Contractors working for the Reedy Creek Improvement District are pushing dirt around outside the interchange of State Road 429 and Western Way, the western entrance into Disney World.  This site preparation work is the beginning for a future road network that will service Walt Disney World’s planned lower-rent commercial district, Flamingo Crossings.

As of November 2007, Disney’s land company (Buena Vista Land Company) began advertising parcels of land, targeting merchants that supply products and services that tourists, Disney employees, and area residents might need.  This is being done in an effort to compete with area shopping centers and outlets stores that may draw visitors off Disney property.  

Disney plans to fill the 450-acre commercial area primarily with small restaurants, stores, and service shops.  Along with shopping and eateries, plans call for 4,000 – 5,000 “value priced” rooms to be built in low to mid-rise lodges, with prices comparative to moderate hotels and motels off Disney property.

Reedy Creek Administrator Ray Maxwell said contractors will be mostly leveling land and installing utility lines for the next few months, reiterating the fact that Flamingo Crossings is to be built in phases over eight to 10 years.

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