If you’ve ever dreamed of living close enough to the parks that you can catch Happily Ever After fireworks from your driveway or swing into EPCOT for an after-work stroll, you’re in the right place. This guide gives you a clear, friendly breakdown of the suburbs that Disney employees, Annual Passholders and families consistently flock to when they want everyday life to feel just a little more magical.
Every suburb on this list brings something unique to the table. Some offer incredible schools. Some offer unbeatable access to the parks. Some offer the warm, quiet, community-feeling families love. And all of them offer their own flavor of Disney-Bubble living.
Let’s take a tour.
🏘️ Horizon West: The Closest You Can Get Without Living in Cinderella Castle
Horizon West feels like the Imagineers secretly designed it as the unofficial residential extension of Disney property. This area consistently attracts Disney cast members, passholders and families because of:
- Easy access to SR-429
- Quick trips to Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom
- Beautiful master-planned villages
- Tons of parks, playgrounds and walking trails
- Newer homes with modern layouts
- A community vibe that feels warm and neighborly
Families love the lifestyle here. Cast members love the short commute. Passholders love that they can be grabbing a Starbucks and strolling into the parks within minutes.
If you want a community that blends suburban comfort with next-door-to-the-magic convenience, Horizon West is the crowd favorite.
🌳 Winter Garden: A Charming Small-Town Feel Near the Magic
Winter Garden combines small-town charm with the benefits of being near the happiest place on earth. Residents love:
- Its historic downtown
- Beautiful tree-lined streets
- Farmer’s markets and local events
- Access to the West Orange Trail
- Family-friendly neighborhoods
- Short trips to the parks
Winter Garden is perfect for families who want something a little quieter and more established than Horizon West while still staying close to Walt Disney World. Think of it as living in a postcard with theme parks in your backyard.
🌅 Windermere: Lakes, Luxury and Close-to-Disney Living
Windermere is known for:
- Beautiful lakes
- Mature landscaping
- Peaceful streets
- Luxury homes and gated communities
- Top-tier neighborhood ambiance
Disney employees who prefer a quiet, upscale setting tend to gravitate here. Passholders love that you can get to the parks quickly without fighting major traffic corridors. Families appreciate the established neighborhoods and overall feel of comfort and stability.
If you want the blend of elegance, nature and a shorter drive to Main Street USA, Windermere is a standout.
🍽️ Dr. Phillips: The Heart of Convenience and Dining
Dr. Phillips offers a polished, convenient, centrally located lifestyle with:
- Restaurant Row
- Proximity to Universal and SeaWorld
- Quick routes to Disney
- Established neighborhoods
- Beautiful lakes and parks
This suburb offers the perfect balance of energy and calm. Families love the schools and community amenities. Cast members appreciate the convenience. Passholders love the dining options on Sand Lake Road after a long day of park hopping.
If you want to be right in the center of everything Orlando has to offer, Dr. Phillips is a top contender.
🏡 Celebration: Disney’s Original Master-Planned Community
Celebration is a truly unique place. Originally developed by The Walt Disney Company, it gives you:
- Walkability
- Charming architecture
- Seasonal festivals
- A true small-town feel
- Community activities that fill your calendar fast
- Quick access to the parks
For some buyers, Celebration is the ultimate dream location. It’s the closest lifestyle match to the classic Disney-Bubble feel you can get without living on official Disney property.
If your heart wants charm, community, events and a pinch of that nostalgic Disney touch, Celebration could be the perfect fit.
🌄 Clermont: Hills, Space and Sunshine
Clermont offers:
- Rolling hills
- Spacious homes
- Great value for buyers
- A relaxed distance from tourist zones
- Beautiful lake chain access
Families love the sense of breathing room here. Passholders enjoy the straightforward drive to the parks while gaining more space for the price. Cast members who work in non-park or backstage areas often choose Clermont because of its balance of value and lifestyle.
If you want a little more space, a little more quiet and still want Disney within easy reach, Clermont is worth exploring.
🧭 Kissimmee and Davenport: Popular Picks for Value and Convenience
These suburbs offer:
- A mix of newer communities and established neighborhoods
- Access to Kissimmee parks, dining and shopping
- Proximity to Disney’s east entrances
- Attractive pricing options
- A wide range of HOAs and layouts
Cast members appreciate the shorter commutes. Families appreciate the options. Passholders appreciate the quick pops into the parks when cravings for a Dole Whip call.
These areas are flexible, varied and full of opportunity.
🎯 Which Disney-Area Suburb Is Right for You?
Choosing the best suburb depends on what you want most:
- Shortest commute
- Best walkability
- Most charming vibe
- Newer homes
- Bigger yards
- Quiet streets
- Best lifestyle compatibility
- Access to your favorite park
- Close to schools and activities
That’s why every relocation plan I build is personalized. Once I understand your lifestyle, your routines, your commute and which Disney park you tend to love the most, I can match you to the suburbs that fit your life perfectly.
✨ Ready for a Personalized Suburb Match?
Let’s map out your perfect Disney-area move.
I’ll help you:
- Compare neighborhoods
- Understand commute patterns
- Explore community amenities
- See housing options within your comfort zone
- Find the suburb that feels like home
👉 Schedule Your Disney-Area Relocation Call
Together, we’ll find the suburb where your real life and your Disney life meet in the happiest way possible.
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


