Jump to content

Flamingo Crossings: Difference between revisions

Add links
Coordinates: 28°22′49″N 81°37′4″W / 28.38028°N 81.61778°W / 28.38028; -81.61778
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous edit
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
mNo edit summary
 
(45 intermediate revisions by 14 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Infobox shopping mall
{{Infobox shopping mall
| name = Flamingo Crossings
| name = Flamingo Crossings
| logo =
| logo = Flamingo Crossings logo.png
| image = File:Flamingo Crossings Sign.png
| image = Flamingo Crossings Sign.png
| caption = Flamingo Crossings main entrance signage
| caption = Flamingo Crossings main entrance signage
| location = [[Winter Garden, Florida]], United States
| type =
| coordinates = {{Coord|28|22|49|N|81|37|4|W|type:landmark_region:US-FL|display=inline,title}}
| location = [[Walt Disney World]]<br>[[Bay Lake, Florida|Bay Lake]], [[Florida]], U.S.
| website = {{URL|https://flamingocrossings.com/| Official Website}}
| coordinates =
| owner = [[The Walt Disney Company]]
| website =
| owner = [[The Walt Disney Company]]
| manager = [[Disney Experiences]]
| opening_date = {{Start date|2021}}
| manager = [[Walt Disney World]]<br>
| opening_date = 2021
| previous_names =
}}
}}
{{DWR}}
'''Flamingo Crossings''', also known as '''Flamingo Crossings Town Center''' or '''Flamingo Crossings Village''', is an outdoor [[shopping center|shopping]], [[dining]], residential, and [[entertainment complex]] at [[Walt Disney World]] in [[Bay Lake, Florida]], near [[Winter Garden, Florida]]. First announced by Disney in 2007, the complex officially opened in 2021 with an initial phase of businesses, with more planned in future development.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.orlandoweekly.com/arts/after-years-of-delays-disneys-flamingo-crossings-might-finally-get-its-village-center-7366520|title=After years of delays Disney's Flamingo Crossings might finally get its village center|first=O. W.|last=Staff|website=Orlando Weekly}}</ref>


'''Flamingo Crossings''', also known as '''Flamingo Crossings Town Center''' or '''Flamingo Crossings Village''', is an outdoor [[shopping center|shopping]], [[dining]], residential, and [[entertainment complex]] at [[Walt Disney World]] near [[Winter Garden, Florida]] in [[Orange County, Florida|Orange County]]. First announced by Disney in 2007, the complex officially opened in 2021 with an initial phase of businesses, with more planned in future development.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.orlandoweekly.com/arts/after-years-of-delays-disneys-flamingo-crossings-might-finally-get-its-village-center-7366520|title=After years of delays Disney's Flamingo Crossings might finally get its village center|first=O. W.|last=Staff|website=Orlando Weekly}}</ref>
==Background==
[[The Walt Disney Company]] first announced the development of a new entertainment district in 2007, to be called Flamingo Crossings. Disney designated land located directly outside what is called the Western Entrance Gateway located on Western Way behind Animal Kingdom. Shortly after the announcement and initial planning, the [[Great Recession]] of 2008 hindered development plans, and Disney shifted their focus to the re-development of the Downtown Disney area into [[Disney Springs]]. The first business to open in the area was the two connected [[Marriott International]] hotels, Towneplace Suites and Springhill Suites. Construction began in 2014 and the hotels opened in 2016.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hospitalitynet.org/news/4074177.html|title=SpringHill Suites & TownePlace Suites Hotels To Open In Winter Garden, Florida|website=Hospitality Net}}</ref> Development was also stalled while construction of the Western Way extension to Avalon Road was to be completed. The new extension opened in 2019. Development was further stalled by the COVID-19 pandemic, with businesses deferring their opening plans into 2022 and 2023. Western Way is planned to be extended even further onto [[U.S. Route 27 in Florida|Highway 27]], bringing more business to the fast-growing area known as [[Horizon West, Florida|Horizons West]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.horizonwestinfo.com/flamingo-crossings-full-map/|title=Flamingo Crossings Full Map|date=November 7, 2021|website=Horizon West News & Info}}</ref>


