The thought of getting to Disney World in less than six minutes was an important detail to these neighbors. Some are superfans, looking for near-immediate access to the parks. Others actually work there, and targeted the development over its promise of a quick commute. But it’s been years since these folks moved in, and they still don’t have their road to the Magic Kingdom. Instead, they call the blocked-off dirt and debris-filled zone “Florida’s Road to Nowhere.”

For more than a decade, Lake County residents have stared at maps that promised an easy hop to Disney and wondered if the ink was invisible. This week, that long pause finally broke. 

Crews rolled in and started clearing land for a new road that will link Lake County directly to Orange County, shaving a routine drive down to something closer to a coffee refill.

Construction is now underway on a short-but-critical connector between Sawgrass Bay Boulevard and Flemings Road in Orange County, Florida

The project gives Lake County drivers direct access to State Road 429, Winter Garden, and Walt Disney World.

Orange County reported that the private developer, MI Homes, received a notice to proceed on November 24, with a 14-month construction window and an expected opening by March 2027.

The road has been part of planning documents for years, especially for housing developments marketed on the idea of being five minutes from Disney

Progress stalled long enough that some frustrated Florida residents carved their own informal paths across unpaved land.

Channel 9 observed crews clearing debris along roughly a quarter-mile stretch as work officially began.

Right now, the drive between those two points requires a long loop using U.S. 27, U.S. 192, and Avalon Road

Channel 9 timed the trip at just under 23 minutes in light midday traffic.

Once the new connection opens, Orange County reported that the same drive should take under five minutes. For anyone commuting daily, that’s a lifestyle change.

Why it took so long

There is no new law behind this project. Instead, Orange County explained that progress hinged on development agreements, right of way approvals, and easements involving Lake County and multiple private landowners.

Those negotiations had to be finalized before construction equipment could touch the Florida site. The road itself carries an estimated price tag of about $20 million and is being built by the developer as part of the surrounding growth.

After years of delays, residents now see equipment instead of excuses. The wait isn’t over, but at least things are moving forward.