July 30, 2025 • 23 mins
Davenport to Disney: How One Town Built the World’s Biggest Playground
Summary
This podcast episode explores the transformation of Davenport, Florida, from a quiet citrus town into a thriving tourist destination adjacent to Disney. The host discusses the challenges Davenport faced with the arrival of Disney. These visionary developments turned the town into a resort hub, with the rise of short-term rentals and their impact on the local economy. The episode concludes with a look at future prospects for Davenport, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and smart development in sustaining growth.
Takeaways
Davenport was once a quiet citrus town with no theme parks.
The arrival of Disney posed a challenge for Davenport.
Davenport chose to evolve rather than compete directly with Disney.
Visionary developers saw potential in Davenport as a resort hub.
Infrastructure improvements like Highway 27 boosted Davenport's accessibility.
Davenport diversified its entertainment options beyond housing.
Short-term rentals became a popular choice for families visiting Disney.
Davenport now hosts tens of thousands of visitors each month.
The local economy has benefited from tourism, creating jobs and opportunities.
Future developments aim to make Davenport even more attractive to residents and tourists.
Chapters
00:00 Davenport's Transformation: From Citrus Town to Tourist Hub
04:48 The Visionaries: Evolving in the Shadow of Disney
12:03 The Rise of Short-Term Rentals: A Game Changer
15:19 Impact on Local Economy and Community
19:17 Future Prospects: Growth and Development in Davenport
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:02):
Right guys, Davenport to Disney,our one town, built the world's
biggest playground. What if I told you right that in
just a few decades ago, Davenport, yes, Davenport in
(00:25):
Florida was a sleepy citrus townwith no theme parks at all, no
crowds. Imagine that.
And no global theme. Yes, that's what we're going to
be talking about today. Yet today it sits at the center
(00:46):
of the world's most visited playground.
Can you believe that today we'regoing to be diving into a little
known story how Davenport, a small Central Florida town,
found itself in the shadows and the spotlight of the big all
(01:09):
great Disney. Yes, Disney is its competition
guys. Today we're going to go into
this topic and dive and dissect what exactly happened.
Welcome to island vacation travel podcast.
I am your host Al Philosian. Yep.
(01:34):
Now this is a story guys, all about vision, transformation and
building something magical rightnext door to the mouse.
Yes, I said it next door to the mouse.
(02:01):
Yes, guys. So we're going to get into it
today, right now, let's rewind to the 1960s.
Yes, Central Florida was swampland, citrus Groves, and
scattered towns like Davenport, a place known for tractor pools,
(02:25):
then finbacks. Yes, tractor pools like tractor
pools. Yes, then came Disney.
But for towns like Davenport, this wasn't just magic, it was
actually a challenge to them. Yes, a actual challenge that was
very hard to defeat. How do you compete or even
(02:48):
survive when the biggest entertainment brand in the world
sets up shop just a few miles a week?
Developers, city officials and business owners face a huge
dilemma in Davenport. Get swallowed up by Disney or
(03:11):
Orbit. Sorry about that.
Get swallowed by Disney's Orbit or Evolve?
Davenport decided to to evolve. Yes, they actually survive and
evolve. Now let's just take a quick
break. We'll be right back.
(03:32):
Now if you're planning a trip toCentral Florida but want to go
beyond the theme park, visit www.islandvkeys dot com for your
exclusive guide. Central Florida's hidden gems
from Davenport to Disney and beyond on Cover Local.
(03:56):
It's secret picnic spots and also affordable villas next to
the magic. Yes, visit www.islandvacas.com.
That is www.island VAC as.com for dreamers who love the
(04:22):
details. Now we're back, let's get into
the journey of how Davenport became a key player in Florida's
tourism boom. It's amazing.
It's an amazing story, guys. Yes, first, the quiet before the
(04:44):
storm. As you know, there's always a
quiet before the storm. There's always a quiet before
the storm. Now, before the 1970, before
1971, which seems to be a very long time ago.
It's actually not, guys. Davenport was just a stop on
US17. I'm not sure if you guys are
familiar with that highway surrounded by orange Groves and
(05:08):
cattle pastures. Country, straight country.
