MK is smaller because it was designed to be the cherry on top for EPCOT when it was a city. Walt wanted a city but the board wanted a theme park, so he put a wa

MK is smaller because it was designed to be the cherry on top for EPCOT when it was a city. Walt wanted a city but the board wanted a theme park, so he put a watered down one at the top of the property. Then when he died the city was cancelled and the park’s design wasn’t changed. It did end up helping to encourage park hopping, you’re right, but that wasn’t the original idea. Another site would be an interesting idea (especially if Disney loses the protections they have in Florida, making a 5th gate even harder to build), although I’d rather they just fix EPCOT :/