Theme Park Report
Disney Vacation Club has announced that Disney’s Lakeshore Lodge will open July 1, 2027, at Walt Disney World. The new resort is under construction along Bay Lake on the site of the former River Country water park, near Magic Kingdom and adjacent to Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground.
The 967-accommodation property will be themed around nature and the influence of the outdoors on Disney artists. Attractions Magazine reports that the resort’s room categories will draw inspiration from several animated films, including “Encanto,” “Bambi,” “Pocahontas,” “Brother Bear” and “Fantasia.”
Accommodations will include duo and deluxe studios, resort studios, one- and two-bedroom villas, three-bedroom grand villas and freestanding one- and two-bedroom Lake Houses. The Lake Houses will feature A-frame architecture, floor-to-ceiling windows and waterfront porches overlooking Bay Lake. They will be themed to “Brother Bear.”
The “Bambi”-themed deluxe studios and villas will include natural materials, earthy colors and artwork inspired by the film’s landscapes. “Pocahontas”-themed resort studios will feature carved wood details and landscape murals, while the three-bedroom grand villas will be inspired by “Fantasia.”
Disney’s Lakeshore Lodge is planned to include Moonglade, a waterfront table-service restaurant; Bay Lake Provisions, an all-day quick-service marketplace; and Paint Out Point Bar & Grill near Lakeshore Lagoon. Attractions Magazine previously reported that the resort will also feature Dandelion Terrace, a lounge with views of Magic Kingdom fireworks across Bay Lake.
Theme Park Insider reports that Disney Vacation Club members may begin making rental reservations October 6 by calling member services. Points-based reservations will become available at a later date. Annual passholders may book starting October 7, while reservations for all guests will open October 8.
The property’s Bay Lake location will place it within a short boat ride of Magic Kingdom, according to Theme Park Insider. The site formerly held River Country, which opened in 1976 and closed in 2001. A separate nature-themed Disney Vacation Club project known as Reflections – A Lakeside Lodge had previously been planned for the property, but construction was halted in 2020, Attractions Magazine reports.