That's why I love it out here. Very few visitors, few hotels,
and the biggest attractions, maybe local, a local diner or
something like that. That's actually what is the big
(05:28):
attractions out there. Then Walt Disney quietly began
buying land in neighboring Bay Lake and Lake.
Sorry about that. Bay Lake and Lake Buena Vista.
I'm pretty sure you guys are familiar with Lake Buena Vista.
You're probably not sure about Bay Lake right next door.
(05:49):
Over 27,000 acres. Locals didn't know what was
actually coming. They were very naive to what was
going on. They were unaware of what was
going on. 27,000 acres of land was purchased right in
neighboring Bay Lake and Lake Buena Vista.
(06:11):
So that's how it was done. Now, secondly, visionary step
in, you know, the guys with the foresight, the engineers and all
those stuff. With business plans unveiled,
nearby cities scrambled to respond, but Davenport's leaders
(06:33):
saw an actual opportunity. So like we said, you evolve or
you die, that's what happens. They didn't need to actually
compete with Disney, they could actually support it.
Enter developers and visionarieslike Roni Thomas, who saw
(06:55):
Davenport as a resort hub, vacation rental paradise and
getaway to the parks. Soon vacation villas, shopping
centers and short term rentals started appearing everywhere,
offering families an alternativeto pricey hotels in those parks.
(07:19):
That's how they adopted which was actually perfect, right?
Or close to #3 the Highway 27 and the infrastructure boom.
Yes Hwy. 27. Very busy highway right now.
Everything changed with infrastructure.
(07:41):
Hwy. 27 and I4 became life lines.
I'm pretty sure you guys are familiar with the world famous
I4. It's actually the most dangerous
Rd. in America. It connects Tampa to Orlando.
I'm on that road almost every single day, so I can tell you a
(08:01):
lot about it. Also, Hwy. 27, that's when all
the infrastructure and everything came about and they
became the actual lifeline for Central Florida, connecting
Davenport directly to Orlando, Disney and even Tampa.
Straight short, either east or West.
(08:22):
And you actually get to both of those major cities and they both
very big in in tourism, hence the reason why we stopped in
Lake in Winter Haven, FL developers like Lana and Doctor
Horton moved in what followed gated communities, which there
were just a few gated communities like at at that
(08:44):
point Champions Championship golf courses and results like
Champions Gate, which I'm prettysure you guys are familiar with
Reunion and also Providence Reunion is actually one of the
companies that we have a very good relationship with.
They have huge mansions and villas with swimming pools and
(09:07):
up to like 13 bedrooms, theatres, basketball courts in
the houses and everything. They were like mini mansions.
So if you're ever coming down toFlorida and you need a villa,
alert us www.islandvacies.com. We know where the villas are.
My accountant owns a villa out in Davenport.
(09:27):
So just so you guys know, so this is how all those gated
communities came about, the championship golf courses and
also that's a champions gate as well and reunion Jack Nicholas
golf courses out there, right? Davenport became not just a
stopover but a destination in its own right.
(09:53):
Got a visit #4 on the list guys.Diversifying the fun.
It wasn't just about housing that actually became began
creating its own entertainment. Yes, Poinsner Park Mall brought
big name retail brands. Poinsner Park, right?
(10:17):
This used to be orange Groves before.
There are also water parks, escape rooms and mini theme
parks began popping up everywhere, right?
Local events and farmers. Farmers markets brought the
community together, which is something very big in Central
(10:39):
Florida. It's country, so they're very
natural, their farms and stuff. Davenport.
Davenport actually became a backstage pass to the Magic, a
place where tourists and locals could enjoy Central Florida at
their own pace. And Central Florida is pretty
(11:00):
slow, comfortable, more like retirement, right?
So it's easy breezy, great for vacation.
Now, guys, let's take a quick break again, and we'll be right
back. Now, if you're looking for a
place to stay in Central Floridawithout breaking the bank, check
(11:22):
out our handpicked collections of vacation villas in Davenport,
close to Disney with private pools and Space 2 on wine,
right? Or you could just go ahead and
book at www.islandvacase.com. Forward slash Central Florida.
(11:52):
Davenport done right? Yeah.
All right, guys, Now we're back.So what was the moment Davenport
surely became part of the world's playground?
