The Land Developed at Walt Disney World

Q: I was surprised to hear on a recent trip to Walt Disney World that one third of the land at Walt Disney World is developed and two thirds have not been developed. Is that true? 
Gilbert, South Lyon, Michigan 

 
A [Dave Smith]: That is correct. According to the Reedy CreekImprovement District, over two-thirds of the 25,000 acres that currently encompass the Walt Disney World property are undeveloped. About 7,500 acres represent permanently protected streams and wetlands which provide aesthetic beauty and a sanctuary for wildlife.

[Marcio Disney]

The Reedy Creek Improvement District 2020 Plan is intended to provide the basis for future decisions regarding land use, development, conservation and infrastructure. It serves as the District's official policy for the use of both private and public lands, as well as the Comprehensive Plan for the Cities of Bay Lake and Lake Buena Vista. The Plan provides a framework for expansion of the unique uses in the District, while managing growth, protecting the environment, ensuring health and safety, and enhancing the quality of development. It continues the high standard of planning already undertaken and extends its purview ten years into the future. The Plan's three overall functions are: 1) to govern the location and intensity of land use and development by providing the foundation for regulating proposed new projects; 2) to convey advance direction to the private sector by stating clearly the District's expectations for growth and conservation; and 3) to guide public investment in new facilities, such as roads, water, wastewater and solid waste systems, and water quality facilities.
Full 2020 Comprehensive Plan Notice of intent to find Comp Plan 2020 in Compliance Introduction Future Land Use Element - Policies / Data and Analysis Transportation Element - Policies / Data and Analysis Housing Element - Policies / Data and Analysis Infrastructure Element - Policies / Data and Analysis Conservation Element - Policies / Data and Analysis Recreation and Open Space - Policies / Data and Analysis Intergovernmental Coordination - Policies / Data and Analysis Capital Improvements Element - Policies / Data and Analysis Glossary Monitoring and Evaluation Procedures Appendices 2020 Comprehensive Plan