Why Disneyworld is World not land?

[louisaho]

can anyone please tell me why disneyworld is named under world, why the others are all named disneyland paris, disneyland japan, disneyland LA

 

[WDSearcher]

Disney World was named so because it was to encompass more than just a theme park and a hotel. It was to be a complete "world" of entertainment, resorts, experimental living (a/k/a Epcot) and nature preserves.

The Tokyo and Paris parks were originally based on the Disneyland concept -- one major theme park with a couple of resorts -- as opposed to having the land, space or money to create this huge environment of all things Disney. Hence, they adopted the DisneyLAND moniker instead of Disney WORLD.

 

[SnackyStacky]

Originally posted by louisaho
can anyone please tell me why disneyworld is named under world, why the others are all named disneyland paris, disneyland japan, disneyland LA

When Walt bought the tract of land that would later become Disneyland, it was a very similar situation to Orlando. There really was nothing around his land. But with onslaught of the tourists, Harbor Blvd. popped up - and you could see it from within Disneyland, and that bothered him.

When Walt bought the land that would later become Disney World, he knew he would recreate Disneyland, but the focus and scope of his project was BEYOND theme parks. He envisioned EPCOT - but not the Epcot we have today, or even the EPCOT from 1982. He had envisioned an actual Experimental Prototype Community Of Tomorrow. His last film appearance was the film he made to show investors for his "Disney World Project" - as he called it. In the film, he discusses his plans to recreate Disneyland, as well as a very detailed presentation of EPCOT. If you'd like to see the film, check out www.waltopia.com

Roy had planned to retire before the Disney World project was complete, but during his last days - from his hospital bed - Walt showed Roy, using the ceiling tiles, his plans for Epcot. After Walt died, Roy felt that he owed it to Walt to see through the completion of the Magic Kingdom. So he stayed on and supervised the project to completion. When it opened, Roy changed the name from Disney World to Walt Disney World. He wanted everyone to know that it was his brother who was behind it.

Just a bit more than you probably wanted to know!