Flamingo Crossings is a lodge, purchasing, and eating district developed by Walt Disney World with budget-friendly lodging which can be positioned minutes from the parks. This information will supply ideas & information, and suggestions for this upstart space that we’ve dubbed WDW’s “Second Springs.” (Up to date September 29, 2024.)
Technically, “Second Springs” is inaccurate. There are a ton of springs at Walt Disney World, from Saratoga to Coronado. So many who Disney may need to contemplate creating a personality named Springy, king of the springs. However I digress. The purpose right here is that Flamingo Crossings is like Disney Springs, albeit on a a lot smaller and fewer formidable scale.
Flamingo Crossings additionally has loads much less visitors, visitor demand, and a tiny fraction of the crowds of Disney Springs. Positioned off Western Means and State Highway 429 close to (sarcastically sufficient) Coronado Springs and Animal Kingdom, that is truly an up-and-coming space of Walt Disney World and Central Florida, generally.
The saga of Flamingo Crossings dates again to March 2007, when Walt Disney World introduced the 450-acre retail, eating and lodging district on the western fringe of its property in tandem with the brand new 4 Seasons Orlando. On the time, it was identified merely because the Western Gateway or Builtway undertaking. The plan was for a mixed-use vacationer and industrial district simply outdoors the Walt Disney World western gateway entrance, whereas nonetheless being technically on-property and a part of the Reedy Creek Enchancment District Central Florida Tourism Oversight District.
Particulars from that point revealed a master-planned improvement within the design stage comparable in measurement to Animal Kingdom. The undertaking combines third-party branded lodging, retail, and eating in a pedestrian-friendly atmosphere. Early plans referred to as for 4,000 to five,000 value-priced lodging items and 300,000 to 500,000 sq. ft of economic area. Designed round a retail village, the event would change into a handy purchasing and repair middle for Solid Members, close by residents, and Central Florida guests. The undertaking was to be in-built phases over the following 8 to 10 years.
This was one of many very first initiatives I keep in mind studying about again once I was getting deep into the Walt Disney World fandom, whereas we had been nonetheless in school and dwelling in Indiana. Quick-forward fifteen years later, and the Western Gateway undertaking–now often called Flamingo Crossings–is partially full, and we watched substantial progress made on it throughout our day by day drives whereas dwelling in Florida.
With Flamingo Crossings now coming into its personal as a bona-fide ‘district’ of Walt Disney World, we thought it could be acceptable to carry you a information to this long-planned space that we all know you’ve all been anxiously awaiting! 😉
Towards that backdrop, let’s have a look what’s coming quickly and already open at Flamingo Crossings…
Flamingo Crossings Future Areas:
- Token Ramen & Tea
- SONIC Drive-In
- AT&T
- 7-Eleven
The preliminary buildout at Flamingo Crossings is now virtually solely completed, with solely a handful of places left to open. Seven-Eleven has been coming quickly for the final two years, however seemingly obtained held up by allowing because it’s a fuel station. Regardless, the 7-Eleven at Flamingo Crossings is now below development and the underground gas tanks have already been put in.
The fuel station can have 12 pumps, is the second new fuel station at Horizon West, with a 7-Eleven station additionally opening alongside Seidel Highway. Whereas past the scope of this publish, this fuel station will likely be an enormous addition, satisfying demand for the rising inhabitants on this space and assuaging demand elsewhere.
Flamingo Crossings Present Procuring & Eating Areas:
- Creation Well being Main Care+
- Creation Well being ER
- Pita Mediterranean Avenue Meals
- Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ
- Merely Capri
- Skyline Chili
- Lime Contemporary Mexican Grill
- Luxor Nails & Spa
- Ellie Lou’s Brews & BBQ
- Wendy’s
- Pieology Pizzeria
- PDQ
- Hash Home A Go Go
- Dunkin’ Donuts
- Goal
- Walgreens
- 5 Beneath
- Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream
- PDQ
- 5 Guys
- Firehouse Subs
- Fit2Run, Runner’s Superstore
- Starbucks
- Domino’s Pizza
- UPS Retailer
- White Rabbit Dessert Expertise
Right here’s a map of Flamingo Crossings as of 2024 to offer you an concept of the format of the purchasing and retail:
Flamingo Crossings Accommodations Now Open:
- SpringHill Suites by Marriott at Flamingo Crossings City Heart/Western Entrance
- TownePlace Suites by Marriott at Flamingo Crossings City Heart/Western Entrance
- Residence Inn by Marriott at Flamingo Crossings City Heart
- Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott at Flamingo Crossings City Heart
- Homewood Suites by Hilton at Flamingo Crossings City Heart
- Home2 Suites by Hilton at Flamingo Crossings City Heart
Whereas not pictured on the above map, the entire motels are on the opposite aspect of Flagler or Hartzog Roads, basically reverse the entire purchasing and eating. Flagler isn’t a serious street in any respect and may simply be crossed (it’s principally a aspect road contained in the Flamingo Crossings middle), whereas Hartzog is a way more main street that companies loads of subdivisions (nonetheless crossable, however busier).