==History==
== Background ==
[[File:Flamingo Crossings Skywalk.jpg|thumb|A [[Skyway|skywalk]] across Western Way at Flamingo Crossings.]]
The land on which Flamingo Crossings was built was originally all orange grove farms. The main road in the development is named Hartzog Road, named after William Hartzog (1916-2009), who was a long-time landowner and businessman in the area and created the road from clay from his citrus farm.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/orlandosentinel/name/william-hartzog-obituary?id=22554561|title=William Hartzog Obituary (2009) - Orlando, FL - Orlando Sentinel|website=Legacy.com}}</ref>
[[The Walt Disney Company]] first announced the development of a new entertainment district in 2007, to be called Flamingo Crossings. Disney designated land located directly outside what is called the Western Entrance Gateway located on Western Way behind Animal Kingdom. Shortly after the announcement and initial planning, the [[Great Recession]] of 2008 hindered development plans, and Disney shifted their focus to the re-development of the Downtown Disney area into [[Disney Springs]]. The first business to open in the area was the two connected [[Marriott International]] hotels, Towneplace Suites and Springhill Suites. Construction began in 2014 and the hotels opened in 2016.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hospitalitynet.org/news/4074177.html|title=SpringHill Suites & TownePlace Suites Hotels To Open In Winter Garden, Florida|website=Hospitality Net}}</ref> Development was also stalled while construction of the Western Way extension to Avalon Road was to be completed. The new extension opened in 2019. Development was further stalled by the COVID-19 pandemic, with businesses deferring their opening plans into 2022 and 2023. Western Way is planned to be extended even further onto [[U.S. Route 27 in Florida|Highway 27]], bringing more business to the fast-growing area known as [[Horizon West, Florida|Horizon West]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.horizonwestinfo.com/flamingo-crossings-full-map/|title=Flamingo Crossings Full Map|date=November 7, 2021|website=Horizon West News & Info}}</ref>
Disney did not initially own the land this far west of property but began purchasing it from local landowners in the 1990s, one of whom was Everette Fischer (1933-2021) former manager of the Winter Garden Citrus Growers Association.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/winter-garden-fl/everette-fischer-10140816|title=Everette Fischer Obituary - Winter Garden, FL|website=Dignity Memorial}}</ref> Disney had also developed the former Crossroads Shopping Center located near Disney Springs in the 1980s, geared toward Disney College Program cast-members and guests staying in local resorts on Hotel Plaza Blvd. Crossroads was closed and demolished in 2021. The Flamingo Crossings development is located just north of the Orange Lake Resort by Holiday Inn, which was built by [[Kemmons Wilson]] in 1982,<ref>[https://hicv.com/timeline#mid-80s-mid-90s Timeline. Mid 1980s–mid 1990s] hicv.com</ref> before Disney World expanded west with [[Disney's Animal Kingdom]] in 1998. The [[Florida State Road 429]] was built using Eminent domain through the Orange Lake Resort property.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2021/09/24/crossroads-shopping-center-near-disney-set-for-demolition/|title=Crossroads shopping center near Disney set for demolition|first=Nadeen|last=Yanes|date=September 24, 2021|website=WKMG}}</ref>
[[File:Flamingo Crossings Insignia.png|thumb|left|150px|Insignia at Flamingo Crossings, developed by [[Walt Disney Imagineering]].]]


