- Share this article on Facebook
- Share this article on Twitter
- Share this article on Flipboard
- Share this article on Email
- Show additional share options
- Share this article on Linkedin
- Share this article on Pinit
- Share this article on Reddit
- Share this article on Tumblr
- Share this article on Whatsapp
- Share this article on Print
- Share this article on Comment
Golden Oak at Walt Disney World and Resort — a 980-acre, VIP gated residential community located inside the iconic theme park’s massive 40-square-mile land (about the size of San Francisco) — is expanding its neighborhood. Debuting in 2010, it marked the first time Disney offered its longtime fans the opportunity to live inside the park in million-dollar homes. When fully completed in the next few years, Golden Oak will comprise eight neighborhoods with approximately 400 homes. Forty of the current 100 available home sites have already been purchased by residents that include CEOs and NBA athletes (Disney declined to comment on names.)
PHOTOS: The Making of Disney’s Animated Oscar Contender ‘Frozen’
The development, sprawling with parks, gardens, priceless sculptures and nature preserves, offers homes that range from $1.8 to $6 million. All are custom built, and new residents can choose from a select group of seven homebuilders to customize their homes from existing templates (or they can hire their own architect and designers to build a home from the ground up). Homes can also come fully furnished. While the first home was purchased in 2011 and only a handful were available since debuting in 2010, the resort community now offers 100 homes in four neighborhoods.
The newest area, called Marceline (named for Walt‘s Missouri hometown) is coming to the market with 56 home lots that average one-quarter acre. The homes are built with stone, copper and clay (there’s no faux or veneer), and the styles range from Mediterranean to Caribbean themed. Most homes include an outdoor space with plunge pool and built-in hot tub, in addition to a separate guesthouse. There are subtle design nods to Disney characters, like a Mickey Mouse head marked into stonework, which avoids overt branding.
Golden Oak homeowners have a dedicated service team, like concierge and security, and access to the recently opened Summer House ($15,000 annual fee). The clubhouse is designed to feel like a Tuscan villa with clay-tile roof, fountains and plenty of low-key outdoor space. Also included is a bar, restaurant, lounge with high ceilings and 103-inch TV screen, outdoor pool courtyard with wetlands backdrop and 17,000-square-foot fitness center. Residents will also have privileges at Disney attractions, including a family pass for the first three years, door-to-park transportation services and additional guest passes.
VIDEO: New ‘Maleficent’ TV Spot: Angelina Jolie Conjures Up More Chaos
Golden Oak residents will also have access to the new, 440-room Four Seasons Orlando, specifically the four restaurants and the Tom Fazio-designed golf course. Slated to open this summer, Four Seasons Orlando will be the resort’s most luxurious hotel option (currently it’s Grand Floridian) and, at 23 acres, it will also the be the biggest resort at Walt Disney World. The outdoor pool area will include an adults-only pool and a five-acre “island” with a lazy river, recreational facilities, like a climbing wall, and a 3,000-square-foot game building. The 17th floor bar and Spanish-style steakhouse will sport the best views for Walt Disney Resort’s legendary fireworks. August bookings are now available.
Related Stories
Related Stories
THR Newsletters
Sign up for THR news straight to your inbox every day