Disney and Orlando Just Honored This Historic Moment From 1965
Orlando has unveiled a commemorative plaque at the site where Walt Disney announced the “Florida Project” on November 15, 1965. The plaque was installed at the former Cherry Plaza Hotel location in the Thornton Park District of downtown Orlando.
The Historic Announcement
More than 60 years ago, Walt and Roy O. Disney joined then-Florida Governor Hayden Burns at the Cherry Plaza Hotel to announce the “Florida Project” following more than a year of speculation about mysterious land purchases in the Orlando area.
Hundreds of reporters joined civic and business leaders to hear Walt and Roy describe initial plans for a vast new entertainment enterprise larger and more ambitious than Disneyland Park in California. Walt spoke of building not only a theme park but also a “model community” showcasing innovation in urban living, technology, and design.
Walt Disney famously stated during the announcement: “Here in Florida, we have something special we never enjoyed at Disneyland: the blessing of size.”
The Dedication Ceremony in Orlando
`1A dedication ceremony was held with community members, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, and Walt Disney World President Jeff Vahle in attendance as the plaque was unveiled at the same building where the 1965 announcement took place.
Mayor Buddy Dyer stated that Walt and Roy Disney didn’t just announce a theme park in 1965 but announced a partnership with a community ready to dream bigger. He emphasized the plaque honors more than a historic announcement—it honors a relationship that bolsters the economy, strengthens neighborhoods, and defines Orlando’s identity.
Walt Disney World President Jeff Vahle thanked the city of Orlando and Thornton Park District for honoring this important part of shared history, stating the commemorative plaque celebrates the past and reflects the bold vision needed for the future.
The Plaque’s Message
The plaque text emphasizes the historical significance of the November 15, 1965 announcement and its ongoing impact on Central Florida. It notes that although Walt Disney passed away just over a year later on December 15, 1966, his dream lived on through the leadership of his brother Roy and the talents and dedication of the organization they established.
The site of the former Cherry Plaza Hotel stands as a reminder of that historic announcement where Walt Disney’s vision first took public form in Florida—a vision that continues inspiring millions and remains central to Orlando’s story.
Disney’s Impact on Orlando
What started as the Florida Project now spans nearly 30,000 acres in Central Florida, making Walt Disney World nearly twice the size of the island of Manhattan.
Walt Disney World is the largest single-site employer in the United States, supporting 80,000 cast members. Disney leads the industry in employee retention at over 80 percent with an average tenure of 12 years—cast members stay three times longer than the national average.
Beyond its own workforce, Disney supports thousands of small businesses, many local to Florida. In total, one out of every 32 jobs in Florida can be attributed to Disney either directly or indirectly.
Since opening in 1971, Disney has provided hundreds of millions of dollars in support to local nonprofits, schools, and organizations. Disney cast members spent more than 170,000 hours as Disney VoluntEARS in 2025.
Ongoing Investment of Orlando
More than 60 years after that historic day in Thornton Park, Disney continues investing in Florida with major expansion projects currently underway:
- Tropical Americas at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
- The Magic of Disney Animation and Monsters, Inc. land at Hollywood Studios
- The largest Magic Kingdom expansion in park history with Cars and Villains-themed lands
The commemorative plaque in Thornton Park serves as a reminder of the story Disney and Florida have written together over generations, connecting the ambitious 1965 announcement to the thriving resort destination that exists today and the continued expansion shaping Walt Disney World’s future.
