First announced back in 2018, Disney’s Lakeside Lodge disappeared from Disney World’s plans in 2020. Learn everything we know about the planned resort below.

Plenty of changes have come to Disney World in recent years, and with all of the news about planned resort expansions (like the addition of the upcoming Villains Land at Magic Kingdom Park!), even more is getting underway. And it’s not just new additions at the theme parks that are coming – resorts, too, are growing.

Reflections – A Disney Lakeside Lodge was originally announced as Disney Vacation Club’s next resort before construction came to a halt in 2020.

Since then, the project has returned under a new name (Disney’s Lakeshore Lodge) and Disney has steadily begun revealing new details about what guests can expect. From a nature-inspired lobby and waterfront dining to an expansive recreation area and brand-new accommodations, here’s everything we know so far about Disney’s Lakeshore Lodge ahead of its planned summer 2027 opening.

What Disney’s Lakeside Lodge?

Disney first revealed its plans for Reflections – A Disney Lakeside Lodge back in October 2018. The plan was to create a nature-inspired Disney Vacation Club resort on the shores of Bay Lake. More specifically, the resort would sit between Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground.

Concept art courtesy of Disney

When it was first announced, Reflections – A Disney Lakeside Lodge didn’t yet have a name (that was revealed at the 2019 D23 Expo). But Disney did reveal some key details, like:

• More than 900 rooms would make up the resort
• Disney Vacation Club villas would be included
• It would provide easy access to Magic Kingdom Park
• There will be a lazy river

The original plans for Disney’s Lakeside Lodge (as its now knwon) also shared a look into the resort’s theming. Both the spaces across the resort and the planned rooms and restaurants were intended to draw inspiration from the surrounding natural environment and celebrate Walt’s love of nature.

The Resort Will Celebrate the Beauty of Bay Lake

As guests arrive at Disney’s Lakeshore Lodge, they’ll step into a grand lobby designed to blur the lines between the indoors and the natural world outside. Floor-to-ceiling windows will flood the space with natural light while offering sweeping views of The Wetlands, the resort’s expansive outdoor recreation area overlooking Bay Lake.

Disney Imagineers are drawing inspiration from Pocahontas throughout the lobby. A shimmering fiberoptic river will flow through the floor, while a suspended blown-glass Colors of the Wind sculpture featuring hundreds of colorful leaves will create the feeling of movement overhead. Natural materials, including reclaimed cypress wood, custom furnishings, and woven tapestries inspired by the film’s landscapes, will complete the space.

The goal is to create a resort that feels deeply connected to its surroundings, allowing the beauty of Bay Lake and the nearby forests to become part of the guest experience from the moment they arrive.

Construction on the new resort got underway quickly, and dirt was moving on the shores of Bay Lake throughout 2019. But in 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic struck, putting everything in progress at Disney World on an indefinite hold as the entire resort closed.

Disney’s Lakeshore Lodge will officially open on July 1, 2027, bringing a new collection of Disney Vacation Club villas, traditional resort accommodations, waterfront Lake Houses, dining and recreation to the shores of Bay Lake.

Rooms and Villas at Disney’s Lakeshore Lodge

Disney’s Lakeshore Lodge will feature 967 guest rooms designed for everyone from solo travelers and couples to large and multigenerational families. Accommodations will include compact duo studios, traditional resort rooms, Disney Vacation Club villas, freestanding waterfront Lake Houses and a presidential suite.

Each room category will draw inspiration from a different Walt Disney Animation Studios film with ties to nature. Guests will find references to Encanto, Bambi, Brother Bear, Fantasia and Pocahontas, incorporated through artwork, natural materials and earthy color palettes.

Duo Studios Inspired by Encanto

Designed for couples and solo travelers, duo studios will accommodate up to two guests. The colorful rooms will take inspiration from Encanto and include a kitchenette, a spa-like split bathroom and a queen-size pull-down bed.

The bed can be tucked into the wall when it isn’t in use, allowing the compact accommodation to transition from a sleeping space at night to a more open living area during the day.

Deluxe Studios and Villas Inspired by Bambi

Deluxe studios will draw inspiration from the woodland setting of Bambi, with warm natural materials and original concept artwork from the Walt Disney Animation Studios archives. Sleeping up to four guests, each deluxe studio will include a kitchenette, comfortable seating area and private balcony.

The resort’s one- and two-bedroom villas will continue the Bambi-inspired design with soft earth tones, forest motifs and artwork reflecting the film’s natural landscapes. One-bedroom villas will accommodate up to five guests, while two-bedroom villas will sleep up to nine.

Both villa categories will include full kitchens, washers and dryers, private patios, and spacious living and dining areas.

Waterfront Lake Houses Inspired by Brother Bear

Unique to Disney’s Lakeshore Lodge, freestanding Lake Houses will offer an especially close connection to Bay Lake. The one- and two-bedroom retreats will feature dramatic A-frame architecture, floor-to-ceiling windows and private porches overlooking the water.

