Disney's Two Cities: The History of Bay Lake and Lake Buena Vista
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- Опубліковано 7 лют 2025
- Walt Disney World is a vacation kingdom. With over 50 million guests every year, and over 70,000 cast members working there, it's easy to look at Disney World like a city. In reality, it's two cities and a special district. Today we're going to look at the creation of the cities of Bay Lake and Lake Buena Vista, as well as the Reedy Creek Improvement District.
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Additional Sources
Sources
“Disney World Brings Construction To Orlando For Visitors’ Pleasure”, The Tampa Tribune, 24 Dec 1971, p 2-B
Chad D. Emerson, Merging Public and Private Governance: How
Disney's Reedy Creek Improvement District "Re-Imagined" The Traditional Division of Local
Regulatory Powers, 36 FLA. ST. U. L. REV. 177 (2009)
“Mickey Mouse Creator Walt Disney, 65, Dies”, Daily Independent Journal, Dec 15 1966
“Court Supports 1-Man, 1-Vote Representation”, Ironwood Daily Globe, Apr 12 1968
“Disney Has Plans”, Orlando Evening Star, Feb 3 1967
“Disney Wants City in Orange”, Orlando Evening Star, Apr 22 1969
“Disney Legislation Passes”, Orlando Evening Star, Jun 3 1969
“Disney World Company Town?”, Tampa Bay Times, Feb 5 1967
“Brother Roy, Disney Business Genius, Dies”, The Akron Beacon Journal, Dec 21 1971
“Local Vote-a-Man Issue Due in Court”, The Austin American, Mar 31 1966
“One-Man, One-Vote For Counties Upheld”, The News Palladium, Apr 12 1968
“Disney Legislation To Get Fast Action”, The Orlando Sentinel, Apr 14 1967
“Disney Project To Go Forward”, The Orlando Sentinel, Dec 16 1966
“Osceola To Keep Main Disney World Entrance”, The Orlando Sentinel, May 2 1969
“Disney World Being Built On Political Foundation”, The Orlando Sentinel, Mar 16 1967
“Disney Unveils Lake Buena Vista Plans”, The Orlando Sentinel, Jan 26 1972
“Senator Optimistic About Disney World Legislation”, The Tampa Tribune, May 2 1969
I just want to take an extra moment to thank everyone who came to watch the video and to my patrons. UA-cam as a platform really tries to push people to post as often as possible, and the end result is that sometimes the platform can "punish" channels for taking too long to upload. I saw a 60% drop in views over the two extra weeks I took to research, write, and produce this video. But thanks to the support of both my patrons, and everyone who tunes in to new videos and shares them with family and friends, it's the kind of drop I can weather in order to make content you hopefully all enjoy! So thank you! The channel wouldn't be what it is today without you!
Rob, i have to say that your videos are always a pleasure to watch, thanks for putting out great content.
Rob, this video is EXACTLY why I wait with baited breath until your next video. You take the time to research with detail, capturing my attention every time. Thank you for your example of journalism at its best. Keep moving forward. There’s a great, big beautiful tomorrow out there for you. I will be eagerly waiting for your next video! Cheers!
You make extremely high quality videos. I would never miss a single one. UA-cam can try but talented creators always shine through. Please keep up the great work🥂🌟
I assumed I just missed last weeks. I was at WDW, rode Carousel of Progress, and he started talking about his lambago acting up, and the son checking out the lady doing the hoochie koochie. Couldn’t help but think of this channel.
I wish they didn't punish you for taking the time to research what you were going to put out. I wish more of the channels I watch would take time like you do because some of the channels seem to just repeat things they've said before because they're trying to pound out as many videos as possible. I like it that you try to bring something new every time.
I grew up in the city of Lake Buena Vista and my mom is the current mayor (and first female mayor of the city) I sent her the video and she loves it. Awesome work! I've been explaining this to people my entire life, now I can just send them the video. lol
What was it like growing there from your experience?
thats amazing
Cool
It is strange to think how different things would have been if Walt had lived longer. To have a real EPCOT and not a theme park would be mind blowing.
or not. he had a hard time keeping control at his California studio.
more than likely EPCOT would've devolved into Rapture once Disney allowed more outside corporations to flaunt more control over the city
it wouldn't have led into an actual civil war, but it would've led to some very interesting C-SPAN broadcasts
Dystopian Disney city
Indeed, we wouldn't have a Play Pavilion to complain about.
The reason it would not have worked is because of the lack of planning for the actual infrastructure and how they were going to support an actual city and ALL that involves. Those were things he never thought about, he just liked the dream of it all.
Was wondering when the Road, Highway, and Ferry Act of 1822 was finally going to get some love! It's about time! Good 'ol RHFA👍
15:59
Rob: "It's not perfect..."
