In a complete 180-degree reversal from where we were 8 months ago, the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District is considering $100 million worth of roadway improvements for Walt Disney World. As you may remember, the same District (under the thumb of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis), announced a $3.1 million reduction in roadway repairs for the 2024 budget, with then-District Administrator Glen Gilzean blaming the “lingering effects of the pandemic and global supply chain“.
Now, with all of the lawsuits dropped and an appearance of collaboration instead of conflict, it looks like the District is ready to get back to the business of governing. In a recent meeting, the Board of Supervisors was presented with a report for nearly $100 million worth of roadway improvements around Walt Disney World. The Board is considering issuing bonds in the amount of $99,300,000 for a number of roadway projects.
One of the bigger projects is the completion of World Drive improvements. With the approved bonds, Phase III could begin, which would include a stretch of road from Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort up to an area just northwest of Magic Kingdom. This would mark the end of years of investment and improvements of the main roadway artery at Walt Disney World in and around the Magic Kingdom area.
Other projects include bridge replacements along North Buena Vista Drive and milling and resurfacing on portions of Buena Vista Drive and World Drive. While the World Drive Phase III project is important for tourists visiting the resort, locals and Cast Members will be happy to hear that planned improvements include a widening of the very busy Western Way and improvements to the Buena Vista Drive and Western Way interchange.
When talking about the $100 million proposal, new District Administrator Stephanie Kopelousos said that the funding of the World Drive North project is the main driver for the proposal, saying that employees within the District told her it was a priority from the first day that she took office.
Moving to the Western Way improvements, a slide was shown for the proposed new interchange and widening projects.
During comments, Board Member Charbel Barakat outlined that the bridges in need of repair are some of the oldest on Walt Disney World property, and he said “it’s great that we’re able to take a positive step in the right direction” when talking about the $100 million proposal.
A motion directing the District staff to explore bond financing was unanimously approved.
As always, keep checking back with us here at BlogMickey.com as we continue to bring you the latest news, photos, and info from around the Disney Parks!
Will “The State” include Western Way road improvements past the new Flamingo Crossings Complex to and including Avalon Road south bound (which is a south bound single lane road)? This is a short cut past the westbound 192 /World Drive traffic jam after 4:00 pm?
With the lawsuits dismissed, of course they can focus on fixing the district. What was left hanging was the legitimacy of CFTOD that Disney is no longer challenging. CFTOD can now issue new bonds that actually do what is intended and won’t be a corporate handout.