Disney Just Sold an Apartment Complex for $90 Million

You probably think of “Disney Property” at Disney World in terms of theme parks, water parks, and hotel rooms, but for decades, Disney has also owned apartments used for housing for certain staff members — including students in the Disney College Program.

Now Disney has sold a huge apartment complex, and the 35 acres it sits on, just a stone’s throw from Disney Springs. What’s going to become of the Vista Way Apartments?

For more than 20 years, the Vista Way Apartments were home to thousands of Disney College Program students. Like the college campuses the students came from, Vista Way offered shared housing, recreation in the form of two resort-style pools and a fitness center, and even classrooms where College Program students could take classes for college credit or personal development.

But the apartments have been empty since the suspension of the Disney College Program in March 2020. In the meantime, Disney’s new Flamingo Crossings Village, meant to replace Vista Way and other older housing complexes, has opened.

Disney just sold Vista Way to Denver-based Grand Peaks for $90 million, according to the Orlando Business Journal. And while there was speculation that the land near the intersection of Interstate 4 and SR-535 would be attractive to a hotel or retail developer, it turns out that the apartments will remain standing.

The new owners are giving the apartments a makeover, including new flooring, quartz countertops, and stainless steel appliances, and a new name — Emerald Grove.

Grand Peaks’ website says the company is already taking reservations for the renovated apartments. So if you’re thinking about a move, here’s your chance to live close to Disney World inside a piece of Disney history!

Join the AllEars.net Newsletter to stay on top of ALL the breaking Disney News! You'll also get access to AllEars tips, reviews, trivia, and MORE! Click here to Subscribe!

Did you participate in the Disney College Program? Share your memories in the comments.