Lake Buena Vista, Florida
Encyclopedia
Lake Buena Vista is a city in Orange County
, Florida
, United States
. It is mostly known for being home to the Walt Disney World Resort
. It is one of two Florida municipalities controlled by The Walt Disney Company
, the other being Bay Lake
.
Lake Buena Vista is part of the Orlando
–Kissimmee
Metropolitan Statistical Area.
on May 12, 1967, the same day he also signed chapters 67-764 (creating the Reedy Creek Improvement District
) and 67-1104 (incorporating the City of Bay Lake
). It was located fully inside the Reedy Creek Improvement District. The city was controlled by the Walt Disney Company and allowed it powers that other area attractions had not had.
Chapter 69-1527, which became a law on July 3, 1969 without the governor's approval, redefined the city boundaries. The city was completely moved, taking over some land that had been part of the City of Bay Lake (and was given up by Chapter 69-836, which became a law the same day) and including some other land that had formerly been unincorporated. Soon after, the City of Reedy Creek was renamed to the City of Lake Buena Vista to better reflect its new location, through which Reedy Creek
did not flow. "Buena Vista
" comes from the name of the street in Burbank, California
where The Walt Disney Company is located.
The Reedy Creek Improvement District had all the powers of the city and more, raising the questions of why cities needed to be incorporated inside it. Walt Disney
's original plans for the site included at least one futuristic living area, a planned "community of the future
". This was never built, but some of the ideas were incorporated into the EPCOT theme park
and later Celebration, Florida
. The only residents of the city are Disney employees who live in a small community on Royal Oak Court, north of Downtown Disney
. The only landowners are fully owned subsidiaries of Disney, and right-of-way for state and county roads.
and Interstate 4. The lake, named Black Lake before Disney came, was most probably named for Buena Vista Street in Burbank, California
where Disney's corporate offices and main studios are located. Several Walt Disney Company business entities had names containing "Buena Vista," a Spanish phrase that, in this case, translates to "good view."
According to the United States Census Bureau
, the city has a total area of 4.9 square miles (12.7 km²). 4.8 square miles (12.4 km²) of it is land and 0.1 square mile (0.258998811 km²) of it (1.84%) is water.
of 2000, there were 16 people, 9 households, and 5 families residing in the city. The population density
was 3.3 inhabitants per square mile (1.3/km²). There were 11 housing units at an average density of 2.3 per square mile (0.9/km²). Everyone in the city is white
.
There were 9 households out of which one had children under the age of 18 living with them, four are married couples
living together, none have a female householder with no husband present. Four are households are made up of individuals, one of whom is 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 1.78 and the average family size was 2.40.
The age distribution was two under 18, none between 18 and 24, three from 25 to 44, six from 45 to 64, and five who were 65 or older. The median age was 53 years. The male-to-female ratio is 1:1.
The median income for a household in the city was $39,375, and the median income for a family was $62,500. Males had a median income of $60,000 versus $38,750 for females. The per capita income
for the city was $25,769. No one in the city is below the poverty line.
Note that the 1990 population includes the Vista Way apartments for Walt Disney World College Program
participants, which began operation in 1988 and were de-annexed after the 1990 census.
with Orange County Public Schools
.
The only subdivision within Lake Buena Vista falls within the attendance zones of Sand Lake Elementary School, Southwest Middle School, and Dr. Phillips High School
.
Orange County, Florida
Orange County is a county located in the U.S. state of Florida and is part of the Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford Metropolitan Statistical Area . As of 2010 U.S. Census, the county had a population of 1,145,956....
, Florida
Florida
Florida is a state in the southeastern United States, located on the nation's Atlantic and Gulf coasts. It is bordered to the west by the Gulf of Mexico, to the north by Alabama and Georgia and to the east by the Atlantic Ocean. With a population of 18,801,310 as measured by the 2010 census, it...
, United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. It is mostly known for being home to the Walt Disney World Resort
Walt Disney World Resort
Walt Disney World Resort , is the world's most-visited entertaimental resort. Located in Lake Buena Vista, Florida ; approximately southwest of Orlando, Florida, United States, the resort covers an area of and includes four theme parks, two water parks, 23 on-site themed resort hotels Walt...
