New 10,000-room resort coming next to Disney World, will open in 2023
A new $1 billion, 10,000-room resort redevelopment project bordering Walt Disney World will open in 2023, Dart Interests, the developer announced, today.
The Evermore Orlando Resort will be the name of the comprehensive redevelopment of the current 1,100-acre Villas at Grand Cypress resort. This major makeover will feature a large-scale community of homes solely built for the purpose of vacation renting and operate with hotel-quality standards. The resort will also debut Orlando’s first Conrad Hotel, Hilton’s luxury brand, a 20-acre tropical beach complex, an 8-acre crystalline water amenity by Crystal Lagoons, a new 18-hole Nicklaus Design golf course and numerous restaurants.
“With the launch of the Evermore project, Dart is introducing an entirely new hospitality category that will change the landscape of vacation rental homes,” says Christopher Kelsey, President of Dart Interests. “We are creating the first-ever wholly owned, large-scale community of purpose-built vacation rental homes and operating them with hotel-quality standards and world-class resort amenities.”
Almost all vacation rentals will be owned by individuals. “Our centralized ownership model makes it possible for our guests to be certain that they are getting a first-class home with superior safety standards. Our scale also means that we can deliver a wider array of services to our guests making their visit easier and more enjoyable,” Kelsey said.
The project is located north of Saratoga Springs and east of Golden Oak at Walt Disney World Resort.
The first phase will open with nearly 1,500 bedrooms spread among an array of stay experiences, from single homes to villas, flats and hotel guestrooms. The plans include 69 houses ranging in size from 5 to 11 bedrooms. Beyond vacation homes, the resort complex will also offer 76 four-bedroom flats, 41 two and four-bedroom villas and the luxury hotel.
“We are incredibly excited to expand on our strong presence in the Orlando market and introduce the Conrad brand to a new city,” said Danny Hughes, Executive Vice President and President, Americas, Hilton.
Conrad Orlando at Evermore will debut with 433 rooms, including 51 suites and 10 spacious family suites. Other features include 40,000 square foot indoor meeting space, a spa and numerous dining options including a signature rooftop experience.
The resort will feature a 20-acre tropical beach complex and Evermore Bay, an 8-acre crystalline water amenity by Crystal Lagoons. The surrounding beach areas will feature zero entry swim areas, bars, cabanas, private fire-pits and an aquatic adventure area with a waterslide, rope swing and watersports of all kinds.
Other amenities will include a food hall and gourmet market, a casual resort restaurant featuring views overlooking both the golf course and bay and a two-story Boathouse that will serve weddings and private events. While the Scottish links style ‘New Course’ will remain open for play throughout construction, a new 18-hole Nicklaus Design course will open with the resort and pay homage to the legacy of golf excellence at Grand Cypress.
This major announcement it taking place as the travel and tourism industry is taking a major hit due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “Our willingness to go forward with Evermore in the shadow of the COVID-19 pandemic is testimony to the resilience of the Orlando market, its talented workforce and our unique Disney-adjacent location” said says local leader David Pace, President of Dart Interests Florida.
“Our owners have been invested in this project long before COVID-19 and we’re embracing new group travel trends through a lens of innovation. Our commitment to Orange County and strong belief in the power of tourism give us renewed energy to build a resort that will elevate the current hospitality landscape and position Evermore to become one of Orlando’s most desired vacation destinations,” Pace said.
Bookings for Evermore Orlando Resort are slated to launch in 2022 with the grand opening for the first guests anticipated for summer 2023.
