Disney World Expands in Orlando, Nearly $20 Million Spent on New Location

Disney is continuing to strengthen its presence in Central Florida with the recent purchase of a major office building in Celebration, Florida. According to the Orlando Business Journal, Walt Disney World Resort acquired the 106,196-square-foot property for $19.4 million in a deal finalized on March 5.

The purchase, recorded in Osceola County records, signals Disney’s ongoing investment in the region as it expands its corporate footprint outside of its theme park gates.

Disney’s Latest Real Estate Move

The newly acquired building, located at 1390 Celebration Boulevard in Celebration’s south village, was purchased from Celebration Advance LLC—an entity linked to Rafael Weiss and the Jeffrey J. Weiss Living Trust in Boca Raton. Previously, Disney had been leasing this office space for its real estate and Disney Vacation Club divisions. Now, with full ownership, the company has cemented its long-term plans for the location.

Gary Eisenberg, executive manager at Suchman Retail Group and founder of SouthEast Atlantic Realty Group, described the acquisition as a “perfect agreement between a tenant and owner.” He further noted that the property has been “well-maintained over the years with good ownership at a good location.”

While Disney has not publicly commented on its plans for the space, the purchase continues the company’s pattern of acquiring real estate in Celebration. In 2014, Disney bought a 39% stake in a nine-story office building in the same area. The company remains a major employer in Osceola County, ranking as the fourth-largest behind The School District of Osceola County, Walmart, and AdventHealth.

What is Celebration, Florida?

For those unfamiliar, Celebration, Florida, is a master-planned community originally developed by Disney in the 1990s. Located just minutes from Walt Disney World, the town was envisioned as a utopian-style community blending small-town charm with modern amenities.

Inspired by early 20th-century architecture and featuring picturesque neighborhoods, Celebration was designed to create a nostalgic, family-friendly environment.

Disney oversaw the development of Celebration in its early years, working with architects and urban planners to design a community that reflected traditional American town ideals.

The first residents moved in during the mid-1990s, and the town quickly became known for its meticulously planned streets, community events, and strong local identity. Although Disney eventually sold its control of the town’s governance, its influence remains evident in the design, layout, and spirit of Celebration.

Disney’s Growing Presence in Celebration

While Celebration is no longer directly managed by Disney, the company has continued to maintain a presence in the area through office buildings and corporate facilities. The latest purchase reinforces Disney’s commitment to the region, particularly as it continues to grow its business operations outside of its theme parks.

The acquisition could signal further expansion plans, whether for existing departments or future projects that require additional office space.

With Disney solidifying its footprint in Celebration, the company’s long-standing relationship with the community is as strong as ever. Whether this purchase will lead to further development in the area remains to be seen, but for now, Disney’s investment underscores the significance of Celebration as an integral part of its Florida operations.