Thornton Park District in Orlando in Orange County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)
Florida Welcomes Walt Disney
Photographed by Robert Soviero
1. Florida Welcoms Walt Disney marker
“Here in Florida, we have something special we never enjoyed at Disneyland … the blessing of size.” – Walt Disney
On November 15, 1965, the Cherry Plaza Hotel became the stage for a moment that would forever change central Florida. Following more than a year of speculation by the press and Floridians, Walt Disney and his brother Roy O. Disney unveiled their “Florida project.”
Hundreds of reporters joined civic and business leaders to hear the visionaries 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” that would showcase innovation in urban living, technology and design.
Although Walt Disney passed away just over a year later, his dream lived on through the leadership of his brother Roy and the talents and dedication of the organization they established. Today, this site of the former Cherry Plaza Hotel stands as a reminder of that historic announcement. It was here that Walt Disney’s vision first took public form in Florida – a vision that continues inspiring
this page online
Erected 2026 by Thornton Park District – Orlando Main Streets, and the Walt Disney Company.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Entertainment • Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical date for this entry is November 15, 1965.
Location. 28° 32.55′ N, 81° 22.283′ W. Marker is in Orlando, Florida, in Orange County. It is in the Thornton Park District. It is on Osceola Avenue north of Central Boulevard, on the left when traveling north. Located at the east entrance of the MAA Parkside building. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 431 E Central Blvd, Orlando FL 32801, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Central Florida. It is also in the American South. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, a Gulf of Mexico state, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum
Photographed by Craig Baker
2. Florida Welcomes Walt Disney Marker
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Jose P. Rizal (within shouting distance of this marker); Mohandas K. Gandhi (within shouting distance of this marker); Don Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla (within shouting distance of this marker); Simon Bolivar (within shouting distance of this marker); Mathew Robinson Marks (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Linton E. Allen Memorial Fountain (about 500 feet away); Orlando Reeves (about 500 feet away); "Lest We Forget" (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Orlando.
Also see . . . From Vision to Reality: Orlando Honors Walt Disney World Announcement Site. (Submitted on April 14, 2026, by Robert Soviero of Orlando, Florida.)
Public Domain, 1965
3. Florida Welcomes Walt Disney Press Conference
Public Domain
4. Walt Disney
Credits. This page was last revised on May 28, 2026. It was originally submitted on April 14, 2026, by Robert Soviero of Orlando, Florida. This page has been viewed 31 times since then. Photos: 1. submitted on April 14, 2026, by Robert Soviero of Orlando, Florida. 2, 3, 4. submitted on May 25, 2026, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
