Originally announced in 2007 the Flamingo Crossing development outside Disney World’s Western Road entrance was derailed by a shaky economy. But the project is back on track, with revised project limits, and a new target market.
The original project was going to encompass 450-acres and would be targeted as the growing number of families who live to the west and south of Walt Disney World, who may want to stay near the park at an affordable rate. There would be shopping, dining, and even groceries to help support the local population as well.
The new project is downsized a bit and will instead focus on providing hotel rooms to sports teams and fans who might be competing at ESPN Wide World of Sports. There will still be a town center with shopping, dining, and groceries, but it will be smaller than originally envisioned. (in fact the old website is still up if you want to check out the original plans) h
That’s not to say Flamingo Crossings couldn’t, one day, grow into a new area with multiple hotels, but for now, there will just be two.
TownePlace Suites (and extended stay brand from Marriott) and SpringHill Suites should open by early 2016 and will have around 500 suites. Amenities at the hotels will include batting cages, a basketball court and practice fields to help attract those athletes.
To be honest, 500 suites is not alot, even if they all held 6 people, that’s only 3,000 people. Disney must have determined that it didn’t make sense to build it’s own hotels in the current travel market.
Groundbreaking will be on October 16th of 2014.
More information in the Orlando Sentinel.