I remember Orlando before Disney, a one stop cow town...
For years I hated Disney, when I lived in Florida I was often asked how far I lived from Disney, my standard answer was "not far enough".
Now I see the whole Orlando theme park mess as a kind of fly paper, keeping the tourist crowds away from my favorite Florida spots...
I have only been to Disney World once, to attend a conference held there. Never got further than the hotel... However I remember visiting Disneyland when I was about 12 and have to admit I really enjoyed it.