==Development==
== History ==
The land on which Flamingo Crossings was built was originally all orange grove farms. The main road in the development is named '''Hartzog Road''', named after William Hartzog (1916–2009), who was a long-time landowner and businessman in the area and created the road from clay from his citrus farm.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/orlandosentinel/name/william-hartzog-obituary?id=22554561|title=William Hartzog Obituary (2009) – Orlando, FL – Orlando Sentinel|website=Legacy.com}}</ref> Disney did not initially own the land this far west of the property but began purchasing it from local landowners in the 1990s, one of whom was Everette Fischer (1933–2021) former manager of the Winter Garden Citrus Growers Association.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/winter-garden-fl/everette-fischer-10140816|title=Everette Fischer Obituary – Winter Garden, FL|website=Dignity Memorial}}</ref> Disney had also developed the former Crossroads Shopping Center located near Disney Springs in the 1980s, geared toward Disney College Program Cast Members and guests staying in local resorts on Hotel Plaza Blvd. Crossroads was closed and demolished in 2021. The Flamingo Crossings development is located just north of the [[Holiday Inn|Orange Lake Resort & Golf Club by Holiday Inn]] on Sandpiper Landing Way, which was built by [[Kemmons Wilson]] in 1982,<ref>[https://hicv.com/timeline#mid-80s-mid-90s Timeline. Mid 1980s–mid 1990s] hicv.com</ref> before Disney World expanded west with [[Disney's Animal Kingdom]] in 1998. The [[Florida State Road 429]] was built using Eminent domain through the Orange Lake Resort property.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2021/09/24/crossroads-shopping-center-near-disney-set-for-demolition/|title=Crossroads shopping center near Disney set for demolition|first=Nadeen|last=Yanes|date=September 24, 2021|website=WKMG}}</ref>
[[Walt Disney Imagineering]] filed the trademark for the Flamingo Crossing name and insignia in 2015. The Reedy Creek Improvement District (now the [[Central Florida Tourism Oversight District]]) approved further enhancements to the area including two skywalks, for guests and cast-members to safely cross both sides of the developement. A traffic stop at the intersection of Western Way and Hartzog Road was installed in 2021. Additional paving and enhancements, including the installation of a bus lane for [[Disney College Program]] busses, took place in 2021 and 2022. The roads within the complex are named Sugar Belle Drive, Flagler Drive, and Ruby Red Way. The complex includes a community exposition hall for meetings and events, and an outdoor shelter. A garden area and space for live entertainment is also located at the center of the complex.
== Development ==
[[Walt Disney Imagineering]] filed the trademark for the Flamingo Crossing name and insignia in 2015.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Bilbao |first1=Richard |title=Disney secures trademarks for Flamingo Crossings development |url=https://www.bizjournals.com/orlando/blog/2016/09/disney-secures-trademarks-for-flamingo-crossings.html |work=Orlando Business Journal}}</ref> The Reedy Creek Improvement District (now the [[Central Florida Tourism Oversight District]]) approved further enhancements to the area including two skywalks, for guests and Cast Members to safely cross both sides of the development. A traffic stop at the intersection of Western Way and Hartzog Road was installed in 2021. Additional paving and enhancements, including the installation of a bus lane for [[Disney College Program]] busses, took place in 2021 and 2022. The roads within the complex are named '''Sugar Belle Drive''', '''Flagler Drive''', and '''Ruby Red Place'''. The complex includes a community exposition hall for meetings and events, and an outdoor shelter. A garden area and space for live entertainment is also located at the center of the complex.


==Flamingo Crossings Village==
== Flamingo Crossings Village ==
Housing for those participating in the [[Disney College Program|Walt Disney World College Program]] is provided in '''Flamingo Crossings Village''', a large apartment complex that opened in 2021 and replaced all former Disney College Program housing. The village is designated into sections with a nature walking path connecting the two. The complex is divided into East and West, with neighborhoods named after Disney characters within the buildings. The complex is managed by [[American Campus Communities]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.americancampus.com/portfolio/property-details/FL/Flamingo-Crossings-Village/514|title=Flamingo Crossings Village &#124; Disney College Program Housing|website=www.americancampus.com}}</ref>
Housing for those participating in Orlando's [[Disney College Program]] is provided in '''Flamingo Crossings Village''', a large apartment complex that opened in 2021. The complex replaced the former Disney College Program housing complexes, which were adjacently located in the Little Lake Bryan area, nearby [[International Drive]], and the Vistana area, nearby [[Florida State Road 535]]. The village is designated into sections, with a nature walking path connecting the two. The complex is divided into East and West, with neighborhoods named after Disney characters within the buildings. The East Village is located off Hartzog Road, while the West Village is located on Rock Pigeon Loop.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.americancampus.com/student-apartments/fl/disney/flamingo-crossings-village|title=Flamingo Crossings Village &#124; Disney College Program Housing|website=www.americancampus.com}}</ref> The complex is managed by [[American Campus Communities]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.americancampus.com/portfolio/property-details/FL/Flamingo-Crossings-Village/514|title=Flamingo Crossings Village &#124; Disney College Program Housing|website=www.americancampus.com}}</ref> In December 2023, Disney opened up Flamingo Crossings Village to all Cast Members.<ref>{{cite news |title=Disney Opens College Program Housing At Flamingo Crossings To Cast Members |url=https://www.horizonwestinfo.com/disney-opens-college-program-housing-at-flamingo-crossings-to-cast-members/ |work=Horizon West News & Info |publisher=horizonwestinfo.com |date=26 December 2023}}</ref>


