Summary
Osceola County
Originally developed by the Walt Disney Company, Celebration, FL is a master-planned community situated near Walt Disney World. The design of this award-winning community incorporates a downtown area, health center, school, post office, town hall, golf course, and a blend of townhouses, apartments, and estate homes within the same neighborhoods. Conceived as a vintage town, classical architecture prevails, featuring garages located behind the houses, and ensuring everything is within walking distance. More often than not, locals can be seen walking, biking, or using their Neighborhood Electric Vehicles to navigate the town.
Location and Population
Celebration, an unincorporated city in Osceola County, is located on the south side of Route 192, just five miles south of Walt Disney World at the junction of I-4 and U.S. Highway 192 East. Consequently, traveling east on I-4, downtown Orlando can be reached in approximately 30 minutes, with Orlando International Airport being around 20 minutes away via Highway 417. Between 2000 and 2004, the population surged from 2,736 to 9,500 residents, indicating a rapid growth trend that is projected to continue in the upcoming census.
Downtown
Celebration Town Center, a charming lakeside shopping area, showcases many unique shops and restaurants, including the prestigious AAA four-diamond boutique Celebration Hotel. A leisurely stroll down Market Street, the hub of Celebration’s town center, reveals an array of shopping options—everything from gifts and collectibles to clothing for both adults and children, as well as a gourmet doggie bakery.
Dining
Following a shopping spree or a captivating movie at the AMC Celebration 2, the family-friendly Celebration Town Tavern presents an extensive menu that features both snacks and New England seafood specialties. In addition, the award-winning Columbia Restaurant, which originated in Tampa in 1905, continues its tradition of serving exquisite Spanish/Cuban cuisine set in an old-world atmosphere. Cafe D’Antonio, boasting a lakeside view and both indoor and outdoor seating options, offers a menu that highlights the diverse regions of Italy.
Golf
For golf enthusiasts, Celebration Golf Club features a course designed by Robert Trent Jones. This course is not only challenging for professionals, but also enjoyable for amateurs. Amenities include a practice green, driving range, and a practice chipping hole. Moreover, there is a three-hole Junior Course designed specifically for children aged 5 to 9.
Something Different
For those eager to explore Celebration, The Family Fun Station at 671 Front Street offers electric car rentals, bike rentals, paddle boats, and remote control sailboats for a delightful day out.
After a delightful dinner at one of Celebration’s exquisite restaurants, a romantic carriage ride provided by Misty Blue Acres Carriage, which is also located on Front Street, could be the perfect way to conclude the evening. Rides are available every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evening from 6 pm to 10 pm.
Special Events
As the center of community activity, Celebration Town Center hosts numerous special events throughout the year, bringing residents and visitors together.
Art Festival
Each spring, art enthusiasts flock to the Celebration Spring Art Festival, a juried exhibition offering cash prizes. Art collectors can acquire stunning paintings, sculptures, photography, pottery, and a variety of other artistic works.
Great American Pie Festival
The Town Center also accommodates the Great American Pie Festival, sponsored by the American Pie Council. Alongside the widely anticipated pie-eating contest, visitors can enjoy the Never-Ending Pie Buffet that features award-winning pies, ice cream, and various toppings.
Oktoberfest
Autumn brings the vibrancy of Oktoberfest to Celebration, where leaves gently fall each evening in the Town Center. This festival offers an opportunity to partake in hayrides, paint pumpkins, dance to live music, enjoy scenic lake views, or simply relax while people-watching.
“Now Snowing” Christmas Event
As December arrives, the festive “Now Snowing” event takes place at the beautifully decorated Town Center. Featuring live entertainment, carolers, horse-drawn carriage rides, and hourly “snowfall” each evening, the town transforms into a magical Winter Wonderland.
