Key Walt Disney World land broker passes

Nelson Boice, a land broker who played a key role in the acquisition of the land which would become Walt Disney World, has passed away. Co-founder of Florida Ranch Lands with partner Craig Linton Sr., Boice acted as a middleman between local small-time land owners and Disney. "Their fingerprints were all over the growth and changes in Central Florida, and Nelson clearly had a very innovative mind and was very instrumental in structuring complicated transactions," said Linton's son, Craig Jr. Boice died Sunday at his home in Maitland, FL from natural causes. He was 88.

For those unaware, much of the land for what would become Walt Disney World was purchased in secret. Unhappy with the developments that were taking place literally across the street from his Disneyland park, Walt wanted to gain more control over the guest experience when building his next park, which he decided to build in Central Florida. As a result, Disney purchased adjoining lots of land, both large and small, under the names of dummy corporations and through individuals in an effort to keep the project secret and keep others from being able to purchase land close to the property on which the park was to be built.

All told, the company purchased 43 square miles of land. In October of 1965, the truth about the property's owner was leaked to the Orlando Sentinel, and a press event scheduled for November. At the event, Walt laid out his plans for the property, including Disney World and EPCOT -- not the park, but the community, concepts of which would be integrated in the Celebration development many years later. Unfortunately, Walt died on December 15, 1966; his brother Roy O. Disney took over construction and completed the first phase of the project, which he renamed "Walt Disney World," after his late brother.

"Walt Disney World is tribute to the philosophy and life of Walter Elias Disney... and to the talents, the dedication, and the loyalty of the entire Disney organization that made Walt Disney's dream come true. May Walt Disney World bring joy and inspiration and new knowledge to all who come to this happy place... a Magic Kingdom where the young at heart of all ages can laugh and play and learn -- together." - Roy O. Disney's Opening Day Speech for the Magic Kindom, given on October 1, 1971. Roy died less than three months later.