ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — One Orange County driver says it’s going to take more than pixie dust to resolve the congestion that’s building behind Walt Disney World.

What You Need To Know

  • Jorge Morales says congestion is an issue on Ficquette and Reams roads behind Disney’s Magic Kingdom

  • The roads each have a single lane in each direction

  • Orange County officials say there are plans to widen Ficquette Road in 2025 and Reams Road in 2027

Jorge Morales says congestion is a big problem on Ficquette and Reams roads behind the Magic Kingdom theme park.

Morales, who has worked at the theme parks since 1978, says the area’s tourism growth has meant more traffic in west Orange County.

“Before, I was able to travel the entire length, all the way from back here, which is near the Disney cast entrance, all the way back to Colonial Drive, I could travel in 10 minutes,” said Morales, who says that same trip now takes half an hour.

He said congestion on the single lane roads makes it painful to sit in.

“It’s a major inconvenience, especially when you’re trying to get home and you’re stuck in traffic and takes a long time to get through,” said Morales.

Morales says the growth hasn’t slowed down, including where Ficquette Road meets Reams Road and Summerlake Park Boulevard.

“I just became alarmed when I saw a fire house being built and a brand new subdivision,” he said. “And we’re wondering where are all these cars are going to go.”

Orange County officials say there are plans to widen both Ficquette and Reams roads, and add an extra lane in each direction.

They say the plan is to start construction on Ficquette Road in 2025, and on Reams Road in 2027.

Morales likes the road projects, but doesn’t think drivers should have to wait several more years for construction to start, especially when the county has already approved several developments that will be completed before road improvements are finished.

“I’m satisfied it is going to happen, but we need some relief now,” said Morales.

He says the county has had decades to prepare for the growth.

“I know that when Disney moved out here, they warned the public," he said. "They knew what happened out in California could potentially happen here too."

An Orange County Public Works senior engineer said the county is examining the feasibility of extending the eastbound turn lane on Summerlake Park Boulevard at the Ficquette-Reams intersection. They’re also looking at reducing the speed limit along Reams from 45 mph to 35 mph.

However, Morales feels it may not be enough to help with congestion and the traffic delays.

“Actually, some people might say it might be faster getting a bike,” he said.

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