Located within the development is also the private apartment community named The Westerly.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://westerlyapts.com//|title=Winter Garden Apartments &#124; The Westerly Apartment Homes|first=The|last=Westerly|website=westerlyapts.com}}</ref> Disney plans to build an affordable housing complex within the development off Hartzog Road open to all Disney cast-members due to the affordable housing crisis in the area.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://blogmickey.com/2023/06/walt-disney-imagineering-begins-early-phases-of-affordable-housing-project-near-disney-world/|title=Walt Disney Imagineering Begins Early Phases of Affordable Housing Project Near Disney World|date=June 15, 2023}}</ref> Offices are located within the complex for the Disney Programs department. Almost all of the first announced businesses for Phase 1 of the area will be open by 2024. The area has several expansion pads for additions in the future.
Located within the development is also the private apartment community named '''The Westerly'''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://westerlyapts.com//|title=Winter Garden Apartments &#124; The Westerly Apartment Homes|first=The|last=Westerly|website=westerlyapts.com}}</ref>


North of Flamingo Crossings, Disney plans to build an affordable housing complex open to the general public.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://blogmickey.com/2023/06/walt-disney-imagineering-begins-early-phases-of-affordable-housing-project-near-disney-world/|title=Walt Disney Imagineering Begins Early Phases of Affordable Housing Project Near Disney World|date=June 15, 2023}}</ref> Offices are located within the complex for the Disney Programs department. Almost all of the first announced businesses for Phase One of the area will be open by 2024. The area has several expansion pads for additions in the future.
==List of hotels==
* '''Townplace Suites / Springhill Suites''' - [[Marriott International|Marriott]]
The two resorts are connected and share a Starbucks coffee location in the lobby. The hotel is home to '''Flamingo's Bar & Grille'''. <ref>[https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/mcofm-springhill-suites-orlando-at-flamingo-crossings-town-center-western-entrance/dining/ ''Springhill Suites Flamingo Dining'']</ref>


== Hotels ==
* '''Homewoods Suites / Home2 Suites''' - [[Hilton Worldwide|Hilton]]
Labeled as ''Walt Disney World Gateway Hotels'', these hotels provide shuttles to and from the four Disney theme parks.<ref>{{Cite web |title=lake-buena-vista-area,flamingo-crossings-area |url=https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/resorts/more/#/lake-buena-vista-area,flamingo-crossings-area,espn-wide-world-of-sports-area/%5B%5D |access-date=2023-10-07 |website=disneyworld.disney.go.com |language=en}}</ref> Each resort has meeting and special event space, with Homewood Suites having the largest facilities available with three meeting rooms totaling 2,809 square feet.<ref>https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/mcofchw-homewood-suites-orlando/events/ {{Bare URL inline|date=August 2024}}</ref>
The two resorts are connected and feature '''Dia Feliz Cantina Restaurant'''. <ref>[https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/mcofchw-homewood-suites-orlando/ ''Homewood Suites Flamingo Official Site]</ref>
* [[TownePlace Suites]] / [[SpringHill Suites]] ([[Marriott International|Marriott]]) – The two hotels are connected and share a Starbucks coffee location in the lobby. The hotel is home to Flamingo's Bar & Grille.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/mcofm-springhill-suites-orlando-at-flamingo-crossings-town-center-western-entrance/dining/|title=American Restaurant Orlando &#124; SpringHill Suites Orlando at FLAMINGO CROSSINGS|website=www.marriott.com}}</ref>
* [[Homewood Suites by Hilton|Homewoods Suites]] / [[Home2 Suites by Hilton]] – The two hotels are connected and feature Dia Feliz Cantina Restaurant.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/mcofchw-homewood-suites-orlando/|title=''Homewood Suites Flamingo Official Site}}</ref>
* [[Fairfield by Marriott]] – The hotel features The Fieldhouse Restaurant.<ref>[https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/mcofr-fairfield-inn-and-suites-orlando-at-flamingo-crossings-town-center/dining/ ''Fairfield Inn Flamingo Crossings''] accessed 10/08/2023]</ref>
* [[Residence Inn by Marriott]] – The hotel features Featherstones Bar & Grille.<ref>[https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/mcorf-residence-inn-orlando-at-flamingo-crossings-town-center/dining/ '''Residence Inn Flamingo Crossings''''] accessed 10/08/2023</ref>