I love you. It is the rise of activist short
(12:13):
term rentals. When families actually realized
that they could stay in a four bedroom villa with a pool for
less than a Disney hotel, everything changed.
It also changed my perspective completely.
Companies like Airbnb and Vibro and even Disney adjacent rentals
(12:37):
groups became began flooding themarket.
So there's Airbnb, there's VRBO and also there is Disney
adjacent rentals group. They actually began flooding the
(12:57):
market, right? Davenport became the unofficial
lodging capital for Disney boundtravelers.
Also not forgetting Legoland is right around the corner in
Winter Haven, so let's not forget that as well.
Now. It wasn't competition, it was
(13:21):
actually completion when it all came together.
So they kind of found a way to just adapt and go with the flow.
That's what you're supposed to do.
That's actually called evolution.
Now, guys, just take one more quick break and we'll be right
back. Now, are you a pro or
(13:43):
entrepreneur interested in launching a business in Central
Florida? Sign up for my free webinar.
Yes, we have chats, guys, We have talks.
We have webinars that go on. You could build your brand in
(14:06):
the heart of Florida and we could actually consult with you.
We could give you advice on how to go about doing that.
And you could visit ourislandvacays.com/aboutus page
and we could actually consult with you and help you take that
on, right? Whether it's rental hosting,
(14:30):
tour guiding or content creation.
Davenport might be your getaway to growth yes.
So whether you want to start a rental company, whether you want
to start a tour guide company, whether you want to start a
podcast, whether you want to start conventions, parties, you
know, stuff to keep the people entertained and learning most of
(14:51):
all, this is what we're here for.
We'll help you get there. So don't forget to check out
Island V KS forward.com forward slash about us.
That's on our about us page. OK, yes, now let's get back to
it. Let's talk impact.
(15:15):
Let's talk impact for travellers.
Davenport now hosts 10s of thousands of visitors a month,
10s of thousands. We could actually see it in the
effect of the traffic. That's how much we actually see
people. It offers privacy, space and
(15:38):
affordability ideal for multi generational families.
Come with the whole family. They got enough space.
It's there for no digital nomadsand even seasonal snowbirds.
So if you're trying to be creative, if you're trying to be
in a like a quiet place that youcould think and manifest and
(15:59):
create, Davenport come get a villa out there.
You come in with your whole family.
You want them to be comfortable without breaking a bank.
Davenport are you a snowbird, a seasonal snowbird coming from
Canada or Europe, Alaska, come down right.
Davenport is the perfect place for that.
(16:22):
Now for locals, with growth actually comes jobs,
hospitality, retail, logistics and service.
This is all part of what I do, right?
Whether it's the travel agency or our transportation section or
(16:47):
retail, our online store or justgiven our service, the podcast
travel agency, it actually creates jobs.
Not forgetting, as I mentioned earlier on, Legoland is in
Winter Haven. For the young people in Winter
Haven, that's an opportunity to get a job for a Fortune 500
(17:09):
company. Legoland is a huge company,
right? It's not.
It's actually from I think Sweden or somewhere like that
that's actually out here. So it creates jobs around.
So does Davenport and all the jobs out there, points in the
park, all the retail stores, everything out there, the bars.
It creates jobs, the hotels and everything right now.
(17:31):
Davenport population has exploded in the last two
decades. I was here for it.
I've been here for about 13 years, leading to new schools,
parks and businesses and like I said, opportunities.
That's actually a good thing. That's part of tourism and how
(17:53):
it impacts in a positive life. But it's not without growing
pains, traffic, infrastructure, stress and rising costs.
That happens everywhere around the world.
What I'm in Saint Lucia, what I'm in New York, what I'm in
London now it's Winter Haven, FL.
That's why I travel and that's why I move.
(18:15):
So now it's affecting her a little bit, but like I said,
it's bringing jobs. So that means it's bringing
cash, it's bringing money, it's bringing money, it's bringing
cash flow. So that's a good thing.
So despite the traffic and the infrastructure stress and the
rising costs, still most would say the trade off has been worth
(18:36):
it because it was just all country out here.
Of course, you get a few people that complain about it, that the
traffic's so much and they just enjoy the quietness there.
