For many Disney World fans, there’s nothing better than arriving early to the parks. Whether it’s snagging a coveted spot for rope drop, enjoying an empty Main Street, U.S.A., before the crowds take over, or grabbing that first mobile order from your favorite quick-service spot, getting there before the rush can make all the difference.
The first couple of hours at the parks often bring the shortest wait times of the day, making early arrival a key strategy for many visitors.
But what if getting to Disney World on time suddenly became a lot harder?
A massive road project is now underway in Florida, and while the long-term goal is to make driving easier, the current reality is that your travel time to Disney World might get longer before it gets better.
What’s Going On?
The Florida Department of Transportation has launched an ambitious effort to ease congestion on one of the busiest highways leading to Disney World. This means new lanes, expanded ramps, and other improvements to help with traffic flow. However, all of that work comes at a price—temporary lane closures, detours, and unpredictable slowdowns that could impact your drive in 2025.
For guests traveling from the Tampa area or through major points like ChampionsGate, things might get tricky. Some relief will come by the end of this year when new lanes open, but the real congestion-busting improvements won’t be finished until later. That means if you’re heading to Disney World in 2025, you could run into unexpected slowdowns that throw off your morning plans.
How Will This Affect Your Disney World Trip?
If you’re driving to Disney World, here’s what you need to know:
- Morning traffic could be worse. If you’re planning to rope drop, budget extra time for travel delays.
- Navigation apps might not be reliable. Ongoing construction means detours and lane changes could shift day by day.
- Peak-hour travel will be frustrating. Rush-hour drivers could see significantly longer commute times.
What Can You Do About It?
If you don’t want construction delays to mess up your Disney trip, here are a few tips:
- Leave earlier than planned. If your drive typically takes 45 minutes, expect it to take an hour or more during peak times.
- Check traffic reports before heading out. Keep an eye on live updates to avoid the worst of the congestion.
- Use Disney transportation if possible. Staying at a Disney Resort? The buses, Skyliner, and monorail might be a better option than driving yourself.
While this construction project will ultimately help improve traffic flow, the next year or so could be rough for drivers heading to Disney World. If you’re visiting in 2025, expect some delays, plan ahead, and be patient—it might just save your perfect Disney morning.
