The Walt Disney Company "Mickey Mouse Club". In 1980, Disney launched Walt Disney Home Video to take advantage of the newly emerging videocassette market. On April 18, 1983, The Disney Channel debuted as a subscription-level channel on cable systems nationwide, featuring its large library of classic films and TV series, along with original programming and family-friendly third-party offerings. Walt Disney World received much of the company's attention through the 1970s and into the 1980s. In 1978, Disney executives announced plans for the second Walt Disney World theme park, EPCOT Center, which would open in October 1982. Inspired by Walt Disney's dream of a futuristic
Walt Disney World Company reincorporated in Florida on September 30, 1997. On January 26, 1998, Ranch and Grove Holding Corporation, which had owned some of the land in Walt Disney World since April 12, 1972 was merged into Walt Disney World Company. Reedy Creek Energy Services, Incorporated, originally known as Reedy Creek Utilities Company, Incorporated was merged into Walt Disney World Company on September 30, 1999. On October 2, 2000, MDMP Corporation, which had been deeded many improvements in Walt Disney World on December 20, 1996, was merged into Walt Disney World Company. Walt Disney World Company changed its name to Walt Disney Parks