. It is one of two Florida municipalities controlled by The Walt Disney Company
The Walt Disney Company
The Walt Disney Company is the largest media conglomerate in the world in terms of revenue. Founded on October 16, 1923, by Walt and Roy Disney as the Disney Brothers Cartoon Studio, Walt Disney Productions established itself as a leader in the American animation industry before diversifying into...
, the other being Bay Lake
Bay Lake, Florida
Bay Lake is a city in Orange County, Florida, United States. The population was 23 at the 2000 census. According to the U.S Census estimates of 2005, the city had a population of 22. It is named after Bay Lake, a lake east of the Magic Kingdom. Most of the Walt Disney World Resort, including...
.
Lake Buena Vista is part of the Orlando
Orlando, Florida
Orlando is a city in the central region of the U.S. state of Florida. It is the county seat of Orange County, and the center of the Greater Orlando metropolitan area. According to the 2010 US Census, the city had a population of 238,300, making Orlando the 79th largest city in the United States...
–Kissimmee
Kissimmee, Florida
Kissimmee is a city in Osceola County, Florida, United States. As of the 2010 census, the population was 59,682. It is the county seat of Osceola County...
Metropolitan Statistical Area.
History
Chapter 67-1965 of the Laws of Florida, incorporating the City of Reedy Creek, was signed into law by Governor Claude R. Kirk, Jr.Claude R. Kirk, Jr.
Claude Roy Kirk, Jr. was the 36th Governor of the U.S. state of Florida . He was the first Republican Governor of Florida since Reconstruction.-Early life:...
on May 12, 1967, the same day he also signed chapters 67-764 (creating the Reedy Creek Improvement District
Reedy Creek Improvement District
The Reedy Creek Improvement District is the immediate governing jurisdiction for the land of the Walt Disney World Resort. As of the late 1990s, it comprised an area of within the outer limits of Orange and Osceola counties in Florida...
) and 67-1104 (incorporating the City of Bay Lake
Bay Lake, Florida
Bay Lake is a city in Orange County, Florida, United States. The population was 23 at the 2000 census. According to the U.S Census estimates of 2005, the city had a population of 22. It is named after Bay Lake, a lake east of the Magic Kingdom. Most of the Walt Disney World Resort, including...
). It was located fully inside the Reedy Creek Improvement District. The city was controlled by the Walt Disney Company and allowed it powers that other area attractions had not had.
Chapter 69-1527, which became a law on July 3, 1969 without the governor's approval, redefined the city boundaries. The city was completely moved, taking over some land that had been part of the City of Bay Lake (and was given up by Chapter 69-836, which became a law the same day) and including some other land that had formerly been unincorporated. Soon after, the City of Reedy Creek was renamed to the City of Lake Buena Vista to better reflect its new location, through which Reedy Creek
Reedy Creek
Reedy Creek may refer to places in:Australia* Reedy Creek, Queensland** Reedy Creek Observatory, observatory* Reedy Creek Reserve, QueenslandUSA* Reedy Creek Improvement District, Florida* Reedy Creek...
did not flow. "Buena Vista
Buena Vista (Walt Disney Company)
Buena Vista is a brand name frequently used for divisions of The Walt Disney Company, whose primary studios and offices are located on Buena Vista Street in Burbank, California. It was originally created by Walt Disney in 1953 after the release of Peter Pan to distribute his film and television...
" comes from the name of the street in Burbank, California
Burbank, California
Burbank is a city in Los Angeles County in Southern California, United States, north of downtown Los Angeles. The estimated population in 2010 was 103,340....
where The Walt Disney Company is located.
The Reedy Creek Improvement District had all the powers of the city and more, raising the questions of why cities needed to be incorporated inside it. Walt Disney
Walt Disney
Walter Elias "Walt" Disney was an American film producer, director, screenwriter, voice actor, animator, entrepreneur, entertainer, international icon, and philanthropist, well-known for his influence in the field of entertainment during the 20th century. Along with his brother Roy O...
's original plans for the site included at least one futuristic living area, a planned "community of the future
Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow (concept)
The Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow was a concept developed by Walt Disney near the end of his lifetime. This planned city was his intended purpose for the property purchased near Orlando, Florida, that eventually became the Walt Disney World Resort...
