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Construction May Block Magic Kingdom Area Roads Through December 2029

Drivers heading to Magic Kingdom Park could be dealing with work zones for three more years. The Central Florida Tourism Oversight District (CFTOD) has asked for extra time to finish World Drive North Phase 3, a roadway expansion at Walt Disney World Resort, and the request would carry the project's permit to December 2, 2029.

Why More Time Is Being Requested

Disney+ displayed alongside a smartphone being used near Cinderella Castle at Walt Disney World.
Credit: Kipp Jones, Flickr

The current permit for the road-widening project in the Magic Kingdom Resort Area expires on December 2, 2026. CFTOD is seeking a three-year extension, and TLP Engineering Consultants submitted the request letter to the South Florida Water Management District on its behalf.

The firm says construction has made significant progress, but the existing deadline doesn't leave enough room to finish with one “minor modification.” That change would leave 0.16 acres of pavement on Floridian Way in place, even though it was originally slated for removal.

Blue road signs guide guests to Disney’s Animal Kingdom, EPCOT, Magic Kingdom, and Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser at Disney World.
Credit: Steven Miller, Flickr

Engineers report that most utility work in the construction corridor is complete, which they consider a “significant milestone.” Crews are now building the final roundabout and the road surface. Landscaping and area development work is scheduled to begin in late 2027.

The Stretch Affected

The project widens World Drive from just south of Seven Seas Drive north to Maple Road. That route runs alongside the Magic Kingdom Park parking lot and past Disney's Polynesian Village Resort on its way to Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. A roundabout is under development near the Grand Floridian.

Guests driving this corridor may continue to see work zones while the permit remains active, though the request doesn't say which lanes or roads might be closed at any given time.

What It Will Connect To

The iconic Grand Floridian Resort & Spa at Walt Disney World.
Credit: Jaimie Michaels, Flickr

Once finished, the corridor will tie into other infrastructure projects at the resort, including the World Drive Phase 2 project to the south and the Floridian Way project to the north. The goal is to let more traffic flow efficiently around the Central Florida Disney parks, particularly when the Piston Peak National Park and Disney Villains expansions open at Magic Kingdom Park.

Has construction ever impacted your visit to Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT, Disney's Hollywood Studios, or Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park? Share your story with Disney Fanatic in the comments! 

Jess Colopy

Jess Colopy is a Disney College Program alum and kid-at-heart. When she’s not furiously typing in a coffee shop, you can find her on the hunt for the newest Stitch pin.

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