| Official Name: | Golden Oak at Walt Disney World Resort |
| Settlement Type: | Residential community |
| Subdivision Type: | Country |
| Subdivision Name: | United States |
| Subdivision Type1: | State |
| Subdivision Type2: | County |
| Subdivision Type3: | City |
| Subdivision Name1: | Florida |
| Subdivision Name2: | Orange |
| Subdivision Name3: | Lake Buena Vista |
Golden Oak at Walt Disney World Resort is a residential community within the Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. It was designed by Walt Disney Imagineering and is owned and operated by Disney subsidiary, Golden Oak Realty, within Disney Signature Experiences. The first phase of development is located southeast of the Magic Kingdom Park in Bay Lake. The area was named in homage to Walt Disney's Golden Oak Ranch in California.[1] The first few home sites were available for purchase in late 2010 and were completed in late 2011.[2] A Four Seasons resort was opened north of the property with the company purchasing several properties to serve in its "private residences" initiative on the WDW property.
The Wall Street Journal covered the neighborhood in early 2023, stating that "the approximately 300 homes in Golden Oak range from the low millions to nearly $20 million, and many are overflowing with Disney collectibles and elaborately themed rooms."[3] Many residents choose Disney film themes for their interior designs.
The Golden Oak community was announced on June 23, 2010, through the official Disney Parks Blog. The community includes multiple lakes, a small river, and a clubhouse designed in the style of an Italian villa. The clubhouse[4] offers a game room, a restaurant and a pool for residents' use. It also hosts many of the community's social gatherings.
The locations of some homes within the community allow residents to see and hear the nightly fireworks from the nearby Magic Kingdom theme park.
Golden Oak has several neighborhoods dedicated to different eras of architecture.
This neighborhood's theme is based on Tuscan architecture, with houses ranging in size between 3000square feet and 5000square feet.[5] The neighborhood is named after animator and member of Disney's Nine Old Men, Ward Kimball.[6]
This neighborhood was named after Walt Disney's first animation studio. Houses here range from 5000square feet to 7000square feet.[7]
Carolwood is located at the northernmost part of the development. The largest houses are located here. It's been part of an old golf course.[8]
The name Carolwood is taken from Walt Disney's private railroad, which was built before Disneyland and its perimeter railroad opened in 1955.
Marceline includes two parks, as well as houses, ranging between 3800square feet and 6000square feet.[9] The neighborhood is named after Walt Disney's hometown of Marceline, Missouri.[10]
Named after the street in Los Angeles where Walt and Roy Disney started their animation studio in 1923, this neighborhood has houses that range from approximately 5000square feet to 7000square feet. The initial home sites have 0.5acres lots.[11]
The name of this neighborhood is a homage to Silly Symphonies, Walt Disney's animated short-film classics. Homesites are approximately 0.25acres in size, with homes anticipated to range in size between 3600square feet and 4900square feet.[12]