Where Was The Florida Project Filmed? The Florida Project (2017), directed by Sean Baker, is a vibrant and heart-wrenching film that captures the struggles and fleeting joys of life on the margins. Set in the shadow of Walt Disney World, the movie follows Moonee, a precocious six-year-old, and her mother, Halley, as they navigate life in a budget motel. The film’s vivid setting feels like a character itself, with its candy-colored motels and bustling streets. But where was The Florida Project filmed? Let’s dive into the locations that brought this story to life, all centered around Central Florida, particularly in and around Orlando and Kissimmee.
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The Magic Castle: A Central Hub
The heart of The Florida Project is the Magic Castle Inn & Suites, a real budget motel painted in bright purple, where Moonee and Halley live. This motel is located on U.S. Highway 192 in Kissimmee, Florida, just a stone’s throw from Walt Disney World. The actual Magic Castle, with its distinctive pastel exterior, was a perfect fit for the film’s aesthetic—colorful yet worn, reflecting the contrast between childhood wonder and adult hardship. Sean Baker chose this location for its authenticity; it’s one of many motels along this highway that house low-income families, often hidden in plain sight near the tourist mecca of Disney. The motel’s real-life manager, played by Willem Dafoe’s character Bobby, added a layer of realism, as the production worked closely with the actual staff and residents.
Highway 192: The Gritty Backbone
Highway 192, also known as Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway, is a major artery running through Kissimmee, and it’s where much of the film’s action unfolds. This stretch is lined with budget motels, strip malls, and tourist traps, creating a stark juxtaposition with the nearby theme parks. The film captures the highway’s eclectic vibe—think neon signs, souvenir shops, and fast-food joints. Scenes of Moonee and her friends wandering along the road or exploring nearby businesses were shot on location, giving the film its documentary-like feel. Baker used handheld cameras to follow the kids in real time, blending scripted moments with the organic chaos of the area. This highway isn’t just a backdrop; it’s a microcosm of the economic divide the film explores.
The Orange Shop and Local Businesses
One memorable location is the Orange World gift shop, shaped like a giant orange, where Moonee and her friends sneak around. This real-life store, also on Highway 192, is a Kissimmee landmark, selling citrus-themed souvenirs and fresh oranges. Its quirky, kitschy design fits perfectly with the film’s colorful aesthetic. Other local businesses, like the Twistee Treat ice cream stand (shaped like a giant soft-serve cone), also appear, grounding the story in the area’s unique character. These spots weren’t just set dressing; they were active parts of the community, and the production team worked to incorporate them respectfully, often filming during off-hours to avoid disrupting business. These locations add a layer of authenticity, showing a side of Florida rarely seen by tourists.
Nearby Motels and Residential Areas
While the Magic Castle is the primary setting, other motels along Highway 192, like the Future World Inn, were used for exterior shots and secondary scenes. These motels, with their faded signs and budget-friendly rates, reflect the transient lifestyle of the characters. Some interior scenes, like the cramped motel rooms, were filmed on constructed sets to allow for better camera movement, but the exteriors were all real. The surrounding residential areas, including low-income housing and apartment complexes in Kissimmee, were also used for scenes where characters interact with the broader community. These locations highlight the precarious living situations of many residents, just out of sight of Orlando’s tourist attractions.
The Shadow of Disney World
The proximity to Walt Disney World is a constant undercurrent in The Florida Project, and the film subtly weaves in its presence. While the Magic Kingdom itself isn’t shown until the film’s poignant final scene, its influence looms large. That final scene, where Moonee and her friend Jancey run toward the park, was filmed at Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, specifically around Cinderella’s Castle. Getting permission to film there was a logistical challenge, as Disney tightly controls its image. Baker’s team shot quickly and discreetly, using minimal crew to capture the spontaneous energy of the moment. The contrast between the motels’ gritty reality and Disney’s polished fantasy underscores the film’s themes of inequality and escapism.
In wrapping up, The Florida Project was filmed almost entirely in Central Florida, with Kissimmee’s Highway 192 and its motels, shops, and proximity to Disney World creating a vivid, authentic backdrop. Sean Baker’s choice to shoot on location, often with non-professional actors and real residents, gives the film its raw, lived-in feel. If you’re ever in Orlando, a drive down Highway 192 might feel like stepping into Moonee’s world—a mix of bright colors, fleeting joys, and hidden struggles.