[Note of Donn Tatum on passing of Roy O. Disney] […] Roy O. Disney's Walt Disney World dedication speech] […] A Word from Roy O. Disney This is the year of WALT DISNEY WORLD. Our Florida project opened during the month of October, on schedule, with everything going well and running smoothly from the very first day. Final construction costs were substantially over our estimates, due mainly to inflation. But the project as a whole also increased substantially in scope as we went along. The increased costs have been funded in a way that leaves the company in a strong financial position. The general public has shown great enthusiasm for the Park – it truly is beautiful and is running smoothly. Public attendance is excellent. To date, it is exceeding our projections. While our guests are enjoying all the new attractions and vacation features of Walt Disney World, this first year is going to be a year of learning for us ... learning how to best serve our new audiences ... learning how to take advantage of the Florida climate ... and thoroughly training our new work force in the Disney way. Our new staff of over 8,000 people are mainly Floridians and they are wonderful – smart, cheerful young people, carrying out their assignments exceedingly well. A water-oriented park and vacationland with excellent support facilities, Walt Disney World is well equipped for full, effective and economical operations in our Theme Park, the two resort-hotels, and our campgrounds. Plans for the development of our large land holdings are proceeding well. We are actually developing about 1,000 acres in a special project called Lake Buena Vista, that includes the site of our former preview center. Four major motor inn chains are building high-rise motels in our Motor Inn Plaza, located at an important highway intersection. Roads and other basic facilities are in, and one block of apartment houses is about ready for occupancy. Our primary attention naturally has been on Walt Disney World this year. But throughout the company, this has been a banner year; in fact, it has been the biggest year in our history – the largest gross, the largest net profit. All divisions of activity are doing well. In summary, I believe our company is in excellent financial condition and has a long, productive and profitable period ahead. Roy O. Disney Chairman of the Board December 9, 1977 […]
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| Title | |
|---|---|
| Source type | Annual Report |
| Published | |
| Subject date | 1971 |
| Language | en |
| Document type | Document |
| Media type | text |
| Page count | 40 |
| Pages | pp. 1-40 |
| Id | 2678 |
|---|---|
| Availability | Free |
| Inserted | 2016-08-03 |
