New Road Projects Set to Transform Disney World’s Western Gateway

Major Roadwork Projects Coming to Walt Disney World’s Backyard: CFTOD Launches Bidding Process for Buena Vista Drive and Western Way Overhaul

Navigating around the Walt Disney World resort is about to get a bit easier. The Central Florida Tourism Oversight District (CFTOD) has officially kicked off the bidding process for two massive transportation projects that could dramatically reshape how guests and cast members move around the western entrance of Walt Disney World Resort.

The district is seeking input from qualified engineering firms to tackle the design of two vital infrastructure upgrades:

• A brand-new grade-separated interchange at Buena Vista Drive and Western Way
• The long-anticipated widening of Western Way from four to six lanes

These projects aim to ease congestion, improve traffic flow, and lay the groundwork for future growth across the resort area, with both efforts being fast-tracked thanks to recent momentum behind road enhancements tied to tourism.

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Project 1: Buena Vista Drive/Western Way Interchange

This is the big one. The current at-grade intersection near Disney’s Blizzard Beach and Coronado Springs Resort will be transformed into a full-fledged interchange, with Buena Vista Drive flying high above Western Way on a new overpass. Interconnected ramps will ensure smoother turns and fewer red lights for drivers navigating this busy corridor. The 1.02-mile improvement stretch begins near the existing Buena Vista Drive/World Drive interchange and continues past the Winter Summerland Mini Golf entrance, while the work along Western Way spans 0.59 miles.

This project includes:

• Stormwater system redesign
• Utility relocation
• Multi-phase delivery with an initial Preliminary Engineering phase, followed by Final Design and Post Design Support (contingent on funding and performance)

Project 2: Western Way Widening

Stretching approximately 2.45 miles, this project would expand Western Way from four to six lanes, extending from the SR 429 interchange to the area just past the Coronado Springs Resort driveway. This is a heavily trafficked route for guests coming in from the western entrance—and it’s about to get a whole lot wider (and hopefully faster).

Key details include:

• Widening toward the median (as originally envisioned)
• Urban-style upgrades with curb and gutter
• Improved stormwater systems and full utility realignment
• A phased approach, starting with Preliminary Engineering plans (30%), and advancing into final stages pending performance and funding

Western Way is an important interchange at Walt Disney World for locals looking to enter Disney property as well as cast members traveling to and from the Flamingo Crossings area.

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What This Means for Guest

While this is still in the design stage, the long-term impact will be huge for anyone navigating the western gateway to Disney property, especially cast members and local guests. Better traffic flow, fewer backups, and more efficient infrastructure all translate to less time in the car and more time in the magic.

Stay tuned, because once these projects break ground, we’ll be tracking every bump, barrier, and bridge as it unfolds!