Can't bear to leave Disney? Move into Florida’s 'Golden Oak' and live next door to Mickey and Minnie

▲ Disney parks bring fantasy worlds to life, making you feel like you're in a dream without even realizing it. (Photo / fromDisney's Golden Oak fan page)

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

The magical worlds within Disney cartoons are almost a childhood dream for both kids and adults around the world. Iconic mascots like Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, and their friends are globally beloved classic characters, and the numerous Disney parks around the globe make those dreams come true—often leaving visitors reluctant to leave... So why not just stay? Disney has built the world’s only “Disney community” right next to the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida, allowing Disney fans to live as neighbors of Mickey and Minnie forever!

Covering an area of 1.2 million pyeong (approximately 4 million square meters), located in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, USA, Disney has named this community "Golden Oak"after its renowned California film ranch, making the dream of living next to Mickey and Minnie a reality for Disney enthusiasts.With a total of about 450 residences, the community is situated right next to the Orlando Disney park in the state. Just by looking out your window, you can enjoy the spectacular nightly fireworks show over Cinderella Castle without the crowds.

% View of the brand-new “Golden Oak” community near the theme park where residents can easily watch the fireworks display (Photo / fromDisney's Golden Oak fan page)

% The design of the “Golden Oak” community allows residents to enjoy the surrounding nature and, as shown in the rendering, have direct views of the theme park (Image / Walt Disney)

But making that dream come true usually comes at quite a high cost. Homes in the “Golden Oak” community range from $1.7 million to $7 million (approximately NT$51 million to NT$210 million), and homeowners must also pay additional property taxes. In addition to enjoying a resort-like comfortable environment and access to community amenities, residents also pay an annual usage fee of $12,000 (approximately NT$360,000).

This hefty price tag offers ultra-luxury and VIP-level benefits. Residents of the community have exclusive access to Disney parks, including dedicated entrances, park shuttle services, and a premium club featuring restaurants and hosts. They can also enjoy the Magic Kingdom and Epcot attractions outside of regular public hours. A four-season resort spa and restaurant set to open in Golden Oak next year (2014) will also become part of the community’s shared facilities.

Sam Bergami, a resident from Connecticut who has already moved into the community, said he has visited the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando over 300 times, and even after traveling across Europe, “I’m always drawn back to Disney World—it’s the place where I feel most comfortable.” (News source: Central News Agency)