Buying Disney's World: The Story of How Florida Swampland Became Walt Disney World

by Aaron H. Goldberg

In November of 1965, after numerous months of speculation surrounding a mystery industry that had been purchasing large amounts of land in central Florida, Walt Disney finally put an end to the rumors. He announced to the public his grandiose plans for the thousands of acres he had secretly purchased.

For the eighteen months prior to the announcement, Walt entrusted a small group of men to covertly make these purchases. Next, they were tasked with drafting a legislative act to submit to the state of Florida that would allow Disney to wield nearly absolute legal control over the property under a quasi-government municipality.

Staying true to its storytelling roots, Disney wove a tale of mystery centered around a high-ranking CIA operative, who was rumored to have been, just a few short years before, the paymaster behind the Bay of Pigs Invasion in Cuba.

This savvy and well-connected CIA agent became the de facto leader for the group of Disney executives and attorneys who orchestrated and executed a nearly perfect plan to keep Disney’s identity a secret from the public by utilizing aliases, shell corporations, and meandering travel itineraries, all in an effort to protect the company’s identity during the land acquisition process.

As told through the personal notes and files from the key figures involved in the project, Buying Disney’s World details the story of how Walt Disney World came to be, like you’ve never heard before.

From conception to construction and everything in between—including how a parcel of land within Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort was acquired during a high-stakes poker game—explore how the company most famous for creating Mickey Mouse acquired central Florida’s swamps, orange groves, and cow pastures to build a Disney fiefdom and a Magic Kingdom.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Business, Audiobook, Politics, American History, Cultural

201 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 20, 2021

About the author

Aaron H. Goldberg is an alumnus of the University of Pennsylvania, having graduated with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in anthropology.

He is the author of the award-winning and bestselling books, The Disney Story, Meet the Disney Brothers, and The Wonders of Walt Disney World.

Aaron has been featured in stories about Disney in CNN, The Los Angeles Times, Emirates Airlines Magazine, Huffington Post, Orlando Sentinel, The Dis, Imaginerding, and Inside the Magic.

He’s active on Twitter @aaronhgoldberg and has visited the Disney theme parks more times than his wallet cares to remember!

Reviews

[britt_brooke · Rating 4 out of 5]

We’re going to Orlando soon so I’m boning up on some Disney knowledge. Friends who have a Disney podcast mentioned this brief history of the WDW land purchase during a recent episode, so I picked it up. It’s fascinating how Walt Disney and his associates decided on the location, and worked through the complicated land transactions for his newest, grandest endeavor.

[Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book went into great detail about the acquisition and construction of Disney World. Even having worked for imagineering in a construction role, I learned a whole lot more about how Disney world was built from this book. A must read for civil engineers interested in the Magic Kingdom

[Brice Karickhoff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read bc we’re in Disney World. Super interesting. Super good. Would recommend if you’re into this kinda thing. Especially interesting now with all the DeSantis jazz occurring.

[Maddie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book a lot. But it was a lot of information that has a massive Disney fan I already knew. So I felt like I really did not need to read this. But loved all of the quotes in this. However, I thought it was going to be new information and it just wasn't. But if you are a Disney fan you will like it.

[Meredith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Information in the book- 5 stars
Writing- 2 stars

Having just been to Disney World recently and also reading about the recent Reedy Creek improvement district controversy, the historical information in this book was fascinating. What kept it from being five stars was the writing itself. It became weirdly informal at times. For example, “Sheesh, I feel like I should be writing a book about Paul Helliwell and not about Disney! Welp, it looks like in the midst of..” I could overlook the uneven writing given my interest in the subject material.

[Andi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even if you’re not a Disney fan like myself, this book is a history lesson that anyone would enjoy. So much secrecy and plotting and planning went into the creation of the world’s most beloved playground. It’s a fascinating story.

[Timothy Shea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick and Easy

Easy read with a little bit of the land purchase history of WDW. Definitely a must read for any Disney fan!

