$1 Billion Ovation Orlando Entertainment District To Be Built on Blighted Property Near Disney

Orlando will soon have another shopping, dining, and entertainment destination near Walt Disney World that will also include new hotels close to the theme parks!

A stalled redevelopment project near Walt Disney World is moving forward after South Florida-based developer Accesso closed on a major land purchase tied to its planned Ovation Orlando entertainment district.

According to the Orlando Sentinel, Accesso and joint venture partner Meyers Group paid more than $70 million for 76 acres at the northeast corner of Interstate 4 and U.S. 192, a site formerly home to the Orlando Sun Resort property, which was considered an “eyesore.”

The deal closed on Dec. 30, and the developers said demolition of the old hotel structures is expected to begin within two weeks to make room for Ovation Orlando.

What is Ovation Orlando?

Ovation Orlando will reportedly be a $1 billion mixed-use entertainment destination located about a mile east of Disney, across from Celebration. Developers say the project is designed to attract both tourists and locals, offering restaurants, nightlife, retail, hotels, and entertainment venues.

Ovation Orlando will include:

• 670,000 square feet of experiential retail and dining
• 740 hotel rooms and condos
• Live entertainment offerings such as music venues, comedy, bowling, themed attractions, and nightlife concepts

It will be set up into five themed “zones” or districts.

• The Celebration – Family-friendly retail, dining, entertainment, green space, and pop-ups
• The Water’s Edge – Dining centered on a three-acre lake
• The Indulgence – An upscale hub area featuring a signature hotel
• The Street – Retail and entertainment designed with a Times Square vibe
• The Beat – Music-focused nightlife and late-night venues

Hotel plans

The property is planned to include three hotels:

A 4-star full-service hotel with 350 rooms

Two select-service hotels with 150 rooms and 175 rooms

This means more hotel options close to Walt Disney World!

The plan is to develop the area in one phase, but the developers say it could be done in multiple phases based on economic conditions.

Incentives and Osceoloa County Assistance

The project has been under contract for more than three years, but was held up do to the extensive groundwork including resolving a major code enforcement issue and negotiating a development agreement with Osceola County.

As part of the county’s incentive package, Accesso is eligible for up to:

• $6.5 million in reimbursements for demolition costs
• A 20-year joint marketing program reimbursing up to $10 million in Tourist Development Tax revenue
• More than $15 million in mobility and fire impact fee credits

This deal also resolved over $1 million in code enforcement fines, with the amount reportedly reduced by 90% as part of the agreement.

Chairman of the Osceola Board of County Commissioners Brandon Arrington gave this statement to the Orlando Sentinel,

“Tourism is a cornerstone of our economy, and Project Ovation builds on that strength while delivering real benefits for our residents, from creating hundreds of jobs to providing significant direct investment in our community. By attracting destination-style amenities to the heart of Central Florida’s tourism corridor, we’re working to deliver on our Board’s vision to bring new opportunities for world-class leisure, dining, and entertainment activities without having to leave Osceola County.”

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