Florida Govt To Pay $6.5 Million to Company Building Disney World Competitor in Orlando
Osceola County is handing millions of dollars to developers constructing a direct rival to Walt Disney World Resort’s most popular shopping destination. The government incentive package will reimburse up to $6.5 million in costs associated with the $1 billion Ovation Orlando Entertainment District, which is slated to open just one mile from Disney property in 2027.
Public Funds Support Private Development
Accesso, a South Florida development company, finalized its $73 million purchase of the abandoned Orlando Sun resort site on December 30, 2025. The deal unlocked access to Osceola County’s demolition incentive program, which offers financial reimbursements to developers willing to tear down aging properties and replace them with modern attractions.
The county government will pay Accesso up to $6.5 million as the developer demolishes the defunct resort and constructs the massive entertainment complex. The public subsidy reduces the financial burden on the private company building a facility that will compete directly with Disney Springs for tourist spending.
Bill Shewalter, Executive Vice President of Accesso Development, celebrated the completed deal with GrowthSpotter, emphasizing the strategic positioning of Ovation Orlando Entertainment District:
“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. 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.”
The developer spent three years with the property under contract before December 30, when the closing provided the green light to proceed. Accesso wasted no time moving forward—demolition of the former Orlando Sun resort begins in two weeks.
Sprawling Complex Takes Shape
The Ovation Orlando Entertainment District will span 670,000 square feet, featuring 740 hotel rooms and condominiums, as well as numerous dining and entertainment venues. Music-themed restaurants will anchor the dining lineup, though Accesso hasn’t revealed specific concepts or restaurant partners.
The complete development is expected to carry a $1 billion construction budget. Despite the massive investment, Accesso benefits from taxpayer support through Osceola County’s incentive program, effectively reducing the company’s financial risk.
Direct Threat to Disney Springs
Opening in 2027, according to the project’s official website, Ovation Orlando Entertainment District positions itself perfectly to steal customers from Walt Disney World Resort. The complex is situated one mile east of Disney property, directly across from Celebration, on Interstate 4 at a full interchange.
Tourists driving along Central Florida’s theme park corridor will encounter Ovation Orlando Entertainment District before reaching Disney Springs. The 740 hotel rooms and condos mean overnight guests may never leave the property to spend money at Walt Disney World Resort. Unlike Disney Springs, which requires navigating Disney property and parking structures, Ovation Orlando Entertainment District offers immediate access to Interstate 4 for maximum convenience.
Accesso hasn’t announced a specific grand opening date beyond the 2027 target year listed on the entertainment district’s website.
What do you think about the plans for the Ovation Orlando Entertainment District? Disney Dining would love to hear from you in the comments!
