The Walt Disney World Resort was a large-scale project that began in 1959. Walt Disney began searching for a new area to build a second theme park (Disneyland had opened up in 1955), and he discovered that 75 percent of the American population lived East of the Mississippi River- but only about 2% of them visited Disneyland. He also didn't like the businesses that opened up surrounding Disneyland. Using dummy corporations, Disney acquired a lot of land- he didn't just want a theme park, he wanted a small city. In fact, the area is now its own district, with eminent domain and not one but two cities inside it.

After much secrecy, planning, building, and press conferences, the Walt Disney World Resort opened October 1, 1971. At the time, it had one theme park- the Magic Kingdom- and two Disney hotels. As the theme park's popularity grew, the Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow, eventually shortened to Epcot, was added, as well as Disney's MGM, now Disney's Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom. Around these sprung up Disney's Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon water parks, as well as Downtown Disney and the Boardwalk.

The entire time, the company built resorts which would make sure that everyone who came to visit the theme parks would not only have a place to stay, but that their accommodations would be up to Disney standards and add to the Disney magic. The resorts are split into different categories based on price- Value, Moderate, Deluxe, and Deluxe Villa. Each Disney hotel is designed with every last detail in mind, and staffed with cast members who are friendly, cheerful, and always ready to help as much as they can- often going above and beyond to help Disney hotel guests.

The Disney hotels are always near the theme parks, with some even just a short walk away from their gates. Most require a short drive. However, almost all Disney hotels have complimentary transportation services to all Disney World areas, including Downtown Disney, all four theme parks, and the water parks, as well as golf courses, other resorts, and more.