Walt Disney World College Program participants may have fond memories of an apartment complex just off Walt Disney World property, Vista Way, but it looks like the Walt Disney Company is ready to sell off this asset, according to the Orlando Business Journal.
What’s happening:
- The Walt Disney Company is selling its 468-unit Vista Way apartments at 13501 Meadow Creek Drive just off the edge of Walt Disney World property.
- 5 acres is also potentially for sale for "investors interested in ground-up development," according to marketing materials. Because of the proximity to both Walt Disney World and Interstate 4 in the heart of the tourist corridor, The site may also attract interest from hotel groups.
- Disney has not yet commented on the sale of Vista Way at this time.
- Last year as the parks and resorts of Walt Disney World were shut down as the global pandemic began, the Walt Disney World College Program, as well as the International Student and Cultural Representative programs were shut down, and the complexes that housed the participants (Vista Way, as well as Chatham Square, The Commons, and Patterson Court) were closed and vacated as students went home (or elsewhere).
- As of press time, no announcement on when these programs will resume has been made.
- When the programs return, a new housing complex designed in partnership with a college campus housing group will be utilized. This complex, Flamingo Crossings Village, was being built and was near completion before the pandemic-related shutdowns, and is already offering housing to some cast members and has been since December.
- Flamingo Crossings Village is located on a different side of Walt Disney World Property in Flamingo Crossings, closer to Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, and behind Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
- Back at Vista Way, numerous students who’ve passed through could tell you that the complex features two resort-style pools, two clubhouses, a fitness center and more, which is why the property is billed as a "strong lease-up opportunity" with a 95.2% projected five-year average occupancy.
- The property's 2020 market value was $63.1 million but it’s predicted that the property will sell for tens of millions of dollars more due to its location and amenities.
- Walt Disney Parks & Resorts US Inc. is the owner of the 34.6 acre complex that dates back to 1988-1990, depending on the building.