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Orlando history…
Before Walt Disney World even existed, Disney executives managed an Orlando hotel. The hotel, called the Hilton Inn South, was owned by Orlando attorney Finley Hamilton and opened in
1968. Disney used the 140-room hotel as a
"living laboratory" to learn about the hotel business. They created training manuals and restaurant menus that were later used in their own resorts.
In May 1970, Hamilton made a "handshake" deal with Disney to have them manage the hotel. The purpose was to train employees for the opening of Walt Disney World in October 1971. Hamilton believed that associating with the Disney brand would benefit his business.
The Hilton Inn South hotel no longer exists, but it was located near the intersection of Sand Lake Road and International Drive. The original hotel rooms (now renovated) are part of the CoCo Key Hotel and Water Resort. Hamilton also paved the dirt road near his property, foreseeing an increase in visitors to the Orlando area from around the world. Consequently, he appropriately named the road International Drive.
Photo Source: Disney
\#OrlandoHistory #DisneyHistory
#local
Before Walt Disney World even existed, Disney executives managed an Orlando hotel. The hotel, called the Hilton Inn South, was owned by Orlando attorney Finley Hamilton and opened in
1968. Disney used the 140-room hotel as a
"living laboratory" to learn about the hotel business. They created training manuals and restaurant menus that were later used in their own resorts.
In May 1970, Hamilton made a "handshake" deal with Disney to have them manage the hotel. The purpose was to train employees for the opening of Walt Disney World in October 1971. Hamilton believed that associating with the Disney brand would benefit his business.
The Hilton Inn South hotel no longer exists, but it was located near the intersection of Sand Lake Road and International Drive. The original hotel rooms (now renovated) are part of the CoCo Key Hotel and Water Resort. Hamilton also paved the dirt road near his property, foreseeing an increase in visitors to the Orlando area from around the world. Consequently, he appropriately named the road International Drive.
Photo Source: Disney
\#OrlandoHistory #DisneyHistory
#local
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