
Walt Disney World Resort is in the midst of a multi-day road closure affecting guests navigating around its Magic Kingdom resort area.
Seven Seas Drive, a key roadway near Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, has closed and will remain as much until February 4, 2025, as Disney works to alleviate congestion and improve overall traffic flow around its most-visited park.
Managing Traffic at Disney World
As the largest Disney destination worldwide, Walt Disney World operates much like a small city, covering roughly 25,000 acres and featuring four theme parks—Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom—along with more than 25 hotels. With millions of annual visitors, keeping roads, transportation systems, and resort logistics running smoothly is a constant challenge.
This closure is part of a broader infrastructure strategy aimed at improving traffic flow around the resort’s busiest areas. Seven Seas Drive, which previously served as a key route to Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, is temporarily closed between its entrance at the Polynesian and its intersection with Floridian Way.
Guests driving to the Polynesian must now detour via World Drive and turn at the intersection near Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. Disney has installed signs throughout the area to help direct traffic, ensuring that guests can still reach their destinations with minimal confusion.
Alternative Transportation for Resort Guests
For guests without personal vehicles, Disney’s extensive transportation network offers multiple options. The monorail remains one of the easiest ways to reach the Polynesian – Disney’s resort inspired by the tropical beauty of the South Pacific – with direct service available from the Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC).
Guests parking at the TTC can take the monorail to the Polynesian and enjoy dining locations such as ‘Ohana, Kona Cafe, and Trader Sam’s Tiki Terrace. The monorail also provides access to Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, and Disney’s Contemporary Resort, making it a convenient alternative to driving.
Disney buses and boats are also available for guests staying at select resorts, ensuring that travel disruptions are minimized despite the roadwork. However, visitors should allow for extra time when moving between resorts or heading to Magic Kingdom, as detours may slightly extend travel times.
Ongoing Resort Expansions and Updates
The Seven Seas Drive closure comes as Disney continues a wave of updates and expansions across the resort. Most notably, the new Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows recently opened in January, adding new Disney Vacation Club accommodations themed to Moana (2016). The tower also introduced Wailulu Bar & Grill, a new dining option featuring South Pacific-inspired cuisine.
This project is just one of many recent changes aimed at enhancing the guest experience. Disney has been working on various transportation and infrastructure improvements, having filed permits with the South Florida Water Management District in 2021 to support these ongoing efforts. With Magic Kingdom remaining the most-visited theme park in the world, efficient crowd and traffic management remains a top priority.
What Guests Should Expect
While Seven Seas Drive is set to reopen in a few days, guests should stay informed about any potential updates or extended closures. Those visiting Disney World during this period should plan ahead, use Disney’s transportation options when possible, and allow extra time for travel between resorts and Magic Kingdom.
With continued infrastructure enhancements on the horizon, Disney World is making significant efforts to balance guest convenience with long-term improvements. For those planning trips in the coming months, being aware of these changes will help ensure a smoother experience at the Most Magical Place on Earth.
Will you be at Disney World this week?