Ruth Haines
There has been much speculation about whether Disney World will build its own airport. While there has been no official announcement from The Walt Disney Company, some sources claim that the company has less than a year to build an airport, with new legislation coming into effect on 1 July 2023 that will impact Disney's ability to build an airport in the future. The airport, which would be named after Walt Disney himself, would serve the millions of guests who visit the resort each year. However, operating an airport would bring new staffing and liability challenges for Disney World, and it is unclear if the company is equipped to handle these additional complexities.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of the airport | Walter Elias Disney International Airport |
| Other names | Walt Disney World Airport, Walt Disney World Regional Airport, Lake Buena Vista Airport, Lake Buena Vista STOLport |
| Airport code | WDW |
| Airlines | Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines |
| Location | Between EPCOT and Animal Kingdom, just west of the Yacht and Beach Club Resort |
| Area | Wide open and large enough for a regional airport |
| Road access | World Drive, Buena Vista Drive, and Western Way |
| Timeline | Expected to break ground in early 2023 |
| Challenges | Staffing, liability issues, and competition from nearby airports |
| Benefits | Easier and less stressful travel experience for Disney guests |
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What You'll Learn
History of Disney's airports and airfields
The Walt Disney Company has a long history with aircraft, from Walt Disney's personal plane to the former official airlines of Walt Disney World.
When Walt Disney purchased land in Central Florida in 1967, he planned to build an "airport of the future". The airport would serve residents and industries in his new planned city, E.P.C.O.T. It would also serve Walt Disney World guests. However, Disney never built an airport, and most guests now arrive at Walt Disney World through Orlando International Airport, with some using Orlando Sanford International Airport or Melbourne Orlando International Airport.
In the early 1970s, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) considered creating a network of STOL (Short Take Off and Landing) airports across the state. The idea was to connect resorts and downtown areas using aircraft that could operate from airfields with short runways. On 28 June 1971, Disney announced plans to build a STOLport with a 2,000-foot runway and terminal in time for Walt Disney World's opening in October 1971. The airfield, known as Lake Buena Vista Airport or Lake Buena Vista STOLport, was built to serve as an airfield for guests and employees. It accommodated small commuter airliners, such as the de Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter turboprop.
The STOLport was used briefly by Shawnee Airlines to provide scheduled passenger services to Orlando Jetport at McCoy (now Orlando International Airport) and Tampa International Airport. However, the expansion of the Walt Disney World Monorail System in the 1980s made it impossible for planes to land on the runway, and passenger service was discontinued. The STOLport concept was ultimately rejected in favour of a vision for a larger, full-service airport within Walt Disney World, which was also later rejected. The airfield has not been active since the early 1980s and is now used as a storage lot.
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The benefits of an airport on Disney property
The Walt Disney Company has a rich history involving aircraft, from Walt Disney's personal plane to former official airlines of Walt Disney World. When Walt Disney purchased the land in Central Florida, he had plans for an "airport of the future." This airport would serve residents of his new planned city, E.P.C.O.T., as well as the industries there, and it would also serve Walt Disney World guests.
While Disney once operated in partnership with Eastern Airlines, the official airline of Walt Disney World, the need for an official airline lessened as other airlines began flying to Orlando. The closest airport to the resort is Orlando International Airport, and guests used to be able to take the Magical Express from there to their Disney Resort. However, that service has been discontinued, and now guests must arrange their own transportation from Orlando to Disney World.
Building an airport on Disney property would make flying to Disney much easier and would be a huge asset for Disney guests, improving their experience and making trips less stressful. The airport would be located in an area that is wide open and large enough for a regional airport, with easy access to main roads around Disney.
However, operating an airport would also bring new staffing and liability challenges for Walt Disney World, which is already the largest single-site employer in the country. Airports need to be staffed 24/7, which could be difficult to recruit cast members for, and a whole new host of liability issues could arise.
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Staffing and liability challenges
Operating an airport would bring a host of staffing challenges to Walt Disney World. Firstly, the resort would need to recruit and employ a significant number of additional staff to operate the airport, adding to their already large workforce of about 77,000 employees. Secondly, airports need to be staffed 24/7, which could pose recruitment challenges for Disney.
