Abandoned: What Happened to the Orlando Sun Resort
The largest hotel in Florida now sits abandoned, just outside of Walt Disney World. Here’s what happened.
The abandoned Orlando Sun Resort and Convention Center sits right outside the entrance to Walt Disney World Resort and the Disney-created Town of Celebration, less than a mile from my house. I pass by it every day and have been fascinated by it since moving here.
How could a hotel in such a prime location fail? What happened here? What went wrong? What’s next for this mega-resort complex?
Orlando Sun Resort Entrance off US-192 in Kissimmee, Florida
There couldn’t be a more convenient location for an off-property hotel outside of Walt Disney World. It’s probably the most valuable piece of land in the Orlando area, located on the corner of I-4, US-192 and the main entrance to Disney.
And yet is has been abandoned since 2012.
The Slow Death of Kissimmee, Florida
US-192, also known as Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway, intersects with I-4 and World Drive, the main artery that runs through Walt Disney World.
In the 1970s and 1980s, 192 was a thriving tourist area, both sides of the 6-lane roadway were lined with hotels, chain restaurants like IHOP and Denny’s, and Disney souvenir shops.
Entrance to the orlando Run Resort. Tennis courts on the left side, main lobby straight ahead.
For many, staying in Kissimmee was the only option as Disney had a limited number of hotels, and they were often sold out.
Kissimmee was a much-needed hotel district that supported Disney World.
Orlando Sun is located at the corner of US192, I-4, and less than a 1/4 mile from entrance to Walt Disney World
In the 1990s Disney began ramping up construction on several new hotels.
Budget-friendly hotels like Disney’s All Stars Resort and moderately priced resorts like Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort and Disney’s Port Orleans Resort were not only affordable but convenient.
With these new hotels, guests could stay on Disney property, use Disney transportation, and enjoy a number of exclusive perks.
The hotels on 192 soon began to die a slow death from that point forward.
Tourists were starting to become victims of crime often targeted for their rental cars. Rental cars had a particular letter/number combination on their license plates and criminals used this to target them. The story made national news.
Then, then the area suffered a major tourism crash following 9/11. It would be the final blow.
Many hotels in Kissimmee shuttered for good or sold out to time-share companies.
What happened to the Orlando Sun Resort?
The hotel was built in 1972 by the Carolando Corporation, owned by a small group of North Carolina investors who saw an opportunity to build a hotel complex right outside of the soon-to-be-built Walt Disney World in the late 1960s.
It was to include thousands of hotel rooms, restaurants, a convention center, and the tallest observation tower in Florida.
The observation tower, if completed, would have been the tallest building in Florida. Walt Disney World property is the white-shaded area on the left side of the photo.
But Carlando soon hit serious financial trouble and less than a year into the project, they sold the property to the Hyatt Corporation. Hyatt finished building over 3,400 hotel rooms and the convention center, but never built the tower.
Like abandoned content? Check out my video on YouTube: Abandoned Disney World Part 2
It was renamed the Hyatt Orlando Resort.
Hyatt operated the hotel for several years as a budget-friendly, modern resort and convention center but like most hotels in the area, it struggled to get heads in the beds in early to mid 1990s.
By 2002, Hyatt Orlando Resort was in serious financial trouble.
Kissimmee’s tourism economy was collapsing rapidly and those visiting Walt Disney World opted to stay on Disney property.
Attempts were made to revitalize the 192 corridor with business grants, new public transportation options and a crackdown on crime.
But on September 12, 2003, Hyatt suddenly closed its doors permanently, without notice to guests or employees. They literally told guests to be out by noon that day and few got refunds.
The hotel was later purchased at auction by the Moinian Group out of New York. The new owners planned to repurpose the hotel campus by making the rooms into condominiums.
While they waited for investors and permits, the hotel sat vacant for several years.
In 2007, Moinian decided to reopen the hotel so that it would generate some income until they could move forward with the condo project.
New furniture, soft goods, and landscaping were part of a nearly $1 million dollar refurbishment.
It was renamed the Orlando Sun Resort
The owners tried to attract new business by offering DJ dance parties and even boxing matches! These efforts failed.
Guests saw the hotel as grossly outdated and wrote negative reviews on Google about hot water issues, mold in the hotel rooms, and a lackluster pool.
The Orlando Sun Resort closed once again in 2012 and was listed for $74 million.
It was purchased in 2021 by another New York company that took a generous grant from Osceola County to improve the property.
Nothing has been done on the property to date and the old hotel still sits abandoned.
The Orlando Sun Resort website is still active, along with a YouTube channel. They have not been updated since 2012.
The resort was built with a pod design, where rooms were clustered into separate, but connected buildings.
Many of the buildings are octagon shaped. This was considered a futuristic and modern design in the early 1970s.
The complex is so large, it runs along US-192, I-4, and stretches to Osceola Parkway.
The Orlando Sun Resort was a massive complex. At time of opening, it was the largest hotel in Florida.
