David and Ashley Eckstein's Fantasy Florida Home

Retired Major League Baseball player David Eckstein and Disney actress Ashley Eckstein have established a fantasy Florida home base in Orlando, a city deeply connected to their shared childhood experiences with Walt Disney World. The couple purchased a five-bedroom, five-bathroom, 4,200-square-foot residence in 2020, the same year the English cottage-style home was constructed. This property serves as a reflection of their intertwined passions for baseball and the magic of Disney.

David Eckstein, 51, a two-time World Series Champion and the Most Valuable Player of the 2006 World Series during his tenure with the St. Louis Cardinals, and Ashley Eckstein, 44, renowned for her voice work as Ahsoka Tano across all seven seasons of "Star Wars: The Clone Wars," are both lifelong Orlando residents. Their upbringing in the area meant frequent visits to the Magic Kingdom, a place they now consider almost a requirement to live near. David shared with Realtor.com that growing up in Orlando meant Disney was an integral part of his identity, recalling how his mother would save money for annual trips to the park, which represented a "magical place on Earth" for him. These early experiences fostered a deep appreciation for the theme park.

Ashley Eckstein echoed this sentiment, describing her upbringing as being "raised by Disney." Her father was a Disney cast member, and her mother, a school teacher, utilized the park as an educational environment. Ashley stated that she and her family visited Walt Disney World at least once a week, emphasizing that Disney is "in my DNA." This profound connection to Disney World was a significant factor in their bond, serving as an immediate point of shared interest and understanding between David and Ashley. The interior of their Orlando home is thoughtfully adorned to marry their respective passions, creating a living space that honors both their professional careers and their personal histories with the iconic entertainment brand.

The couple's decision to purchase a home in Orlando in 2020, the same year the house was built, highlights their commitment to remaining in the area where their formative experiences with Disney took place. The 4,200-square-foot home, featuring five bedrooms and five bathrooms, provides ample space for their lifestyle and allows them to remain close to the theme parks that hold such significant personal meaning. The English cottage architectural style of the residence offers a charming aesthetic that they have further personalized to reflect their unique tastes and shared history, blending elements of baseball memorabilia and Disney-inspired decor.