== List of current businesses ==
* '''Fairfield Inn''' - [[Marriott International|Marriott]]
This resort features '''The Fieldhouse Restaurant'''.<ref>[https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/mcofr-fairfield-inn-and-suites-orlando-at-flamingo-crossings-town-center/dining/ ''Fairfield Inn Flamingo Crossings'']accessed 10/08/2023]</ref>

* '''Residence Inn''' - [[Marriott International|Marriott]]
This resort features '''Featherstones Bar & Grille'''.<ref>[https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/mcorf-residence-inn-orlando-at-flamingo-crossings-town-center/dining/ '''Residence Inn Flamingo Crossings'''']accessed 10/08/2023</ref>


These hotels are labeled as ''Walt Disney World Gateway Hotels'' and provide shuttles to and from the four Disney theme parks.<ref>{{Cite web |title=lake-buena-vista-area,flamingo-crossings-area |url=https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/resorts/more/#/lake-buena-vista-area,flamingo-crossings-area,espn-wide-world-of-sports-area/%5B%5D |access-date=2023-10-07 |website=disneyworld.disney.go.com |language=en}}</ref>

==List of current businesses==
{{col-begin}}
{{col-begin}}
{{col-2}}
{{col-3}}
'''Full-Service Restaurants'''
'''Full-Service Restaurants'''
*Ellie Lou's Brews & BBQ
*Simply Capri Italian Restaurant
*[[Gyu-Kaku]] Japanese BBQ
*Hash House a Go-Go
*[[Hash House a go go]]
*Lime Fresh Mexican Grill
*Pieology Pizza
*Pieology Pizza
*Simply Capri Italian Restaurant<ref name="auto">{{Cite web|url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2023/03/16/disneys-flamingo-crossings-lands-italian-eatery-from-restaurateur-nick-valenti/|title=Disney's Flamingo Crossings lands Italian eatery from restaurateur Nick Valenti|date=March 16, 2023}}</ref>
*Persimmon Hollow Brewing Company
*White Rabbit Desert Experience
*Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ
{{col-3}}
*Lime Fresh Mexican Grill
*Ellie Lou's Brews & BBQ

