Rumour had it Disney World was nearly built in Niagara Falls
Published June 29, 2023 at 4:26 pm
While he was quick to deny it, it is believed by many that Walt Disney had briefly considered building Disney World in Niagara Falls, knowing the tourism appeal of the city.
At the time, Disney was in town to visit the newly-built Seagram Tower on August 6, 1963, with his wife Lillian, his brother Roy and sister-in-law Edna, all joining him, according to the Niagara Falls Public Library (NFPL).
Eight years later, Disney would build Disney Land in Orlando, Florida, opening the doors to the “Magic Kingdom” on October 1, 1971.
Disney was invited to the tourist city by liquor giant the Seagram Liquor Company, owners of the tower.
The Seagram Tower is now the Tower Hotel.
It’s said that the movie mogul, as well as one of America’s best-known and beloved faces, was mobbed by autograph-seekers that day, but the library said Disney didn’t bat an eye, reportedly saying, “I see so many of them at Disneyland and I love them all.”
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Of course, Disneyland in Anaheim, California, was well-established at this point, being the only theme park designed and built under the direct supervision of Disney himself as it opened eight years before his Niagara Falls trip on Sunday, July 17, 1955, instantly gaining international acclaim.
While here, Disney and his family were joined by the President of the Niagara Tower Co. and Niagara Falls Mayor Franklin J. Miller.
According to the NFPL, after making their way to the top of the tower and listening to Miller speak about the history of the falls, Disney was indeed impressed with the view from the tower, declaring, “I think the tower is wonderful. It certainly gives you the best perspective possible.”
While Disney was certainly captivated with Niagara Falls and the surrounding area, he was looking for a year-round location for Disney World at the time and knew that the cold Niagara winters would make his theme park seasonal at best.
The full uncropped photo from the top.