Celebration
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Although Celebration, Florida has been ridiculed as artificial or fantasy—most likely due to its shared history with nearby Walt Disney World—the town is in fact a perfect example of a successful New Urbanist community. The movement focuses on constructing developments with walkable streets and buildings with mixed uses in a style similar to old small towns. For example, houses tend to have front porches in the front and garages in the back. Main Street buildings could have office space or condos located above retail or restaurants. Celebration was an early model of New Urbanism that can now be found in other communities across the country.
But it's Celebration's close relation with Walt Disney that makes it so unique. When Walt Disney built his nearby amusement park he also dreamt of building a small town on the property that people would inhabit to be called Epcot (Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow). Epcot became its own amusement park but the dream to build a special town lived on. It eventually took its shape, not from the future but from the nostalgic towns of the past where people talked to their neighbors from their front porches or walked to Main Street.
Ironically, Celebration's town center does not feature any roads called Main Street. (Main Street was already taken somewhere else in Osceola County.) Instead, it's Main Streets are Market Street and Front Street, which fronts a scenic lake. Most shops and restaurants can be found along those two streets as well as a few on Bloom Street and Celebration Avenue. Visitors and tourists are more than welcome to patronize the town's stores, restaurants, and attractions, although signs do warn that nearby parks are for residents only.
Visiting Celebration is a good way to spend a few hours. Although there aren't many stores, the ones that are here are unique and affordable. The restaurants offer sidewalk cafes many with decent views of the lake and local architecture. Don't spend the whole trip to Celebration shopping though; make sure you take time to check out this town and its wide variety of architecture—whether on foot, two wheels, or four.
Retail Hours
All stores are open seven days a week. Some close by dinner time while many others stay open until 9:00 p.m.
Parking
Free parking is plentiful in many of the town's side streets. Watch the signs. Some spots are reserved for electrical vehicles only.
Events
Celebration throws many events throughout the year including several with a seasonal theme including the Spring Art Festival and Oktoberfest in Celebration. But one of the most popular times to visit is during the holidays where carolers, Santa Clause and even some fake snow can put anyone in the Christmas spirit.
Attractions
The town itself is a major attraction. Spend time exploring the town's architecture on foot or by car. You can also rent an electric car at the Family Fun Station (671 Front Street, Suite 120, 407-566-9846). One word of warning though. Many of the parks and walking trails are for residents only. But you can take in a show at the
AMC Celebration 2 (651 Front Street, 407-566-1405) movie theater in the town center.
Directions
Celebration is about 24 miles from Orlando, Florida and about 66 miles from Tampa, Florida.
From Tampa take I-4 East to exit 62 for Florida Route 417 (Central Florida Greeneway). Stay to the right and follow signs to Celebration. You will merge onto World Drive. Turn left at Celebration Boulevard. Turn right at Waterside Drive. Turn left at Celebration Avenue. Follow Celebration Avenue to the town center.
From Orlando take I-4 West to exit 64 for US 192 east towards Kissimmee. Turn right at Celebration Avenue. Follow Celebration Avenue to the town center.
External Links
Directory
Accessories
Unique Boutique (605 Market Street, Suite 140, 321-939-2311)
Children's
Lollipop Cottage (605 Market Street, 321-939-4130)
Sanrio Surprises (671 Front Street, Suite 110, 321-939-1777)
Coffee and Dessert
Confetti (741 Front Street, 877-836-4151)
Kilwin's (671 Front Street, Suite 140, 407-566-8555)
Starbucks Coffee(741 Front Street, Suite 140, 321-939-3200)
Dining
Cafe D'Antonio (691 Front Street, Suite 110, 407-566-2233)
Celebration Town Tavern (721 Front Street, 407-566-2526)
Columbia Restaurant (649 Front Street, 407-566-1505)
Imperium Wine Room (606 Market Street, Suite 140, 407-566-9054)
Market Street Cafe (701 Front Street, 407-566-1144)
Seito Sushi (671 Front Street, Suite 100, 407-566-1889)
Shannon's of Celebration (715 Bloom Street, Suite 130, 407-566-8733)
Thai Thani (600 Market Street, Suite 100, 407-566-9444)
Upper Crust Pizza (606 Market Street, Suite 160, 407-566-1221)
Fashions
Confetti (741 Front Street, 877-836-4151)
Soft As A Grape (606 Market Street, 407-566-1103)
Unique Boutique (605 Market Street, Suite 140, 321-939-2311)
Framing
PastPresent Gallery & Custom Frame Shop (660 Celebration Avenue, Suite 150, 877-472-7862)
Galleries
PastPresent Gallery & Custom Frame Shop (660 Celebration Avenue, Suite 150, 877-472-7862)
Gift Shops
Day Dreams (603 Market Street, Suite 110, 407-566-1231)
Sanrio Surprises (671 Front Street, Suite 110, 321-939-1777)
Home Furnishings
Market Street Gallery (605 Market Street, Suite 120, 407-566-1500)
Jewelry
Jewel Box (606 Market Street, Suite 110, 321-939-2915)
Pets
Woof Gang Bakery (671 Front Street, Suite 120, 321-939-2253)
Toys and Games
Sanrio Surprises (671 Front Street, Suite 110, 321-939-1777)
Wine Rooms
Imperium Wine Room (606 Market Street, Suite 140, 407-566-9054)
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