Four Seasons to Anchor New Disney World Resort
Walt Disney World Resort announced two new projects as part of an expansion plan, including a new 900-acre luxury resort anchored by the Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts and a 450-acre retail, dining and lodging district on the western edge of the Disney World. Along the northeast border of the Disney World Resort, Disney plans to convert its Eagle Pines and Osprey Ridge golf courses into a luxury resort and golf community. The development will include a luxury hotel, 18-hole championship golf course, single- and multi-family vacation homes and fractional ownership vacation homes.
Disney entered into a letter of intent with Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts to bring these two complementary and respected brands together to anchor a family resort destination. Once terms of the project are finalized, site work could begin later this year, with a hotel opening forecasted for 2010. On the western edge of the resort, Disney is planning a mixed-use tourist commercial district just outside Disney's gateway entrance. The master-planned development is comparable in size to Disney's Animal Kingdom. The project combines third-party branded lodging, retail and dining in a pedestrian-friendly environment. The development will be located outside Disney's gateway around the interchange where Western Way meets the Western Beltway.
Early development plans include 4,000 to 5,000 low- to mid-rise, value-priced lodging units and 300,000-500,000 square feet of commercial space. Designed around a retail village, the development will become a convenient shopping and service center for Disney Cast Members (employees), nearby residents and Central Florida visitors. The project is currently in the design stage. Site work and branding is anticipated to begin later this year. The project will be built in phases over the next eight to 10 years.
