327 Neighbors Told Us What They Want for Their Children
Before moving forward, we asked our community directly. Working with local media and neighborhood stakeholders, we gathered independent responses from Winter Garden and West Orange residents about the need for a hands-on learning destination, the skills they most want their children to build, and how often they would come back.
Research Methodology
The research was conducted in partnership with the Orange Observer, Horizon West Magazine, and 27 community stakeholders through a coordinated public engagement and community passport initiative. The process generated 327 independent survey responses representing Winter Garden residents, Orange County families, regional Central Florida audiences, and prospective visitors from outside the immediate market.
To preserve the integrity of the findings, responses from individuals directly involved in the museum's governance, executive leadership, employees, project consultants, and planning committees were excluded from the reported analysis. The results therefore reflect independent community and visitor perspectives rather than organizational stakeholders.
Taken together, the research confirms clear, unmet demand right here at home — and broad regional support that helps make the museum sustainable for local families.
Executive Summary
The market research demonstrated an exceptionally high level of alignment across both community and visitor audiences. Findings consistently identified demand for additional high-quality family experiences while validating strong visitor interest in a destination-quality children's museum within Central Florida.
The results also show families would return again and again as exhibits and programs change — the sign of a community institution rather than a one-time outing.
Executive Findings
95% of respondents identified a need for additional high-quality destinations serving children and families, demonstrating substantial unmet community demand.
93% believe a destination-quality children's museum would add real value to Central Florida — regional visitation helps subsidize free and reduced-cost access for local families.
89% of respondents said they would include the museum in a future Central Florida trip, broadening the base of support that sustains local programming.
71% reported they would be more likely to return if new exhibits and experiences were introduced throughout the year, supporting a sustainable operating model with rotating programming.
Community Market Validation
The community research confirms substantial unmet demand for a permanent children's museum serving West Orange, Orange County, and the surrounding region.
Executive Assessment
The findings demonstrate demand extending beyond a traditional children's museum experience. Respondents consistently prioritized creativity, hands-on learning, outdoor exploration, imagination, and experiences that engage children and caregivers together.
Equally significant, the strong interest in repeat visitation validates the museum's operating model, which incorporates rotating exhibits, seasonal programming, special events, and evolving educational experiences designed to encourage year-round visitation and sustained community engagement.
Regional & Visitor Interest
Beyond our immediate neighborhood, families across Central Florida — and those visiting the region — told us they would come too, which helps keep admission affordable and the doors open for local families year round.
Executive Assessment
Interest from outside West Orange matters for one reason: it makes the museum sustainable for the people who live here. Visitors from across the region help fund scholarships, school field trips, sensory-friendly hours, and free community days for local families.
Regional visitation also supports our neighborhood economy — the restaurants, shops, and small businesses of downtown Winter Garden and the surrounding corridor benefit every time a family plans a day around the museum.
Most importantly, a year-round, permanent institution means our children grow up with it — not a pop-up or a one-time event, but a place that changes with them season after season.
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