Of course, there's a little bit too much infrastructure being
built, but that's normal, right?I just think it needs to be
regulated. But here is an amazing place #3
(18:57):
for the future. The future, The future even, is
even brighter. Projects like the Sun real
expansion, which I cannot wait for.
That is a necessity. It needs to connect Tampa to
Orlando. Yes, new film attractions, that
(19:20):
happens as well. As I said, Lego Land and smart
development plans aim to make Davenport even more attractive.
You see different types of communities that they deal,
whether it be luxury communities, multi generational,
55 plus with more stores, shopping, all inclusive and
(19:41):
everything in there. That's just some of the
different strategies and tacticsthat they've given so that
everything is not far. That's actually plan, right?
Not just to tourists, but to people looking to live near the
magic as well. It's all inclusive.
So whether you want to buy a house there or you just come on
vacation, it's all for everyone.The tourists like the locals.
(20:07):
So that's actually a beautiful. Thing, right?
Let's take another break, guys. Real quick.
Do you want to learn more about Central Florida's evolution and
how to explore it like a pro? Subscribe to my weekly e-mail,
(20:30):
The Island Report at islandvikis.com, right?
Just go at the bottom of the page on islandvikis.com, this
right here and you'll see our form.
So you could receive our emails when we have specials going on,
(20:53):
discounts, low deposits. You could actually find it when
we send our emails out to you and show us some support, give
us some feedback. We appreciate it right now.
Get inside tips, exclusive offers and destination stories
that you won't hear anywhere else.
(21:17):
Forgot the blog? When we put our new blog and our
newsletters out, you're going toknow guys, because the magic
isn't just in the park, it's in the journey.
That's the beauty of life, right?
So we're back. From citrus Groves guys to
(21:37):
global getaways, Davenport transformed itself through
vision, adaptability, and smart development, proving that even
the quietest town can become playgrounds for the world.
Clear proof of it, everyone. I want to hear from you guys.
(22:01):
Have you stayed in Davenport? Whether it's a long time ago or
recently, please let me know what you think about the growth,
how it was before, how it is now, and what you would like to
see for the future. I would appreciate it.
I would really appreciate it. I get a lot of stories while I'm
doing transport trips back and forth from Legoland to Disney or
(22:27):
Disney or Davenport. I hear a story.
So I'm interested in seeing the comments on our podcast, whether
it be on YouTube, Spotify or whatever it is drop a comment or
DM me for your favorite hidden sports in Central Florida.
Our Instagram is island under score vacation, under score
(22:48):
travel. Feel free to leave a comment,
right? And don't miss out on our next
episodes, guys. Right now, this has been an
island vacation travel podcast episode with Moi Al Filojan.
(23:10):
Thank you guys so much for tuning in.
Until next time, clip exploring and remember, magic begins with
a moment. Love you guys.
Right guys, Davenport to Disney,our one town, built the world's
biggest playground. What if I told you right that in
just a few decades ago, Davenport, yes, Davenport in
(00:25):
Florida was a sleepy citrus townwith no theme parks at all, no
crowds. Imagine that.
And no global theme. Yes, that's what we're going to
be talking about today. Yet today it sits at the center
(00:46):
of the world's most visited playground.
Can you believe that today we'regoing to be diving into a little
known story how Davenport, a small Central Florida town,
found itself in the shadows and the spotlight of the big all
(01:09):
great Disney. Yes, Disney is its competition
guys. Today we're going to go into
this topic and dive and dissect what exactly happened.
Welcome to island vacation travel podcast.
I am your host Al Philosian. Yep.
(01:34):
Now this is a story guys, all about vision, transformation and
building something magical rightnext door to the mouse.
Yes, I said it next door to the mouse.
(02:01):
Yes, guys. So we're going to get into it
today, right now, let's rewind to the 1960s.
Yes, Central Florida was swampland, citrus Groves, and
scattered towns like Davenport, a place known for tractor pools,
(02:25):
then finbacks. Yes, tractor pools like tractor
pools. Yes, then came Disney.
But for towns like Davenport, this wasn't just magic, it was
actually a challenge to them. Yes, a actual challenge that was
very hard to defeat. How do you compete or even
(02:48):
survive when the biggest entertainment brand in the world
sets up shop just a few miles a week?
