As the story goes, a young Walt Disney would lie underneath the expansive branches of his 'dreaming tree' in Missouri - the birth place for some of the worlds most beloved Disney characters.

Some years later, Disney's scenic Placerita Canyon ranch served as the backdrop for segments of The Mickey Mouse Club TV show. The reserve of more than 900 acres was purchased by Disney in 1959 to serve as a quiet vista for TV and movie productions. Walt and his family also spent time relaxing and playing on the ranch. What was the name of this ranch? Golden Oak, in honor of a storied tree there which was said to have had actual golden nuggets found at its base in 1842.

Golden Oak will initially consist of three types of single-family homes: Village, Estate and Grand Estate Homes. Village Homes will capture the romantic look of a Mediterranean village on homesites up to one-quarter acre. Estate Homes, on approximately one-half acre homesites, will offer a variety of architectural styles including Tuscan, Spanish Revival, Venetian, Italianate, Dutch Colonial and Island Colonial. At up to three-quarters acre in size, Grand Estate Homes will include architectural styles consistent with Estate Homes and will accommodate the needs of large families. Home prices start at $1.4 million.

Golden Oak at Walt Disney World Resort brings together family, friends and cherished Disney traditions in a unique, luxury residential resort community of single-family custom homes. To live at Golden Oak is to enjoy a destination experience year round, with distinctive neighborhoods, expansive natural preserves and inviting amenities—including a private clubhouse, concierge-style resident services and Walt Disney World Resort park offerings. Also planned for the community is Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort, with a golf course, spa and restaurants.

For most people, a visit to Walt Disney World is reason to celebrate. But that wasn’t quite enough for two families from Oklahoma and West Virginia.

“I wanted to be the grandma who lives at Walt Disney World!” says Jill, who along with her husband, Jack, was one of the first families to purchase land and build a home in Golden Oak, Disney’s unique residential resort community. “Who do you think the kids will want to visit the most?”

Karen, who bought a home with her husband, Kevin, had a similar feeling about Golden Oak: “Disney’s just outside the gate, but it’s quiet inside. We know this will make our kids and grandkids happy!”

Karen and Kevin will move into their Spanish-Revival inspired home in the next two months. The home is located in Silverbrook, which features 19 home sites of approximately one-half acre each. Residents can savor moments of quiet repose alongside conservation areas or water features, or easily stroll to community amenities and activities at the Summerhouse, which is currently under construction.

Jack and Jill will move into their Tuscan-inspired vacation home in January, with plans to split their time between Florida and Oklahoma. But, as Jill says jokingly, “Jack is a little concerned that he may lose me to Florida for most of the year!” Their home is located in Kimball Trace, a charming Tuscan-inspired village nestled between the tranquil waters of the lagoon and the cool shade of the natural preserves. Varying in design and style, each home demonstrates the luxury lifestyle that Golden Oak has to offer – including subtle Disney-inspired touches.

Kimball Trace also features the first three showcase village homes in Golden Oak, which were recently completed and furnished, and are now open for tours (by appointment only):

• Inspiring to all who enter the front door, Villa d’Este by Goehring & Morgan showcases the exquisite view of the outdoor areas. Featuring approximately 3,664 square feet of indoor living space, this home offers four bedrooms, four en-suite bathrooms and one powder room, a gathering room with incredible beamed ceilings and a separate study. The owner’s suite overlooks a long view of the courtyard areas and pond. Subtle, yet elegant details of this home, such as the knotty alder front door; the interior and exterior ironwork; the clay tile imported from France; and, the authentic stone on the exterior elevation, help to create a truly exceptional showcase home.
• Casa di Lusso by ISSA Homes is as beautiful as it is timeless. This two- story home features approximately 4,272 square feet of indoor living space where almost all rooms have a generous view of the pond. This home is inspired by a creatively designed farmhouse, and is open and airy. Featuring four bedrooms, four en-suite bathrooms, one powder room and a generous area for entertaining, this home is one of a kind. One is immediately drawn to the large outdoor living space and generously sized pool and spa.
• An architecturally inspiring home, Da Vinci by Cahill showcases approximately 4,044 square feet of indoor living area. This home features four bedrooms – all with en-suite bathrooms and one of which is a private guest suite – an additional study/guest bedroom with an en-suite bathroom, one powder room and a family room and kitchen designed for bringing the family together as well as entertaining. The well-appointed and large owner’s suite features a walk -in closet and is privately located on the first floor, surrounded by a beautiful courtyard filled with flowers and palm trees.

Both Kimball Trace and Silverbrook are within neighborly reach of Summerhouse, Golden Oak’s planned 16,000 square-foot residential clubhouse designed by Walt Disney Imagineers. Currently under construction and scheduled for opening in 2012, Summerhouse has been planned to include indoor and outdoor dining areas, a lounge with wine storage and full bar, a family room with gaming area, a demonstration kitchen for guest chef appearances, as well as a state-of-the-art fitness facility, locker rooms and pool with towel service. An outdoor fire pit, courtyard, function lawn and park areas are planned for year-round recreation. Programs are anticipated to include kitchen demonstrations by Disney chefs, seasonal parties and family events hosted by Golden Oak Resident Services professionals.

Families who close on the purchase of a homesite or completed home in Golden Oak before December 31, 2011 will receive one complimentary five-year Golden Oak VIP Pass for the homebuyer, providing admission for the homebuyer and up to four guests. The special Golden Oak VIP Pass will allow admission to all four Walt Disney World theme parks, water parks, DisneyQuest indoor interactive theme park and ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex every day of the year with no block-out dates. Also included is complimentary parking for one car and discounts up to 20 percent on select merchandise purchased at select Walt Disney World Resort parks or Downtown Disney area locations.

Every homeowner at Golden Oak will be a member of the private social and recreational Golden Oak Club. As part of the club membership, homeowners will receive Door-to-Park transportation, complimentary merchandise delivery to their home in Golden Oak, special golf services, and access to the Extra Magic Hours benefit at Walt Disney World (early- or after-hours access to one of the four Walt Disney World Resort theme parks daily). Disney-designed holiday décor, golf program and in-park special event tickets will be available for an additional fee.

Additionally, Resident Services at Golden Oak will bring Disney’s personal guest service culture directly to residents and guests. A dedicated onsite team at Golden Oak will help arrange personal, residential and resort requests such as move-in services, pre-arrival and post-departure home maintenance services, travel and private transportation, holiday home décor, grocery shopping, VIP tours and more.

Get on the list! The first step is to get on the Priority Reservation List. A limited amount of home sites will be released in 2010 so timing is everything. Your place will be secured upon receipt of a fully executed Lot Release Priority Agreement and a refundable $25,000 deposit. Your Global Real Estate Professional can assist in lot and builder selection.