Disney once owned a town in Florida called Celebration, but the reality isn't very magical

Erin AjelloJun 10, 2020, 20:17 IST

I've visited Celebration, Florida, many times to see my family and explore the area.Erin Ajello for Insider

There's a town called Celebration in Florida that was designed by Disney in the 1990s.
It's located near many of Disney World's biggest attractions, has pretty views, and pastel-colored buildings.
The town recently made headlines for a grisly murder case, but usually, Celebration is fairly quiet.
Overall, Celebration has unique architecture and a quaint atmosphere, but it doesn't have a lot of Disney influence.

Picture a small town that was designed by Disney-hired architects, and you've got Celebration, Florida.

Celebration is a tiny town close to the Disney parks with a quaint atmosphere, candy-colored buildings, and scenic views. Unfortunately, it's also been in the news recently because of a brutal murder that took place there in January 2020.

I hadn't really heard of the town until my parents and sister decided to move there a few months ago, but I've since learned a lot about the town's history. Here's what Celebration, Florida, is really like.

This is Celebration, Florida.

The town has plenty of palm trees. Shutterstock

It was built by the Walt Disney Company in the 1990s.

The town doesn't have much to do with Disney anymore. Shutterstock

Unsurprisingly, the town is located near many of Disney World's biggest attractions.

Getting from Celebration to Magic Kingdom can be a hassle. Google Maps

The first residents of Celebration were chosen by lottery.

To enter, you had to put down $1,000. Shutterstock

Less than a decade after opening the town to residents, Disney sold it.

The town is no longer owned by Disney. Erin Ajello for Insider

Like any town, Celebration has some dark spots in its history.

The first murder in Celebration happened in 2010. Shutterstock

Today, the town is pretty quiet and it doesn't actually have much of a Disney connection.

A look at Celebration’s main street from across Lake Rianhard. Erin Ajello for Insider

There aren't castles or massive hotels here, either. Most people seem to live in condo units or houses.

They're pretty standard. Erin Ajello for Insider

The condo my family lives in is pretty standard for the area and it has six units.

My family also gets gym access. Erin Ajello for Insider

My family loves Disney, but they mostly moved from New York City to Celebration because of my sister's health needs.

A photo of my sister (left) and me (right). Erin Ajello for Insider

Overall, the town's weather and layout makes it easier for my sister to attend both fun events and medical appointments.

The streets and sidewalks are wide. Erin Ajello for Insider

On most days, my family and other Celebration residents spend time in the town's center.

A building on the town's main street that resembles some of the buildings in Disney's Magic Kingdom. Erin Ajello for Insider

Most of the businesses are centered around food, both for people and for pets.

There's a bakery for dogs, too. Erin Ajello for Insider

Since these places are within walking distance to many of the condos, a lot of people travel on foot when they're going to grab dinner.

Some buildings have outdoor seating, too. Erin Ajello for Insider

The town also has a massive, retro-style movie theater that has been closed for a decade.

It's now an ice-cream shop. Erin Ajello for Insider

Aside from the town's square, there's not much else in walking or biking distance from Celebration, Florida.

I wish I could walk to the Disney parks. Erin Ajello for Insider

Most of the time, residents of Celebration participate in fairly standard town events.

The town hall advertises events, too. Erin Ajello for Insider

Celebration also hosts weekly farmer's markets and monthly food festivals.

Celebration's farmer's market takes place in Lakeside Park. Erin Ajello for Insider

In my opinion, one of the biggest draws of Celebration is its gorgeous scenery.

The view from the fishing area of Lake Rianhard. Erin Ajello for Insider

These walks have led to many alligator, squirrel, and raccoon sightings.

One of the many alligators I've seen around Lake Rianhard. Erin Ajello for Insider

There are even signs warning people not to feed the alligators, who hang out around the lake anyway.

The alligators like to hang out here, anyway. Erin Ajello for Insider

The town has some beautiful wooded paths, too, but walking them in the summer can be brutal.

This bridge is part of a walkway from Lake Rianhard to Lake Evalyn. Erin Ajello for Insider

Overall, Celebration is peaceful and beautiful, but it doesn't really live up to its fun name.

It's really just a quiet town with some beautiful scenery. Erin Ajello for Insider

I stayed at a tree house in Bali, and the magical experience cost less than $55 per night

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