'''Fast Food'''
'''Fast Food'''
*[[Ben & Jerry's]]
*[[Ben & Jerry's]]
*[[Dunkin' Donuts]] (drive-thru)
*[[Domino's]]
*[[Domino's]]
*[[Dunkin' Donuts]]
*PDQ Chicken (drive-thru)<ref>[https://www.eatpdq.com/locations/find-a-location]</ref>
*[[Firehouse Subs]]
*[[Firehouse Subs]]
*[[Starbucks]] (drive-thru)
*Pita Mediterranean Street Food <ref>[https://pitastreetfood.com/]</ref>
*[[Wendy's]] (drive-thru)
*[[Skyline Chili]] (drive-thru)
*[[Five Guys]]
*[[Five Guys]]
*Pita Mediterranean Street Food
*White Rabbit Desert Experience<ref>[https://www.whiterabbitdessertexperience.com/menu]</ref>
*PDQ Chicken
{{col-2}}
*[[Skyline Chili]]<ref>{{cite news |title=Skyline Chili Now Serving at Flamingo Crossings: A Taste of Cincinnati in Horizon West |url=https://www.horizonwestinfo.com/skyline-chili-now-serving-at-flamingo-crossings-a-taste-of-cincinnati-in-horizon-west/ |access-date=10 November 2023 |work=Horizon West News & Info |publisher=Horizon West News & Info |date=9 November 2023}}</ref>
*[[Starbucks]]
*[[Wendy's]]
{{col-3}}
'''Shopping and Services'''
'''Shopping and Services'''
*[[AdventHealth]] ER
*[[AdventHealth]] Primary Care+ clinic<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.adventhealth.com/business/adventhealth-central-florida-media-resources/news/adventhealth-opens-er-near-walt-disney-world-resort-groundbreaking-patient-experience|title=AdventHealth opens ER near Walt Disney World Resort with groundbreaking patient experience &#124; AdventHealth Central Florida Media Resources &#124; AdventHealth|date=May 17, 2023|website=www.adventhealth.com}}</ref>
*Fit2Run Shoe Store<ref>{{cite news |title=Now Open: Fit2Run Runner's Superstore at Flamingo Crossings |url=https://www.horizonwestinfo.com/now-open-fit2run-runners-superstore-at-flamingo-crossings/ |work=Horizon West News & Info |date=18 November 2023}}</ref>
*[[Five Below]]
*Luxor Nail & Spa <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://luxornailspafl.com/|title=Home|website=Nail Salon 34787 &#124; LUXOR NAIL & SPA &#124; WINTER GARDEN, FL 34787}}</ref>
*[[Target Corporation|Target]]
*[[Target Corporation|Target]]
*[[Five Below]]
*[[The UPS Store]]
*[[Walgreens]]
*[[Walgreens]]
*[[7-Eleven]] Gas Station
*[[The UPS Store]]
*Luxor Nail & Spa <ref>[https://luxornailspafl.com/]</ref>
*[[AdventHealth|Advent Health ER]]
*[[AdventHealth|Advent Health Clinic]]
{{col-end}}
{{col-end}}


==Future Business==
== Future Businesses ==
*[[Sonic Drive-In]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.orangeobserver.com/news/2023/jan/04/new-sonic-location-coming-to-horizon-west/|title=New Sonic location coming to Horizon West|date=January 4, 2023|website=West Orange Times & Observer}}</ref>
*Fit2Run Shoe Store
*[[AT&T]]
*Sonic-Drive Inn<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.orangeobserver.com/news/2023/jan/04/new-sonic-location-coming-to-horizon-west/|title=New Sonic location coming to Horizon West|date=January 4, 2023|website=West Orange Times & Observer}}</ref>
*711 Gas Station
*Nick Filet
*AT&T
*I Heart Mac & Cheese
*Ovation Bistro & Bar
*Flatlands Bar & Grill
*Flatlands Bar & Grill
*Token Ramen & Tea
*Bento Sushi
*[[Chipotle Mexican Grill]]<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.horizonwestinfo.com/chipotle-mexican-grill-files-permits-for-horizon-west-location/ | title=Chipotle Mexican Grill Files Permits for Horizon West Location | date=2 January 2024 }}</ref>


=== Former businesses ===
The development still includes one plot of land owned by [[Hilton Worldwide]] for an additional hotel, originally slated to be a Hampton Inn. A Speedway Gas station was also planned in the area, however a different plot of land is being used to build a 711 gas station.
*Persimmon Hollow Brewing Company (2022–2023)<ref>[https://www.orangeobserver.com/news/2023/nov/01/persimmon-hollow-brewing-co-closing-doors-in-horizon-west/ Persimmon Hollow Closing] accessed 11/10/23</ref>


==References==
== References ==
{{Reflist|2}}
{{Reflist|2}}


==External links==
== External links ==


{{subject bar|commons=Flamingo Crossings|voy=Flamingo Crossings|d=y|portal1=Disney|portal2=Florida}}
{{subject bar|commons=Flamingo Crossings|voy=Flamingo Crossings|d=y|portal1=Disney|portal2=Florida}}

