Disney Springs Replacement Confirmed, Under Construction Near Current Disney World Location

Another version of Walt Disney World Resort’s shopping, dining, and entertainment district, Disney Springs, is coming to the Sunshine State. On December 30, developers closed a $73 million deal for the proposed Ovation Orlando Entertainment District, down the road from the Central Florida Disney parks.

Ovation Orlando Entertainment District

According to GrowthSpotter, a South Florida company called Accesso has finalized a deal for the former Orlando Sun site, which has been abandoned since the resort closed in 2012. The developer had the property under contract for three years, but wasn’t given the go-ahead to develop until the sale closed on December 30, 2025.

“I feel very relieved, but I also want to say that I was always very confident that this team would be able to pull this project together,” Bill Shewalter, Executive Vice President of Accesso Development, said to GrowthSpotter. “The confidence was due to the location, a mile east of Disney across from Celebration on Interstate 4 at a full interchange in the most dynamic tourist market in the country, and on the theme park corridor, which is arguably the most successful retail quarter of highway in America.”

Accesso plans to demolish the former Orlando Sun resort in two weeks. Then, construction will begin on the 670,000-square-foot complex, which will feature 740 hotel rooms and condos, as well as musical-themed and other dining options, shopping areas, and more.

The Ovation Orlando Entertainment District is expected to cost approximately $1 billion to complete. However, Accesso will be eligible for up to $6.5 million in reimbursements as part of a demolition incentive package offered by the Osceola County government.

Opening Timeline

Ovation Orlando Entertainment District is scheduled to open in 2027, according to the Central Florida destination’s official website. Accesso hasn’t announced an exact grand opening date for the sprawling complex.

Should Walt Disney World Resort update Disney Springs before the Ovation Orlando Entertainment District opens? Share your thoughts with Inside the Magic in the comments!