Video: Primeval Whirl
We were down at Epcot last week and popped into the American Pavilion. Voices of Liberty started singing and I did a double take and told my wife. I think I recognize that one singer. Sure enough after they sang, she came and said hello. It was Kat from your vlogs. I told her she was internet famous if even this Canadian farm kid recognized her. Was great meeting her.
This is some great work you did! I’m four minutes into this video, and can’t believe how many of the major points you’ve hit on. I work at an engineering firm in the area, and I have worked on planning projects for Disney. Because they are their own district, once projects are submitted, they might start construction on them in as early as a week or two. These same projects might take months or even years to start if done through the state/county.
Can remember reading back in the 1970's that Disney had the 2 counties that the large development was in only have to abide by one counties electrical rules. Another smart move is they installed a high voltage power distribution ring around area. If an underground cable shorted out they just open up switches at both ends to elimate a major problem.
I watch a lot of channels that are based around the Disney theme. Your channel on UA-cam is the best by far. Everything you post is very interesting. Many thanks for all of your videos. Keep up the good work.
As always, Rob, great and informative video. I can't imagine how exhausting it would have been for Epcot residents if the city had moved forward as planned. Can you imagine every other month getting a notice from the equivalent of an HOA that your house's electrical system was being replaced with the newest version, or that the transit system would be down because the electrical tracks were being replaced with magnetic ones. The newest and most advanced is fine in theory or rolled out over extended periods of time, but a city in a constant state of innovation could become a burden.
Let the good times roll
fun fact: the reason taxes aren’t included on the boards in front of the ticket booths in the parks is because the resort is in two different counties. at least that’s what i was told during my ticket sales training 😂
11:58 you can see the sweet awesome wooden abstract sculpture that was also a beloved playground right next to World of Disney. Ghirardelli was built on top of it.
I believe it was known as the Whatchamacallit
I love the narrations for your videos. The commentary is so hilarious. (Especially the way you had Florida Man as a Superhero.)
Great video as usual Rob! I chuckled when I saw Dinoland USA while your narration said, "while it isnt perfect", lol...
"like any other place, it's not perfect..."
=image of off-the-shelf landfill coaster primeval whirl=
Fast forward to 2023 - rut roh, Scoop.
I mentioned in another one of your videos that I was a Disney nut in the late 70's, often writing WDW for more info. For example, I knew of the term RCID. Now, as an adult, I really appreciate you giving me a more complete story. Great job my friend!
The research and detail in this is unreal! Love this so much. Thanks Rob, you’re a legend
Great video, this aspect of Disney in Florida has always fascinated me. You only briefly touched on Golden Oaks, there's a whole video there...
Great Video!!! Love the history behind everything!
2:42 Hidden Mickey.
Disney starts employing judges, and people will start taling another look at how much power they really have. Right now, it is like a known unknown type of thing.
you just keep getting better and better! dont let the youtube bots get you down! when ever you post i am always there and hopefully people will make the effort to see your work! thanks for the vids as always!
Weird how both Disneyland and Disney world are both in orange county
IKR
Well Florida's was named after all the oranges there already in mid 1800s and California's was named to attract orange farmers towards the end of the 1800s, so it literally has to do with oranges.
umm not really?
Garret Barber yup
Kelsey W yup
Incredible how much power they have over their land. If EPCOT was realized as originally planned, it would be an absolute dystopia.
I've only started watching this channel since you have rebranded,
I love this channel and it's weird seeing it be rob plays.
Fantastic production and well researched as always Rob! Between this and all of your other videos on Reddy Creek, Celebration, Mosquitoes and the history and EPCOT you tease here make me think of a documentary film length version you could bring this all together. That would be a ton of work and time but a person can dream right?
I've actually considered it before! Either seeing if there's a way to stitch it all together in one long-form video, or alternatively just using all of the notes and research to write and produce one new feature-length video. I don't have anything in the works as of right now, but I can say I've definitely been thinking about it!
Eric Ahlstrom yup
@@MidwaytoMainStreet Do you have an email where I can contact you? Great video btw, and yes the idea of stringing those vids into 1 doc would be cool.
Excellent video, thank you so much! I am one of the oldsters who would have liked to have seen the original EPCOT plans Walt envisioned actually come to pass. I don't like how the company changed his vision on many things. It was Disney's company and to me that means HIS wishes should have been honored. There is definitely a way it could have all worked, I am convinced of that.
Ahhh... love the history of Disney World and how it came to be just as much as the parks themselves. Outstanding work! 👍😀
I really enjoyed this video Rob! This is definitely one of the best that you have done!
So thankful for all your research and dedication, Rob!
I love your videos. Always mixing entertainment and education. Well done, sir.
Great video. One of your best. A lot of what ifs
Great video. Awesome explanation of the whole Disney / Reedy Creek situation.
