After the success of Disneyland in the 1950s, dozens of other business enterprises sprung up around the Anaheim park. When Walt Disney set out to acquire land in Central Florida, he was determined to avoid that clutter. Thousands of acres were purchased, and the Magic Kingdom was placed at the far end of the property, so Disney could have complete control over the experience.
Today, there's nothing like the feeling of arriving at The Walt Disney World Resort. The first indications of Disney on the standard green Department of Transportation road signs are exciting enough, but once you pass through the gateway, you're in another world. This is a place of magic and fun... a place Where Dreams Come True.
Suddenly, the cacophony of traffic, signs, lights, billboards and competing tourism destinations subsides. You're surrounded by green space. Everything here is orderly. Even the signs have a colorful touch (an enhancement introduced in the '90s as the resort expanded and outgrew the brown, ground-level signs which had been around since opening).
Heading up World Drive to your destination, nothing is there by accident. Stands of palm trees, not truly native to this part of Florida, dot the median to create a relaxing tropical atmosphere. You may even notice the mounds of white sand (trucked in, of course), helping to complete the illusion of escape.
Finally, like a beacon on the horizon, there it is. The Magic Kingdom!
Or is it? Per Walt's master plan, you're still nearly two miles from the park. For a total escape, you'll need to leave that car behind and completely surrender yourself to the magic of Disney's world.
Right on shawn!!! there is apsolutely nothing like seeing that first sign when you get onto "PROPERTY". And that feeling never gets old. It just gets better with age. Thanks for pointing out something so manyof forget about until you are driving under that first sign.
ReplyDeleteKristin-Ia.