WDW Connection

WDW Connection Join us as we celebrate the rich history, planning, and incredible development of Walt Disney World.

Enjoy stunning construction photos and informative interviews with the talented former Walt Disney Imagineers who helped bring this magical place to life.

Today, we celebrate the birthday of one of Walt Disney’s greatest creative minds, Francis Xavier “X” Atencio, who wrote ...
09/05/2026

Today, we celebrate the birthday of one of Walt Disney’s greatest creative minds, Francis Xavier “X” Atencio, who wrote the scripts to Haunted Mansion, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Adventure Thru Inner Space, and made significant contributions to many other classic attractions.

X. Atencio’s outstanding work at WED (later Walt Disney Imagineering) resonates today in the Disney parks.

Here we can see more of the property inspection of the future Walt Disney World site. Roy Disney appears to be pointing ...
09/04/2026

Here we can see more of the property inspection of the future Walt Disney World site. Roy Disney appears to be pointing to a location in the distance. Could it be the future location of the Magic Kingdom? 🏰

Photo Source: State Archives of Florida

In this photo, a group of Disney executives are engaged in a thorough property inspection of their expansive land in Cen...
09/04/2026

In this photo, a group of Disney executives are engaged in a thorough property inspection of their expansive land in Central Florida. This area is part of the Fort Wilderness site that once housed a fishing and hunting cabin. The remnants of the cabin can be observed in the background, serving as a reminder of the property's historic past.

Photo Source: State Archives of Florida

Check out the beautifully designed blue turret that gracefully towers toward the iconic Cinderella Castle 🏰Photo Source:...
09/04/2026

Check out the beautifully designed blue turret that gracefully towers toward the iconic Cinderella Castle 🏰

Photo Source: Disney

Check out these vintage photos capturing the original fountain structure outside the Imagination Pavilion. The upside-do...
09/03/2026

Check out these vintage photos capturing the original fountain structure outside the Imagination Pavilion. The upside-down waterfall, leapfrog fountains, and other water features are hallmarks of the pavilion. These features showcase the innovative designs that add to the pavilion's imaginative atmosphere.

"Technology, like a newfound potion, allows us to marvel at mysteries of motion. Water dances where visions begin. Science reveals the life within."
-Dreamfinder

Before Walt Disney World even existed, Disney executives managed an Orlando hotel. The hotel, called the Hilton Inn Sout...
09/03/2026

Before Walt Disney World even existed, Disney executives managed an Orlando hotel. The hotel, called the Hilton Inn South, was owned by Orlando attorney Finley Hamilton and opened in 1968. Disney used the 140-room hotel as a "living laboratory" to learn about the hotel business. They created training manuals and restaurant menus that were later used in their own resorts.

In May 1970, Hamilton made a "handshake" deal with Disney to have them manage the hotel. The purpose was to train employees for the opening of Walt Disney World in October 1971. Hamilton believed that associating with the Disney brand would benefit his business.

The Hilton Inn South hotel no longer exists, but it was located near the intersection of Sand Lake Road and International Drive. The original hotel rooms (now renovated) are part of the CoCo Key Hotel and Water Resort. Hamilton also paved the dirt road near his property, foreseeing an increase in visitors to the Orlando area from around the world. Consequently, he appropriately named the road International Drive.
Photo Source: Disney

Check out this amazing aerial view of the Walt Disney World site from the mid-1960s, stretching from the northern theme ...
09/03/2026

Check out this amazing aerial view of the Walt Disney World site from the mid-1960s, stretching from the northern theme park area all the way to Interstate 4. It's pretty incredible to see how much it's changed over the years, turning what used to be a stretch of Florida swampland into an internationally famous vacation kingdom packed with spectacular attractions, resorts, and entertainment.

Photo Source: Orlando Sentinel

There were so many interesting things happening at Walt Disney World on November 27, 1970. Here we can see work on the m...
09/02/2026

There were so many interesting things happening at Walt Disney World on November 27, 1970. Here we can see work on the monorail leading to the Contemporary, as well as the lagoon underpass construction on the left.

Special thanks to Raymond Thorn for sharing this photo with us from the Gee & Jenson Archives!

Check out this stunning view capturing the construction of Grauman's Chinese Theatre at the Disney-MGM Studios. This lan...
09/02/2026

Check out this stunning view capturing the construction of Grauman's Chinese Theatre at the Disney-MGM Studios. This landmark showcases remarkable architectural design and also served as the home of The Great Movie Ride. This spectacular attraction took guests on an immersive journey through cinematic history, celebrating some of the most beloved films and unforgettable moments in movie history.

In 1985, The Walt Disney Company signed an agreement with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) that allowed Disney to use up to 250 films from MGM's extensive movie library, creating a remarkable attraction experience. However, negotiations for some of the most sought-after films, such as *The Wizard of Oz* and *Singin' in the Rain*, had to be conducted separately due to their high value. Additionally, the longer a scene from a high-value film was in the ride, the higher the licensing fee Disney had to pay to MGM. As a result, the original plan to include a tornado scene before the 'Wizard of Oz' segment was substituted with a scene from *Fantasia*, accompanied by wind effects.

What made The Great Movie Ride exceptional was its ability to create classic movie fans out of all of us. The music and atmosphere of the Disney-MGM Studios set the stage for our spectacular journey into the movies.

Photo Source: Disney Avenue

Check out this incredible aerial view of the lagoon underpass construction showing the base of the water bridge and the ...
09/02/2026

Check out this incredible aerial view of the lagoon underpass construction showing the base of the water bridge and the road underneath. There also appears to be a temporary construction bridge underneath the monorail track.

The lagoon underpass/bridge is a true engineering marvel and a fascinating part of the Walt Disney World construction story.

Special thanks to Raymond Thorn for sharing this photo with us from the Gee & Jenson Archives!

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