Latest revision as of 09:53, 29 October 2024

Flamingo Crossings
Flamingo Crossings logo
Flamingo Crossings main entrance signage
Map
LocationWinter Garden, Florida, United States
Coordinates28°22′49″N 81°37′4″W / 28.38028°N 81.61778°W / 28.38028; -81.61778
Opening date2021 (2021)
ManagementDisney Experiences
OwnerThe Walt Disney Company
WebsiteOfficial Website
Walt Disney World
Theme parks
Water parks
Other attractions and areas
Resorts
Affiliated services
Transport

Flamingo Crossings, also known as Flamingo Crossings Town Center or Flamingo Crossings Village, is an outdoor shopping, dining, residential, and entertainment complex at Walt Disney World near Winter Garden, Florida in Orange County. First announced by Disney in 2007, the complex officially opened in 2021 with an initial phase of businesses, with more planned in future development.[1]

Background

[edit]
A skywalk across Western Way at Flamingo Crossings.

The Walt Disney Company first announced the development of a new entertainment district in 2007, to be called Flamingo Crossings. Disney designated land located directly outside what is called the Western Entrance Gateway located on Western Way behind Animal Kingdom. Shortly after the announcement and initial planning, the Great Recession of 2008 hindered development plans, and Disney shifted their focus to the re-development of the Downtown Disney area into Disney Springs. The first business to open in the area was the two connected Marriott International hotels, Towneplace Suites and Springhill Suites. Construction began in 2014 and the hotels opened in 2016.[2] Development was also stalled while construction of the Western Way extension to Avalon Road was to be completed. The new extension opened in 2019. Development was further stalled by the COVID-19 pandemic, with businesses deferring their opening plans into 2022 and 2023. Western Way is planned to be extended even further onto Highway 27, bringing more business to the fast-growing area known as Horizon West.[3]

History

[edit]

The land on which Flamingo Crossings was built was originally all orange grove farms. The main road in the development is named Hartzog Road, named after William Hartzog (1916–2009), who was a long-time landowner and businessman in the area and created the road from clay from his citrus farm.[4] Disney did not initially own the land this far west of the property but began purchasing it from local landowners in the 1990s, one of whom was Everette Fischer (1933–2021) former manager of the Winter Garden Citrus Growers Association.[5] Disney had also developed the former Crossroads Shopping Center located near Disney Springs in the 1980s, geared toward Disney College Program Cast Members and guests staying in local resorts on Hotel Plaza Blvd. Crossroads was closed and demolished in 2021. The Flamingo Crossings development is located just north of the Orange Lake Resort & Golf Club by Holiday Inn on Sandpiper Landing Way, which was built by Kemmons Wilson in 1982,[6] before Disney World expanded west with Disney's Animal Kingdom in 1998. The Florida State Road 429 was built using Eminent domain through the Orange Lake Resort property.[7]

Development

[edit]

Walt Disney Imagineering filed the trademark for the Flamingo Crossing name and insignia in 2015.[8] The Reedy Creek Improvement District (now the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District) approved further enhancements to the area including two skywalks, for guests and Cast Members to safely cross both sides of the development. A traffic stop at the intersection of Western Way and Hartzog Road was installed in 2021. Additional paving and enhancements, including the installation of a bus lane for Disney College Program busses, took place in 2021 and 2022. The roads within the complex are named Sugar Belle Drive, Flagler Drive, and Ruby Red Place. The complex includes a community exposition hall for meetings and events, and an outdoor shelter. A garden area and space for live entertainment is also located at the center of the complex.

Flamingo Crossings Village

[edit]

Housing for those participating in Orlando's Disney College Program is provided in Flamingo Crossings Village, a large apartment complex that opened in 2021. The complex replaced the former Disney College Program housing complexes, which were adjacently located in the Little Lake Bryan area, nearby International Drive, and the Vistana area, nearby Florida State Road 535. The village is designated into sections, with a nature walking path connecting the two. The complex is divided into East and West, with neighborhoods named after Disney characters within the buildings. The East Village is located off Hartzog Road, while the West Village is located on Rock Pigeon Loop.[9] The complex is managed by American Campus Communities.[10] In December 2023, Disney opened up Flamingo Crossings Village to all Cast Members.[11]

Located within the development is also the private apartment community named The Westerly.[12]

North of Flamingo Crossings, Disney plans to build an affordable housing complex open to the general public.[13] Offices are located within the complex for the Disney Programs department. Almost all of the first announced businesses for Phase One of the area will be open by 2024. The area has several expansion pads for additions in the future.