This was a great video. I really like learning about the history of places like Disneyand
Great Video. You always have the best videos.
Thanks!
Well done! As an economic development professional, you always explore topics that my Disney geek self loves, when you discuss Reedy Creek!
As someone who lives in Osceola county, especially so close to Disney world, this is such an interesting topic that I surprisingly didn't even know much about! The fact that if Walt's plan went through I'd be living in reedy creek is so cool to me! :)
One of your best videos Rob!
cool facts my mom lives in orlando so i stay in lake beuna vista often
Good thing the EPCOT city never happened. Given the out of control over crowding in their parks and their unwillingness to address the over crowding.... Could you imagine what a nightmare it would be to live in a continuously overcrowded 24/7 EPCOT. It's one thing to deal with over crowding on a vacation for a week or two while on vacation. It's quite another to deal with that crazy overcrowding every single day.
you should do a video on golden oak and it seems like a good topic to talk about
Fantastic video once again Rob - your channel is our favourite Disney history/information source. Oh and thanks for the great book recommendations on your website!
Love Disney . Yea most people don’t know, Disney is near Orlando but it’s not in the city of Orlando. It’s in Bay lake and LBV. The city of Orlando works with Disney for the benefit of tourists. Great video.
Please do these videos next!
- The History of STAR WARS Weekends at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
- The Walt Disney World Millennium Celebration
- Splashtacular at Epcot
- Epcot’s Failed Circus Show
- The Plans and Cancellation of Muppet Studios at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
I'm surprised you didn't mention the two hidden, gated cul-de-sac's on Disney's property for their respective cities. There is one near Disney Springs for Lake Buena Vista, and one north of Bay Lake for... Bay Lake.
He does mention it without much detail at the 10 min 25 secone mark, and they are not gated properties, and only handful of homes.
@@asc10679 The complexes ARE gated, I've driven up to both of them recently.
@@30framespersecond I've only been to one of them in Bay Lake and there was no gate about 2 years ago. Looking at satellite images on map I now see a gate now actually, this must be a more recent addition.
It wasn’t gated until recently
Rob, I just love this channel! It makes my day when you share new videos. Thank you for this content!
Rob-- Brilliant, as usual. You are a credit to your craft and an asset to Disney fandom. Thank you.
Rob: This is terrific information. I followed a similar path to discover the origin of Reedy Creek Improvement District. It required a special act of the Florida Legislature at that time. It provided a means to, as you note, provide a bulky layer of protection to Disney plans. While I agree that the plans for Epcot drove a good measure of the early organization and negotiations with the State of Florida it is also my premise that the experience was also a reaction to the unfortunate development outside of Disneyland when it opened with the crummy hotels that sprang up in Anaheim. I believe Disney wanted control of the land from the pressures of private development, stockholder agitation and interference from either of the two counties. From a legal standpoint it was simply masterful.
I live off of Reams Rd right behind the MK, wish we had a Bay Lake address instead of Windermere,( only cause its unincorporated Orange county ) it would make more sense,my son attends Bay Lake Elementary named for the proximity of it,I still think that is so cool lol!
Very cool video. Great channel 👍
“A strange superhero” *Florida Man*
When I was little I thought it was just the city of Lake Buena Vista, it was later that I realized it was two. It’s fascinating to learn more about this. Avery versus Midland County? I like that name
Fascinating! Well done as always, Rob. Take as much time as you need!
Thanks!
When you're living in Orange County, it's amazing how often RCID comes up as a pain in the neck. I was a kid so i didn't have the concerns an adult would in regards to how it affected the county over all, but I knew enough to know people could easily regret the establishment of RCID. One thing I didn't know at the time which strikes me as funny for some reason any kids who live on Royal Oak Court in Lake Buena Vista, are suppose to go to school in the schools in the Dr Phillips area where I lived.
VERY well done documentary. All thru most of it, kept thinking the Disney bros. achieved an independent enclave of a foreign power, a small sovereign nation, because they provided such a sweet deal for their special district.
You are so talented. Professional work. Thanks for these!
Another great video! Always so informative and well done. Keep on keeping on!
Thank you for a very informative summary of the WDW vision. 👍. Hopefully life will return to some form of normality we are used to, so I can visit with my family.
would it be possible for Disney to still build the original concept of EPCOT today? Lets say Iger decided he had the ability to finish what Walt started.
Personally, I don't think so. Even with the trust that Disney had back in the 60's there was that risk of residents challenging the inability to vote. I think today it would 100% happen. I think it would only be a matter of time before Disney would lose control of the RCID. I also just think that as a public company that really worries about shareholders, the idea of EPCOT the city just wouldn't be a big enough profit generator for them. At least not considering all the trouble it would take them to get it going.
