A 2026 Relocation Guide for Families, Professionals, and Dreamers Who Want to Live Near the Magic
If you’ve ever dreamed of waking up close enough to see the fireworks from your backyard… or making spontaneous after-work Lightning Lane trips… or building a life where Disney isn’t a vacation but a neighborhood amenity… then this guide is made for you.
There’s a whole circle of suburbs around Walt Disney World that locals call the Disney Bubble… and each one delivers its own brand of magic.
This guide will help you figure out which suburb matches the lifestyle you’re trying to create as you move closer to the Magic Kingdom.
Throughout this guide, you’ll find internal links to deeper content we’ve already built… tapping into your neighborhood guides, lifestyle guides, and comparison articles to create a full authority experience.
🌟 1. Horizon West… The Modern Disney Bubble Powerhouse
Horizon West is one of the fastest-growing master-planned communities in the entire state… and arguably the most popular landing place for Disney-centric relocators.
Why Disney lovers choose Horizon West
- 8–15 minutes to Magic Kingdom
- Tons of new construction
- Modern lifestyle villages
- Hamlin Town Center for convenience and dining
- A-rated schools
- Playgrounds and trails everywhere
- Very family-friendly
It’s vibrant, social, and built for activity.
Best articles to dive deeper
- Best Neighborhoods in Horizon West
- Horizon West Village Breakdown
- A Day in the Life Living in Horizon West
Best For
Families, new-construction lovers, remote workers who want convenience, and anyone who wants modern homes close to the parks.
🌸 2. Winter Garden… Historic Charm Meets Growing Suburban Magic
Winter Garden blends old-Florida charm with suburban comfort… and offers two entirely different experiences: Historic Downtown and New Winter Garden.
Why Disney lovers choose Winter Garden
- 20–25 minutes to Disney
- Easy access via 429
- One of the most charming downtowns in Central Florida
- Great restaurants, markets, breweries
- Popular bike trails and outdoor experiences
Dive deeper with:
- Historic Winter Garden vs New Winter Garden
- Best Neighborhoods in Winter Garden
- Winter Garden Lifestyle Guide
- Plant Street Market Guide
Best For
Buyers who want character, charm, and a lively local community… plus an easy Disney commute.
🌳 3. Windermere… Luxury, Lakes, and the Most “Classic Florida” Disney Lifestyle
Windermere is where you go if you want space, scenery, and true serenity. Think: tree-lined streets, lakes everywhere, and a timeless ambiance.
Why Disney lovers choose Windermere
- 15–20 minutes to the parks
- Access to the Butler Chain of Lakes
- Some of Orlando’s most beloved luxury communities
- Quiet, peaceful streets
- High-end custom homes
- Strong school zones
Explore more:
- Best Windermere Neighborhoods
- Lakes of Windermere Lifestyle Breakdown
- Chain of Lakes Living Guide
- Windermere vs Dr. Phillips
- Touring Keene’s Pointe
Best For
Luxury buyers, lake lovers, privacy seekers, and families wanting peaceful living with quick Disney access.
🎠 4. Celebration… The Original Disney Town
Celebration is the most famous Disney-centric community in the world… and still one of the most magical places to live near the parks.
Why Disney lovers choose Celebration
- 10–12 minutes to Disney
- Walkability everywhere
- Lakefront downtown
- Seasonal festivals and events
- Charming architecture
- Storybook lifestyle
Dig deeper:
- Celebration Lifestyle Guide
- Celebration vs Horizon West
- Celebration Neighborhood Breakdown
Best For
Buyers who want charm, community, walkability, and a warm-town vibe with a Disney heart.
🏙️ 5. Dr. Phillips… Upscale Living Near the Heart of Orlando
Dr. Phillips blends convenience, luxury, and premium Orlando access.
Why Disney lovers choose Dr. Phillips
- 12–18 minutes to Disney
- Close to Restaurant Row
- Excellent schools
- Mature landscaping and established neighborhoods
- Golf, lake access, and quiet streets
- Convenient to I-4, Universal, and downtown
Explore more:
- Best Neighborhoods in Dr. Phillips
- Dr. Phillips Lifestyle Guide
- Windermere vs Dr. Phillips
- Bay Hill Neighborhood Guide
Best For
Upscale buyers, professionals, and anyone who wants proximity to everything, not just Disney.
🏡 6. Lake Nona… The High-Tech, High-Growth Lifestyle Hub
Lake Nona isn’t traditionally a “Disney suburb”… but it has become a top choice for relocated families who want modern living with easy airport access.
Why Disney lovers choose Lake Nona
- 25–30 minutes to Disney
- Ultra-modern homes
- Medical City employers
- Tech-forward design
- Trails, pools, events
- Access to some of Orlando’s best planned communities
Dive deeper:
- Why Everyone’s Talking About Lake Nona
- Why Buyers Are Flocking to Laureate Park
- Isles of Lake Nona Guide
Best For
Remote workers, medical professionals, tech families, and buyers wanting a sleek, modern vibe.
☀️ 7. Reunion & Four Corners… Vacation Vibes + Investment Potential
These areas bring resort-style living to your everyday lifestyle.
Why Disney lovers choose Reunion / Four Corners / ChampionsGate
- 12–18 minutes to Disney via 429 or I-4
- Access to golf resorts
- Luxurious pools and water parks
- Short-term-rental-friendly zones
- Investment + lifestyle hybrid options
Explore next:
- Reunion Resort Lifestyle Guide
- Encore Resort Guide
- Four Corners / ChampionsGate Neighborhood Guide
- STR-Friendly Communities Guide
Best For
Investors, part-time residents, second-home buyers, and families wanting resort-style amenities.
✨ Which Disney-Area Suburb Fits You Best?
If you’re relocating to Orlando to live near Walt Disney World, here’s the simplest breakdown:
| Suburb | Best For |
|---|---|
| Horizon West | Newer homes, families, convenience |
| Winter Garden | Charm + activity + walkable downtown |
| Windermere | Luxury, lakes, privacy |
| Celebration | Walkability, community events, storybook living |
| Dr. Phillips | Convenience + upscale living |
| Lake Nona | Tech-forward lifestyle |
| Reunion / Four Corners | Resort living + investment potential |
The right choice depends on what lifestyle you want…
The magic is that you have options.
✨ Ready to Find Your Disney Bubble Neighborhood?
If you’re trying to decide where your family fits best… I can help you shorten the learning curve dramatically.
I specialize in helping relocation buyers compare the best communities near Disney based on lifestyle, budget, schools, access, and long-term goals.
👉 Schedule your Disney Bubble Relocation Strategy Call
Let’s unlock the suburb that matches your dream life near the Magic.
I’m Timothy Carter, your dedicated Disney World Orlando area relocation expert with The Funk Collection brokered by eXp Realty.
I specialize in helping Disney lovers & theme park enthusiasts find their perfect home or vacation investment property. I’m here to help turn your dreams into reality!
You’ll find everything you need to know about living in the greater Orlando area – from neighborhood guides, real estate tips & the lifestyle of living near the theme parks, to insider advice on relocating to this magical place.
My family moved to Orlando to LIVE the ultimate Disney lifestyle!
You can too! I can help! Click here —-> Meet With Timothy Carter
