Filed under: top-feature, Walt Disney World
Celebration, A Great Little Town From A Great Big Dream
Walt Disney had a vision of an Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow (EPCOT). Focusing on this vision, in the early 1990′s the Disney Development Company spearheaded the development of nearly 4,900 acres establishing parks, trails and pathways, and a variety of mixed-use homes and created what was named in 2001, The New Community of the Year, Celebration, Florida.
Located outside of the Walt Disney World Resort (travel guide), this unincorporated town is often mistaken for a subdivision of Kissimmee, Florida. Designed as the quintessential American town, residents often walk, ride their bikes or drive “neighborhood electric vehicles”, aka golf carts, a few were even equipped with child safety seats, to get around this small community.
Designed to be an exciting place to live, work and play, I must admit on a recent trip to Orlando, driving into the downtown area of Celebration, also known as Celebration Town Center, I found myself ready to pack up my belongings and move right in!
Town Center holds several shops, a movie theater and restaurants serving everything from sushi at Seito Sushi Japanese Restaurant to Irish fare at Shannon’s of Celebration to the family favorite, Kilwin’s Chocolate & Ice Cream. Though Columbia had been highly recommended to us, we felt ourselves drawn to the outdoor seating and crowd at Celebration Town Tavern (travel guide).
This family owned steak and New England seafood establishment is like a neighborhood gathering spot with cheering fans, mostly dressed in Boston Red Sox attire, watching baseball on the large screens on the patio, and couples sharing more quiet moments listening to live jazz in the lounge and larger parties and families dining in the next room.
Because it was a warm evening our family joined the rowdier crowd on the patio and even though our attire revealed we were obviously from Indiana, we were made to feel welcome. We started our meal with the spicy tuna dip. Served with chips it was tasty and original and went with our desire to “try something we can’t get at home”.
The menu selections entitled Boston Favorites led us right down that path, and the wide variety on the kids menu was perfect for even our older daughter who loved the tenderloin tips. Since I am a sucker for fried clams, I was happier than a clam with my choice of the clam strip dinner.
Relaxing Lake Evalyn with Celebration Hotel in background
Located adjacent to Lake Evalyn this was a delightful area to walk following dinner. I was particularly fond of the rocking chairs at the water’s edge. The combination of the softly lapping water, the rocking motion and a full belly, led to total relaxation.
The Bohemian Celebration Hotel (travel guide) is also located in this area and having seen the inviting photos on-line and the charming entrance in person, I was drawn to take a closer look. Walking in through the doorway, I was shocked to find a bar area off to my right and a seating and dining area immediately in front of me.
I saw a woman seated at a desk to my left and inquired if I had come in the wrong entrance and where might I find the front desk. Barely looking up, she stated that I was in the right place and allowed us to look around.
The pool area, though small, was lovely overlooking the lake. Although we did not see inside any rooms, the hotel surroundings are very attractive and despite our cool reception, I would be inclined to stay here on a return trip, albeit without children.
Celebration Hotel is a Walt Disney World Good Neighbor Hotel and as such offers shuttle rides to the parks and is a ticket purchase location, yet this boutique hotel did not give the feel of a family vacation destination and as such might be the perfect couples get-away.
Celebration hosts several annual events such as the Great American Pie Festival, which is televised on the Food Network, Radio Disney holiday concert, Celebration Art & Wine Stroll and Oktoberfest Celebration.
Residents and guests alike often head to the streets of Celebration to witness “leaves” falling on Town Center and if you thought that was special, during the holiday season, “snow” falls while music is piped around the downtown area.
With so much to offer, yet with its quaint and relaxing atmosphere, Celebration makes a perfect weekend get-away from the hustle and bustle of nearby South Florida cities.
I think Walt would be quite proud of this Disney developed community. I know we certainly enjoyed our visit and while I am still contemplating that big move, I think, for now, I will settle for visits in the future.
Photo Selection: J. Ingersoll, Celebration Hotel courtesy Kissimmee Visitors and Convention Bureau
