Over 50 Years of Rotary Magic
A club where the magic of Rotary fellowship has become a lasting tradition of service
Once upon a time, in a quiet corner of Central Florida, a new kingdom opened its gates and changed the surrounding community forever. When Walt Disney World welcomed its first guests in October 1971, the Magic Kingdom and its original resort hotels brought thousands of dreamers, travelers, and hospitality professionals to a place that was quickly becoming known worldwide.
Among the people helping this new community come to life were local business leaders, hotel managers, Disney employees, and neighbors who believed that a little of the magic being created for visitors could also be used to help others. So, on February 11, 1972, they gathered at Disney’s Contemporary Resort and received the charter for a new service organization: the Rotary Club of Lake Buena Vista.
We thank the brave men and women who have led our club in Service Above Self, and we honor their leadership with a dedicated page for Past Club Presidents.
As the years passed and the kingdom grew, so did the club’s circle of friendship and service. Rotarians visiting Orlando began joining its meetings, bringing banners, stories, and goodwill from distant communities, while local members worked together in the spirit of “Service Above Self.”
What began as a gathering of leaders from the young hospitality and tourism community gradually became a diverse family of professionals united by a common purpose: to make life a little brighter for people both near and far.
Now, more than five decades later, the Rotary Club of Lake Buena Vista continues to welcome visitors from around the world, proving that in the Most Magical Place on Earth, some of the greatest magic happens when people come together to serve.
So, the next time you plan to visit Orlando on vacation or to attend a conference, make sure to add a visit to the Rotary Club of Lake Buena Vista to your plans—because we will be waiting for you.
