Opening in 2027, Disney Lakeshore Lodge will rest alongside Bay Lake, the same waterfront used by Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Disney’s Contemporary Resort. This newest addition to the waterfront is using this former home of the Disney’s River Country water park to build what may be the new best pool for any hotel at Walt Disney World. A lazy river is on the way, need I say more?
Bioreconstruct on X shared some construction photos of this resort one month ago, showcasing the true size of this water park style amenity for the upcoming hotel. Disney Lakeshore Lodge will host 967 rooms, some with partial views of the fireworks coming from Magic Kingdom Park. This resort will be inspired by Disney films such as “Pocahontas,” “Bambi” and “Brother Bear,” keeping the theming about the wild nature. The timing of this addition should also line-up well with the upcoming transformation of Frontierland at Magic Kingdom Park, adding in a “National Park” from the Cars film franchise.
The Wetlands at Disney Lakeshore Lodge
Large theming pieces, tons of activities and a distinctly Disney level of whimsy. The Wetlands water play area will offer something for all ages under the hot Florida sun. These first concept images continue to build on the “return to form” that myself and many others have noted about Walt Disney World in 2026. Now, more than we have seen since the COVID-19 closures, Disney appears to be listening to a majority of fan feedback.
This doesn’t look like a Marriott, which has been a complaint about recent hotel changes in years. Marriott is a fantastic hotel offering, but fans at Walt Disney World didn’t want the same feeling they could get at an upscale stay in New York or Miami, they wanted Disney. This above image shows color, large-than-life props and an emphasis on play.
The Disney Parks Blog states, “Heron Shores will welcome exploration and hands‑on play with imaginative climbing features, while just around the riverbend, Otter Springs will come to life with interactive water features where little ones can cool off as they splash and slide. Nearby, the lazy Daydream River will invite guests to sit back and relax as the current carries them through the recreation area, offering a leisurely way to take in views of the surrounding landscape.”
Water abounds at Disney Lakeshore Lodge
We still do not yet know all of the details about Disney Lakeshore Lodge, but from the initial construction and concept art, it is clear that water is core to this resort’s existence. There are a few bits of information we can confirm about this upcoming hotel offering:
- The second lazy river at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel, the first being at Disney’s Beach Club Resort
- A spiral slide will offer some mild-thrill
- There will be a zero-entry section to the pool (seen in the photo above)
- The Perspective Pond pool will offer Magic Kingdom fireworks viewing
- Complimentary boat transportation to Magic Kingdom Park will be offered
- New One- and Two-Bedroom Lake House style accommodations will be part of the hotel’s offerings
- Disney Lakeshore Lodge opens Summer 2027
This hotel will allocate a percentage of rooms to the Disney Vacation Club, but even those can be sold to the general public at times. Will you be staying at this new location upon its opening?
This hotel is huge!!!