Developers, city officials and business owners face a huge
dilemma in Davenport. Get swallowed up by Disney or
(03:11):
Orbit. Sorry about that.
Get swallowed by Disney's Orbit or Evolve?
Davenport decided to to evolve. Yes, they actually survive and
evolve. Now let's just take a quick
break. We'll be right back.
(03:32):
Now if you're planning a trip toCentral Florida but want to go
beyond the theme park, visit www.islandvkeys dot com for your
exclusive guide. Central Florida's hidden gems
from Davenport to Disney and beyond on Cover Local.
(03:56):
It's secret picnic spots and also affordable villas next to
the magic. Yes, visit www.islandvacas.com.
That is www.island VAC as.com for dreamers who love the
(04:22):
details. Now we're back, let's get into
the journey of how Davenport became a key player in Florida's
tourism boom. It's amazing.
It's an amazing story, guys. Yes, first, the quiet before the
(04:44):
storm. As you know, there's always a
quiet before the storm. There's always a quiet before
the storm. Now, before the 1970, before
1971, which seems to be a very long time ago.
It's actually not, guys. Davenport was just a stop on
US17. I'm not sure if you guys are
familiar with that highway surrounded by orange Groves and
(05:08):
cattle pastures. Country, straight country.
That's why I love it out here. Very few visitors, few hotels,
and the biggest attractions, maybe local, a local diner or
something like that. That's actually what is the big
(05:28):
attractions out there. Then Walt Disney quietly began
buying land in neighboring Bay Lake and Lake.
Sorry about that. Bay Lake and Lake Buena Vista.
I'm pretty sure you guys are familiar with Lake Buena Vista.
You're probably not sure about Bay Lake right next door.
(05:49):
Over 27,000 acres. Locals didn't know what was
actually coming. They were very naive to what was
going on. They were unaware of what was
going on. 27,000 acres of land was purchased right in
neighboring Bay Lake and Lake Buena Vista.
(06:11):
So that's how it was done. Now, secondly, visionary step
in, you know, the guys with the foresight, the engineers and all
those stuff. With business plans unveiled,
nearby cities scrambled to respond, but Davenport's leaders
(06:33):
saw an actual opportunity. So like we said, you evolve or
you die, that's what happens. They didn't need to actually
compete with Disney, they could actually support it.
Enter developers and visionarieslike Roni Thomas, who saw
(06:55):
Davenport as a resort hub, vacation rental paradise and
getaway to the parks. Soon vacation villas, shopping
centers and short term rentals started appearing everywhere,
offering families an alternativeto pricey hotels in those parks.
(07:19):
That's how they adopted which was actually perfect, right?
Or close to #3 the Highway 27 and the infrastructure boom.
Yes Hwy. 27. Very busy highway right now.
Everything changed with infrastructure.
(07:41):
Hwy. 27 and I4 became life lines.
I'm pretty sure you guys are familiar with the world famous
I4. It's actually the most dangerous
Rd. in America. It connects Tampa to Orlando.
I'm on that road almost every single day, so I can tell you a
(08:01):
lot about it. Also, Hwy. 27, that's when all
the infrastructure and everything came about and they
became the actual lifeline for Central Florida, connecting
Davenport directly to Orlando, Disney and even Tampa.
Straight short, either east or West.
(08:22):
And you actually get to both of those major cities and they both
very big in in tourism, hence the reason why we stopped in
Lake in Winter Haven, FL developers like Lana and Doctor
Horton moved in what followed gated communities, which there
were just a few gated communities like at at that
(08:44):
point Champions Championship golf courses and results like
Champions Gate, which I'm prettysure you guys are familiar with
Reunion and also Providence Reunion is actually one of the
companies that we have a very good relationship with.
They have huge mansions and villas with swimming pools and
(09:07):
up to like 13 bedrooms, theatres, basketball courts in
the houses and everything. They were like mini mansions.
So if you're ever coming down toFlorida and you need a villa,
alert us www.islandvacies.com. We know where the villas are.
My accountant owns a villa out in Davenport.