[Valeri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Say what you want about Walt and Disney in general but you cannot deny the process to build this theme park was just amazing.

[Veronica G · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read it on a plane ride from Miami to Baltimore.
I wish it had more maps. The whole time the book is talking about land- and the book has two maps in it- both almost identical and not very descriptive.
I wish there was a modern map with the land acquisition map over laid-on it.
If I wasn’t in a plane- I would’ve been googling the local area and piecing together the descriptions.

[George Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aaron does it again! He takes a fairly complex and relatively unknown time period and ties it all together to weave a fantastic work about the creation of Walt Disney World.

[Terri Giffin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was really interesting, but not particularly well-written. It sounded more like someone’s internet blog… though I suppose that’s what the author might have been going for stylistically. The subject matter was worth it though and I enjoyed most of it. You do get a good sense of what was going on in the time period and the lengths that the Disneys had to go through to get the land which would eventually become Walt Disney World.

[Jon Bradley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I purchased my copy of this book in paperback at the gift store in the Walt Disney Hometown Museum in Marceline, Missouri when visiting the museum in October 2023. This book relates how Walt Disney's company secretly purchased the vast tract of land in central Florida that ultimately became Walt Disney World. The book starts with Walt's desire to make a better, bigger Disneyland on the East coast, avoiding some of the mistakes he made with the original Disneyland in Anaheim, CA. Those mistakes involved not buying enough land for expansion, and not buying enough land to create a buffer zone around the theme park(s). The book covers the search for suitable East coast locations that eventually led to Florida, the identification of the desired plot, and then the secret machinations to purchase the land without the owners' knowledge that the buyer was Walt Disney. Some of the lawyers involved had spent time in Wild Bill Donovan's Office of Strategic Services (the forerunner of the CIA) during WW2, so they were familiar with clandestine operations. The book almost reads like an espionage thriller during this section, with code names, indirect communication channels, and other spy stuff. The book then follows the development of the park and its construction, up to opening day in 1971. There is also an extensive section on Walt Disney's personal vision for EPCOT, which was intended to be a functioning community with dwellings for employees, transportation systems, shopping, parks, etc. In my opinion, EPCOT as Walt envisioned it would never have worked, and probably others realized this as well so the idea was downplayed after Walt's death in 1966 and never developed. Lastly, the book details the autonomy from state and county laws that came with the land purchase, making the Disney World area essentially a Disney fiefdom in the middle of Florida. The author's writing style is brisk and breezy, and the book is relatively slim, so I finished it in just 2 reading sessions. Four out of five stars.

[Reba · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have such mixed feelings about this book. I found it so interesting to learn the insight of the history of Disney World, but I'm not particularly a fan of statistics and facts so the reading was tough to labor through. However, if you are a lover of most things Disney it is emotional to think through this incredible journey and not be moved.

It was also fascinating to learn a little about the underground of Disney and how much insight went into how the running of this theme park would actually work.

I know EPCOT was initially thought that one day people would love there and I have to tell you that if I could live in a community much like Disney envisioned I would push hard to live there.

Fun facts:

I never knew I would care about where the trash of Disney would go.
Magic Kingdom opened almost entirely debt free.
Opening day only had 2,500 paid customers and they were happy with that. Day two had 11,115.
The park dedication reads "May Walk Disney World bring joy and inspirations and new knowledge to all who come to this happy place...a Magic Kingdom where the young at heart of all ages can laugh and play and learn--together.
A month after opening the attendance was 55,00o. and it still grows....

Because of Walt and Roy Disney--their corporation is one of the largest family entertainment and media conglomerates in the world.

Walt Disney often said, "The important thing is the family. If you can keep the family together--and that's the backbone of our whole business, catering to families--that's what we hope to do.

And I put the book down and wanted to have a good cry.

They don't make them like the Disney brothers anymore, but could we be like that??

