Disney originally envisioned building a Walt Disney World Airport of the Future, representing an ambitious initiative to enhance travel access to this expansive entertainment complex in Central Florida. The proposed site was strategically located on the new Walt Disney World site, at the intersection of Interstate 4 and Route 192, which were key routes in the state. This Walt Disney World airport was conceived as an “Airport of the Future,” designed to facilitate travel for millions of guests to the Vacation Kingdom of the World.

The Walt Disney World airport development was largely motivated by plans for EPCOT, a futuristic city that was intended to serve as the centerpiece of the entire property. This city was meant to be a living showcase of innovation and technology, which added a layer of excitement to the airport project’s potential. However, as the planning progressed, Disney faced numerous challenges. The substantial time investment, intricate logistical management, and exorbitant costs tied to building a fully operational airport ultimately led to a strategic shift in focus.

Walt Disney World Airport Projects

Instead of pursuing the complex airport project, Disney decided to create a temporary STOLport (Short Take-Off and Landing airport), which opened on October 17, 1971. This type of facility was emblematic of a trend in the early 1970s and allowed for shorter, more efficient flights. Shawnee Airlines operated turboprop aircraft from the STOLport (DWS), offering convenient transfers to McCoy Jetport (MCO) at $7 per flight. This service was intended to streamline transportation for guests visiting the theme parks and other attractions.

Shawnee Airlines ceased operations on December 28, 1972, leading to the termination of the transfer services to the STOLport (DWS) shortly thereafter. As the years went by, most of STOLport’s operations were phased out; however, remnants of this facility can still be seen today on Vista Boulevard near the Magic Kingdom toll plaza, where it is now utilized primarily as a backstage area for cast member operations.

In the pursuit of the Walt Disney World “Airport of the Future” project, securing sponsorship was crucial to obtain the necessary funding. However, Disney struggled to find a major airline sponsor, a significant obstacle hindering progress on the ambitious airport initiative. As time passed, Orlando International Airport (MCO) expanded and evolved into a major aviation hub, drawing significant amounts of air traffic to the region. Over the next several years, the original grand plans for the EPCOT city and the airport project gradually receded into the background of Disney history.

Ultimately, the vision for the Walt Disney World Airport was abandoned. Today, the area where the airport was intended to be built is occupied by Celebration, Florida. This planned community reflects Disney’s ideals of community living and innovation, albeit in a different form than originally planned with the airport and the Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow (EPCOT).

The WDW Connection Show Podcast

The WDW Connection Show podcast welcomes you to enjoy informative conversations about the history and planning of Walt Disney World and its attractions. Join Mike, the host of The WDW Connection Show, as he has in-depth discussions with former Imagineers, Cast Members, and other significant people associated with Walt Disney World and the Disney brand. You can find the video component of the show on YouTube and Facebook, and the audio component of the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube Podcasts.

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