What in the World? How Walt Created Disney World

Have you ever wondered why Orlando, FL became the site of the world's most visited theme park? Award-winning travel writer Gary McKechnie will spin the extraordinary creation tale of Disney World came to be in this fascinating presentation, part of the Florida Humanities Florida Talks program. Doors for the 7pm program open at 6:30pm. 

More on the topic: When Walt Disney realized cheap tourist traps were enveloping Disneyland, he began a nationwide search for enough land to hold every dream he could imagine. What happened next would require a heightened degree of CIA-level secrecy for Disney’s undercover team, which launched a misinformation campaign that included dummy corporations and secret transactions. However, when a keen-eyed reporter cracked the code, Disney was forced to show his hand. Audiences will be amazed to learn of not only of the subterfuge but also the monumental innovations and engineering feats required to create a whole new world.

More on the speaker: Native Floridian Gary McKechnie is a two-time National Geographic author, author of America’s best-selling motorcycle guidebook, and two-time winner of the Lowell Thomas Travel Journalism Award. On stage, he has honed his skills as a motivational storyteller, a stand-up comedian, and improv actor. He is also a guest speaker aboard the ships of Cunard, Seabourn, and the Silversea lines. His travel features on Florida have appeared in newspapers, magazines, and through VisitFlorida. 

Photo credit: Florida Humanities

Funding for this Florida Talks program was provided through a grant from Florida Humanities with funds from the National Endowment for the Humanities. Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this program do not necessarily represent those of Florida Humanities or the National Endowment for the Humanities