December 28, 1972 – Walt Disney World’s Airport Closes
Image credit: https://www.disneyavenue.com
“Shawnee Airlines now serving Sarasota, Miami, Tampa and Walt Disney World”
On December 28, 1972, Walt Disney World’s personal STOLport (Short Take-Off and Landing) airport, also known as Lake Buena Vista Airport, closed permanently. The airport had opened in 1971 to be a private airfield for the park, shuttling guests and cast members between the park and the two nearby airports: Orlando International Airport and Tampa International Airport. When the airport closed, it was considered a failed experiment by Disney; it was closed thanks to low customer participation and rising debt.
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