The SpringHill Suites and TownPlace Suites are the “oldest” of the motels at Flamingo Crossings, having opened about 8 years in the past. Every part else on that record is just a few years outdated.
Flamingo Crossings Ideas & Methods
Subsequent, some random recommendation about Flamingo Crossings primarily based on our experiences with the district. None of that is complete and even well-organized, simply fleeting ideas, kind of.
As referenced above, all of those motels supply budget-friendly lodging. Costs can range significantly primarily based on demand, however we’ve incessantly discovered choices at or below $150 per night time throughout regular seasons.
This places the motels about on par with the Disney Springs Resort Space, however the distinction is that many of those are household suites with more room. With Priceline Specific Offers and Hotwire Sizzling Charges, below $100 is typically attainable.
Disney transportation doesn’t service the motels at Flamingo Crossings, so that you’ll want both your individual automobile or Uber and Lyft. Rideshare driver availability and wait instances aren’t all the time nice over right here, however it’s constantly enhancing (and may proceed to take action as this space will get extra constructed up).
The Flamingo Crossings motels themselves do supply shuttle service to the parks, however it has restricted hours and is shared. I’ve not examined this but and solely will accomplish that if there’s loads of reader “demand” for it. My normal expertise with such a shuttle service, not particular to those motels, is that it’s often inefficient to the purpose of being unusable.
We haven’t stayed in all of them but, however our favourite lodge so far is the Residence Inn by Marriott, which can also be the latest lodge within the space. There are a selection of prolonged keep or household suite type rooms, all of which have fully-equipped kitchens so you’ll be able to put together meals.
Like the remainder of the motels, the Residence Inn is inside strolling distance of the Goal at Flamingo Crossings. I don’t know what Goal calls its smaller shops, however that’s what that is. (So not a Tremendous Goal.)
It’s just like the Goal model of Walmart Neighborhood Market, with a number of contemporary produce, frozen meals, pantry gadgets, clothes, family items, and an enormous alcohol space (plus a CVS). It’s principally “Goal’s Best Hits for Vacationers & Faculty Children.”
I haven’t been to every other 5 Guys since inflation hit hardest, however this one strikes me as having premium pricing (I like 5 Guys, however have all the time felt it’s a bit overpriced). My current meal right here was virtually $20 for only a burger and fries.
The Starbucks Flamingo Crossings has a drive-thru, making it probably the most handy espresso store for a lot of commuters leaving Horizon West and heading this course for work. Consequently, it may be extremely busy throughout peak hours…after which completely useless an hour or two later.
By way of sensible recommendation, that’s all that stands out in my thoughts. I can complement this primarily based on reader questions, or as extra opens in Flamingo Crossings.
Is Flamingo Crossings the Proper Resort Space for You?
Flamingo Crossings occupies this attention-grabbing spot within the Walt Disney World resort districts. It’s on-property, however it’s not throughout the ‘gates’ of Walt Disney World. It’s basically each off-site and on-site, in that the corporate desires management over it, however to not have Flamingo Crossings seen as a part of Walt Disney World.
The tip outcome with Flamingo Crossings is one thing that’s clearly a part of the true world (you may discover related developments all around the nation) but in addition oddly a part of the Walt Disney World bubble. Between Flamingo Crossings and Walt Disney World correct, you received’t see a single home or actually anything. It’s all undeveloped land of back-of-house Disney amenities.
Flamingo Crossings is mostly a quiet space, minus the entire visitors flowing from the ocean of subdivisions which have proliferated in Horizon West over the last 5+ years. Because of the improvement increase, that is consistently getting worse, so count on extra visitors and other people at Flamingo Crossings with every passing yr.
Nonetheless, it’s nonetheless very totally different from each different space of Central Florida (minus Celebration) within the normal neighborhood of Walt Disney World. There’s loads of open area, master-planned construct out, and it’s typically extra laid again and fewer chaotic. This complete space appears like a rejoinder to the chaos and eclectic growth of I-Drive and elsewhere.
Flamingo Crossings can also be very boring. I don’t know what I anticipated when the Western Gateway was first introduced, however undoubtedly not this. All the improvement is actually a glorified strip mall constructed pursuant to a barely upscale type information. There’s completely no theme, no backstory, and even something that provides it an iota of persona.
The unique plans referred to as for a walkable, downtown-like space with fountains and different placemaking, and there’s solely a little bit little bit of that. All the factor is walkable from the entire aforementioned motels, however it’s important to traverse expansive parking tons. There’s one little pedestrian road that feels vaguely alive, however that’s it. Downtown Winter Backyard, Celebration, Windermere, and Physician Phillips are all way more attention-grabbing and welcoming.
For higher or worse, Flamingo Crossings is the absence of just about all the things that defines Central Florida. It lacks the vitality, theme, and dynamism of each different space round Walt Disney World. That is the place you keep if you need one thing quiet, predictable, and completely inoffensive–but in addition completely unexciting.
Flamingo Crossings is for individuals who need to decompress after a day at Walt Disney World, and need to accomplish that in an atmosphere completely devoid of stimulation. Those that don’t thoughts an space that displays suburban blandness or ask “is it in a protected space?” when reserving actual world motels.