(09:27):
So just so you guys know, so this is how all those gated
communities came about, the championship golf courses and
also that's a champions gate as well and reunion Jack Nicholas
golf courses out there, right? Davenport became not just a
stopover but a destination in its own right.
(09:53):
Got a visit #4 on the list guys.Diversifying the fun.
It wasn't just about housing that actually became began
creating its own entertainment. Yes, Poinsner Park Mall brought
big name retail brands. Poinsner Park, right?
(10:17):
This used to be orange Groves before.
There are also water parks, escape rooms and mini theme
parks began popping up everywhere, right?
Local events and farmers. Farmers markets brought the
community together, which is something very big in Central
(10:39):
Florida. It's country, so they're very
natural, their farms and stuff. Davenport.
Davenport actually became a backstage pass to the Magic, a
place where tourists and locals could enjoy Central Florida at
their own pace. And Central Florida is pretty
(11:00):
slow, comfortable, more like retirement, right?
So it's easy breezy, great for vacation.
Now, guys, let's take a quick break again, and we'll be right
back. Now, if you're looking for a
place to stay in Central Floridawithout breaking the bank, check
(11:22):
out our handpicked collections of vacation villas in Davenport,
close to Disney with private pools and Space 2 on wine,
right? Or you could just go ahead and
book at www.islandvacase.com. Forward slash Central Florida.
(11:52):
Davenport done right? Yeah.
All right, guys, Now we're back.So what was the moment Davenport
surely became part of the world's playground?
I love you. It is the rise of activist short
(12:13):
term rentals. When families actually realized
that they could stay in a four bedroom villa with a pool for
less than a Disney hotel, everything changed.
It also changed my perspective completely.
Companies like Airbnb and Vibro and even Disney adjacent rentals
(12:37):
groups became began flooding themarket.
So there's Airbnb, there's VRBO and also there is Disney
adjacent rentals group. They actually began flooding the
(12:57):
market, right? Davenport became the unofficial
lodging capital for Disney boundtravelers.
Also not forgetting Legoland is right around the corner in
Winter Haven, so let's not forget that as well.
Now. It wasn't competition, it was
(13:21):
actually completion when it all came together.
So they kind of found a way to just adapt and go with the flow.
That's what you're supposed to do.
That's actually called evolution.
Now, guys, just take one more quick break and we'll be right
back. Now, are you a pro or
(13:43):
entrepreneur interested in launching a business in Central
Florida? Sign up for my free webinar.
Yes, we have chats, guys, We have talks.
We have webinars that go on. You could build your brand in
(14:06):
the heart of Florida and we could actually consult with you.
We could give you advice on how to go about doing that.
And you could visit ourislandvacays.com/aboutus page
and we could actually consult with you and help you take that
on, right? Whether it's rental hosting,
(14:30):
tour guiding or content creation.
Davenport might be your getaway to growth yes.
So whether you want to start a rental company, whether you want
to start a tour guide company, whether you want to start a
podcast, whether you want to start conventions, parties, you
know, stuff to keep the people entertained and learning most of
(14:51):
all, this is what we're here for.
We'll help you get there. So don't forget to check out
Island V KS forward.com forward slash about us.
That's on our about us page. OK, yes, now let's get back to
it. Let's talk impact.
(15:15):
Let's talk impact for travellers.
Davenport now hosts 10s of thousands of visitors a month,
10s of thousands. We could actually see it in the
effect of the traffic. That's how much we actually see
people. It offers privacy, space and
(15:38):
affordability ideal for multi generational families.
Come with the whole family. They got enough space.
It's there for no digital nomadsand even seasonal snowbirds.
So if you're trying to be creative, if you're trying to be
in a like a quiet place that youcould think and manifest and
(15:59):
create, Davenport come get a villa out there.
You come in with your whole family.
You want them to be comfortable without breaking a bank.
Davenport are you a snowbird, a seasonal snowbird coming from
Canada or Europe, Alaska, come down right.
Davenport is the perfect place for that.
(16:22):
Now for locals, with growth actually comes jobs,
hospitality, retail, logistics and service.
This is all part of what I do, right?
Whether it's the travel agency or our transportation section or
(16:47):
retail, our online store or justgiven our service, the podcast
travel agency, it actually creates jobs.
