PREFACE
It’s my experience if you do a general Point of Interest (POI) search you receive what I consider “generic results.” Casinos, zoos, amusement parks etc are tourist attractions that repeatedly make the list and throw you in a location shoulder to shoulder with strangers. Connecting with the local community and learning what the mysterious new surrounding has to offer allows me to circumnavigate those issues and is without a doubt my favorite part of travel providing rich history and memorable experiences.
LOCATION
Walt Disney Airport (DWS) aka Lake Buena Vista Airport located at 3780 World Dr Orlando, Florida 32830 was built to serve as a private STOL airfield for Walt Disney World guests and employees, with scheduled passenger service to Orlando International Airport, (MCO) and Tampa International Airport (TPA). Built in 1970 (or 1971, it is unclear) the runway was only used for a year or two by Shawnee airlines, the only airline ever to fly directly into the Magic Kingdom before flights were discontinued.
The runway area is now used as a backstage parking and storage lot and is easily accessible by turning right under the monorail before entering the Magic Kingdom parking area. I was able to access it from the north on World Dr and avoid the parking fee gate.
THE SINGING RUNWAY
Originally used to surprise the airplane passengers, the runway featured a set of grooves, like those on the side of a highway, that played “When you wish upon a star” when driven over at roughly 45 miles per hour. Unfortunately it appears that the grooves have been paved over causing this very unique experience to be left for one’s imagination, something Walt Disney was known for bringing to reality.
IN CLOSING
I was lucky to scout this location with my grandfather who worked for Disney World for 9 years and was completely unaware of this oddity. The next time you go out exploring dig a little deeper and see what you can come up with, I bet you won’t be disappointed.