Orlando Sun Resort entrance 2011
Main restaurant taken in 2012 (credit Booking.com)
(credit Bright Sun Films)
Resort pool in 2012 (credit: Booking.com)
(credit: Abandoned Florida)
(credit: Abandoned Florida)
Convention center in 2012 (credit Google Maps)
(credit Bright Sun Films)
Lobby and reception area (credit Google Maps)
Lobby and reception area today (credit Bright Sun Films)
Standard Room (credit Booking.com)
Standard Room (credit Booking.com)
credit (credit Bright Sun Films)
I highly recommend you watch this documentary by Bright Sun Films, one of my favorite YouTube channels.
I also recommend you explore the stunning photography of the Orlando Sun Resort on Abandonedfl.com
Notice
This hotel is private property, fenced off, and monitored by police and security. “No Trespassing” signs are present.
If you would like to view this hotel from a distance, you can see parts of it from Parkway Blvd in Kissimmee, FL but I encourage you to watch the video instead.
Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.
Darren is a Disney-focused travel agent with Magical Vacations Travel and has over 13 years of experience. Readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World rate him as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren is also an Orlando-based travel writer with topics ranging from theme parks to cruise lines.
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Abandoned Walt Disney World (Part 2)
I'm taking you on a tour of 10 abandoned areas at Walt Disney World Resort. You won't believe how they are hiding in plain sight!
Disney’s experiences division, which includes Walt Disney World, is the best-performing part of the Walt Disney Company. But even with the theme parks carrying the company, I discovered 10 more venues at Walt Disney World that are just sitting abandoned today.
This is Abandoned Walt Disney World - Part 2
Discovery Island at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida has been abandoned since 1999.
Today I’m taking you on another nostalgic journey through Walt Disney World Resort to explore some abandoned attractions hiding in plain sight. In my first video, I asked you what you’d like me to cover next in Part 2. Many of you requested the same one - so it’s only fitting that I gave it the top spot - stay tuned to #1 to see what it is!
Watch the full video: Abandoned Disney Part 2
#10 The Outpost Shop
Just Outside Animal Kingdom’s main entrance, you’ll find this abandoned gift shop. The Outpost Shop was your first and last chance to buy Animal Kingdom-related merch like safari hats, African wood carvings, Disney toys, and Animal Kingdom logo items. It was outside the gates so you didn’t need a ticket to buy a souvenir.
I have not seen it opened in the past 5 years but the Disney World website shows it’s temporarily closed. I occasionally see a Cast Member come out, so it might be used for something internally. If you know what it’s being used for, leave a comment. I mostly see confused guests walk around it thinking it might be a restroom.
#9 Discovery River
All that’s left of the Discovery River Boats at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park are the covered buildings that once led to a very short-lived attraction. Well, technically it wasn’t an attraction, and that in itself was the problem. When Animal Kingdom opened in April 1998, the Discovery River Boats were operating as water taxis to shuttle guests around the park.
However, guests thought this was an actual ride, and long lines were formed by eager guests wanting to go for a boat ride. I remember being there and thinking it would be similar to the Jungle Cruise in Magic Kingdom.
Disney did everything it could to let people know this wasn’t an attraction - even changing the name to “Discovery River Boat Water Taxi” a few months later. In 1999 Disney decided to close the water taxis but the docks are still there today.
The Upcountry Landing dock, located in the Asia section of the park, is now used for seating and special events. The dock in the former Safari Village, now known as Discovery Island, is often used for character meet and greets. I would love to see these boats come back one way or another.
#8 Discovery Island
If you’ve stayed at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge or Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort, you are likely familiar with Discovery Island, situated in the middle of Bay Lake. Water taxis pass by it all day long and if you look carefully, you can still see some remnants of what this island used to be.
It opened as Treasure Island in 1974 which was a little before my time but it sounds awesome to me. Later it was renamed Discovery Island and in 1995, it became a small zoo where Disney charged for admission. It closed in 1999 probably because Disney’s Aimal Kingdom Park had opened in ‘98.
Today the islands sit abandoned with no plans for any future development. I’m told that most of the buildings and pathways are still there but have become victims of natural decay. What would you like to see Disney do with this island? Discovery Island has a rich interesting history, from the original owner who used to grow exotic plants to an incident that led to Disney being charged with 16 counts of animal cruelty. People have attempted to sneak onto the island over the years but each of them have been caught and banned from Disney. So please, do not attempt to tour this island.
#7 Fort Wilderness Marina
At one time guests could rent a variety of different boats from Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort, and any other resort located on Bay Lake and the Seven Seas Lagoon. While it’s still possible to rent a boat at Disney World, you can no longer do so from Fort Wilderness. At one time you could rent pontoon boats, Boston Whalers, and my personal favorites, the Sea Raycers - also known as Water-Mouse.