Artwork and design details throughout the Lake Houses will celebrate Brother Bear, including references to the film’s Alaskan setting and themes of nature and discovery. Primary bedrooms will feature Northern Lights-inspired lighting designed to create a peaceful glow after dark.

One-bedroom Lake Houses will accommodate up to five guests, while two-bedroom Lake Houses will sleep up to eight. Each will include a full kitchen and an in-room washer and dryer.

Grand Villas Inspired by Fantasia

Three-bedroom grand villas will blend expansive accommodations with artistic details inspired by Fantasia. Designed for larger and multigenerational families, these villas will accommodate up to 12 guests.

Each grand villa will include multiple bathrooms, a full kitchen, spacious gathering areas and a private patio with premium water views.

Resort Rooms Inspired by Pocahontas

In addition to its Disney Vacation Club villas, Disney’s Lakeshore Lodge will offer traditional resort accommodations inspired by the natural landscapes of Pocahontas. Resort studios will sleep up to four guests, while resort studio king rooms will accommodate up to two.

The rooms will feature earthy colors, scenic murals and carved wood paneling with artistic references to Grandmother Willow.

The Artist’s Nest Concierge Lounge

Select accommodations will include access to The Artist’s Nest, an elevated concierge lounge perched above the treetops. Guests with access will receive personalized service and complimentary refreshments while enjoying sweeping views of Walt Disney World Resort.

The resort will also offer the Hidden Willow Presidential Suite, which will overlook Bay Lake and provide views of Magic Kingdom fireworks at night. Accommodating up to six guests, the suite will feature two bedrooms, two full bathrooms, a full kitchen, an in-room washer and dryer, and access to The Artist’s Nest.

Will Disney’s Lakeshore Lodge Have a Pool?

Yes, there will be an extensive pool and outdoor recreation area called The Wetlands. Located along Bay Lake, just behind the resort’s lobby, this is an area of playful respite for families to explore.

The Wetlands – Concept Art Courtesy of Disney

Five zones (Heron Shores, Otter Springs, Daydream River, Lakeside Lagoon, and Perspective Pond) will include pools, slides, water play areas, climbing features, a whirlpool and even a lazy river.

Read all about the incredible pool complex at Disney’s Lakeshore Lodge here.

Dining at Disney’s Lakeshore Lodge

Disney has also revealed four new dining and lounge locations coming to Disney’s Lakeshore Lodge, ranging from a casual quick-service marketplace to an elegant waterfront restaurant. Each space continues the resort’s nature-inspired theme while incorporating views of Bay Lake and subtle Disney storytelling.

Moonglade

The resort’s signature table-service restaurant, Moonglade, will sit directly along the shores of Bay Lake, offering waterfront dining with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the surrounding cypress trees. Disney says the menu will focus on thoughtfully prepared dishes featuring seasonal and locally sourced ingredients, creating an elevated dining experience that changes throughout the year.

Concept art courtesy of Disney

Inside, the restaurant’s lighting and design are intended to mirror the changing light across the lake, creating a peaceful atmosphere that highlights the natural beauty just outside the windows.

Bay Lake Provisions

For guests looking for something quicker, Bay Lake Provisions will serve as the resort’s all-day quick-service marketplace. The location will offer specialty coffees, freshly prepared meals, and grab-and-go favorites in an open-kitchen setting, making it an easy stop before heading to the parks or after returning from a day exploring Walt Disney World.

Concept art courtesy of Disney

As with much of the resort, Disney has hidden a few surprises throughout the space, including woodland critters inspired by classic Disney films.

Paint Out Point Bar & Grill

Located beside Lakeside Lagoon within The Wetlands recreation area, Paint Out Point Bar & Grill will provide poolside dining with shareable bites and specialty beverages.

Concept art courtesy of Disney

The venue draws inspiration from plein-air painting, with original artwork created by Disney Imagineers displayed throughout the restaurant after being inspired by the landscapes surrounding Bay Lake. It’s expected to become a popular place for guests to grab lunch between trips down the lazy river or enjoy a refreshing drink while relaxing by the pool.

Dandelion Terrace Will Offer Fireworks Views

One of the resort’s most exciting gathering spaces will be Dandelion Terrace, a two-story lounge overlooking Bay Lake with direct views toward Magic Kingdom.

Concept art courtesy of Disney

Designed as a relaxing evening destination, the lounge will allow guests to watch Magic Kingdom fireworks reflected across the water while surrounded by artwork celebrating Disney animation. Inside, Disney will display archival artwork from classics, including Fantasia, while whimsical dandelion-inspired light fixtures create an atmosphere that transitions from day to night.

With comfortable seating, panoramic waterfront views, and a prime vantage point for nighttime spectaculars, Dandelion Terrace is already shaping up to become one of the signature spaces at Disney’s Lakeshore Lodge.