Hotels

[edit]

Labeled as Walt Disney World Gateway Hotels, these hotels provide shuttles to and from the four Disney theme parks.[14] Each resort has meeting and special event space, with Homewood Suites having the largest facilities available with three meeting rooms totaling 2,809 square feet.[15]

List of current businesses

[edit]

Future Businesses

[edit]

Former businesses

[edit]
  • Persimmon Hollow Brewing Company (2022–2023)[27]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Staff, O. W. "After years of delays Disney's Flamingo Crossings might finally get its village center". Orlando Weekly.
  2. ^ "SpringHill Suites & TownePlace Suites Hotels To Open In Winter Garden, Florida". Hospitality Net.
  3. ^ "Flamingo Crossings Full Map". Horizon West News & Info. November 7, 2021.
  4. ^ "William Hartzog Obituary (2009) – Orlando, FL – Orlando Sentinel". Legacy.com.
  5. ^ "Everette Fischer Obituary – Winter Garden, FL". Dignity Memorial.
  6. ^ Timeline. Mid 1980s–mid 1990s hicv.com
  7. ^ Yanes, Nadeen (September 24, 2021). "Crossroads shopping center near Disney set for demolition". WKMG.
  8. ^ Bilbao, Richard. "Disney secures trademarks for Flamingo Crossings development". Orlando Business Journal.
  9. ^ "Flamingo Crossings Village | Disney College Program Housing". www.americancampus.com.
  10. ^ "Flamingo Crossings Village | Disney College Program Housing". www.americancampus.com.
  11. ^ "Disney Opens College Program Housing At Flamingo Crossings To Cast Members". Horizon West News & Info. horizonwestinfo.com. 26 December 2023.
  12. ^ Westerly, The. "Winter Garden Apartments | The Westerly Apartment Homes". westerlyapts.com.
  13. ^ "Walt Disney Imagineering Begins Early Phases of Affordable Housing Project Near Disney World". June 15, 2023.
  14. ^ "lake-buena-vista-area,flamingo-crossings-area". disneyworld.disney.go.com. Retrieved 2023-10-07.
  15. ^ https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/mcofchw-homewood-suites-orlando/events/ [bare URL]
  16. ^ "American Restaurant Orlando | SpringHill Suites Orlando at FLAMINGO CROSSINGS". www.marriott.com.
  17. ^ "Homewood Suites Flamingo Official Site".
  18. ^ Fairfield Inn Flamingo Crossings accessed 10/08/2023]
  19. ^ Residence Inn Flamingo Crossings' accessed 10/08/2023
  20. ^ "Disney's Flamingo Crossings lands Italian eatery from restaurateur Nick Valenti". March 16, 2023.
  21. ^ "Skyline Chili Now Serving at Flamingo Crossings: A Taste of Cincinnati in Horizon West". Horizon West News & Info. Horizon West News & Info. 9 November 2023. Retrieved 10 November 2023.
  22. ^ "AdventHealth opens ER near Walt Disney World Resort with groundbreaking patient experience | AdventHealth Central Florida Media Resources | AdventHealth". www.adventhealth.com. May 17, 2023.
  23. ^ "Now Open: Fit2Run Runner's Superstore at Flamingo Crossings". Horizon West News & Info. 18 November 2023.
  24. ^ "Home". Nail Salon 34787 | LUXOR NAIL & SPA | WINTER GARDEN, FL 34787.
  25. ^ "New Sonic location coming to Horizon West". West Orange Times & Observer. January 4, 2023.
  26. ^ "Chipotle Mexican Grill Files Permits for Horizon West Location". 2 January 2024.
  27. ^ Persimmon Hollow Closing accessed 11/10/23
[edit]
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Flamingo_Crossings&oldid=1254080234"