". This was never built, but some of the ideas were incorporated into the EPCOT theme park
Epcot
Epcot is a theme park in the Walt Disney World Resort, located near Orlando, Florida. The park is dedicated to the celebration of human achievement, namely international culture and technological innovation. The second park built at the resort, it opened on October 1, 1982 and was initially named...
and later Celebration, Florida
Celebration, Florida
Celebration is a census-designated place and a master-planned community in Osceola County, Florida, United States, located near Walt Disney World Resort and originally developed by The Walt Disney Company...
. The only residents of the city are Disney employees who live in a small community on Royal Oak Court, north of Downtown Disney
Downtown Disney (Florida)
Downtown Disney is an outdoor shopping, dining, and entertainment complex located at the Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. Downtown Disney is open to the public, requires no admission fee, and offers complimentary parking and transportation to all Disney-operated Walt Disney...
. The only landowners are fully owned subsidiaries of Disney, and right-of-way for state and county roads.
The lake
The body of water named Lake Buena Vista is a small body of water located east of the Buena Vista Golf Course, west of the crossing of State Road 535Florida State Road 535
Florida State Road 535, also known as Kissimmee-Vineland Road, is a state road in the U.S. state of Florida. The road begins at U.S. Highway 192 in Kissimmee, Florida, heading north, ending in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, formerly Vineland, Florida...
and Interstate 4. The lake, named Black Lake before Disney came, was most probably named for Buena Vista Street in Burbank, California
Burbank, California
Burbank is a city in Los Angeles County in Southern California, United States, north of downtown Los Angeles. The estimated population in 2010 was 103,340....
where Disney's corporate offices and main studios are located. Several Walt Disney Company business entities had names containing "Buena Vista," a Spanish phrase that, in this case, translates to "good view."
Geography
Lake Buena Vista is located at 28°22′39"N 81°31′18"W (28.377362, -81.521728).According to the United States Census Bureau
United States Census Bureau
The United States Census Bureau is the government agency that is responsible for the United States Census. It also gathers other national demographic and economic data...
, the city has a total area of 4.9 square miles (12.7 km²). 4.8 square miles (12.4 km²) of it is land and 0.1 square mile (0.258998811 km²) of it (1.84%) is water.
Demographics
As of the censusCensus
A census is the procedure of systematically acquiring and recording information about the members of a given population. It is a regularly occurring and official count of a particular population. The term is used mostly in connection with national population and housing censuses; other common...
of 2000, there were 16 people, 9 households, and 5 families residing in the city. The population density
Population density
Population density is a measurement of population per unit area or unit volume. It is frequently applied to living organisms, and particularly to humans...
was 3.3 inhabitants per square mile (1.3/km²). There were 11 housing units at an average density of 2.3 per square mile (0.9/km²). Everyone in the city is white
White American
White Americans are people of the United States who are considered or consider themselves White. The United States Census Bureau defines White people as those "having origins in any of the original peoples of Europe, the Middle East, or North Africa...
.
There were 9 households out of which one had children under the age of 18 living with them, four are married couples
Marriage
Marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found...
living together, none have a female householder with no husband present. Four are households are made up of individuals, one of whom is 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 1.78 and the average family size was 2.40.
The age distribution was two under 18, none between 18 and 24, three from 25 to 44, six from 45 to 64, and five who were 65 or older. The median age was 53 years. The male-to-female ratio is 1:1.
The median income for a household in the city was $39,375, and the median income for a family was $62,500. Males had a median income of $60,000 versus $38,750 for females. The per capita income
Per capita income
Per capita income or income per person is a measure of mean income within an economic aggregate, such as a country or city. It is calculated by taking a measure of all sources of income in the aggregate and dividing it by the total population...
for the city was $25,769. No one in the city is below the poverty line.
Population history
- 1970: 12
- 1980: 98
- 1990: 1,776
- 2000: 16
Note that the 1990 population includes the Vista Way apartments for Walt Disney World College Program
Walt Disney World College Program
The Walt Disney College Program is a U.S. national internship program operated by The Walt Disney Company, located at the Walt Disney World Resort and the Disneyland Resort...
participants, which began operation in 1988 and were de-annexed after the 1990 census.
