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Credit: DisneyWalt Disney World Resort has announced that it is moving in a new direction, scrapping seven years of project development to make way for an entirely new expansion project.
Walt Disney World Announces Entire New Expansion Plan, Removing Seven Years of Project Development
Back in 2018, Disney Vacation Club (DVC) unveiled plans for a brand-new deluxe resort called Reflections – A Disney Lakeside Lodge. The resort was designed to embody the charm and tranquility of nature, blending Disney magic with inspiration from classic animated films. Early concept art revealed that Reflections would feature room designs inspired by beloved characters from films like Bambi, Brother Bear, Fox and the Hound, and Pocahontas.
To make way for the ambitious project, Disney demolished its first water park, River Country, which had been sitting unused since 2001. The site, located on the picturesque shores of Bay Lake near Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, seemed perfect for the new lodge.
Construction on Reflections began with enthusiasm. However, like many projects worldwide, it faced an unexpected hurdle: the COVID-19 pandemic. When the pandemic hit in 2020, construction was halted, and Disney reprioritized its plans. For years, rumors circulated that Reflections had been quietly canceled, leaving fans wondering if the site would ever host the highly anticipated resort.
A Revival: Permit Extensions Spark Hope at Disney World
Fast forward to recent months, and eagle-eyed Disney enthusiasts noticed movement behind the scenes. Disney began filing for construction permit extensions, fueling speculation that a new project might be in the works. This speculation turned to excitement as construction activity resumed at the Bay Lake site. Now, Disney has confirmed that Reflections is officially off the table, but the replacement resort, Disney Lakeshore Lodge, will carry forward the legacy of a tranquil, nature-inspired retreat.
Disney Lakeshore Lodge: What We Know So Far
Disney fans, especially Disney Vacation Club members, have been eagerly awaiting updates about the mysterious Bay Lake resort first announced in 2018. Now, after years of speculation and delays, Disney has officially revealed a brand-new project: Disney Lakeshore Lodge, slated to open in 2027.
This announcement marks the end of the road for the original plans for Reflections – A Disney Lakeside Lodge, which was originally set to rise from the site of Disney’s former River Country water park.
NEW: Disney Vacation Club says Disney Lakeshore Lodge will open in 2027 within the same footprint of the previously announced Reflections – A Disney Lakeside Lodge resort.
NEW: Disney Vacation Club says Disney Lakeshore Lodge will open in 2027 within the same footprint of the previously announced Reflections – A Disney Lakeside Lodge resort. pic.twitter.com/rrQVvgxkhu
— Scott Gustin (@ScottGustin) November 26, 2024
While details about Disney Lakeshore Lodge remain sparse, Disney Vacation Club has shared that the new resort will be “inspired by the majesty of nature and its enduring influence on Disney artists.” This description suggests that the resort will follow in the footsteps of Reflections by celebrating Disney’s connection to the natural world.
Interestingly, Disney has not yet released concept art for Lakeshore Lodge, leaving fans to wonder how closely the new project will resemble Reflections. The original resort design leaned heavily into rustic themes, with natural materials and animated classics as inspiration. It remains to be seen if Lakeshore Lodge will honor that aesthetic or take a bold new approach.
Why the Change?
It’s not uncommon for Disney to pivot on its projects. The company frequently reimagines concepts to better align with evolving guest expectations, budget considerations, and market trends. Reflections – A Disney Lakeside Lodge was announced during a period of rapid expansion for Disney Vacation Club, and its replacement with Disney Lakeshore Lodge may reflect updated strategies or guest feedback.
Additionally, the pandemic forced many companies, including Disney, to reassess their priorities. While we don’t know the full reasoning behind the shift, Disney’s decision to move forward with a reimagined project is a clear sign of the company’s commitment to delivering world-class vacation experiences.
The Future of the Bay Lake Site at Disney World
Disney Lakeshore Lodge is expected to open in 2027, giving Imagineers and construction teams a few more years to bring the project to life. For now, fans can only speculate about what surprises the new resort will offer. Will it include homages to Reflections or completely original designs? Could we see updated theming tied to modern Disney films? Only time will tell.
One thing is certain: Disney is determined to create a unique and magical experience for its guests. As more information about Disney Lakeshore Lodge becomes available, it will be exciting to see how this new resort contributes to the ever-evolving story of Disney Vacation Club. The announcement of Disney Lakeshore Lodge is a fresh chapter in the ongoing story of Disney’s innovation and adaptability.
A Final Thought: Nature Meets Magic
While fans of Reflections – A Disney Lakeside Lodge may feel bittersweet about the change, the promise of a resort inspired by the “majesty of nature” holds incredible potential. For Disney Vacation Club members and fans of Disney resorts, the wait for 2027 just got a little more exciting. Keep an eye on Inside the Magic for updates as this project unfolds.
The new Resort will allow more guests to visit Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, or any other Disney Park of their choosing, making each Disney World Park that much more full of excitement and theme park thrills.