NEWS: Disney World Roads Could See MASSIVE Changes Soon

We see quite a bit of construction in Disney World.

Currently, we’ve got eyes on several projects — from new rides to hotel additions to entertainment overhauls. But coming soon, there may be some important construction outside the parks!

The Orlando Sentinel reports that Disney World may soon be getting significant upgrades to its roads and bridges. The Central Florida Tourism Oversight District board (the body that governs Disney World property) is currently considering a nearly $100 million plan to fund this project.

The Central Florida Tourism Oversight District (CFTOD) board voted on Wednesday to explore issuing bonds for six transportation projects by this fall. This list of projects includes the third phase of the World Drive North improvement plan. It would include construction on 1.6 miles of four-lane road, improving bridges, widening Western Way, and resurfacing roads.

“It’s great we are able to take a positive step,” said Charbel Barakat, acting chairman of the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District’s Board of Supervisors. (Board Chairman Martin Garcia resigned from his post in March, and a new chairman has not yet been selected.)

©Central Florida Tourism Oversight Board

There has been much controversy around the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District board in the past. Formerly, Disney World was governed by the Reedy Creek Improvement District, but Florida Governor Ron DeSantis renamed the district in 2023 and appointed a new board.

For the first several months of the board’s operation, there was still much back and forth between Disney and DeSantis, marked by lawsuits and many public statements. Now that political tensions are easing slightly, the board is stepping into more robust decision-making.

Back in March, Disney and CFTOD settled a lawsuit over development agreements. The settlement noted that all development agreements that were approved by the former Reedy Creek board are now null and void.

Outside of these road improvements, Disney World is also planning two massive construction projects in the parks. Animal Kingdom’s DinoLand U.S.A. is getting an overhaul and becoming a Tropical Americas-inspired land in the future. We’ve already seen permits filed for some construction related to this update.

And over at Magic Kingdom, Disney plans to add a large-scale expansion beyond the area that’s home to Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. Several ideas have been tossed around for this expansion, but we’re waiting to hear more from Disney in the future.

It looks like we have quite a few Disney World changes to look forward to! We’ll keep you updated as we learn more about possible road construction in Disney World and we find out how it could impact your vacation.

Stay tuned to AllEars for more news.