Before Walt Disney bought a single acre of swampland in Florida, he spent years on a secret "scavenger hunt" across America. We often hear that Disney World was a "Plan B" after Disneyland, but the truth is much more calculated. From a luxury bowling alley in Denver to a 5-story indoor theme park in St. Louis and a controversial ski resort in the Sierras, Walt was secretly testing the pieces he needed for his "Florida Project."

In today’s episode of Synergy Loves Company, we’re connecting the dots between Walt’s biggest "failures" and the ultimate success of Walt Disney World. We explore:

- How a Denver bowling alley became the training ground for Disney’s world-class service.

- The real reason the St. Louis "Riverfront Square" project was cancelled (it wasn't just about the beer!).

- Why a mountain ski resort in the Sierras taught Walt the most expensive lesson of his life.

- How the 1964 New York World’s Fair acted as a multi-million dollar R\&D lab funded by corporate sponsors.

Every stop on this scavenger hunt provided a piece of the puzzle: Operations, Control, Land, Technology, and Market Proof. By the time Walt looked at Florida, he didn't just have a dream—he had a proven blueprint for perfection.

Join the Conversation: Which of these "failed" projects do you think had the most fascinating ripple effect on the Disney parks we know today? Let me know in the comments

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