The Walt Disney World Affordable Housing project, first announced in April 2022, has encountered further delays as the company continues navigating the permitting process with Orange County, Florida. Initially projected to break ground in late 2024, the timeline has shifted, with Disney most recently indicating that groundbreaking is expected sometime in 2025.
The location of the Walt Disney World Affordable Housing Community – YouTube, WKMG News 6 ClickOrlando
The delay also raises questions about the move-in date for prospective residents. While Disney previously stated that the first residents would move in by 2026, that projection has since been removed from public materials. If the revised timeline holds, occupancy could be pushed into 2027. A full buildout of the project is expected to take five years once construction begins.
Disney has submitted several updates to the development plans this year, including a newly revised proposal filed just this week. The latest plan remains under county review, though Disney could receive final approval to begin construction as early as this week.
According to the updated filings, the housing development will include 1,369 residential units built across five phases. The project will consist of a mix of one- to four-bedroom units, including 607 one-bedroom apartments and 762 two, three, and four-bedroom units.
Concept art for the Walt Disney World Affordable Housing Community – YouTube, WKMG News 6 ClickOrlando
Buildings are planned to reach a maximum height of 62.5 feet, or five stories. The largest units, four-bedroom layouts with three bathrooms, would measure up to 1,900 square feet. The smallest junior one-bedroom units would be approximately 576 square feet.
More than 80% of the housing will consist of one- and two-bedroom apartments. The development will feature a range of housing styles including apartments, flats, and townhome-style layouts.
Disney has pledged to make more than 1,000 of the units “affordable.” Based on previously released details, most of the affordable units will be aimed at households earning around 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI)—roughly between $49,150 and $90,000 annually depending on household size.
Concept art for the Walt Disney World Affordable Housing Community – YouTube, WKMG News 6 ClickOrlando
Only about 11% of the units will be priced for the lowest AMI bracket.
Importantly, the apartments will be available to anyone who meets income qualifications—not just Disney Cast Members, though they are eligible to apply.
Disney has emphasized that it will not financially profit from the development. Instead, the company’s involvement includes donating the land and contributing to the community-focused design of the project.
Cinderella Castle in Walt Disney World at Dusk looking into Liberty Square – Photo Credit: M. Montanaro
Among the proposed community features are multiple small and mid-sized parks, along with a central green space running north to south. This open area is designed to host food trucks, festivals, and art events, offering recreational opportunities for residents.
When do you think we’ll see this Disney World affordable housing community come to life? Sound off in the comments and let us know!
