Roy Disney-Unsung Hero of Walt Disney World

In October 1971, buy cialis Walt Disney World opened in Orlando, best viagra Florida — a place where “dreams come true.” And, indeed, it was the dream of Walt Disney to build a larger and even better Disneyland. Even though Walt did not live to see his Disney World dream come true, his brother Roy Disney played a major role in making sure it was built the way Walt had intended.

Walt -Roy DisneyThe financial people wanted to place the Magic Kingdom at the corner of two major highways (I-4 and 192) to save money. But Roy held strong. “We’re going to finish the Florida park, and we’re going to do it just the way Walt wanted it,” Roy told WED staff shortly after Walt’s death.

So the park was positioned where Walt had planned and the infrastructure of roads and canals and preparing the land for future use was done. Roy’s vision enabled future development of what is now Downtown Disney, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

Without Roy standing tall, we wouldn’t be experiencing the Magic Kingdom of Walt’s vision. There’s a purpose for the long drive from I-4 to the Park’s entrance. The drive gives you a chance to settle down and let go of the hustle and bustle of life. Slowly you begin relaxing while enjoying the natural wooded scenery along the Disney roadway. Then comes the anticipation of approaching the entrance gates and entering a world of imagination and wonderment. Walt knew exactly what he was doing. And, thanks to his brother Roy, we get to experience Walt’s gift of “the happiest place on earth.”

RoyDisney-Minnie at Disney World

Walt and Roy O. co-founded Walt Disney Productions together. Roy served as the company’s CEO for nearly 40 years. He postponed his own retirement in order to shepherd the Florida project to a successful completion and in honor of his brother. Roy died just two months after the 1971 opening. He is my hero… the unsung hero of Walt Disney World.

F. G. Mama

About the author…F. G. Mama, Katie McDill, has been in love with Walt Disney World since first entering the gates in 1976. After her two kids went off to college, she moved from Georgia to the backdoor of the Magic Kingdom in Florida. She worked several years at Walt Disney World performing as Fairy Godmother in day parades, the “Best of Disney” castle stage show, and the original Electric Light Parade. For the last ten years, she along with daughter and family, have enjoyed “living the dream” in Celebration (the town that Disney built) just across the bridge from Disney World. During this time she has collaborated with son-in-law Jimmy in several production projects including Orlando Attractions Magazine-The Show, The Mindy Mouse Show and FunaticsTV. Her other career included being a writer, artist/designer, special events creator and coordinator. Now she is enjoying the good life of Anna Maria Island, Celebration, Disney World and, of course, sharing magic at FUNaticsTV!

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