New Entertainment District 'Ovation Orlando' Confirmed Near Disney World

If you love building a Florida holiday around Disney days, a Universal day, (or two), and the odd rest day, you’ll know the question of what shall we do on our rest day always comes up. Well there’s a new location on the way, as construction begins on a entertainment district not too far from Walt Disney World.

Developer Accesso has officially completed the purchase of land for Ovation Orlando, a massive $1,000,000,000 (£760,045,906.77) billion project situated just off the I-4 and US-192. For those not so familiar with the local geography, that is roughly a mile from Walt Disney World, directly opposite the town of Celebration.

The site is the former Orlando Sun Resort, which has been closed for years. With demolition expected to begin very soon, this project has officially moved from rumour mill to reality.

What is Ovation Orlando?

Project materials describe it as a new eat / shop / stay / play destination catering to both tourists and locals. It is going to be a purpose-built district perfectly designed for that "in-between" time, an ideal place to pop to for a meal, evening drinks, or a relaxed non-park day.

Current plans for the 70+ acre site include roughly 670,000 sq ft of mixed-use space, split into five themed zones:

1. A Central "Celebration" Area: The hub for shops, restaurants, and general entertainment.

2. The Waterfront: Dining venues situated around a newly designed 3-acre lake.

3. Upscale Hotel Zone: Anchored by a 4-star, full-service hotel (one of three hotels planned for the site, totaling around 740 rooms).

4. Retail Strip: A "bright-lights" shopping area with a big-city vibe.

5. Nightlife District: A dedicated area for music and late-night entertainment.

While the exact list of restaurants and brands hasn't been released yet, the scale suggests it aims to compete with the likes of Disney Springs or Universal CityWalk for your evening attention.

You can read more about the area on the official Ovation website.

When Will It Open?

This is one to file under watch this space. While trade reports suggest a ground-breaking could happen as early as the first quarter of 2026, these large developments often shift schedules as construction phasing and tenant deals are finalised.

Ovation's own website currently markets the destination as launching in "2027 and beyond."

This means that If you are travelling in 2026, you will likely see construction activity in the area, but you won't be visiting just yet. If you are planning a trip for late 2027 onwards, it is definitely worth keeping on your radar.

Why This Matters for UK Travellers

For most UK visitors, the biggest win here isn't just another attraction with more outlets, it is about having more flexibility around your park days. Plus the proximity is going to be convenient for anyone looking to escape the Disney bubble. It could well be a viable Disney Springs alternative, but only time will tell.

Here are three possible benefits for UK travellers:

1. Rest-Day Options: It offers something new to do when you want a slower pace than rope-dropping a theme park but still want to get out of the villa or hotel.

2. Dining Variety: It provides a potential alternative to the often-crowded Disney Springs or Universal CityWalk, especially if you are staying in a villa on the US-192 or in the Kissimmee area.

3. Accommodation: Additional hotel inventory nearby could help overall availability during peak UK school holiday weeks.

The Practical Downside: Traffic

It is worth noting that the I-4 / US-192 junction is already one of the busiest pinch-points for tourists. Even before Ovation opens, the demolition and construction phase will likely mean extra lorries, lane changes, and slower runs in that corridor.

If you are hiring a car, this is a good reminder to:

• Build a "buffer" into your travel time for evening dining reservations.

• Avoid tight schedules, (like trying to sprint from a restaurant to fireworks), on busy nights.

• Keep your sat-nav or traffic apps handy for real-time reroutes.

Planning Tip

Ovation Orlando will not be part of Disney or Universal, so expect the usual off-site rules: possible parking fees, independent security policies, and opening hours that differ from the parks. Once tenants are announced, we will know if the vibe leans more "family-friendly early evening" or "adult nightlife," but early plans suggest a mix of both.

Magic in a Minute

A brand-new entertainment district near Disney has officially secured its land and is moving into demolition mode. It is one to bookmark if you are planning 2027+ Florida holidays, and one to be aware of for potential traffic if you are travelling sooner.