Disney Launches Affordable Housing Project in Horizon West

Disney has officially begun construction on a large-scale affordable housing development in Horizon West, a growing community in Orange County, Florida, just west of Orlando. This marks the entertainment giant’s first foray into residential real estate and is part of its broader commitment to supporting local communities and its workforce.

The project will span 80 acres of Disney-owned land and feature approximately 1,400 total units, with more than 1,000 designated as affordable housing. The development is being built in partnership with The Michaels Organization, a national leader in affordable and mixed-income housing.

Targeted primarily at low- to moderate-income families, the new homes will be priced according to area median income (AMI) standards, making them more accessible to workers in tourism, education, public safety, and service industries—many of whom struggle with rising rent prices in the region.

The new community will be designed with walkability and livability in mind, offering open green spaces, recreational areas, and proximity to essential services. Disney won’t directly manage the property but is overseeing its planning and construction to ensure long-term community benefit.

While the initiative has received praise for addressing the area’s severe housing shortage, some local residents have expressed concerns about increased traffic, strain on infrastructure, and long-term impacts on the Horizon West area.

Disney expects the first units to be available by late 2025, with full buildout continuing into 2026. The development reflects a broader trend of large employers taking active roles in easing the local housing crisis, while also investing in the economic stability of their surrounding communities.

Source:  https://www.businessinsider.com/disney-affordable-housing-horizon-west-central-florida-2025-5

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