Abandoned $192 Million Resort Takes Bold Move to Lure Guests Away from Disney’s Kingdom: DisneyFanatic.com

Photo: Lee (myfrozenlife), Flickr

One of Disney’s largest hotels, abandoned for years, may finally be reopening.

Credit: Inside the Magic

When booking a Walt Disney World vacation, it’s popular to stay at an on-site Disney resort, but that might not be the case for everyone. While sleeping in the Disney bubble might make sense for some families, it’s expensive, and if you’re planning on incorporating other Orlando activities into your non-Disney trip, it might make more sense to stay just off-site.

Orlando is home to hundreds of non-Disney hotels that welcome millions of travelers each year. But there is one, the Orlando Sun Hotel and Resort, that has not had a guest for some time.

That could all change soon.

Future Plans for Orlando Sun Resort

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Overview of the Ovation Project

The Orlando Sun Resort, located just outside Disney World, is set to undergo a major transformation through the proposed Ovation Project, WESH reports.

Miami-based Meyers Group wants to breathe new life into the abandoned site, which has been an eyesore for years. If approved, the project would transform the dilapidated property into a vibrant entertainment district that will complement the region’s growing tourism industry.

The Ovation Project includes several attractive features, including the construction of hotels, restaurants and retail spaces. The developers envision a dynamic area that not only serves tourists visiting Disney World, but is also a destination in its own right. The project is expected to include more than 800,000 square feet of retail and entertainment space, along with a substantial 500-room hotel.

In addition, plans for live entertainment venues and a museum underline the ambitious scale of the redevelopment.

If you want to experience the current state of the resort, you can watch the well-developed video from Bright Sun Films on YouTube.

With the recent addition of Evermore Resort, it appears more developers are looking to expand Orlando’s hotel sector.

Estimated costs and funding sources

The financial outline for the project shows an estimated cost of $192 million, with the Meyers Group contributing about $30 million of that amount. Most of the financing will come through Osceola County, which has expressed support for the project. A Memorandum of Understanding between the county and the developers has been established to facilitate financing, including special assessments and potential tax breaks.

History of the Orlando Sun Resort

The property first opened in the 1970s as the Hyatt Orlando Resort and quickly became a popular destination due to its proximity to Disney World. With over 3,400 hotel rooms and a sprawling convention center, it catered to countless guests and thrived during a tourism boom. Its combination of luxurious amenities and prime location made it a cornerstone of Orlando hospitality.

However, the tide turned dramatically after the September 11, 2001 attacks. A decline in tourism, among other factors, led to the resort’s closure a few years later. Attempts to revive the resort led to a new name in 2007: Orlando Sun Resort, but problems persisted with continued reports of mismanagement and poor conditions. Unfortunately, these factors led to another closure in 2012.

In recent years, the resort showed signs of serious decline. Guest reviews reported widespread problems, including mold in guest rooms and stagnant water in swimming pools. Reports of unpaid wages for staff further contributed to the chaotic environment, eventually leading to the resort’s abandonment.

Current condition of the building

Today, the Orlando Sun Resort stands in stark contrast to its glory days. The once-thriving downtown has been reduced to a crumbling shell marked by neglect and vandalism. Overgrown landscaping, dilapidated buildings, and garish graffiti mar the grounds, leaving a haunting reminder of the past. Urban explorers regularly document their findings, revealing a place that has succumbed to nature and time.

An urban exploration initiative conducted by an individual known as “Freaktography” revealed the resort’s current state. The exploration revealed abandoned rooms filled with mold, broken furniture, and the remains of a once-thriving establishment. The explorer’s findings illuminate the extent of the vandalism, capturing photographs of crumbling walls and eerily empty luxury suites. Such perspectives highlight the stark contrast between the resort’s past and present.

Below you can check out Freaktography’s report from the resort:

The abandoned state of the Orlando Sun Resort has not only affected the property itself, but has also had a knock-on effect on the surrounding community. The deterioration has been marked by safety concerns and increased incidents of trespassing, contributing to an undesirable atmosphere in the area. This neglect has become a concern for local stakeholders, leading to calls for action to redevelop the area.

Community and Economic Impact on Orlando

Credit: Freaktography

If the Ovation Project becomes a reality, Osceola County could benefit significantly. The redevelopment promises to revitalize the local economy by transforming a neglected area into a vibrant tourist destination. By incorporating amenities that serve Disney World visitors, the project could play a significant role in driving traffic to the area.

The project is expected to create numerous jobs across a range of sectors. From hospitality to retail, the redeveloped Orlando Sun Resort aims to make a meaningful contribution to the local employment landscape.
Additionally, with the expected influx of tourists visiting this new entertainment center, local businesses can expect more visitors and increased revenue streams.

Despite the positive outlook, some community members have expressed concerns about the project. Concerns have been raised about the impact of construction, potential changes to local traffic patterns, and the involvement of a commercial developer. As negotiations between the county and Meyers Group continue, it remains essential that all stakeholders address these issues in a transparent manner to foster trust and support in the community.

The future of the once-celebrated Orlando Sun Resort now hinges on the success of the Ovation Project. With plans to revitalize this abandoned site and transform it into a vibrant hub of activity, the potential benefits to the local economy could be significant. However, balancing community interests with ambitious redevelopment goals will be key to ensuring the project’s success. The region waits, hopefully but cautiously, for what lies ahead.

Which resort do you usually stay at when you visit Walt Disney World Resort?