While only a few miles from the pretend Main Street USA in Disney's Magic Kingdom, Celebration is a very real place filled with real families. The first residents moved to Celebration in 1996 and, now, more than 9,500 people call Celebration home.

Disney is a master of make-believe. But building a real town is another story. Creating a cohesive community involved much more than building a collection of pretty houses.

The Walt Disney Company turned to a number of renowned architects and landscape architects from around the country. The experts, in turn, looked to the best-loved American towns to determine why they have remained popular and appealing over the long haul. "We used to know how to build a town. What happened?" asks Jaque Robertson, who collaborated with Robert A. M. Stern to develop the master plan for Celebration. "We were determined to get back on track and return to a more sociable and civic-minded way of life," he continues.

As a result, the overall layout for Celebration alludes to another place, another time. Neighborhoods recall Savannah; Charleston and Beaufort, South Carolina; small towns in North Florida and South Georgia; and even East Hampton, New York. In each of these historic towns, there exists a wonderful relationship among the buildings. No two appear exactly alike; they have a friendly contrast - tension and harmony.

The buildings of downtown Celebration engage in just such a lively dialogue. The town center fronts a lake, and public buildings such as the town hall, post office, and a bank occupy prominent locations. But the charm of the downtown lies in what the architects call "background buildings," a mix of vaguely historic three- and four-story structures that define the town.

Along Market Street, the town's main street, palm trees shade pastel-colored stucco buildings. Appropriate for the tropical climate, the buildings feature arcades, balconies, deep overhangs, fountain courtyards, and vibrant colors. Passageways cut through to interior parking lots screened from view from the street.

There's a vitality along the streets of Celebration that lasts into the evenings, thanks in part to a whimsical Deco-style movie theater and a variety of restaurants. But here, people actually live downtown. Retail buildings include Condominimums on the upper floors. 

Scenes From Celebration

While other new residential communities pride themselves on themselves on their exclusivity and guardhouses, Celebration favors inclusion. Streets are public, and landscape squares are gathering places of the town. The golf course is a public daily-fee facility, and the greens are arranged along public streets so all can enjoy the views.

The planners established a hierarchy of streets that range from the smallest alley to Water Street, a promenade along a canal that connects downtown to the golf club. Parks also vary in size and function. Veranda Place is an intimate residential square evocative of the wonderful squares in Savannah. A sand tot lot anchors one end of the formal Long Meadow Park.

Homes are grouped close together and close to the street as they were a hundred years ago. Garages are relegated to alleys that run along the backs of houses.

There's a broad mix of sizes, types, and prices of homes in Celebration. Real estate prices range from about $200,000 to several million.

The big picture is a masterpiece at Celebration. Rather than private retreats deliberately detached from their surroundings, houses, encourage residents to embrace the neighborhood outside their front doors.

Although homes vary in size, neighborhoods have consistency in the look and feel of the individual houses based on the Celebration Pattern Book. Developed by architect Ray Gindroz of UDA Architects, the pattern book identifies and outlines guidelines for six architectural styles found in the Southeast - Coastal, Classical, Victorian, Colonial Revival, Mediterranean, and French.

"We view the Celebration Pattern Book as more than just a stylebook," explains architect Robert Stern. "It’s about porches, dormers, pitched roofs, wide overhangs, shading, and shadows - the traditional ways people have responded to the Southern climate for generations."

In addition to the engaging town center, wonderful clusters of classic homes, walkable streets, and friendly parks, Celebration offers something else very important to its residents. What many of the young families find so attractive is the innovative public school, which includes kindergarten through 8th grade. Celebration also now has its own high school as well as a branch of Stetson University and several private schools.

"It was a stroke of brilliance for Disney to place the school in the middle of town facing the common," says architect Bill Rawn, who designed the Celebration School. "When you build a new school a mile outside of town and surround it with asphalt and chain-link fence, there's no community investment or control. And the students behave accordingly." Here kids can actually walk, skate, scooter or bike to school.

To ensure that Celebration School would blend seamlessly with the community, Bill looked to older facilities in the small towns of Central Florida, drawing from an era when schools looked like schools. This school is large enough to command respect, yet its mildly classical design and traditional detail pay respect to the townhouses across the street. A pair of towers marks an arcaded entrance. "We wanted everyone to know this was an important civic building," says Bill. "And we also wanted a memorable place where generations of students could pose for graduation pictures."

