How Much Land Does Walt Disney World Own?
The Walt Disney World Resort in Florida is one of the most popular vacation destinations in the world, attracting millions of visitors every year. But have you ever wondered how much land this magical kingdom owns? The answer might surprise you. In this article, we’ll dive into the details of Walt Disney World’s land ownership and explore the extent of the property.
The Basics: A Quick Overview
Before we dive into the specifics, let’s set the stage. Walt Disney World is a massive resort located in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, covering an area of approximately 25,000 acres. To put that into perspective, the Walt Disney World Resort is roughly the size of the city of San Francisco, California. But how much of this land is owned by the Walt Disney Company?
Directly Owned Land: 20,000 Acres
The Walt Disney Company directly owns around 20,000 acres of the land within the Walt Disney World Resort. This includes the majority of the property, including the four theme parks (Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom), most of the resort hotels, and various recreational areas. This significant portion of land is dedicated to Disney’s resort operations, entertainment venues, and other business purposes.
Leased Land: 4,500 Acres
In addition to the directly owned land, Walt Disney World also leases around 4,500 acres from various private landowners and the state of Florida. These leased properties often feature non-Disney affiliated businesses, such as shopping centers, hotels, and restaurants. The company pays an annual fee to lease this land, which allows it to maintain a large buffer zone around its property, enhancing the overall resort’s aesthetic appeal and security.
Total Land Under Walt Disney World’s Control: 24,500 Acres
When combined, the directly owned and leased land under Disney’s control amounts to 24,500 acres, equivalent to about 37 square miles. To put this in perspective, the entire city of Orlando, Florida, has a total area of around 64 square miles. This highlights the vast expanse of land under Disney’s control, which allows the company to maintain a distinct environment and keep its properties isolated from the surrounding areas.
Environmental and Conservation Efforts
Walt Disney World is well-known for its emphasis on environmental conservation and sustainability. The company has implemented various initiatives to reduce its carbon footprint, including:
• Wildlife corridors: Disney has created natural habitats and wildlife corridors to connect different ecosystems, allowing animals to migrate and thrive.
• Water conservation: The company has implemented a water-saving system, reducing its water consumption by 30% since 2008.
• Green spaces: Walt Disney World has planted over 1,000 acres of trees and native plants, creating a more natural environment and reducing the urban heat island effect.
Future Plans and Development
As the Walt Disney World Resort continues to evolve, new developments are being planned, including:
• Tron Lightcycle Run: A new rollercoaster themed after the popular video game Tron, coming to the Magic Kingdom in 2023.
• Disney’s Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser: A new, immersive, Star Wars-themed hotel experience slated for opening in 2023.
• Wetlands preservation: Ongoing efforts to protect and restore the natural wetlands within the resort, ensuring the preservation of local ecosystems.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Walt Disney World owns around 20,000 acres of land directly and leases an additional 4,500 acres, amounting to a total of 24,500 acres under its control. This large expanse of property allows Disney to maintain a unique environment, implement sustainable practices, and continuously develop new experiences for its guests. As the company continues to grow and evolve, its commitment to environmental conservation and community development will remain a top priority.
Additional Information:
• Land use: Around 10,000 acres of the property is used for theme parks, entertainment spaces, and resort hotels.
• Waterfront area: The Walt Disney World Resort has over 6 miles of waterfront along Lake Buena Vista and Lake Bryan.
• Spruce up your knowledge! Did you know that Walt Disney World is also home to over 1,000 species of plants and animals, as well as 2,000 acres of waterways?