Hidden Gems
A Town Designed By Disney
Celebration, Florida, is an experiment in community planning known as New Urbanism, conceived and developed by the Walt Disney Company. The idea for Celebration was born out of Walt Disney’s vision for a utopian city, though it was not directly based on his E.P.C.O.T. (Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow) concept. Instead, it was part of Disney’s broader plan for the land they had secretly purchased in Osceola and Orange counties in the late 1960s.
Announcement and Development
The Walt Disney Company announced its plans for Celebration in 1991, and the groundbreaking took place in 1994. The architectural competition for the town’s master plan occurred in 1987, involving high-profile architects such as Robert A.M. Stern and Cooper, Robertson & Partners. Stern’s firm also developed key amenities, including Celebration Health, which was part of a new trend towards whole-health care with a spa-like environment.
First Residents and Founders Day
The first family moved into Celebration on June 18, 1996. The community’s Founders Day is celebrated on November 12, 1996, marking the completion of the downtown area, which was designed by numerous celebrity architects including Philip Johnson and Cesar Pelli.
Community Features and Growth
Celebration was designed to be a place where residents could live and work. The community includes office complexes, such as Celebration Place, which houses several Disney divisions, including the headquarters for Disney Cruise Line. The town also features a hospital, public schools, a public library, parks, and walking trails. As of 2019, the population of Celebration was 9,923, with a median household income of $86,767 and a median property value of roughly $440,000.
Architectural and Design Elements
The town is fashioned after historical American small towns, with civic buildings designed by world-famous architects. The architecture and design aim to create a quaint, small-town feel, despite being located near one of the largest tourist destinations in the United States.
Current Status and Legacy
Although the Walt Disney Company no longer owns Celebration, the community continues to thrive. It has expanded over the years, with new villages and amenities added, such as the South Village, which was developed in 2000. Today, Celebration remains a unique and charming community that blends residential, commercial, and recreational spaces, embodying the principles of New Urbanism.
Visiting Celebration
Even if you do not call Celebration home, it is a great place to visit. The downtown area is full of shops and restaurants, and the beautiful scenery makes it an ideal spot for a stroll. Visitors can enjoy the local cuisine and take in the picturesque surroundings, making Celebration a must-see destination for anyone interested in unique community design and small-town charm.