The magic of Walt Disney World continues to expand with the highly anticipated Disney’s Lakeshore Lodge, a stunning new Disney Vacation Club resort taking shape on the picturesque shores of Bay Lake. Set to welcome guests in 2027, this nature-inspired destination promises to blend Disney’s legendary hospitality with Florida’s natural beauty in ways that will captivate both longtime Disney enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
A Storied Location Gets New Life
Nestled between the beloved Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, Lakeshore Lodge sits on a site steeped in Disney history. This prime Bay Lake real estate was once home to River Country, Disney’s original water park that delighted families from 1976 to 2001. Now, more than two decades later, the magic returns to this waterfront paradise in an entirely new form.
The transformation from abandoned water park to luxury resort represents Disney’s commitment to honoring its past while embracing the future. Guests staying at Lakeshore Lodge will literally be stepping onto hallowed ground where countless Florida families created their first Disney memories splashing in Bay Lake’s crystal-clear waters.
Construction Bringing Dreams to Reality
Today, the sounds of construction echo across Bay Lake as Disney’s vision takes shape. Cranes dot the skyline, and recent construction updates reveal impressive progress, including the installation of second-floor structural columns that hint at the resort’s grand scale. For Disney fans and Florida residents watching the development, it’s thrilling to witness a major new addition to the state’s tourism crown jewel.
The resort’s construction timeline puts opening day in 2027, giving Disney plenty of time to craft every detail with the meticulous attention that has made Walt Disney World a global destination for more than 50 years.
A Journey Through Development
Disney’s Lakeshore Lodge has an interesting backstory that reflects the company’s evolving vision for its Florida property. Originally announced in 2018 as “Reflections – A Disney Lakeside Lodge,” the project underwent a name change earlier in 2025, emerging with its current identity that better captures the essence of Florida’s lakefront lifestyle.
This rebranding signals Disney’s deeper understanding of what Florida residents and visitors seek: an authentic connection to the state’s natural waterfront beauty combined with the unparalleled Disney experience that has drawn millions to Central Florida for generations.
What Florida Families Can Expect
While specific amenities and theming details remain under wraps, Disney has confirmed that Lakeshore Lodge will be a mixed-use development featuring both traditional hotel accommodations and Disney Vacation Club villas. This combination ensures options for every type of Florida family, whether planning a weekend getaway or considering a long-term vacation ownership investment.
The nature-inspired design promises to celebrate Florida’s diverse ecosystems, from the cypress-lined shores of Bay Lake to the pine forests that have defined this corner of Orange County for centuries. Guests can expect Disney’s signature attention to environmental storytelling, where every architectural detail and landscape choice reinforces the connection to Florida’s natural heritage.
A New Jewel in Florida’s Tourism Crown
For Floridians, Disney’s Lakeshore Lodge represents more than just another resort – it’s a continuation of the state’s evolution as the world’s premier family vacation destination. Since Walt Disney World opened in 1971, Florida has built its reputation on providing magical experiences that keep families returning year after year.
Lakeshore Lodge will undoubtedly contribute to this legacy while offering something distinctly new. The Bay Lake setting provides unparalleled views and water activities, while the proximity to existing Disney resorts creates opportunities for unique inter-resort experiences that showcase the full scope of Disney’s Florida property.
As construction progresses and 2027 approaches, Disney’s Lakeshore Lodge stands poised to become the next must-visit destination for families exploring the magic of Central Florida. With its blend of Disney storytelling, Florida’s natural beauty, and waterfront luxury, this new resort promises to create the next generation of treasured Florida vacation memories.
For Disney fans and Florida tourism enthusiasts, the countdown to 2027 has officially begun.