[jaz.357]

That swamp land was worthless. Would still be worthless if not for WDW.

Transformed central Florida to the business mecca it is today.

[headsonpikes]

I took a US road trip starting in January 1966. Late February brought me to Orlando, the largest business in which was Leon’s Fruit. I had to walk through a couple of miles of swampland from where I had been dropped off at the Freeway heading south to Miami before I saw any signs of civilization. I’m sure this is all built up now.

This was not a thriving town - I paid $4.50 a night for a hotel room as I recall - it was close by the RR tracks. The furniture bounced around when the Orange Blossom Special whistled through around midnight. ;^)

I would say Disney has been good for Orlando.