Today if you would like to rent a boat, you’ll need to visit Disney’s Contemporary Resort or Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort where pontoon boats are rented on a first-come, first-served basis. The Fort Wilderness Marina is nearly abandoned today - opened only to those with scheduled fishing charters. The boat slips sit empty except for a few service boats and of course the water taxis to Magic Kingdom.
#6 Bonfamille’s Cafe at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort French Quarter
When Port Orleans Resort launched in 1990, Bonfamille’s Cafe served as its table service restaurant. After the 2001 merger with Dixie Landings, forming Port Orleans Riverside and French Quarter, Bonfamille’s closed and never reopened. Named after Madame Bonfamille from Disney’s 1973 film “The Aristocats”, it had children’s menus with a coloring book detailing the restaurant's and resort's backstory. On the menu, you’d find things like French onion soup and gumbo dishes.
Abandoned Bonfamille’s Cafe at Disney's Port Orleans Resort French Quarter
Today the restaurant sits shuttered, the signage removed. Most guests today would have no idea an entire restaurant sits on the other side of these doors. I’m told by Cast Members that this space is used for special events, and it’s also one of Disney’s test kitchens where they create mockups of restaurants, train cast members, and come up with test menus.
#5 Amani Village Traders at Epcot
The Amani Village Traders shop in Epcot was set up at one time to look like an African street market with souvenirs for sale inside and outside the building. There were several sections here mostly representing regions of Africa, where Disney hoped you would buy African toys and clothing and even straight-up Disney merch like hats and t-shirts
Amani Village Traders shop in Epcot
The Outpost was shuttered to make room for an exhibit during the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival in 2018. Then in 2023, Disney began removing much of the African artwork around the pavilion’s exterior, claiming it was culturally insensitive.
African masks and wood carvings hanging on the walls were replaced with posters, and a muralist was brought in to paint the roll-up doors - giving little hope that those doors will be opening anytime soon. Today Amani village is simply being used as storage.
#4 Big River Brewing
Big River Grille and Brewing Works was once a bustling spot on Disney’s Boardwalk. For years it provided guests with a casual dining option - catering to conventioneers who were staying at the Swan and Dolphin and Beach Club. Personally, I thought it was one of the worst restaurants in Disney World so I don’t miss it.
Big River Brewing at Disney Boardwalk
The restaurant was owned by SPB Hospitality, which owns a nationwide chain of steakhouses like Logan’s Steakhouse and several microbreweries. The company filed for bankruptcy reorganization in June of 2020 and Big River Brewing didn’t make the cut. In January 2024, the restaurant closed permanently to guests.
Today, this abandoned space sticks out like a sore thumb on the Boardwalk along with another seemingly abandoned idea - the Cake Bake Shop.
This massive bakery was supposed to take over the space where ESPN Zone was once located. But it has been in a constant state of “coming soon” for many years now.
#3 Aunt Polly’s DockSide Inn
Many of you mentioned Aunt Polly’s Dockside in the comments of my first abandoned video so I was sure it include it in the sequel. Aunt Polly’s was, at one time, the quick service restaurant on Tom Sawyer Island. It’s a little out of the way - being accessible only by raft. Years ago it was known for fried chicken and biscuits. But today, it’s listed as permanently closed on Google Maps and it has been removed from the Disney World website.
Aunt Polly's Dockside at Magic Kingdom
It has been known to operate seasonally during the busiest weeks at Walt Disney World but I have not personally seen it opened in several years.
#2 Tangaroa Terrace
If you have ever walked through Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort or passed by it on the monorail, you have certainly seen Tangeroa Terrace. It’s a huge building that sits right in the heart of the resort and It has been shuttered longer than it has been opened. Over the years it had numerous functions ranging from a buffet restaurant, a convention room, and even a child care center called the Neverland Club, and later Lilo’s Playhouse which closed in 2018. That would be the last time anything happened here. But here’s a fun fact, you can still go inside this building - sort of. It also serves as the hotel’s laundry room. If anyone know what this building is being used for today, please leave a comment.
Tangeroa Terrace has been abandoned longer than it was in operation at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort
#1 Stage 1 Company Store
The number 1 comment I received after making my first Abandoned Disney video was that I need to include the Stage 1 Company Store - also known as the Muppet Store. It was one of the go-to stores for all things Muppets, being located right at the exit of Muppet Vision 3D. The store once sold plush characters,
Muppet-themed toys, figures, and t-shirts. Both inside and outside fans could find a ton Muppet signs and gags, many of the exterior ones are still visible today. Inside, however, all the retail racks and displays have been removed, giving little hope that this store will make a comeback.
The Muppet Store at Disney's Hollywood Studios
Actually, we will be lucky if Muppet Vision 3D is still around in a few years as Disney has announced plans for a Monsters Inc themed roller coaster - and it could very well be built in this spot.
If you missed Part One of my abandoned series you can watch it here:
Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.
Since 2010, Darren has been making Orlando vacations easy! As an Orlando resident, he is able to provide insider, expert advice on Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Florida-based cruises.
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