When you visit Celebration for the first time, you're struck by feeling of nostalgia. Jaque, a native Virginian now living in New York City, is quick to defend Celebration's romantic images and references. "Anyone who can recall the scent of a night-blooming jasmine from childhood understands the power of place," says Jaque. "We are not trying to create something new. Our goal is to create something lasting."

Celebration is exceptional because it has re-created just such everyday experiences and places. Although this town will never match the history and tradition of a Charleston or a Savannah, it has something else very important to offer - memories. 

The Town of Celebration blends upscale shopping and down-home ambiance for an experience enjoyed by residents and visitors a1ike. In this quaint lakeside setting, a collection of unique shops and world-class restaurants offer both small town charm and big time choices.

GREAT MEALS ARE OUR SPECIALTY

Attentive service and spectacular food are always on the menu at Celebration's acclaimed restaurants! Choose from Spanish specialties at the Columbia Restaurant, Japanese at Seito Sushi Japanese Restaurant, Italian at Café D’Antonio, plus great American food at the Market Street Café (which many old-timers still refer to as Max’s!), Celebration Town Tavern and Upper Crust Pizzeria.

EXPERIENCE OUR HOMETOWN EVENTS

The latest blockbusters are on-screen at the AMC Celebration 2 theaters, while handmade crafts and fresh produce can be found at our Saturday Farmers Market. Add bike rentals, an 18-hole championship golf course and a calendar of special events featuring live entertainment, and it's hometown relaxation at its best.

DISCOVER HIDDEN TREASURES IN 0UR LAKESIDE SHOPS

Over 20 one-of-a-kind shops dot a picturesque streetscape designed by some of the world’s most famous architects. A wide selection of quality merchandise is always in store.

GOLF, GOLF, GOLF

Designed by the renowned father and son team Robert Trent Jones and Robert Trent Jones Jr., Celebration Golf Club offers an experience unlike any other. Celebration’s five sets of tees on every hole provides the perfect day of golf for players of all skill levels. And, with beginner tees on each hole as well as a three-hole junior course nearby, no one will be left out.

Celebration’s natural park-like setting also creates an exquisite experience for golfers. Whether strolling across lush, tree-lined fairways or shooting across clear blue skies, you can’t help but feel at peace.

Just a short drive from downtown Orlando, Celebration Golf Club truly offers a unique setting. Come celebrate 18 of the best holes of golf you’ll ever play.

• Reserve tee times up to 30 days in advance.

• 3-hole junior course. Now every member of your family can play. The kids faces light up with pride as they sink their first birdie on the innovative 3-hole course.

• Driving range and practice facilities. Aim straight for the lake. This is one hazard you won’t want to miss! Practice facilities available, including putting green, practice hole and chipping area.

• Meeting and banquet facilities. What better way to celebrate any occasion than in such a perfectly unique setting. Plan a small wedding or a meeting in our Jones Room. At Celebration, every occasion is a special event.

• Fully stocked pro shop. From top name golf balls to custom fitted clubs to name brand attire for the whole family.

• Quality equipment rental. Premium Callaway® club rentals and Footjoy® shoes are available for out of town guests.

• Golf Outings. From employee appreciation days to regional corporate events, our professional staff services all types of group tournaments. The club handles all of the details.

Celebration News

• Monty Pythons The Money Song or Cash Works
  

   

  Monty Python’s The Money Song says it all.

   

   

   

   

  I’ve got ninety thousand pounds in my pyjamas,I’ve got forty thousand french francs in my fridge.I’ve got lots of lovely lire,Now the Deutschemark’s getting dearer,And my dollar bills would buy the Brooklyn Bridge. Chorus: There is nothing quite as wonderful as money,There is nothing quite as beautiful as cash.Some people say it’s folly,But I’d rather have the lolly,With money you can ma-ake a splash. Finale: There is nothing quite wonderful as money, (money,money,money,money)There is nothing like a newly minted pound, (money,money,money,money) All: Everyone must hanker for the butchness of a banker,It’s accountancy that makes the world go round. (round,round,round)You can keep your Marxist waysFor it’s only just a phase.For it’s money money money makes the world go round. (money,money,money,money money,money,money,money moneeeeeeeeeeeyyyy)

   

  Cash works best for real estate for any Orlando Real Estate   Financing is available but every rule to qualify must be met.  With so many banks and financial institutions failing because of bad loans and administration a home purchaser needs to be more ready than ever before.

