Walt Disney World opened on October 1, 1971, marking 55 years of growth across resorts and parks. The company is moving into another era of growth with new projects like Monstropolis, Tropical Americas, and more.
Walt Disney World 55th Anniversary
Walt Disney World has added nearly a theme park’s worth of experiences over the past five years, with over 70 experiences opened or refreshed since 2021.
Major projects are moving forward across the resort, including Monstropolis at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Tropical Americas at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and the largest expansion in Magic Kingdom history including Piston Peak National Park and Villains Land.
There is more development in the works today than at any other moment in the resort’s history.
“As we celebrate 55 years, we’re proud of the incredible Cast Members who have shaped our story and excited about the opportunities ahead as Walt Disney World continues to grow. That growth creates opportunity across Central Florida, and it reflects our long-term confidence in this community and in the future of Walt Disney World.”
– Joe Schott, President of Walt Disney World Resort
By the Numbers
Walt Disney World is the largest and most visited theme park destination in the world with nearly 30,000 acres including four theme parks; two water parks; a sports complex; Disney Springs; 150+ rides, live shows, and characters; 25+ Resort Hotels; and 675+ shops and eateries.
The resort employees approximately 80,000 Cast Members with average tenures of 12 years, which is three times the national average. Disney World anticipates 5,000 new jobs to be created over the next five years.
The Walt Disney World Resort supports the state of Florida in many ways. They have raised $5 Million for Florida wish kids through the specialty license plate program; $37 Million in financial and in-kind donations given to nonprofits, schools, children’s hospitals, and more; and $40.3 Billion in overall economic impact.
1 Million VoluntEAR hours have been contributed by Cast Members over the last five years, and 1 of every 32 jobs in Florida can be attributed to Disney. Disney World also works with hundreds of small businesses across Florida who provide a range of goods and services.
Looking back at the last ten years, Disney World added three new lands, 18+ new attractions, four new resorts and additions, 25+ new entertainment offerings, and two new modes of transportation.
Investing in the Parks
This year alone, eight projects have either been refreshed or introduced:
- Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring the Muppets
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
- The Magic of Disney Animation
- Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
- Soarin’ Across America
- New Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run mission
- Bluey’s Wild World at Conservation Station
- Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live!
And on the horizon are eight new projects:
- Disney’s Lakeshore Lodge
- Monstropolis
- Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress
- Tropical Americas
- Piston Peak National Park
- Villains Land
- Spaceship Earth Reimagining
- Expedition Everest Yeti coming back to life
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