of about 350 members of the press and 750 business and civic leaders back in 1965 changed the trajectory of Orlando, turning the quiet Central Florida town into a global destination.

Today, Walt Disney World employs about 80,000 cast members and generates roughly $40 billion annually in economic impact, according to the company.

“I hope that this plaque not only serves as a celebration to our history but serves as a reminder as to what we can accomplish when we have a bold vision and we work on it together,” Jeff Vahle, president of Walt Disney World, said.

The plaque will be placed on an exterior wall at the site of the former Cherry Plaza Hotel, where the near the entrance to MAA Parkside on East Central Boulevard.