This literature review investigates Walt Disney World’s long-overlooked role as a private driver of regional transportation development in Central Florida. While most research on infrastructure focuses on public initiatives, this paper explores how Disney’s investments—like highway expansions, smart traffic systems, and support for commuter rail and high-speed rail—have impacted travel efficiency, accessibility, and economic integration. The study draws on transportation, economic development, and urban planning literature to evaluate Disney’s influence on projects like the I-4 Ultimate expansion, the SunRail system, and the proposed Brightline rail line. It also identifies major gaps in existing research, including the long-term sustainability of these investments, their impact on low-income workers, and the broader implications of private-sector involvement in regional transit planning. This work reframes Disney not just as a tourist destination, but as a transformative urban force.

(Spring 2025).