Looking for an evening of quiet? No large crowds- no lines. Then spend an evening in Celebration, Florida. Let me warn you there are NO strip malls here. Just small-town American quiet time.
What is Celebration?
The Walt Disney Company wanted to develop a community that mirrored the Disney brand and legacy. Disney-owned a 16-acre parcel of land south of World Drive. The executives at Disney Development Company oversaw its planning and architecture, as well as the town’s education and health policies. The rule book is said to be large, and it outlines all the rules set for the community. Among the items are: no two adjacent homes can look the same, all blinds or curtains must have a white back that faces the street, and any outdoor plants or decorations must meet the specifications.
The architecture is planned in an early 20th-century and Victorian style, with a Caribbean flare. One of the master architects, Robert A.M. Stern, is known for his New Urbanist and Postmodernist style. He served on The Walt Disney Company Board of Directors from 1992 to 2003 and is dean of the Yale School of Architecture, serving since 1998. His other Disney works include the Disney Beach Club Resort, the Disney Yacht Club Resort, the Disney Boardwalk Resort, and the Disney Casting Center.
Although Disney sold its stake in the town in 2004, they remain the largest landowner and they continue to occupy space in the towns office buildings as well as ownership of the two utility companies that provide services to the town.
In the summer of 1996, the first residents moved into the town. Celebration continues to be an unincorporated town, therefore falling under the same zip-code as Kissimmee, FL. The 2010 census shows approx 7500 people reside in Celebration and its population is overwhelmingly white, middle class and affluent. The median income is $92000 per family.
Visiting Celebration Town Center
The town center consists of two main roads; Market Street and Front Street. We find the best parking to be behind the Suntrust bank accessed by Sycamore St.
There are a lot of options for dining and shopping. Choose from pizza to Japanese, from quick to upscale. Browse through the shops for fancy clothes, jewelry, gift items, and even a treat for the dog at Wolf Gang Bakery. A must stop is Le Macaron for a delish dessert.
Click on the links for a full list of dining and shopping choices.
Not interested in shopping?
- Take a stroll around the Lake Rianhard and look for alligators, birds, and nature
- Rent a bike and cycle around town
- Visit the Farmer’s Market, held every Sunday morning
- Attend a church service at one of the six churches
- Play in the water fountain on Front Street near the entrance to Celebration Lakeside Park
- Sit in the rocking chairs by the lake and converse with others
- Get a manicure and haircut at a nearby salon
- Take in a round of golf at the Celebration Golf Club
- Attend an event
Celebration hosts many events throughout the year. Some of them are resident only- so be sure to check the website before heading out. Popular events include art shows, exotic car festivals, Oktoberfest, and Now Snowing Nightly.
Click here for a full list of events and dates
Now Snowing Nightly
See also
