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Credit: DisneyWalt Disney World is the most visited tourist location in America. That is why it seems strange to hear that some hotel properties close to Walt Disney World have gone bankrupt and are heading to auction.
Related: Disney Could Get $500+ Million in Tax Incentives For Lake Nona Move
Back in October of 2020, we reported on a number of hotel properties near both Walt Disney World and Universal that suffered hardships amid the pandemic. These properties went to auction and had an uncertain future.
Despite tourism in Central Florida picking up dramatically, it appears that not all hotels or motels are able to survive. The Orlando Business Journal reported that the properties will be auctioned off together on September 1. Noting that this could lead to a larger redevelopment opportunity. The properties are located on Lake Cecile which is just minutes from the Walt Disney World Resort.
Pompano Beach-based Fisher Auction Co. is marketing the Lake Cecile Inn & Suites, Star Motel at Lakeside and the Palm Lakefront Resort & Hostel along U.S. 192 facing Lake Cecile. The three properties total 17.9 acres of which 10.3 acres are buildable. The properties are being sold together.
Lamar Fisher, who is the CEO of Fisher Auction said that:
“Given their superb location, we are confident these properties will draw significant interest from national and international buyers,”
You likely would not have stayed at any of these accommodations for your Walt Disney World vacation, as they filed for bankruptcy and closed back in March. The Star Motel specifically has been abandoned since January. However, there is the opportunity that in redevelopment something new and exciting could come close to Walt Disney World.
Disney has been hard at work developing their own master-planned center outside of Walt Disney World called Flamingo Crossings. Flamingo Crossings features housing for the Disney College Program participants, restaurants, shops including Target, and plenty of hotels.
There is also another master-planned center nestled between Disney World and the Universal Orlando Resort. O-Town West is a sprawling hub of activity as it is under construction, but some fast-food hotspots such as White Castle and Portillo’s have already opened.
Perhaps these hotel properties on Lake Cecile that are up for auction could turn into another center of activity near the Walt Disney World Resort? Giving vacationers more options for accommodations when they plan their Central Florida vacation. If this move were to happen some rezoning would have to take place, according to OBJ:
The property’s three lots feature a total of 290 rooms built between 1978-1984, marketing materials show. The property is zoned tourist commercial, but would require a change to urban center core if redeveloped. The property’s permitted uses are general commercial, retail, hotel, motel, senior housing and assisted living.
We will have to wait and see if any redevelopment of this area happens. But perhaps it could bring even more new entertainment close to Walt Disney World.
What do you think of these hotels being auctioned off? Let us know in the comments.
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