Western Way Expansion and Interchange Redesign Target Disney World Traffic Relief

Gallery / 2 Photos
Buena Vista Drive - Western Way Interchange Redesign

Posted: Tuesday June 10, 2025 10:00am ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

The Central Florida Tourism Oversight District (CFTOD) is preparing for major roadway improvements around Walt Disney World, with a focus on easing congestion and improving flow at the often-clogged Western Way and Buena Vista Drive interchange.

Western Way has become an area of heavy traffic congestion during peak times

The district is hosting a Design Engineering Forum for two upcoming infrastructure projects:

Buena Vista Drive/Western Way Interchange Redesign
Widening of Western Way

These projects are aimed at addressing the increased traffic volumes seen on the western edge of Walt Disney World Resort, especially as development continues along the Western Way corridor. The area connects resort hotels, Disney's Animal Kingdom, Flamingo Crossings, and major regional roadways like SR 429.

Buena Vista Drive - Western Way Interchange Redesign

While detailed design plans have not yet been released, the district has identified these two projects as "critical infrastructure improvements." The interchange project is expected to reconfigure traffic patterns where Western Way meets Buena Vista Drive, one of the busiest intersections for resort-bound traffic. The widening of Western Way is intended to expand capacity and reduce backups during peak travel times.

Buena Vista Drive - Western Way Interchange Redesign

Both projects fall within the district's broader infrastructure agenda, which includes improving road networks around Walt Disney World to accommodate current traffic and future growth.

No timeline has been announced yet for when construction might begin. This forum represents the first step in bringing design partners on board for the planning phase.

Discuss on the Forums

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Chef idea Mickey`=1 day ago

If they were to build a resort right across from Gran Destino Tower it would have to be a beautiful one or similar to like Caribbean Beach resort not towers if they are ever still able to construct resorts like the old ones, the views from on top in that direction with Hollywood Studios are stunning from Gran Destino!

networkpro3 days ago

They wouldnt even have to build a new parking lot or bus stop..... great thinking on how to get guest to pay for more of the upkeep

vikescaper3 days ago

All Disney needs to do is build a resort closer to Blizzard Beach and it could be called “Disney Alpine Lodge and Villas at Blizzard Beach, a DIsney Vacation Club Property.

BaymaxFan3 days ago

The "extra intersections" are interesting but I don't think anything will come to fruition. The entrance road to Blizzard Beach always had extra asphalt as if they planned on expanding that road, not sure what the idea was there, but it never got used until now. That area would be cool for a other resort but since World Drive is right there along with the backside of DHS I don't know how extensive it would be. I can't think of any Disney resort that sits right next to a main highway other than the Value resorts which are somewhat close to main roads. Another value resort would be nice.

Chef idea Mickey`=5 days ago

The Walt Disney World Tram Disney Spring's, Coronado Spring's etc

Chef idea Mickey`=5 days ago

I think Tramway is one of the final modes of Transportation WDW.

HauntedPirate10 days ago

Where else can the expansion of a congested road intersection lead to wild and crazy speculation about Skyliner expansion and new hotels? Never change, WDWMagic forums. Never change. :D

JoeCamel10 days ago

They get a few of these bad boys and no roads are needed.....

Andrew2510 days ago

Well aware. Specifically referring to the stretch between the MK toll gate (where World Drive meets Floridian Way) and Osceola Pkwy. The area between Floridian Way & Epcot Center Dr would benefit tremendously if they improved the Epcot intersection which consistently backs up at park open/close.

Ayla10 days ago

Won't ever happen because of the Contemporary and the infrastructure needed to cross (or go under) Seven Seas Lagoon/Bay Lake.

Andrew2510 days ago

I did I will say, while I appreciate the effort to bring in a new form of transportation in form of the Skyliner, I still think buses are the way to go with how large WDW is. Ideally, we'd get the next phase of bus-only roads to and from MK to reduce congestion on World Drive, etc.

danlb_200010 days ago

It needs something more fitting to the Animal Kingdom theme.... zip lines!

MisterPenguin10 days ago

If any place could benefit from an automated light rail, it's AKL to DAK. Just like the ones in airports. Then Disney could charge more for AKL rooms!