Past that, we’d solely suggest Flamingo Crossings to friends who’re doing Walt Disney World-exclusive journeys to Florida. As the unique title suggests, it’s positioned on the western fringe of property. With just a few exceptions, just about all the things else in Central Florida is positioned to the Northeast of Flamingo Crossings.
Entry to all the things at Walt Disney World is extremely straightforward and easy, minus the comparatively gentle (for now) rush hour visitors. Attending to Common Orlando, SeaWorld, or different theme parks is a colossal ache. Relying on the time of day, every of these may contain a forty five minute to hour-long commute. Whereas the 429 could be quicker (or at the least have fewer visitors jams), it’s an oblique path to virtually all points of interest in Orlando. If you happen to’re doing quite a lot of issues whereas visiting Florida, keep in a extra centralized location. Belief us on this one; we communicate from in depth expertise.
On one other be aware, Flamingo Crossings has a “Pleasantville meets Disney Faculty Campus” vibe to it. One of many huge issues that’s going to maintain all these new companies (along with the motels) are the collosal Faculty Program campuses on the opposite aspect of Western Means. Similar to the public-facing aspect of Flamingo Crossings, these aren’t completely completed and occupied but.
Nonetheless, you’ll completely see Solid Members of their costumes throughout Flamingo Crossings. On a current analysis journey to 5 Guys, I’d estimate that half of the patrons had been vacationers and the opposite half had been Faculty Program contributors. If seeing a Kilimanjaro Safaris tour information or World Showcase host looking for bread in Goal will “break the phantasm” for you, Flamingo Crossings is completely not for you. There’s loads of that.
On a distinct be aware, lots of you have got requested us questions on relocating to Central Florida. Within the absence of a full information to the communities round Walt Disney World, a lot of the above professionals & cons may apply likewise to Horizon West. That’s the place the overwhelming majority of individuals shifting to Central Florida proper now find yourself, anyway.
Whether or not the ‘vibe’ of the world is best for you might be one thing you’ll be able to verify simply when touring the varied subdivisions and driving round. One factor to be cautious of is developer guarantees about buildout, future facilities, colleges, and likewise what it appears to be like like now versus when improvement finishes.
A lot of Horizon West is just about unrecognizable now as in comparison with the way it seemed after we arrived within the space; we witnessed the addition of a number of visitors lights, street widenings, and an absolute explosion in visitors. The Orlando Sentinel has a good article on Horizon West’s “rising pains,” and that’s from 2019.
Growth truly accelerated and relocations elevated throughout the pandemic, and there’s nonetheless extra to return. (I noticed a current estimate that Horizon West is barely about half-finished.) Against this, most different areas of Central Florida are mature, that means what you see is what you get in terms of visitors and neighborhood character.
We didn’t like dwelling in Horizon West throughout these rising pains. The world is sweet, however the neverending development and fixed recreation of catch-up as infrastructure wanted to be expanded or improved upon to maintain tempo with the rising inhabitants took its toll. It didn’t assist that, till Flamingo Crossings was constructed out, there wasn’t sufficient purchasing or companies. It wasn’t till comparatively not too long ago that the primary fuel station opened within the space. We needed to be strategic to ensure we stuffed up earlier than heading residence.
Horizon West looks as if it’ll be an ideal place to reside a couple of decade from now when it’s extra mature and progress has stabilized. Till then, the world was extra of a problem than it was price–I want we’d’ve lived on the opposite aspect of Walt Disney World. (We beloved Physician Phillips.)
In the end, that’s just about all the things it’s essential learn about Walt Disney World’s Flamingo Crossings purchasing, lodge, and eating district. It’s undoubtedly not a Second Springs, however fairly, a considerably smaller-scale, quieter, and less-interesting improvement on the alternative aspect of property.
Flamingo Crossings received’t be proper for everybody and is unquestionably not a “vacation spot” space. For many who need cheap lodging plus groceries and a few purchasing and eating inside strolling distance, plus maybe some semblance of the “Disney Bubble,” Flamingo Crossings is an efficient match. These wanting pleasure, liveliness, an space with persona, or anybody venturing past Walt Disney World ought to most likely keep someplace else.
Planning a Walt Disney World journey? Study motels on our Walt Disney World Accommodations Critiques web page. For the place to eat, learn our Walt Disney World Restaurant Critiques. To economize on tickets or decide which kind to purchase, learn our Ideas for Saving Cash on Walt Disney World Tickets publish. Our What to Pack for Disney Journeys publish takes a singular take a look at intelligent gadgets to take. For what to do and when to do it, our Walt Disney World Trip Guides will assist. For complete recommendation, the very best place to start out is our Walt Disney World Journey Planning Information for all the things it’s essential know!
Your Ideas
Have you ever stayed in Flamingo Crossings or been to this space of Central Florida? If you happen to’re a vacationer, which lodge did you do and what’d you consider it? If you happen to’re an area, what do you consider this improvement and Horizon West as an entire? Do you agree or disagree with our recommendation? Any questions we may help you reply? Listening to your suggestions—even whenever you disagree with us—is each attention-grabbing to us and useful to different readers, so please share your ideas under within the feedback!