Not forgetting, as I mentioned earlier on, Legoland is in
Winter Haven. For the young people in Winter
Haven, that's an opportunity to get a job for a Fortune 500
(17:09):
company. Legoland is a huge company,
right? It's not.
It's actually from I think Sweden or somewhere like that
that's actually out here. So it creates jobs around.
So does Davenport and all the jobs out there, points in the
park, all the retail stores, everything out there, the bars.
It creates jobs, the hotels and everything right now.
(17:31):
Davenport population has exploded in the last two
decades. I was here for it.
I've been here for about 13 years, leading to new schools,
parks and businesses and like I said, opportunities.
That's actually a good thing. That's part of tourism and how
(17:53):
it impacts in a positive life. But it's not without growing
pains, traffic, infrastructure, stress and rising costs.
That happens everywhere around the world.
What I'm in Saint Lucia, what I'm in New York, what I'm in
London now it's Winter Haven, FL.
That's why I travel and that's why I move.
(18:15):
So now it's affecting her a little bit, but like I said,
it's bringing jobs. So that means it's bringing
cash, it's bringing money, it's bringing money, it's bringing
cash flow. So that's a good thing.
So despite the traffic and the infrastructure stress and the
rising costs, still most would say the trade off has been worth
(18:36):
it because it was just all country out here.
Of course, you get a few people that complain about it, that the
traffic's so much and they just enjoy the quietness there.
Of course, there's a little bit too much infrastructure being
built, but that's normal, right?I just think it needs to be
regulated. But here is an amazing place #3
(18:57):
for the future. The future, The future even, is
even brighter. Projects like the Sun real
expansion, which I cannot wait for.
That is a necessity. It needs to connect Tampa to
Orlando. Yes, new film attractions, that
(19:20):
happens as well. As I said, Lego Land and smart
development plans aim to make Davenport even more attractive.
You see different types of communities that they deal,
whether it be luxury communities, multi generational,
55 plus with more stores, shopping, all inclusive and
(19:41):
everything in there. That's just some of the
different strategies and tacticsthat they've given so that
everything is not far. That's actually plan, right?
Not just to tourists, but to people looking to live near the
magic as well. It's all inclusive.
So whether you want to buy a house there or you just come on
vacation, it's all for everyone.The tourists like the locals.
(20:07):
So that's actually a beautiful. Thing, right?
Let's take another break, guys. Real quick.
Do you want to learn more about Central Florida's evolution and
how to explore it like a pro? Subscribe to my weekly e-mail,
(20:30):
The Island Report at islandvikis.com, right?
Just go at the bottom of the page on islandvikis.com, this
right here and you'll see our form.
So you could receive our emails when we have specials going on,
(20:53):
discounts, low deposits. You could actually find it when
we send our emails out to you and show us some support, give
us some feedback. We appreciate it right now.
Get inside tips, exclusive offers and destination stories
that you won't hear anywhere else.
(21:17):
Forgot the blog? When we put our new blog and our
newsletters out, you're going toknow guys, because the magic
isn't just in the park, it's in the journey.
That's the beauty of life, right?
So we're back. From citrus Groves guys to
(21:37):
global getaways, Davenport transformed itself through
vision, adaptability, and smart development, proving that even
the quietest town can become playgrounds for the world.
Clear proof of it, everyone. I want to hear from you guys.
(22:01):
Have you stayed in Davenport? Whether it's a long time ago or
recently, please let me know what you think about the growth,
how it was before, how it is now, and what you would like to
see for the future. I would appreciate it.
I would really appreciate it. I get a lot of stories while I'm
doing transport trips back and forth from Legoland to Disney or
(22:27):
Disney or Davenport. I hear a story.
So I'm interested in seeing the comments on our podcast, whether
it be on YouTube, Spotify or whatever it is drop a comment or
DM me for your favorite hidden sports in Central Florida.
Our Instagram is island under score vacation, under score
(22:48):
travel. Feel free to leave a comment,
right? And don't miss out on our next
episodes, guys. Right now, this has been an
island vacation travel podcast episode with Moi Al Filojan.
(23:10):
Thank you guys so much for tuning in.
Until next time, clip exploring and remember, magic begins with
a moment. Love you guys.
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