When you decide to create your own experimental prototype community of tomorrow (EPCOT), it’s essential to have independence within your community. Thus, the Disney company petitioned Florida State Legislature for the creation of the Reedy Creek Improvement District, encompassing the entire Disney World property and allowing it most of the powers of a county, including fire protection and medical services, environmental protection and building codes. It was on this day in 1967 that the Reedy Creek Improvement District was established by a law signed by Governor Claude R. Kirk, Jr. That same day, two cities within the district were officially incorporated by the Governor. The two cities, Bay Lake and Reedy Creek (now known as Lake Buena Vista) would potentially serve as a model for other cities which deal with typical problems of urban living.
