Florida Challenges Disney World With New Entertainment District

It seems that the Sunshine State is dead set on proving Disney World isn’t the only thing they have going for them!

The Walt Disney World Resort is one of the biggest tourist draws when it comes to the state of Florida. Whether you’re a die-hard Disney fan or simply a family looking to have a great time at a theme park, Disney delivers. One of the reasons Disney World is able to provide this incredible and immersive experience is because of its now-changed self-governing district.

When the Walt Disney Company spoke out against the “Don’t Say Gay” bill from Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, their actions resulted in the unintentional jeopardizing of the existence of the Reedy Creek Improvement District.

Since then, Governor DeSantis has made a concentrated effort to make sure that Disney knows “there’s a new sheriff in town” and practically put the company “in its place,” stripping it of what the Governor calls special treatment.

In addition to these developments, it is interesting to note that various companies are actively positioning themselves as competitors in the entertainment industry, seeking to establish a formidable presence akin to the renowned Disney World.

However, their projects don’t solely revolve around the creation of theme parks as a direct rival to the Mouse House. These companies are exploring diverse avenues within the entertainment sector, showcasing a distinct approach to captivating audiences and engaging with the ever-evolving landscape of entertainment offerings.

As reported by Fox 35 Orlando, The Meyers Group is looking to “transform” the Interstate-4 and US-192 interchange near the Walt Disney World Resort. The company submitted a Community Development Application in Osceola County earlier in March for a project they call “Ovation.”

Ovation is set to be a 77-acre entertainment district consisting of  “hotels, retail shops, restaurants, cocktail lounges or bars, offices, a Ferris wheel, and more.”

Of the three hotels that will comprise the district in part, the biggest one will have 350 rooms, and the other two will have 150 and 175 rooms, respectively.

The property that the Meyers Group is looking to build on was formerly owned by the Orlando Sun Resort & Spa and has been abandoned for over a decade.

In addition to offering a variety of hotels and restaurants for visitors to Disney World, the soon-to-come Florida entertainment district will play a pivotal role in influencing the strategies of the Walt Disney Company regarding pricing competitiveness and customer experience.

By providing a diverse range of accommodation and dining options within close proximity to the theme parks, this district will not only cater to the needs of Disney-goers but could also impact Disney’s overall approach to meeting the demands of its guests.

The presence of such a vibrant entertainment hub in Florida not only enhances the visitors’ experience but also prompts Disney to continuously evaluate and enhance its pricing structures in line with customer expectations and industry standards.

We at Disney Fanatic will continue to update you on this story as more comes to light.