The sheer number of magical places to go and things to do for Golden Oak residents is growing ever more spectacular as the opening of Disney Springs™ continues through the summer.

Located just 2.9 miles from Golden Oak, Disney Springs™ puts residents within neighborly reach of great dining, shopping and entertainment amid beautiful open-air promenades, flowing springs and waterfront charm. It's a different kind of experience, brought to life with the same focus on storytelling and attention to detail that goes into our theme parks, resorts and cruise ships … resulting in a welcoming space that only Disney could create.

Last December, even as the first phase of this dramatic re-imagination of Downtown Disney® into Disney Springs was receiving its finishing touches, the Golden Oak Club had already arranged an early preview for residents—with private transportation to and from Summerhouse, of course.

 

It was a sweet kickoff indeed: a private, small-group tasting tour at The Ganachery, a specialty chocolate shop, before it was officially opened to Walt Disney World® Guests. Hosted by Chef Stefan Riemer and Chef Chocolatier Amanda Lauder, residents were treated to an immersive experience much like a wine tasting. As evidenced by the many "oohs," "ahhs" and "mmms," the showcase of ingredient sourcing, flavor profiles and proprietary blends found an appreciative audience.

 

"I was so impressed," remarked a resident. "The chocolates and ganache tasted exquisite, and the packaging was beautiful. My wife and I stocked up for holiday gift-giving… ourselves included!"

 

The jewel-box of a shop is "a fresh take on an old apothecary," said Theron Skees, Creative Portfolio Executive for Walt Disney Imagineering, in an exclusive presentation at Summerhouse this March. Residents were captivated by Theron's "behind the magic" look at Disney Springs, especially the imaginative backstory that inspired it: Like the many small Florida towns that developed around natural springs, its first settlers arrived in the mid-1800s, and over time their "town" grew into 4 districts-—Town Center, The Landing, Marketplace and West Side.

 

It's an inventive approach to creating a vibrant sense of local color that will, all told, play out across more than 150 distinct venues. No wonder the Golden Oak Club calendar is bubbling with sneak-peeks, festive outings and more memory-making at Disney Springs for 2016 and beyond!