Community leaders and friends,
Earlier today, Walt Disney World announced that we would be earmarking nearly 80 acres of land for a new affordable housing development in Orange County, Florida. We've been focused on finding solutions to this challenge for quite some time, and we are thrilled to finally be able to share this news with you all.
This new development, which is still in the early planning stages and subject to appropriate approvals, is expected to include more than 1,300 units and will be constructed by a third-party affordable housing developer on Disney's land near our Central Florida theme parks. The development 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.
Our community knows us for our incredible theme parks and resort hotels around the world, and we will engage the developer to bring that same innovation, expertise and attention to detail to this initiative. The development will even feature some special, innovative touches that are distinctly Disney.
We know our community is stronger together and we appreciate the support we’ve received from Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings and many other leaders here in Central Florida as we look ahead to this initiative. I also want to recognize Walt Disney World President, Jeff Vahle, who continues to play an instrumental role in bringing this initiative to life.
We know the work does not stop here. We've spent years investing in local nonprofits on the front lines of important causes in our community like affordable housing – through hundreds of millions of dollars in donations, the Disney VoluntEARS program, contributions to local food banks and more. Just a few months ago, Walt Disney World also donated $3 million to some of these very same organizations.
We look forward to sharing more information with you in the months and years ahead on this important announcement, and in the meantime, I encourage you to visit DisneyWorldGivesBack.com to learn more about our efforts in the community.
Thank you,
Rena Langley
Senior Vice President, Communications & Public Affairs
