Disney Land came first.
Walt always dreamed of making a place that people of all ages could "escape" to. A place that would allow them to leave their every day lives behind and become a part of something they had only imagined in a dream. Disney Land was first opened in Anaheim California and it was a big hit, needless to say. Soon after opening all kinds of hotels and tourists shops started opening all around the surrounding area leaving no room for Disney to expand this new dream land.
He started to explore different options and discovered the climate options available in Central Florida. Walt originally purchased the land under two alias's to protect his identity..He knew if word got out that Walt Disney was looking to buy land, the price would sky-rocket. So he used the names Retlaw, (Walter spelled backwards) and M.T. Lot (Empty Lot!) how creative right? After the massive acres were purchased, construction began.
All of these plans did exsist while Walt was alive, however he planned to have them realized in Disney Land first--Before he was forced to seek new ground to expand and grow. I would always consider Disney Land the first because of that reason, and because Walt actually got to visit that location and be present for the grand opening ceremony...he never got to see Disney World when it opened.
Hope this helps!
Walt always dreamed of making a place that people of all ages could "escape" to. A place that would allow them to leave their every day lives behind and become a part of something they had only imagined in a dream. Disney Land was first opened in Anaheim California and it was a big hit, needless to say. Soon after opening all kinds of hotels and tourists shops started opening all around the surrounding area leaving no room for Disney to expand this new dream land.
He started to explore different options and discovered the climate options available in Central Florida. Walt originally purchased the land under two alias's to protect his identity..He knew if word got out that Walt Disney was looking to buy land, the price would sky-rocket. So he used the names Retlaw, (Walter spelled backwards) and M.T. Lot (Empty Lot!) how creative right? After the massive acres were purchased, construction began.
All of these plans did exsist while Walt was alive, however he planned to have them realized in Disney Land first--Before he was forced to seek new ground to expand and grow. I would always consider Disney Land the first because of that reason, and because Walt actually got to visit that location and be present for the grand opening ceremony...he never got to see Disney World when it opened.
Hope this helps!
