In August of 2021 I wrote here that The Walt Disney Company was in talks with Tavistock Development Company to partner on an age-restricted community in Tavistock's Sunbridge development near Orlando.
The odds of a Disney 55+ community in Florida improved significantly in February 2022 when Disney announced “Storyliving”, communities envisioned as enriching enclaves where “The Disney Touch” is at the heart of it all.
Here's their first promo video about Storyliving:
O.k., now I'm REALLY excited!
The first Storyliving community, named Cotino, will be in Rancho Mirage, California. While it does not sound like it will be completely 55+, Disney has said that at least one neighborhood within the community will be designed for adults 55+.
Is a Central Florida Location Next?
I don't see why not, especially when you consider how close it would put residents to Walt Disney World Resort.
And Storyliving Communities will be managed by Disney Cast Members well-versed in the company's brand of world-class service, so where better to draw that talent from than the parks themselves?
Now, Del Webb is already building a 55+ community in Sunbridge, but the idea of having multiple 55+ communities within the same master-planned development is not a new one.
Tradition and Lakewood Ranch are two examples that come to mind that have experienced success with this.
After hearing just how big their Storyliving initiative will be, it's hard to say if Disney would be o.k. with installing a Storyliving community within an existing master-plan development, or if they'd prefer to do something on their own.
Time will tell, but either way, I'll be shocked if Central Florida isn't the second or third Storyliving community location.
Disney World for Adults
As the world's most popular retirement community, The Villages (also in Central Florida) has long been referred to (unofficially) as “Disney World for Adults”, but it sounds maybe like Disney wants to take a shot at creating “The Real Disney World for Adults”.
I know there are a lot of Disney fans in The Villages and I'm sure that even those who aren't big Disney fans have to make the occasional obligatory trip when the grandkids/family come to town, so this new community might be a more convenient option for them and others like them.
The Villages is a little more than an hour away from Walt Disney World and the Orlando International Airport.
But the Sunbridge location is only about 25 minutes away from Disney and 15 minutes from Orlando International Airport.
While no community will ever match the breadth and depth of the amenities that The Villages offers residents, a Disney community such as this would only need to offer the right amenities to the right group of people to be a hit.
Not the First Disney Community in Florida
It would not be Disney's first try at a community here in Florida. They had a hand in the early stages of development of Celebration, and they are currently developing Golden Oak, a community of luxury single-family homes adjacent to Walt Disney World.
Golden Oak residents get access to a nice list of Disney benefits like park and special event tickets, VIP tours, shuttle service between the parks and the community, Disney-themed holiday decorations throughout the community, and more.
Similar perks would be attractive to retirees considering a Disney-themed age-restricted community.
The idea of a well-loved brand partnering on a 55+ development is not new. Just look at Jimmy Buffett and Minto Development's success with Latitude Margaritaville.
The “Disney Del Webb”
One community that is being developed right now is actually closer to Disney than any potential Disney 55+ will ever be. So close in fact that I've taken to calling it “The Disney Del Webb”.
Del Webb Oasis in Winter Garden, located just minutes from Disney and other attractions, is a highly anticipated new Del Webb community in the Orlando area.
Like most Del Webb communities, Del Webb Oasis will have a long list of amenities for 55+ residents to enjoy, including a 12,000 sq. ft. resort-style amenity center.
You can request more information right here.
Final Thoughts
Again, I can't say 100% for sure if this Disney 55+ community is happening, but if it does come to fruition it could be very interesting.
I believe there are certainly enough 55+ Disney fans out there that this community could be a massive success should they decide to move forward.
So, would YOU live in a Disney-themed 55+ community? Let me know in the comments down below!
Yes! This would be a strong consideration as we are approaching retirement age!
YES!
If priced right I would definitely move to a Disney 55 active community in central Florida!
Yes, however housing and property like Disney is unaffordable….will continue with our plans to Tennessee.
Unfortunately, no. Disney has become woke and has lost sight of letting children be children. It is no longer fun.
In a minute, I’d move from The Villages to this community.
Yes! Love living in the Villages now but it’s getting very big.
Would love this, I would buy a condo or a home there
This would be my dream come true. I started as a child in a Disney community (Marceline, MO) and I would love to spend my senior years in one, too.
