Disney World is always innovating to ensure Guests have the best experience possible, from within their theme parks to the land surrounding them. And sometimes, the state of Florida helps to keep that magic alive!
If you have ever been to Walt Disney World, you may have noticed a lot of congestion when it comes to entering the theme park. With thousands of Guests visiting each day, the many entryways can get pretty busy, especially with the ongoing traffic Orlando often has.
Credit: Disney
As we have previously reported, the ongoing “I-4Beyond the Ultimate” project will help ease a lot of the congestion around Disney World by reconfiguring I-4. The Crossroads, a shopping center across from the 535 entrance to Walt Disney World — was purchased by Florida for $198 million for the I-4 Ultimate project.
The plaza was home to Buffalo Wild Wings, Taco Bell, McDonald’s, Fuddruckers, Red Lobster, Flippers Pizza, to name a few. Those tenants have until August to vacate so that that land can be used as an Interstate 4 traffic reconfiguration.
It is now being reported that many of the local shops and eateries in that plaza have closed as the plaza prepares for construction.
Goodings, the grocery store that anchored the plaza, has already shut down. A sign states the store is “permanently closed.” T.G.I. Fridays is also closed and Buffalo Wild Wings is only offering take-out food. Many of the smaller shops have left. Perkins, which was here since the beginning, is still open. McDonald’s and Pizzeria Uno still survive.
Although it is sad to see these stores close, we hope that these changes allow Guests visiting Disney World in the future an easier commute into the Most Magical Place on Earth!
What do you think of the “Beyond the Ultimate” project? Let us know in the comments below.
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Credit: Screenshot via Brian and Amanda YouTube
