What was the development codename for Disney World?
When Walt Disney went searching for land to use for his new dream of a mega-park complex that could also house a futuristic city, he knew he’d need to save a little moolah to make it all happen. He also knew if people heard the name “Disney” when interested buyers showed up, they’d immediately hike up the price.
So as the search kicked off for the right plot of land, they made up fake company names, such as M.T. Lott Real Estate. They didn’t start with Florida but eventually landed on the Orlando area as it offered much of what Walt was looking for — mostly, cheap land.
But even with all the pains taken, also including using a codename for the project, word eventually got out that something big was happening and Disney himself was behind it. The price per acre paid by Disney went from $80 in the beginning up to $80,000 to secure the final pieces.
What secret codename did they use for Disney World while shopping for land?
