Picture it: Central Florida, 1965… (Part 2) 🍰✨

The rumor was everywhere: a mystery buyer was quietly assembling a massive amount of land, and the word “Disney” kept showing up like a hidden Mickey.

But rumors don’t become history until someone asks the question out loud.

Meet the reporter: Emily Bavar

A journalist named Emily Bavar, working for The Sentinel Star (later connected with the Orlando Sentinel), was one of the people tracking the story. She had the curiosity, the access, and the nerve—because to get a real answer, you have to ask the person who can actually confirm it.

And in 1965, she had an opportunity that didn’t come around often:

A chance to ask Walt Disney directly.

The question

The retelling differs depending on who’s telling it (as great Disney legends always do), but the heartbeat stays the same:

She asked about Florida.

And Walt’s reaction made it very clear she wasn’t just being curious—she was close.

Sometimes the biggest reveals aren’t a confession. Sometimes it’s a pause. A careful answer that feels too careful. The kind of moment that tells you the secret exists… even if it isn’t being handed to you neatly.

The domino effect

After that, the story gained momentum. Public speculation grew louder. Local reporting got bolder. And eventually, the mystery stopped being “is it Disney?” and became:

“When do they officially say it?”

Because once enough people are watching, secrecy isn’t a lock anymore—it’s a countdown.

The official reveal (and why it mattered)

Not long after, the project was acknowledged publicly and formally introduced: Disney’s Florida plans stepped out of rumor territory and into reality.

And that’s the part that still gets me: once it was out in the open, it wasn’t just “a park is coming.” It was a whole new kind of destination—resorts, roads, water, transportation, and the beginning of what would become Walt Disney World.

This wasn’t a rumor turning into a headline. It was a vision turning into a place.

Why I love this story

Because it’s a reminder that magic isn’t accidental—it’s designed.

And that’s how I like to plan trips too: not by cramming everything in, but by building a rhythm that feels good—especially for families, first-timers, and anyone who wants the fireworks without the marathon.Also: if you heard the opening line in Sophia’s voice… you’re my people. Because yes, this is the ultimate:

“Picture it… Disney trying to keep a secret.”

Minus the lanai, plus castles… and absolutely with cheesecake. 🍰🏰✨

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