Page "Walt Disney World" Paragraph 17

The district soon began construction of drainage canals, and Disney built the first roads and the Magic Kingdom.

Disney's Contemporary Resort, Disney's Polynesian Resort, and Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground were also completed in time for the park's opening on October 1, 1971.

The Palm and Magnolia golf courses near the Magic Kingdom had opened a few weeks before.

At the park's opening, Roy O. Disney dedicated the property and declared that it would be known as " Walt Disney World " in his brother's honor.

In his own words: " Everyone has heard of Ford cars.

But have they all heard of Henry Ford, who started it all?

Walt Disney World is in memory of the man who started it all, so people will know his name as long as Walt Disney World is here.

" After the dedication, Roy Disney asked Walt's widow, Lillian, what she thought of Walt Disney World.

According to biographer Bob Thomas, she responded, " I think Walt would have approved.

" Roy O. Disney died on December 20, 1971, less than three months after the property opened.