  Have you saved your closing costs and intial investment? Is your credit in stellar condition?

  These are a must in todays financial atmosphere if you are looking to finance a home loan.

  Even the humor of Monty Python’s Flying Circus seems plausable with what is going on in todays financial institutions.  Almost as believeable as the minister of silly walks.  What does this mean for todays home buyer?

  Unless you are bringing cash to the table getting a home loan will be scrutinized left right and center.

  It is more important than ever to get a professional on your team to lead you through the requirements. 

  Are first time homebuyer funds available?  Will there be downpayment assistance?

  The answer is yes but there will be rules so be sure you consult a professional, after all you wouldn’t go to a foot doctor for brain surgery so find a real estate professional with plenty of experience to help you with one of the biggest purchases you have in your life.

  How can Monty help?

  Read more »


• Closer A Song and Orlando Home Situation
  

   

  Todays lyrics are Closer by Ne-Yo

   

   

  Turn the lights off in this place

  or turn up the lights in your Orlando Florida home
  And she shines just like a star

  or will your home shine showtime ready?
  And I swear I know her face

  or is your first impression an inviting one?

  
  I just don’t know who you are

  or will the Orlando Florida buyer say next if you don’t shine?

   

   

   

  
  Turn the music up in here
  I still hear her loud and clear
  Like she’s right there in my ear
  Telling me
  that she wants to own me

  Orlando Florida sold sign vs a for sale sign is this what you want?

  To control me
  Come closer
  Come closer

  Here are the top ten things you need to do to be ready.

   

   

  Read more »



• Orlando Real Estate What are the 7 Things that you need to know about NOT from Miley Cyrus
  

  

   

  Miley Cyrus has a top 10 song out called the 7 Things.  It is about likes and dislikes so here is what is happening new for buyers and sellers. 

  Dislikes:

  “Effective August 18th Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will have an adverse Marketing fee added into their pricing.  The increase is subject to all lenders and  will be a .25 discount point.  

  In addition, they will be increasing their loan level price adjustments based on credit score and loan type.  

  So if you know anyone sitting on the fence.  Have them
  act now to avoid these add-ons.”

  Likes:

  Here is a copy of our realtor call to action from Realtor.org of new legislation.  There is some terrific opportunities here but there are strings attached so be sure to talk to a professional to avoid the pitfalls of the benefits.

  Here is the summary.  To hear of Miley Cyrus’s song see the video at the bottom.

  Read more »


• Orlando Florida Real Estate Letters to Seller Revealed or Viva La Vida by Coldplay
  

  

  Orlando Florida Real Estate update letter to seller why pricing is the most important part of marketing your home for sale. I know it will be hard to accept but I also know from past experience you can handle the truth.

  Like these song lyrics from Coldplay in Viva la Vida

  One minute I hold the key

  Next the walls were closed on me

  And I discovered that my castles stand

  Upon pillars of salt and pillars of sand

  Today the story is the listing appointment and how it helps another seller understand which pillar we need to be pricing.

  Scheduled to be on a listing appt. on Friday a couple miles from your home, a referral from a trusted friend.  After reviewing the recent sales in the area it was another eye opener.  The subject home has 5 bedrooms and 3 baths, with a pool, new carpet and the home was just repainted.  The Homeowner expected to get in the mid to high 250K range.  I ran the comps and found a home on his street same size with granite counters not formica and better cosmetics all around sold for 160K. 

  Your home is in a higher end market but the same rules apply when it comes to comps and days on the market still paint a picture.

  What does this mean?

  Read more »


• Orlando Florida Real Estate Letters to the Editor or My Baby Sent Me a Letter?
  

  

  Orlando Florida Real Estate letters to the editor NOT.  Let’s try a different tact letters to the seller or My Baby He Sent Me A Letter as borrowed from song lyrics of Joe Cocker’s The Letter.

  I don’t care how much money I got to spend ( the bank does)
  I won’t find my way home again (this is a possibility)
  Oh the lonely days are gone (it takes forever for a response)
  I’ll be right home ( dream on)
  My baby, she wrote me a letter (You can handle the truth)

  Had to face some hard facts this week and send out letters to the sellers about the pricing issues.

  I decided to share some of these this week here to widen eyes and open discussion to just why sellers need to price their homes to sell.

  Here is one of the responses to why you can’t price your home 200K higher than others in the neighborhood just because you have two extra bedrooms and beautiful furniture.

  Read more »