Home » Alternative tourism » Ovation Orlando Entertainment District To Revolutionise Tourism In The USA With Shopping, Dining And Hotels

Published on
January 4, 2026

Orlando is on the verge of welcoming a major transformation to its tourism scene with the rollout of the 1 billion USD Ovation Orlando Entertainment District, which assures a new center for shopping, dining, nightlife, and family-friendly attractions right next to the famous Walt Disney World. The Ovation Orlando project, under the guidance of Accesso, a developer based in South Florida, and its joint venture partner Meyers Group, is going to revitalize a dilapidated spot near Disney that was once occupied by the shabby Orlando Sun Resort.

The developers completed a crucial land purchase on December 30, 2025, paying over 70 million USD for a 76-acre parcel situated at the northeast corner of Interstate 4 and U.S. 192. The site, previously considered an eyesore, is expected to undergo a major transformation. Demolition of the old resort buildings is scheduled to begin within two weeks, marking the first step towards creating a vibrant entertainment destination that will cater to both tourists and locals alike.

A Comprehensive Mixed-Use Destination

Ovation Orlando aims to be much more than a typical shopping centre or entertainment complex. The project’s scale and concept reflect the growing demand for diverse, immersive experiences that blend retail, dining, entertainment, and hospitality. Once completed, it will boast approximately 670,000 square feet of experiential retail and dining spaces, offering something for every visitor.

The developers envision Ovation Orlando as a dynamic venue with five distinct zones designed to cater to a variety of tastes and experiences. The development will include:

The Celebration Zone: A family-friendly area offering retail, dining, green space, and pop-up eventsThe Water’s Edge: A waterfront dining district set around a three-acre lakeThe Indulgence Zone: An upscale hub featuring a signature hotel, perfect for luxury-seeking guestsThe Street Zone: A lively area with retail and entertainment inspired by the energy of Times SquareThe Beat Zone: A music-centric nightlife district offering late-night venues and live performances

These zones will offer a mix of daytime family activities and vibrant evening entertainment, making Ovation Orlando a perfect destination for all ages.

Hotel Options Close to Disney

Another major highlight of the Ovation Orlando Entertainment District is its hotel offerings. The development plans to introduce three hotels to the area, providing guests with even more accommodation options near Walt Disney World. The hotels will include:

A 4-star full-service hotel with 350 rooms, designed to offer premium services and experiences for guestsTwo select-service hotels with 150 and 175 rooms, catering to visitors seeking more budget-friendly options

The addition of these hotels is set to increase the number of lodging choices available to visitors to the nearby Disney theme parks. As Disney continues to draw millions of visitors annually, Ovation Orlando’s hotel options will provide a much-needed influx of additional accommodations for tourists.

Revitalising a Blighted Area

The Ovation Orlando project represents a major step in the revitalisation of an area that had long been underdeveloped and underutilised. The former Orlando Sun Resort was known as an eyesore in the region, but thanks to this new development, the area will soon be transformed into a vibrant entertainment and tourism hub.

In addition to the demolition of outdated buildings, the project’s developers are also tackling a range of challenges to bring the Ovation Orlando Entertainment District to life. The deal had been under contract for over three years, with extensive groundwork needed to resolve zoning and code enforcement issues. As part of the development process, the developers have worked with Osceola County to secure several incentives that are essential for the project’s success.

Key Incentives and Financial Support

As part of an agreement with Osceola County, Accesso is eligible for a variety of financial incentives, including up to 6.5 million USD in reimbursements for demolition costs. Additionally, the county has approved a 20-year joint marketing programme that could reimburse up to 10 million USD in Tourist Development Tax revenue. The developers are also set to receive over 15 million USD in credits for mobility and fire impact fees, helping to offset some of the project’s costs.

Moreover, the county was able to reduce over 1 million USD in code enforcement fines by 90 percent, as part of the agreement that ultimately facilitated the land purchase and ongoing development.

Multiple Phases for Long-Term Growth

The Ovation Orlando Entertainment District is being planned as a single-phase development, but the timeline for its completion may be subject to change. The developers have indicated that the project could be completed in multiple phases depending on market conditions and the economic environment at the time. However, with the incentives in place and the land purchase secured, Ovation Orlando is on track to become one of Central Florida’s most exciting tourism developments in the coming years.

What It Means for Orlando’s Tourism Landscape

Ovation Orlando’s arrival is set to reshape the tourism landscape around Walt Disney World and beyond. With a mix of hotels, dining, entertainment, and shopping, the project will provide both local residents and tourists with a new destination for leisure, relaxation, and fun. As Orlando continues to thrive as one of the world’s top travel destinations, Ovation Orlando promises to enhance the experience for visitors, offering an exciting, modern alternative to the already rich array of attractions in the area.

Final Thoughts

The Ovation Orlando Entertainment District is a huge initiative that will revitalize a region adjacent to Walt Disney World, bringing new hotels, restaurants, shops, and entertainment to the area. The project consists of five different themes, which will each serve different preferences, while the launches of hotels will also improve the number of places to stay in the vicinity. With backing from Osceola County and strong financial support, Ovation Orlando is set to be a significant tourism center for Orlando, attracting not only visitors but also local residents to this thrilling new project.