In addition to staffing, there are several liability issues that could arise from running an airport. For example, airlines are often required to provide accommodation for passengers whose flights are delayed or cancelled, which could become the responsibility of Disney. Furthermore, the construction and operation of an airport would likely involve a range of health and safety risks that Disney would be liable for.
While Disney has a history with aircraft, from Walt Disney's personal plane to former official airlines, the company has not announced any plans to build an airport on their property. The closest airport to the resort is Orlando International Airport, which is about a 20-minute drive away and is used by the majority of non-Florida resident guests. Disney previously offered a convenient bus service, Magical Express, from this airport to Walt Disney World Resort hotels, but this has since been discontinued.
Despite the benefits of having an airport on Disney World property, the potential challenges of staffing and liability may be why Disney has not yet taken on this endeavour.
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The Reedy Creek Improvement Act
The RCID encompassed 38.5 square miles of land, which was mostly uninhabited pasture and swamp land. Disney's vision was to transform this area into a global destination resort, now known as Walt Disney World. The company had plans for an "Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow" (EPCOT), which would be a real planned city that served as a testing ground for innovative urban living.
Under the Reedy Creek Improvement Act, Disney had the authority to build and maintain typical municipal services such as power, water, roads, and fire protection. This arrangement ensured that local taxpayers residing in Orange and Osceola Counties would not bear the financial burden of providing these services to the resort.
However, the Act and the special district's status have faced legal challenges and controversies over the years. In the 1980s, officials from Orange County threatened legal action against Disney over the RCID's charter, but an agreement was reached, including a payment from Disney for road improvements. More recently, in 2022, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and lawmakers moved to repeal the Act, arguing that RCID should be under the jurisdiction of Orange County and criticising it as a "tax evasion scam". Despite opposition from some analysts and the White House, the Act was officially repealed in April 2022, with the District set to dissolve in June 2023.
The repeal of the Reedy Creek Improvement Act has significant implications for Disney's operations and autonomy in Florida. It remains to be seen how the company will adapt to the new legal framework and the potential impact on its future development plans, including any proposals for an airport within Walt Disney World.
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The future of Disney's airport plans
Historically, Walt Disney had envisioned an "airport of the future" when he purchased land in Central Florida in 1967. This airport was intended to serve residents and industries in his planned city, E.P.C.O.T., as well as Walt Disney World guests. Disney once operated in partnership with Eastern Airlines, which served as its official airline until 1987. However, with the expansion of other airlines flying to Orlando and the discontinuation of Eastern Airlines in 1991, the need for an official airline diminished.
In recent years, there have been reports that Disney may be considering constructing an airport on its property, tentatively named the Walter Elias Disney International Airport or Walt Disney World Regional Airport. This airport would be located between EPCOT and Animal Kingdom, with easy access to major roads. The project would be a significant undertaking, and Disney has faced time constraints due to legislation changes effective July 1, 2023, which impact their autonomy in building an airport.
While an airport on Disney property would enhance guest experience and convenience, there are also challenges to consider. Operating an airport brings staffing and liability issues, and Disney already faces a substantial staffing situation with approximately 77,000 cast members employed. Additionally, the presence of nearby airports, such as Orlando International Airport, used by millions of Disney guests, may reduce the urgency for Disney to build its own airport.
As of now, the future of Disney's airport plans remains unclear. While there is a perceived need and historical vision for an airport, the company has not disclosed any concrete plans or timelines. It is possible that Disney may choose to focus on other expansions and improvements within their resorts, leaving the airport idea as a speculative venture for the time being.
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Frequently asked questions
Disney World has announced that it will be building an airport on its property. The airport will be named Walt Disney World Regional Airport, and the airport code will be WDW.
The airport will make flying to Disney World easier for guests, especially since the discontinuation of the Magical Express service.
Disney World has not disclosed any information about the timeline of the project. However, an internal source claimed that they will be breaking ground in early 2023.
The airport will be located in the area between EPCOT and Animal Kingdom, just west of the Yacht and Beach Club Resort. This area is large enough for a regional airport and has easy access to main roads around Disney.
Disney World previously operated in partnership with Eastern Airlines, its "'official airline,'" from 1971 to 1987. After the partnership ended, Disney may have been deterred by the challenges of operating an airport, including staffing and liability issues.
