Disney Golden Oak has become a mecca for Disney lovers, with home prices ranging from the low millions to $19 million. In fact, there are 24,648 residents there, while the Vatican only has 882 residents. Developed by Disney in partnership with a selection of local builders, Golden Oak was named after a Disney-owned ranch in Santa Clarita, Calif. The community, which is the only residential area in Disney World, is so close to the theme park that residents can be at Epcot in about five minutes, and some can actually see the nightly fireworks at Magic Kingdom park from their homes. Disney handles Golden Oak’s day-to-day operations, and residents get perks such as private bus transportation to the park and early access to new rides. Golden Oak’s homes were designed with input from the Imagineers, Disney’s design and research team, and have solid wood doors, operational shutters, and rounded gutters. When it comes to decorating their homes, many Golden Oak residents embrace the Disney aesthetic. What’s behind Golden Oak’s appeal? Some say it’s another version of the fountain of youth.
