Dreams DO come true.

I can't help but admit that it's been a dream of mine to live in Disney World.  Ever since I was a little kiddo, I have been visiting the theme park, and each time I go, there is something new and exciting... the magic is always there.  I love Florida, and have a sentimental attachment to the climate and atmosphere, since my grandparents had a house in St. Pete's where I spent the winters of my childhood.  Disney World is the culmination of all things fantastic, and now you can have your very own home in Disney World.

Although it was my dream to live in Cinderella's castle... it's kind of impossible to live there (since the hotel in the top is booked solid for honeymoons/wedding nights)... but you can live in Golden Oaks...

Golden Oak Luxury Homes is a luxury (gated) residential resort, slated for completion in 2011, that lets you purchase a home within the Walt Disney World compound.  Located south east of the Magic Kingdom and north of Epcot (which I have cleverly acronymed: Every Person Comes Out Tired...) you are in the centre of all the action. 

"Golden Oak will initially consist of three different types of single-family homes. Village Homes will feature Mediterranean style homes on sites up to one-quarter acre, Estate Homes will include architectural styles like Tuscan, Spanish Revival, Venetian, Italianate, Dutch Colonial and Island Colonial on approximately one-half-acre home sites and Grand Estate Homes, on home sites up to three-quarters-acre in size, will feature architectural styles consistent with Estate Homes." (Ricky Brigante) (read the rest here)

The homes cost between $1.5 million to upwards of $8 million, (with a $25,000 deposit to secure your spot) which is pretty steep for the volatile Floridian real estate market. (But the Italian home - the last photograph looks gorgeous!)

So what do you get for all that money?  Apparently, Golden Oak residents will receive VIP park entrance and access to special events, private VIP transport, and access to the golf courses and other ammenities within the WDW complex (including access to the new Four Seasons spa)... so no guarantee on free admission to the park... Which is a shame, because I think it would be amazing to dine in fake Morocco or Italy every night, or see the fireworks over Cinderella's castle. 

There is speculation whether investors will snatch up these luxury homes and rent them out to hardcore Disney fans (like my family...) but short-term leases won't be allowed, the minimum is a 6 month rental (which I can guarantee will cost thousandsssss.)

My childhood fantasy of living in the Disney World resort has become a reality.  With a little Disney "magic" dreams do come true... but with a price.