What in the World? How Walt Created Disney World

When Walt Disney realized cheap tourist traps were enveloping Disneyland, he began a nationwide search for enough land to hold every dream he could imagine. What happened next would require a heightened degree of CIA-level secrecy for Disney’s undercover team, who launched a misinformation campaign that included dummy corporations and secret transactions. However, when a keen-eyed reporter cracked the code, Disney was forced to show his hand. Audiences will be amazed to learn of not only subterfuge, but also the monumental innovations and engineering feats required creating a whole new world.

About the Presenter:  Native Floridian Gary McKechnie is a two-time  National Geographic author, author of America’s best-selling motorcycle guidebook, and two-time winner of the Lowell Thomas Travel Journalism Award.  On stage, he has honed his skills as a motivational storyteller, a stand-up comedian, and improv actor. He is also a guest speaker aboard the ships of Cunard, Seabourn, and the Silversea lines. His travel features on Florida have appeared in newspapers, magazines, and through VisitFlorida.

Event is Sponsored by the Friends of the Fernandina Beach Library.

Funding for this program was provided through a grant from Florida Humanities with funds from the National Endowment for the Humanities. Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this (publication) (program) (exhibition) (website) do not necessarily represent those of Florida Humanities or the National Endowment for the Humanities.