Luxury Disney- Golden Oak Vacation Homes: Everything You’ve Ever Wanted to Know

During my visit to Disney World this past week I was given a chance to tour Golden Oak homes as well as ask the people who run it every question that I wanted to know that you can’t necessarily find online.

For those of you who don’t know, Golden Oak at Walt Disney World Resort is a new community of luxury custom, single-family homes inside Walt DisneyWorld Resort with access to the Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World. (Gosh they all have some pretty long names, huh?). Golden Oak celebrates the timelessness of Old World and Old Florida architecture. The hallmark of living in Disney’s Golden Oak is unsurprisingly, family experiences and of course, plenty of luxury. Be sure to take our virtual tour of Golden Oak of this luxury community. 

Here are some questions I had that I was able to get answered that I thought you may find of interest. I suspect you may have some of the same. And if you have more, I invite you to ask me in the comments and I’ll look into getting them answered for you.

What are most of the homes used for?

Disney’s Golden Oak Resort Community was designed to be used as vacation homes but actually there are about 30% of residents that use their home here as their primary residence and send their children to private school. (How cool is it to say you grew up IN Disney World?)

How Many Homes are There?

Right now there are 20 completed homes that residents have moved into with another 40 that have been purchased and are being built. Eventually the entire estate will comprise about 450 homes.

What do the homes cost?

They start at 1.7 Million. There are homes, however, that go up to about $6 Million. These homes can be as large as 15-17,000 sq. feet. These homes are built for the whole extended family. And the homes are clearly built with the intention to have people visit. The guest rooms in most homes are designed to have their own semi-private entrances.

How Much Does Maintenance Cost Per Year?

About $10,000. This covers the home owner association and clubhouse fee. This charge also covers security and maintenance of common areas.

Do Residents Have to Join Summerhouse (Golden Oaks’ private clubhouse for residents)?

Yes, each homeowner of GOlden Oak is a member of the Club. There is no initiation fee and membership dues are paid annually. The Summerhouse is owned and operated by Disney, who is responsible for the daily operations and oversight of membership policies, programs and activities.

Can You Rent Your Home in Golden Oak Out?

Yes you can but for a minimum rental of 6 months. No short term leases are permitted.

Are there any fun Disney features on the property?

There are classy touches like professional Disney artwork and memorabilia, (there is a sketch by Walt Disney of Walt Disney World in the clubhouse I thought was cool) but there isn’t really any overly character-themed or juvenile decorating. The builders will hide hidden Mickeys in your home for you to find if you would like, though (yes, please!). There are also a couple cute Disney sculptures like Bambi and Ariel (from Disneyland) on the grounds.

What Disney benefits do residents receive?

Right now, for each closing on a homesite or completed home by December 31, 2013, the household will receive five complimentary Golden Oak Resident Passes each year for three years (plus separately Five Additional one-day theme park tickets with Park Hopper and Water Park Fun and More Option.  Golden Oak VIP passes include unlimited access to all the parks, complimentary parking, door-to-door park transportation, admission to Disney Water Parks, and Extra Magic Hours benefit. Golden Oak concierges will also happily make your dining reservations, coordinate private VIP tours, and help coordinate merchandise delivery. In-Park Special events are also available to residents like previews of Walt Disney World restaurants, special breakfasts, etc.

What Benefits will Golden Oak Residents Enjoy from the Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort?

Residents will have access to select amenities at the Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort including a Tom Fazio-designed golf course, restaurants, event space and spa.

Are the homes available as Timeshares?

Nope, gotta buy the whole enchilada!

Thanks for dropping by–y’all come back now, ya hear! And please, if you found this article helpful take a moment to share the love 🙂

And if you’re all about the VIP Disney World experience, check out our review of the Four Seasons Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort.