Disney’s Lakeshore Lodge won’t open until July 2027, but New Yorkers are getting an early look at one of the resort’s most relaxing amenities through an immersive 3D street mural.

You don’t typically expect to find a Disney World lazy river in the middle of Manhattan, but that’s exactly what Disney brought to New York City!

On October 2, Disney unveiled a massive 3D street mural in Manhattan’s Flatiron Plaza, offering a creative first look at Disney’s Lakeshore Lodge, the newest Disney Vacation Club resort hotel coming to Disney World in July 2027. I was there to check out the installation firsthand, which transforms a section of the bustling plaza into a scene inspired by the resort’s upcoming Daydream River.

The artwork is designed to give New Yorkers a taste of the relaxing waterfront retreat Disney is creating along Bay Lake, bringing a little bit of Disney World to the middle of the city.

A Disney World Lazy River Takes Over Manhattan

Located at the corner of 23rd Street and Fifth Avenue, the installation was created by acclaimed street artist Tracy Lee Stum, who specializes in colorful, interactive 3D chalk artwork. Her work has appeared around the world, and she even earned a Guinness World Record in 2006 for the largest chalk painting by an individual.

Photo by Morgan Flaherty

For this project, Stum brought Disney’s upcoming Daydream River to life through an optical illusion that makes the sidewalk appear to open into a winding lazy river. One of the coolest parts of seeing the installation in person was the contrast between the artwork and its surroundings. Lakeshore Lodge is all about celebrating nature and the great outdoors, so seeing this peaceful, nature-inspired scene right in the middle of Manhattan, surrounded by towering skyscrapers, was particularly striking.

The best part? Visitors can actually step into the artwork to pose for photos and videos, creating the illusion that they’re enjoying a leisurely float through the resort’s signature water attraction.

The installation is open to visitors for one day only, October 2, from 10 AM to 5 PM.

What Is Disney’s Lakeshore Lodge?

Set to open on July 1, 2027, Disney’s Lakeshore Lodge will be a new waterfront resort along the shores of Bay Lake, just a boat ride away from Magic Kingdom.

Concept art courtesy of Disney

The resort is inspired by Walt Disney’s lifelong appreciation for nature, with design elements drawing from decades of Disney animated films that celebrate the outdoors. Guests can expect influences from movies including Bambi, Pocahontas, Encanto, and Brother Bear, incorporated throughout the resort’s architecture, artwork, and accommodations.

Photo courtesy of Disney

Lakeshore Lodge will feature 967 rooms, with options ranging from studios and spacious villas to new one- and two-bedroom waterfront Lake Houses. Interiors will incorporate natural materials, earthy colors, and original artwork inspired by Disney’s animated storytelling.

Beyond the accommodations, Disney is planning unique dining experiences, recreational activities, and amenities designed to encourage guests to slow down and enjoy their surroundings. Among those features is Daydream River, the lazy river that inspired the Manhattan installation.

A First Look Ahead of the Resort’s 2027 Opening

While there’s still plenty more to learn about Disney’s Lakeshore Lodge before its July 2027 debut, today’s New York City installation offers a different kind of preview. Rather than simply sharing another rendering, Disney is giving visitors a chance to step into one of the experiences that will eventually be part of a vacation at the new resort.

Photo by Morgan Flaherty

And after seeing a Disney-inspired lazy river in the middle of Manhattan, I’m certainly looking forward to seeing the real thing when Lakeshore Lodge opens next summer.

You can book your stay at Lakeshore Lodge beginning next week, on October 8, 2026 (opening October 6 for DVC members, or October 7 for Annual Passholders).

Thank you to Disney for inviting us for a special preview of new concept images for Lakeshore Lodge, including an early look at the mural.