Rob Plays I appreciate your insight. Your videos are some of my favorites on UA-cam. Love the research you put into them as opposed to rushing content with clickbait.
ebeeks iger is leaving soon so no
Tiff Prendergast it’s more of a hypothetical. Iger has a good run as CEO and makes you wonder about who in today’s day and age could pull off a feat like that. Or more to the point if Walt could have ever done it in the first place.
GREAT VIDEO!😍
It's funny to watch this after the state found a "reason" to take those powers away.
Hello. I love the content you create. You are like the national geographic of disney info. Have you ever done a video containing the history of golden oaks.
I work on Hotel Plaza Blvd, would love to know more about it. It's the road with all the non-Disney Disney Springs hotels, and that weird athletic building..
This video answers a *lot* of questions I'd had... (such as: why TWO cities? and: what was the deal with those post-EPCOT residential plans in the 1970s?)
Glad the video answered them! I was in the same boat. The initial inspiration for this video was trying to get to the bottom of why they opted for two cities instead of just one.
Excellent job, Rob! I'm glad you covered Golden Oak. It would be great to own a flat in a super-tall highrise if Disney was to build one by the GFlo or one of the other monorail resorts but now I know that will never happen. Besides, Disney can make 10x more per unit as a DVC property. Each one of those bungalows at the Poly brought in millions through the sale of DVC points. Disney, take my money, please LOL!
That is a masterclass on how to buy land and zone it for maximum profitability
I stayed in the lake buena vista And the hotel is perfect and we went to disney
Nice comeback from Lumbago!
Great vid, Rob!
Are you familiar with the Mickey Pylon at the intersection of I-4 and World Drive? Wondering if it (or the terrible traffic pattern at those I-4 on ramps) is vid-worthy.
Oh that makes sense now on the phones that the park employees use when you look at the weather app it says Baylake as the city you're in always wondered why it said Bay Lake thank you
Over 5 mins 😱 take my automatic like good sir
i actually live about 10 minutes from disney springs
AWESOME video ! (as always) but really in this case. Lots of research were very obvious. your have a great channel. And i would love to see that video all about the transition from EPCOT the city to EPCOT Center the theme park.
Very informative thank you
Really well done.
wow this is so interesting and very informative
Thoroughly fulfilling work, Rob. I was never much a fan of history in school, but your presentation of this is compelling and intriguing and leaves me even more curious about things I never even knew I was interested in! The work of a really darned good documentarian, I tell ya. Thank you! ^‿^
Go back on MCMagic! It's now Palace Network and has so many cool tech and build designs!
Really good video
Check out Toyota's Woven City if you're interested in what EPCOT may have been like.
12:13 pretty sure that’s present day Pin Traders.
11:41 - 1972 -- "...and we will built the MONORAIL to everywhere in Walt Disney world!"
I love the poetic irony how you mixed in a clip of Dino Land when you said “like any other place, it’s not perfect” 😂🦕🦖
Dinosaur Land is a national treasure lol
sheik124 lol
Did Rob actually say Disney World is not perfect?
I e always been fascinated by the “what if” question in regards to an actual experimental city.
Looking at what took place with Celebration, one could argue it really did fail. They seem to have done a better job in the creation and set up of Golden Oak but time will tell.
Any video comparing the two?
Interesting notes.
I remember when Mickey Mouse Club gave their address for sending letters, it was in Lake Buena Vista Florida.
I always rushed to write the address but never got it all in on time.
Is that a Hidden Mickey in the curls of the little girls hair where education was mentioned?
Rob, can you do a family-tree/universe outline for the *Horizon* and *Carousel of Progress* rides?
"Nobody lives at Disney World."
The two cities that make one the popular resorts and theme parks in the world are ironically, both technically ghost towns.
I think they actually have 1 family, or it's not a city
David Cassity they each have 8-9 homes for the voting employee citizens.
Dang Disney did the Walt brothers dirty lol! Would have been cool to see if the city idea would have worked
Probably makes sense as to why I've seen pictures of some of their security vehicles with license plates from Osceola County
I wonder if that proposed emergency hospital in Lake Buena Vista would have been better than the ER at Celebrations Hospital.
Makes you wonder why DeSantis insists on kicking the hornet’s nest.
0:50 superman from Smallville Kansas. Not FL.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florida_Man
Please can someone advise the location in the video at 15 minutes and 40 seconds.
Maybe it is time to do a update on this video.
Next year. The bill doesn’t take effect until June 2023 and there are quite a number of avenues by which the bill is ineffective. So I want to see how the dust settles before I cover it.
Great video. FYI, plural of crisis is crises, not "crisises".
nice...
love the video.
@RobPlays Would it be possible to make a list of great books about the history of the parks and the company? I bought Disney Wars because of you.
Yup! I actually keep a list of book recommendations on my website (www.robplays.com/books)