Points of interest
- Walt Disney World
- Magic KingdomMagic KingdomMagic Kingdom Park is one of four theme parks at the Walt Disney World Resort located near Orlando, Florida. The first park built at the resort, Magic Kingdom opened Oct. 1, 1971. Designed and built by WED Enterprises, the park's layout and attractions are similar to Disneyland in Anaheim, California...
* - EpcotEpcotEpcot is a theme park in the Walt Disney World Resort, located near Orlando, Florida. The park is dedicated to the celebration of human achievement, namely international culture and technological innovation. The second park built at the resort, it opened on October 1, 1982 and was initially named...
* - Disney's Hollywood StudiosDisney's Hollywood StudiosDisney's Hollywood Studios is a theme park at the Walt Disney World Resort. Spanning 135 acres in size, its theme is show business, drawing inspiration from the heyday of Hollywood in the 1930s and 1940s...
* - Disney's Animal KingdomDisney's Animal KingdomDisney's Animal Kingdom is an animal theme park located at the Walt Disney World Resort. The fourth park built at the resort, it opened on April 22, 1998, and it is the largest single Disney theme park in the world, covering more than . It is also the first Disney theme park to be themed entirely...
* - Disney's Blizzard BeachDisney's Blizzard BeachBlizzard Beach is a water park located at the Walt Disney World Resort.The park opened on April 1, 1995 and was the third Walt Disney World water park. The theme of the park is the "Disney legend" of a freak snowstorm in the area, leading to the construction of Florida's first ski resort...
* - Typhoon Lagoon
- Downtown DisneyDowntown Disney (Florida)Downtown Disney is an outdoor shopping, dining, and entertainment complex located at the Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. Downtown Disney is open to the public, requires no admission fee, and offers complimentary parking and transportation to all Disney-operated Walt Disney...
- Pleasure Island
- DisneyQuestDisneyQuestDisneyQuest is an "indoor interactive theme park" located in Downtown Disney at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. It is housed in a five-story, windowless building...
- ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex*
- Lake Buena Vista Golf Course
- Magic Kingdom
- note: these places are in the neighboring city of Bay Lake.
Education
Lake Buena Vista is a non-operating school district. Public School Students in Lake Buena Vista attend Orange County Schools through a sending/receiving relationshipSending/receiving relationship
A sending/receiving relationship is one in which a public school district sends some or all of its students to attend the schools of another district. This is often done to achieve costs savings in smaller districts or continues after districts have grown as part of a historical relationship...
with Orange County Public Schools
Orange County Public Schools
Orange County Public Schools is the public school district for Orange County, Florida. It is based out of the Educational Leadership Center, a seven-story building adjacent to the Amway Arena in Downtown Orlando. As of October 2009, OCPS has an enrollment of over 175,000 students, making it the...
.
The only subdivision within Lake Buena Vista falls within the attendance zones of Sand Lake Elementary School, Southwest Middle School, and Dr. Phillips High School
Dr. Phillips High School
Dr. Phillips High School is a high school located in Orlando, Florida, United States.The area of Dr. Phillips, Florida is named after Dr. Philip Phillips, a physician who later became a Central Florida citrus magnate. He was responsible for several key innovations in the processing and packaging of...
.
See also
- Bay Lake, FloridaBay Lake, FloridaBay Lake is a city in Orange County, Florida, United States. The population was 23 at the 2000 census. According to the U.S Census estimates of 2005, the city had a population of 22. It is named after Bay Lake, a lake east of the Magic Kingdom. Most of the Walt Disney World Resort, including...
- Reedy Creek Improvement DistrictReedy Creek Improvement DistrictThe Reedy Creek Improvement District is the immediate governing jurisdiction for the land of the Walt Disney World Resort. As of the late 1990s, it comprised an area of within the outer limits of Orange and Osceola counties in Florida...
- Walt Disney World ResortWalt Disney World ResortWalt Disney World Resort , is the world's most-visited entertaimental resort. Located in Lake Buena Vista, Florida ; approximately southwest of Orlando, Florida, United States, the resort covers an area of and includes four theme parks, two water parks, 23 on-site themed resort hotels Walt...