Traffic relief is finally on the way for one of Walt Disney World’s busiest entrances. In June 2025, the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District (CFTOD) initiated the bidding process for two confirmed infrastructure projects: the Western Way expansion and a comprehensive overhaul of the Buena Vista Drive/Western Way interchange. These projects are fully funded, officially approved, and out for bid. Together, they launch a transformative new era for Disney’s western gateway.
Major Road Upgrades Coming to Disney’s Southwest Entrance
The improvements are substantial. The Western Way widening project will expand the current four-lane road to six lanes over a 2.45-mile stretch, starting at the State Road 429 interchange and extending east past Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort.
At the same time, Buena Vista Drive will rise above Western Way as part of a grade-separated interchange. This design will reduce congestion and eliminate traffic signals that currently slow down vehicles entering Walt Disney World. The project covers just over a mile of Buena Vista Drive and nearly 0.6 miles of Western Way.
Why the Western Way Expansion Matters
Traffic through this corridor has increased significantly due to growth at Flamingo Crossings, the expansion of cast member housing, and continued resort development. Western Way serves as a vital artery for guests and cast alike. These improvements will streamline access to parks, resorts, and backstage areas.
A $100 Million Investment Hints at Bigger Plans
Disney and CFTOD are not spending $100 million just to widen a road. The scale of the construction, complexity of the new interchange, and extensive utility work suggest that something larger is in the works.
More than easing traffic, the expansion also sets the stage for what’s next. With increased road capacity, Disney has the opportunity to expand. While some have speculated a fifth gate for years, that doesn’t seem likely—at least not yet. What’s more plausible are ramps and access roads leading into roughly 160 acres of unused land just south of Coronado Springs and north of Blizzard Beach, flanked by Hollywood Studios to the east and Animal Kingdom to the west.
What Comes Next?
So what exactly is Disney planning? That’s the billion-dollar question, literally. There is no confirmed construction timeline or additional project beyond the pending roadwork. But make no mistake—this is only the beginning.
A closer look at the interchange plans reveals what could be the entrance to a future resort complex, complete with separate access for backstage traffic and buses. The footprint appears large enough to accommodate a mix of Disney Vacation Club villas, deluxe resorts, moderate offerings, and even value accommodations. For comparison, this space rivals the combined size of the Epcot Resort area and the Pop Century and Art of Animation complexes, excluding the waterways.
What makes it even more compelling is the alignment. The land lies directly west of the Disney Skyliner station at Hollywood Studios. A straight-line extension of the Skyliner is not only plausible—it could be practical. One concept could include a line crossing World Drive toward a new resort hub, with additional lines extending to Coronado Springs and farther west to Animal Kingdom and its surrounding resorts.
Even if a direct crossing over World Drive proves complex, a second Skyliner system could link this new resort zone with Coronado Springs and provide onward access to Animal Kingdom. This type of connectivity could dramatically shift how guests move between these areas—and help redistribute crowds.
The blueprint may begin with pavement, but Disney’s history shows that infrastructure investments often signal something far bigger. With $100 million already committed, the Western Way expansion may redefine the western edge of Walt Disney World.
Could we hear more at Destination D23 later this year? Or will Disney hold the next big reveal until the next D23 Ultimate Disney Fan Event? Either way, Sam’s Disney Diary will be watching closely.
