Disney World sets aside 80 acres for new affordable housing development

The Walt Disney World Resort will use 80 acres of property for a new affordable housing development with more than 1,300 units, the company announced.

The development is still in the early planning stages and will be constructed by a third-party affordable housing developer on Disney’s land near the theme parks and the expanding Flamingo Crossings Town Center retail and dining complex. Flamingo Crossings is the new area where Disney houses members of its college student program

The development will be available for qualifying applicants from the general public, including Disney cast members.  

“We are invested in working together with our community to solve complex issues,” Jeff Vahle, president of Walt Disney World Resort said in a news release. “The lack of affordable housing is affecting many people across our country, including right here in Central Florida. With this initiative, we’re lending a hand to make a real and meaningful impact in our community by tapping into the best of our company’s strengths. This is the right opportunity and the right time to take action.” 

Disney said it will release details about this project as it continues its due diligence work with an affordable housing developer.