[Casey · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good book, providing a detailed history of the development of Disney World. The author, journalist Aaron Goldberg, outlines the legal, financial, and legislative actions needed for the creation of the Magic Kingdom park and building the infrastructure for future development. The book describes the strategic maneuvers and secretive operations the Disney company employed to secure the necessary land, without drawing public attention or driving up prices. It also reviews the various concepts Walt Disney had for the park, and how Roy Disney brought these tangled ideas together to build Magic Kingdom. The many challenges to get a completed park built on time and somewhat close to a budget are explained in detail. The book ends with a detailed description of Disney’s “private” municipality set up during the acquisition. A great book for anyone interested in the business strategies and behind-the-scenes actions necessary for such a complicated project. A great explainer of the determination and ingenuity shown by Disney’s executives to make Walt’s vision a reality.

[McKenzie Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this! It was such an awesome insight into the earliest history of Walt Disney World! I particularly enjoyed learning more about Walt and his family personally. I feel that I got to know Walt better through the quotes the author included and learning about the mindset he had in pursuing his endeavors. It was also very interesting to gain some insight into why he made certain business decisions regarding his company. In addition to learning much more about Disney’s history, there were also quite a few facts that helped me learn about the history of the United States. It also gave me a different perspective about doing pretty much everything during the 50’s and 60’s because they certainly didn’t have the technology we have today-like Google Maps. I even learned a little bit about construction! This was a great and very educational read about the historic and nitty-gritty details about the place I know and love so much today.

[Mediaman · Rating 2 out of 5]

Extremely short magazine-sized article about how Walt and company acquired the land to create Disney World, lying and using deceptive tactics as well as turning themselves into political overseers that kept the state of Florida out. Much of the story is well known. There are a few surprises. I had not known or had forgotten that Disney's parents met and lived in Florida, gave birth to their first son less than an hour from what would someday become Disney World. We think of Walt from the Midwest, but his relatives are from Florida, including his grandparents buried just miles north of Magic Kingdom.

But the book lacks depth and seems like a set of chapters from a larger volume. Walt was famous for finding ways to take people's money and this book seems to be doing the same, overcharging for what should have been a bigger and better book.

[Mike Kennedy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The full story of how Disney World came to be. From the secrecy in acquiring the land to construction to the day the park opened. This story tells how Walt’s dream of Disney World came to be.

I found this book really interesting. Walt Disney went to lengths to make sure they could acquire enough land to complete his vision and along with The Disney company created a theme park that is still the most popular in the world still today. It was interesting to see how Disney met the deadline without sacrificing quality. It was also interesting to learn about some of the concepts used from techniques to make the buildings look bigger, tunnels that served a number of purposes, and canals to keep the park from flooding.

This is a fascinating read for any Disney fan or anyone interested in a large scale construction project.

[Hots Hartley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic insight into the acquisition of land in Florida for Disney World, and the extra efforts and sly tactics that went into it.

I would have liked more graphics, more color, and more discussion about what happened to the City of the Future, but overall, the book read quickly and held my interest. Aaron Goldberg researched it well, left a plethora of citations to follow, and picked interesting stories to tell.

I especially valued the discussions about money, food, and governance/urban planning. It was more detailed than most books available on the topic. Even if the production quality left something to be desired, I highly recommend the information, stories, and data contained within!

[Anne S. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the author's breezy style. It helped offset all the legal and technical information in the book. I had heard that Disney needed to keep secret who was buying the land in Central Florida. This book explains how that was accomplished. It was sad that Walt died before Disney World started construction and also sad that Roy died a few months after its opening. When I read about all the problems with meeting both their date and financial goals, it makes me wonder whether the stress contributed to Roy's death.
This is a relatively short book that will be of interest to anyone who has an interest in Disney.

