Can you really own a house in Walt Disney World? We found out if this rumor is true

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Here’s a wild question.

Can you really live in Walt Disney World?

The short answer is, surprisingly, yes.

Ready for the caveat?

You'll need to have a few extra million dollars to spare. And by few I mean you’ll need $9 or $10 million to get yourself ownership in the exclusive neighborhood Golden Oak.

Where in Walt Disney World is Golden Oak?

Just four miles from Magic Kingdom, Golden Oak is tucked away unassumingly by The Campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort.

Now, just because you made it through the gates doesn’t mean you’re able to view all these stunning, multi-million dollar homes. Golden Oak has about 300 homes broken up into eight sections. Each section has its own gate, although not manned, you best believe they are monitored by security.

At the back of the neighborhood is the Four Seasons Resort at Walt Disney World. Guests staying at the resort, or just going there to enjoy a meal, get to peak at some of the homes while driving through the neighborhood.

If you think you can rent a house for a Golden Oak house for a family vacation, you’ll need a new plan. Strict HOA rules prohibit that kind of thing.

Who lives in Disney's Golden Oak?

More: Disney World brings back highly anticipated pre-pandemic perks

Among those believed to own homes in Golden Oak are a handful of celebrities, including athletes, the owner of a professional sports team and a well-known, long-time game show host.

While Disney executives are tight-lipped on specifics about the residents, they did share that roughly 85% of the homeowners are from the United States. About half consider Golden Oak a vacation home. At one point nearly 20 residents owned more than two homes in Golden Oak or homes on double homesites.

Many homes are used as vacation houses for extended families. After all, the largest house on site is 20,000 square feet, big enough for the in-laws, grandchildren, cousins, aunts, uncles and a slew of other relatives.

Is the name Golden Oak inspired by Disney?

Yes, it absolutely is.

The Golden Oak neighborhood, was inspired by Walt Disney’s Golden Oak Ranch in Newhall, California. The ranch was a filming location for segments of the Mickey Mouse Club in the 1950s and received its name when some say gold was discovered under an oak tree in the mid 1800s.

After “tremendous interest,” Disney Imagineers worked together to design the 980-acre neighborhood. The first residents arrived in 2012.

There are eight custom home builders in the neighborhood who help residents design their perfect Disney castles. Many of the homes have Spanish, Italian or Caribbean influences.

You also won’t see any faux finishes here. All wood beams, stone finishes and hardwood floors are the real deal. Many of the homes have unique touches — bowling alleys, a slide next to the staircase, elevators and secret doors.

The grounds include perfectly manicured lawns, sprawling walking paths and subtle Disney touches sprinkled throughout, including a bronze sculpture of Snow White and the seven dwarfs and another of Bambi.

What is it like living in a Walt Disney neighborhood?

All residents are members of a private club, Summerhouse, located within the neighborhood. The roughly $19,000-yearly membership fee per household is a requirement to live in Golden Oaks.

The clubhouse is equipped with a lounge and restaurant, state-of-the-art workout facilities, a swimming pool and meeting areas often used by residents to conduct business. It is staffed with top-notch Disney cast members who provide a concierge-type lifestyle to members. If residents want to host a party, book tickets to an Orlando Magic game or schedule dinner at Cinderella’s Castle, these cast members magically make it happen. They even handle the more outlandish requests, like helping transport a dog to Brazil.

The Summerhouse hosts private events for residents and their guests, including trivia nights, bingo and an over-the-top Christmas party. Some special Disney friends are known to make appearances at these events.

Exclusive park outings are often arranged for the neighbors. For example, they usually get access to attractions before they open to the public.

The first three years a resident lives in Golden Oak, they receive a free Golden Oak Member Pass. After those three years, the pass is available for a fee.

This coveted pass includes a Disney Platinum Plus Pass and five additional one-day theme park tickets with park hopper. Although parking is included, Golden Oak residents don’t need to worry about that. Whenever they want to visit their neighborhood park, whether it be Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom or Epcot, all they need to do is make a phone call. A vehicle will arrive at their home to transport the residents directly to the park and pick them up when they’re ready to leave.

Ever wonder if that juicy rumor you heard is true? Can't seem to find the answer to a question you have or ponder what's really going on in a certain area? Send your question to Trending Reporter Michelle Spitzer and let her do the work for youSpitzer will answer a new question every week. Email your question to AskMichelle@Floridatoday.com.

All homes at Golden Oak have outdoor living spaces.
All homes at Golden Oak have outdoor living spaces.
Golden Oak, was inspired by Walt Disney’s Golden Oak Ranch in Newhall, California. The ranch was a filming location for segments of the Mickey Mouse Club in the 1950’s and received its name when some say gold was discovered under an oak tree in the mid 1800’s.
Golden Oak, was inspired by Walt Disney’s Golden Oak Ranch in Newhall, California. The ranch was a filming location for segments of the Mickey Mouse Club in the 1950’s and received its name when some say gold was discovered under an oak tree in the mid 1800’s.
A staircase in one of the homes at Golden Oak on Walt Disney World property.
A staircase in one of the homes at Golden Oak on Walt Disney World property.
There are little touches of Disney sprinkled throughout the neighborhood.
There are little touches of Disney sprinkled throughout the neighborhood.
The Golden Oak homes are the only opportunity for people to live on Disney property.
The Golden Oak homes are the only opportunity for people to live on Disney property.

This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Can you really own a house in Walt Disney World? We found out if this rumor is true