Yes. I am looking now for a retirement house in Florida and we are big Disney fans. My son works for Disney
In a heart beat! My husband & I are DVC members & know what to expect from Disney. We’d love a 55+ Disney community
It sounds like a great concept if it is affordable. Disney seems to cater to the higher income brackets. Celebration and Golden Oak are examples of this.
Yes, I would love it
Would not go near it with a 10 foot pole! Got screwed at Vacation Club. They control every aspect of your life. They control EVERYTHING! The costs run wild when they gouge your heart out! Just not worth paying for the “magic”.
Nope Disney is overpriced and I have no HOA fees now!
YES, would love to live Disney everyday. Never grow up, never grow old. Very very interested!!!!!
Agree HOA would need to be reasonable, but YES
Definitely, if it was priced reasonably. There’s a lot of 55+ communities that the homes are affordable but then the HOA is $500+ making it unaffordable. Would love more information.
Yes. I just hope they don’t have high prices like Golden Oak.
Definitely interested at a retirement price though!!!
No, we would not consider inland/central Florida. We looked at Latitude 55 Margaritaville, but want more privacy and a bigger lot with more space between us and our neighbors. We like the idea of our canal home in Palm Coast with easy access to the beach.
Yes! Price is a consideration.
Yes!
No way Jose, they are jealous about the villages how good they are, also Disney be a monopoly tell how you need to live, no thank you.
Depends on the price and extra fees. There are lots of wonderful communities within a 2 hr drive. Many new communities are building houses too close together. I don’t wanna see into my neighbors windows. Let’s see their plans first.
I’m a current Florida resident Disney Passholder.
Used to work at Disney Studios. I would love a small home with fenced yard in a development.
Yes very possible if i could buy house for 200k…golf cart trails/roads…all other neccessitites. Must be affordable…
I would love it.
If I could afford it, I would love it.😊
Yes would totally consider
If the price is affordable, not just for the rich.
This will be a dream come true!
Definitely YES!
If affordable yes yes yes
Nope. Disney is too woke for me. Would never give them that kind of money. Also, too far from beaches.
You’ve definitely peaked my interest! If priced right, it would be awesome to look in to-we love going to Disney!
Yes!!! We would Love It but we don’t want to go in debt living our retirement in the poor house😧
Disney living for adults? Bring cash.
Definitely yes!
Yes
Sounds good to me Being close to the theme park is great and if we get some benefits discount tickets etc. that would be wonderful not only being in the senior committee But also being able to go over to the theme park also you must have Pickle ball besides Tennis thank you Bob
YES!!
Absolutely would seriously look to move if prices are right. Villages is getting way too big.
Yes if the price is right
Yes! But it can’t rob the 55+ community
No! I have younger kids and grandkids. I don’t want to have to live in a place that limits my kids visits.
Possibly if the amenities are plentiful and housing are priced right. Must be golf cart accessible too!
Yes!!! I am a new resident of Sunbridge. Will the Disney/Tavistock perks include all residents current and future? That is quite the interesting future for this area. My Mom and Dad were among the first 5000 homes in Orange Blossom’s The Villages in the mid 1980’s. My family enjoyed our visits then. I know my kids families will feel the same excitement here in Sunbridge community as it continues to develop and expand, especially with Developers like Disney and Tavistock.
Absolutely
Definitely not. I wouldn’t give Disney the money, they are already price gouging
Yes!! Please send me info on ALL over 55 Disney areas! Yes yes yes!
No. The best part of Disney is to leave the mundane and enter into a magical world. Living in it all the time would make it commonplace.
Count us in!
I am a retired 30-year employee. I loved every day going to work and being a Cast Member.
Would love getting info of the 55+ retirement community. It would be closer to my son and
Family. They live in Avalon Park.
Would love it!
Yes, my husband and I might consider it. 😊
Would love to live in a Disney themed 55+ community. Just need to watch the cost.
Would love it…. But it can’t break the bank!
Yes. Count me in 😁
Definitely be something of interest to me
Yes!!!
Yes
Yes
If priced right I’d leave the villages. Must have accessible but not crowded activities, shopping, medical services , theaters, libraries, and well designed homes. Should also be walkable and golf cart accessible too. Limited pets too! And no roundabouts! Thanks!