[Ronald J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ever wonder how you buy over 27,000 acres—over 43 square miles—in secrecy? It was the Disney brother’s last project together, and Roy pulled it off, opening the gates to Walt Disney World debt free approximately five years after Walt’s death. Less than 3 months after WDW opened, Roy died from a stroke in the same hospital. I did know that an integral member of the land-acquisition team was a high-ranking CIA operatives who was rumored to be the paymaster behind the Bay of Pigs Invasion in Cuba. Walt’s parents were married in the town of Acron, in Lake County, Florida (now part of Ocala National Forest), so Walt was familiar with Florida when he began his search for his next theme park. Walt was upset that outside Disneyland a “second-rate Las Vegas” encroached on his Magic Kingdom. He was determined to not let that happen again. You’ll discover that Disney, in the early 1960s, opened a bowling alley near Denver, Colorado—the Celebrity Sports Center, with 80 lanes, seating for 500, billiards, restaurant, and barber shop. Ultimately, they paid $5 million for the property, at $183 per acre (compared to $3,500 per acre for Disneyland). As soon as the press announced Disney was the buyer, land prices in the area jumped to over $1,000 per acre. Walt originally was against the idea of Walt Disney World being its own municipality. All in all, an interesting read and history of how Walt Disney World was pieced together.

[Drew Conrad · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good read about the founding of WDW! I read "Project Future: The Inside Story Behind the Creation of Disney World" a few years ago as well. I purchased "Buying Disney's World" as a paperback from Amazon and the quality of the paperback was not good since several pages came loose. The book was printed on-demand after I purchased the book from Amazon. Not sure if it is an issue with Amazon or with the publisher, Quaker Scribe. I let Amazon know the issue.

[Sara · Rating 2 out of 5]

I listened to the audiobook and the reader was horrible. I found her voice distracting and wished I just read it instead. As a Disney fan and Floridian I was very interested in this book, but I found it dry at times (land laws and government bureaucracy can be dull). It also tried to make the secret buying of central Florida land by the Walt Disney Company more exciting than it actually was. Overall it was ok.

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

brief history of WDW

A very interesting book highlighting what was involved when Walt Disney decided he wanted to open another theme park. I had heard some of the history before but this was a more detailed look.

I especially enjoyed reading about the creation of the special district, Reedy Creek Improvement District, in light of what transpired withe the state of Florida essentially taking over the District.

[Kathleen Dixon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book very interesting, providing an insightful chronology of Walt Disney World’s beginnings. It also sheds light on why the attempt to dissolve the Reedy Creek Improvement District might have occurred and shares Walt’s original vision of EPCOT. Entertaining and informative reading. I enjoy learning Disney Park history and this is a perfect addition to my collection. Thanks, Mr. Goldberg!

[Abby Cozart · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who LOVES Disney World and knowing all there is to know about it, I thoroughly enjoyed this book! I knew some things that were mentioned in this book, but I also learned so much! Aaron Goldberg truly did his research, and I applaud him for it!

[Bob Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entertaining story about the wheelings and dealings behind the scenes by a small group of people which led to the purchase of over 27,000 acres of land in central Florida and the construction of Walt Disney World.

[Alan Gerard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed reading about the more financial and administrative stories of how Walt Disney World came to be. I found the writing style a little informal for my taste - but that's more of a me thing. I think anyone that's fan of Disney or theme parks would enjoy this book.

[Kevin Parkinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was really good for what it was! It wasn't my most significant read of 2022, but it was short and fun, and interesting on a topic I thought was sort of trivial but turns out is pretty important.

[Trevor Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very engaging, enjoyable account of the process of opening Disney World. This account had pages of primary sources, Disney executives and the like explaining their memories of the years leading up to Disney World opening. Recommend.

[Dianne Soucie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The history and detail in broad strokes are all here. A good resource for information on the RCID and the two municipalities that make up WDW. Listened on audible, narration did not fit this style of text. Will purchase hard copy for further reference. Well researched and pleasing.