Disney's Affordable Housing Community Near Orlando Moves Forward: More Than 1,000 Affordable Apartments Planned
ORANGE COUNTY, FLORIDA — Walt Disney World is helping bring a major new affordable housing development to Central Florida. The project, known as the Hartzog Road Attainable Housing Community, is planned for the Horizon West area near Winter Garden, just a few miles from Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom.
The development is expected to include approximately 1,369 apartments, with more than 1,000 designated as affordable housing for qualifying households.
Although the project was first announced in 2022, it reached another important milestone in January 2026 when state regulators approved an environmental permit needed for development.
For Central Florida residents struggling with high rents, the planned community could eventually provide another housing option.
Where Will the New Apartments Be Located?
The development is planned along Hartzog Road in southwest Orange County, near Winter Garden and the Horizon West community.
The location is close to Walt Disney World, Flamingo Crossings Town Center, shopping, schools, and major employment centers.
Although Disney is contributing land, the apartments will not be exclusively for Disney employees.
The community is intended to serve qualifying residents throughout Central Florida.
What Types of Apartments Will Be Available?
Plans presented during the development review process described a variety of housing options, including:
One-bedroom apartments
Two-bedroom apartments
Three-bedroom apartments
Four-bedroom apartments and townhomes
Earlier proposals indicated that approximately 80% of the residences would be one- and two-bedroom apartments.
The community's proposed amenities have included landscaped green spaces, walking and biking paths, playgrounds, dog parks, a swimming pool, and shared recreational areas.
These features are based on development plans and may change before construction is completed.
Who Will Qualify for Disney's Affordable Housing?
The community is designed to serve households within specified income ranges.
Earlier development presentations described affordable units intended for households earning approximately 50% to 100% of Area Median Income (AMI).
Area Median Income is a measure used to determine housing eligibility based on local income levels and household size.
For example, a household earning 60% of AMI may qualify for certain income-restricted apartments, while another household earning 90% of AMI may qualify for a different category.
However, the developer has not yet published a final, current income eligibility chart for prospective applicants.
Important: Applicants should not assume they qualify based on older income limits. Final eligibility requirements must be confirmed with the property management company.
How Much Will the Apartments Cost?
As of this article's publication, verified monthly rental rates have not been located for the planned community.
Rent will likely vary according to apartment size, income restrictions, and the development's final affordability requirements.
Housing Resource will update this article when official rental rates become available.
When Will Applications Open?
There is no confirmed application opening date at this time.
Disney previously anticipated that the first apartments could be completed in 2026. However, that was an earlier projection, not a confirmed opening announcement.
In January 2026, the project received an important environmental permit authorizing stormwater and drainage infrastructure work.
The approval moved the development forward, but it did not establish a confirmed leasing or move-in date.
The Michaels Organization, which will develop and manage the community, is expected to release application information when it becomes available.
How to Apply for Disney's Affordable Housing
Residents interested in the community should follow these steps:
Step 1: Follow the official development updates.
Visit Disney's affordable housing information page:
https://disneyexperiences.com/disneyworld/affordable-housing/
Step 2: Check the developer's website.
The Michaels Organization will be responsible for managing the community.
Step 3: Prepare for future applications.
Depending on the final requirements, applicants may need identification, proof of household income, employment documentation, and information about household members.
Step 4: Watch for official leasing announcements.
Do not pay an application fee or provide sensitive personal information to anyone claiming to accept applications unless you have verified that the application process is officially open.
Why This Development Matters
Affordable housing continues to be a major concern throughout the Orlando metropolitan area.
Many workers in hospitality, tourism, retail, education, healthcare, and other industries struggle to find rental housing within a reasonable distance of their jobs.
Disney's project is unusual because the company is contributing land while a separate private developer handles the construction, ownership, and management of the apartments.
The proposal has also faced opposition from some Horizon West residents concerned about traffic, schools, and infrastructure. Orange County officials approved the project in October 2024, and subsequent permitting has allowed planning to advance.
For housing seekers, the most important questions remain how affordable the completed apartments will be and when applications will become available.
Stay Updated on Disney's Affordable Housing Community
Housing Resource will continue following developments involving the Hartzog Road Attainable Housing Community, including:
Official rental prices
Income eligibility requirements
Application announcements
Leasing and move-in dates
Changes to the development timeline
Bookmark HousingResource.org for Florida affordable housing information and waiting-list updates.
Housing Resource is an independent housing information website. We are not affiliated with Walt Disney World, The Michaels Organization, HUD, or any government housing agency. We do not accept housing applications or determine eligibility.
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