Walt Disney World Plans To Bring Affordable Housing To Central Florida

ORLANDO, FL — Walt Disney World plans to bring affordable housing to central Florida.

The company said it has earmarked nearly 80 acres of land close to its theme parks to build more than 1,300 units specifically for cash-strapped Floridians.

Disney said the new development, which is still in the early planning stages, will offer residents a variety of home choices that are affordable and attainable, located in close proximity to schools and the new and expanding Flamingo Crossings Town Center retail and dining complex in southwest Orange County.

“We are invested in working together with our community to solve complex issues,” Jeff Vahle, president of Walt Disney World Resort, said in a news release. “The lack of affordable housing is affecting many people across our country, including right here in Central Florida. With this initiative, we’re lending a hand to make a real and meaningful impact in our community by tapping into the best of our company’s strengths. This is the right opportunity and the right time to take action.”

Disney did not say how much it might cost to live at its affordable housing development; however, it said more details about the project will be released at a later date.

In the meantime, the company said it plans to work closely with leaders in the community, including Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings, to continue find lasting solutions to affordable housing in central Florida.