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Originally the Theme park Walt Disney planned on building in Florida was supposed to be called Disney World. But after Walt passed away in 1966, Roy Disney came out of retirement to make sure the Florida Project known as Disney World would be completed. It was Roy that said it would be called Walt Disney World, in honor of his late brother. Without Roy Disney, some people speculate that Walt Disney World would not have been completed as Walt had dreamed it. But this was the story of the Disney Brother’s lives. Roy made sure all through Walt’s life, that what he wanted to do, from making cartoons and starting a movie studio to making themes parks, he could do. While Walt was the idea man, Roy was the money man. As Walt was the dreamer, Roy was the business man. Without both of the brothers, Walt Disney World would not have been. So, Walt Disney World could be considered a testament to two brothers. And throughout the Magic Kingdom, both of the brothers are honored. I present for you today the Unknown Magic of Recognizing the Disney Brothers.
Another way to honor someone in Walt Disney World is by putting their name on a second story window on Main Street USA in the Magic Kingdom. Honoring someone in this way started in Disneyland and has been carried over to Walt Disney World. Originally to get your name on a window, you had to have been instrumental in helping to create the Magic Kingdom.
Walt Disney has two windows with his name on them in the Magic Kingdom. One is in the Walt Disney World Railroad Station, this window has Walt as the Proprietor. The other one is above the Plaza Ice Cream Parlor. This window faces Cinderella Castle, it is said he is listed here so that he always has a great view.
Roy Disney has two windows on Main Street also. One under his own name and he has another one under the pseudonym Roy Davis (this window has the name Pseudonym Real Estate Company on it). Roy Davis was a name he used when purchasing the land for Walt Disney World in the early 1960’s.
When Roy Disney Changed the name to Walt Disney World, He made sure that Walt would be honored for all time, you can read his dedication speech made on October 25, 1971 on the plaque in Town Square Park.
The plaque states:
So, now you know, when you are in the Magic Kingdom, there are two men that are responsible for Walt Disney World, not just one. You can see the honors to them on the windows and the statues on Main Street USA, but the best way to honor them is to enjoy as many Magical Experiences as possible.