Disney Greenlights Massive Affordable Housing Build in Horizon West

February 9, 2026

Project Highlights

• Disney’s affordable housing project in Horizon West is officially moving to construction after receiving state permit approval in January 2026.
• 1,369 apartment units will be developed by The Michaels Organization, with over 1,000 reserved for affordable and attainable housing.
• Located on Hartzog Road near Flamingo Crossings, the project offers easy access to SR-429 and is minutes from Disney parks.
• The community will feature walkable paths, bike trails, and wellness-focused amenities for residents.
• The first units in this affordable housing near Disney in Horizon West are expected to be available in late 2026.

Get a visual tour of Disney’s upcoming Horizon West housing project.

Florida Approves Key Permits for 1,369-Unit Affordable Housing Project

Disney’s long-planned affordable housing initiative is officially breaking ground in Horizon West, near Walt Disney World. State authorities have approved the required infrastructure and environmental permits, clearing the way for full construction to begin on the Hartzog Road Attainable Housing Community.

The project, developed by The Michaels Organization, will include 1,369 apartment homes, with more than 1,000 units reserved for affordable and attainable housing. Built on 80 acres of land donated by Disney, the community is designed to support cast members and local workers by offering more stable, cost-accessible living options in a high-demand area.

Strategic Location Near Parks and SR-429

The community is located along Hartzog Road, near Flamingo Crossings Town Center, and just off State Road 429 — placing it within minutes of Disney’s parks and major hospitality employment zones.

This location is expected to significantly reduce commute times for thousands of workers in the area. It also adds much-needed rental housing stock to one of Central Florida’s fastest-growing regions.

Project Timeline and Key Features

With permitting complete as of January 2026, land clearing and vertical construction will now begin. The first units are scheduled to open in 2026, with phased leasing likely to follow.

The community will include:

• Safe pedestrian walkways
• Bicycle trails
• Green spaces and wellness features
• Mixed-income housing layouts

The goal is to create a walkable, connected community with long-term affordability and sustainability in mind.

Timeline and Market Impact

Central Florida continues to face a housing crisis, especially in the tourism corridor. Although this project alone won’t solve the issue, it marks a major step forward. Orlando adds around 1,500 new residents each week, and projects like this are essential to addressing demand.

This is one of the largest single-site affordable housing projects in the region — and it’s backed by a major private employer. Disney’s support signals a growing trend of corporate involvement in local housing solutions.

Construction crews are expected to begin work shortly after the site is cleared. Leasing timelines, unit pricing, and floorplans will likely be released in late 2026 as the first buildings near completion.

For those working in hospitality, tourism, and service industries, this project offers a real opportunity to live closer to work in a modern, well-planned community.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is Disney building in Horizon West?

Disney is supporting the development of a 1,369-unit attainable housing community in Horizon West. The project is being built on 80 acres of land donated by Disney and developed by The Michaels Organization.

Where is the new Disney affordable housing located?

The community is located on Hartzog Road, near Flamingo Crossings, and just off State Road 429 in Horizon West, Florida — minutes from Walt Disney World.

When will the affordable housing near Disney be ready?

Construction is expected to begin in 2026, with the first apartments opening by late 2026. Leasing details will be shared closer to completion.

Who can live in the new Horizon West housing?

The project will feature mixed-income apartments, but over 1,000 units are reserved specifically for affordable and attainable housing for local workers, including Disney Cast Members.

What amenities will the community include?

Planned features include pedestrian walkways, bicycle trails, green spaces, and other wellness-focused amenities designed to create a livable, community-driven environment.

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