New Disney World permit shows plans to re-route Floridian Way and raises questions on future expansion near to Magic Kingdom

Forum Forums Tweet Share Tweet Share

Gallery / 2 Photos
World Drive Phase III plans including Floridian Way re-routing

Posted: Monday October 18, 2021 10:35am ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

Disney has filed a new permit with the South Florida Water Management District for the World Drive redevelopment project at Walt Disney World.

The World Drive project has been underway for several years and has brought new flyovers and roadways to improve the traffic passing near the Magic Kingdom and the area resort hotels.

This latest filing shows that Floridan Way will be re-routed across the Oak Trail Golf Course and behind a parking facility for Disney's Grand Floridian Resort. (Thanks to @danlb_2000 on the WDWMAGIC Forums for location the permit)

World Drive Phase III plans including Floridian Way re-routing

Notable, this frees up a piece of land north of Disney's Grand Floridian Resort in very close proximity to Magic Kingdom.

The piece of land that will become available is shown in the yellow circle

It is far too early to suggest that a new resort or an expansion to Disney's Grand Floridian is in immediate plans. Still, the roadway changes mean that Disney may have some long-term plans for that piece of land and need to move Floridian Way to achieve it.

Disney's Grand Floridan Resort overview

Disney sparked new interest in Magic Kingdom area resort possibilities this past summer when a simple barrier and fence installed near the Seven Seas Lagoon suggested that Disney may once again be exploring building on perhaps the most valuable piece of unbuilt land at Disney World near to Disney's Contemporary Resort.

Venetian Resort shown on pre-1971 concept art

Discuss on the Forums

Get Walt Disney World News Delivered to Your Inbox

Bullseye1967Feb 27, 2024

That was my opinion also, but It was so tough to tell, I didn't state it.

plutofan15Feb 26, 2024

Don't feed the troll.

Andrew25Feb 26, 2024

Hard to read - but it looks like it does fall under RCID. Hoping they can fix it soon to accommodate increased use, there's been 2 recent accidents, one involving a school bus last week.

Bullseye1967Feb 26, 2024

https://rcid.maps.arcgis.com/apps/Solutions/s2.html?appid=ea296a2e5e274cf2856d5cb450c3a96b

Andrew25Feb 26, 2024

Also, looks like they're finally getting rid of the mountain of dirt in the middle of the MK parking lot. Does anyone know if the Celebration Blvd/World Drive intersection is covered by Reedy Creek, State or Osceola? The new Celebration Pointe Plaza is finally opening venues up and its starting to increase traffic in the area along with a new Wawa planned for the corner.

NthderivativeFeb 26, 2024

World Drive is currently being resurfaced in small stretches.

HauntedPirateFeb 26, 2024

Indeed. 😂 The signage did indicate “major delays” while this work is going on nightly. I may try to ask for more details on our way out today.

nickysFeb 26, 2024

Which was the most likely cause in the first place. We (or I) just wanted it to be more exciting! 😆

HauntedPirateFeb 26, 2024

Update: It is road work.

Fido ChuckwagonFeb 26, 2024

Eh, he’s pretty witty.

peter11435Feb 26, 2024

Not a gotcha. Just correctly pointing out that your insult directed at the new cabins would apply to the previous two versions that have existed over the last 5 decades. You’re not nearly as witty as you think you are.