Walt Disney World
Walt’s death disheartened Walt Disney Productions and the American People. His older brother, Roy, who was then 74, was now in charge. Even through the drama and heartache, Roy said they would keep on producing. People were surprised at his response and interested in what could come out of Walt Disney Productions next. Although the business was not run by just one person, the company leaders did a remarkable job of carrying on Walt’s policies. Even after his death, Walt’s name still stood for quality. They stayed with the basic image of the company and were very smart in doing so. They believed it would have been foolish to tamper with the successful formula Walt had followed. “The Jungle Book”, “The Aristocats”, “Robin Hood” and “The Rescuers” were made and were successful, being among the top-rated in the 1970s. Roy renamed the previous Disney World to Walt Disney World in honor of his brother’s death and decided to continue the construction of it. Nardo explains it like this:
“…while many of Disney’s younger successors were enthusiastic about the new park, Roy was not. He hated being in debt and worried about all the money the company had borrowed for the project. His main concern was finishing the park so it could make money and pay back all those debts. Before the new Disney kingdom began to ride from the untamed Florida wilderness, Roy fretted about the ‘…madness that got into Walt when he decided to make a theme park out of this awful swamp.’ But as the magnificent project neared completion, Roy began to feel great pride in having made his brother’s dream a reality.”
Walt Disney World finally opened on October 1, 1972. At the dedication ceremony Roy states, “Years of planning and long hours of work have brought about this historic moment. It will be an experience none of us will ever forget.”
“…while many of Disney’s younger successors were enthusiastic about the new park, Roy was not. He hated being in debt and worried about all the money the company had borrowed for the project. His main concern was finishing the park so it could make money and pay back all those debts. Before the new Disney kingdom began to ride from the untamed Florida wilderness, Roy fretted about the ‘…madness that got into Walt when he decided to make a theme park out of this awful swamp.’ But as the magnificent project neared completion, Roy began to feel great pride in having made his brother’s dream a reality.”
Walt Disney World finally opened on October 1, 1972. At the dedication ceremony Roy states, “Years of planning and long hours of work have brought about this historic moment. It will be an experience none of us will ever forget.”