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Credit: Ryaninc, FlickrIn Disney World news, guests may soon have the option for “apartment living” within the property, bringing them even closer to their favorite parks.
Hidden Oasis: Disney’s Most Mysterious New Destination Is Taking Shape in Plain Sight
From the sky above Bay Lake, a transformation is quietly unfolding—a transformation that could change what it means to “stay at Disney.” Massive construction vehicles carve elegant curves into the Florida landscape while shimmering blueprints of water features glint in the sunlight.
Guests zipping by en route to Magic Kingdom might not even notice what’s rising beyond the trees. But those who do are left wondering: is this the closest anyone will ever come to living at Disney World?
New aerial photos are finally pulling back the curtain on one of Walt Disney World’s most intriguing new projects. Yet, it isn’t a new land or a reimagined attraction causing the buzz this time—it’s something more tranquil, more permanent, and arguably more exclusive than even the most coveted park-view suite.
Could the future of Disney lodging look less like a hotel—and more like a lakeside neighborhood?
A Familiar Dream, Reimagined
Tucked between Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground and Bay Lake, construction crews are bringing to life Lakeshore Lodge, a brand-new Disney Vacation Club resort projected to open in 2027. This stunning property rises from the same land that once hosted Disney’s long-abandoned River Country water park, giving the site a second life steeped in nostalgia and natural charm.
Originally announced back in 2018 as Reflections — A Disney Lakeside Lodge, the project was shelved after 2020 as plans across the company shifted. But Disney quietly revived it under a new name, new vision, and new energy—and now, we’re getting our first real look at what’s to come.
The Grand Design
A new set of aerial photos shared by renowned Disney photographer @bioreconstruct on X offers the best glimpse yet at this under-construction resort. The images reveal a sprawling pool complex complete with winding curves that appear to outline what could very well be a lazy river—a first of its kind for a Disney Vacation Club hotel.
Aerial photos of river and pool construction in a courtyard of Lakeshore Lodge.
Aerial photos of river and pool construction in a courtyard of Lakeshore Lodge. pic.twitter.com/MJJK81lFBA
— bioreconstruct (@bioreconstruct) December 2, 2025
This isn’t your standard resort pool. It’s an oasis in the making, a water retreat that promises guests a peaceful escape mere minutes from the sensory overload of Magic Kingdom. Nearby, large open spaces and landscaped features suggest Disney is designing something more than just another hotel—it’s aiming for a full-blown community feel.
Aerial photo of dock and pool construction at Lakeshore Lodge. – @bioreconstruct on X
Aerial photo of dock and pool construction at Lakeshore Lodge. pic.twitter.com/9DeEHnzdoO
— bioreconstruct (@bioreconstruct) December 2, 2025
The Closest You Can Get to “Living” at Disney
For many fans, the dream of living inside Disney World has always felt just out of reach. But Lakeshore Lodge may be the next best thing. With roughly 430 vacation club units, this property bridges the gap between hotel luxury and home comfort—essentially functioning as Disney World apartments for the devoted few who want a permanent window into the magic.
Disney Lakeshore Lodge is projected to open in 2027. The new Disney Vacation Club property will include 430 vacation club units. – @BoardwalkTimes on X
Disney Lakeshore Lodge is projected to open in 2027.
The new Disney Vacation Club property will include 430 vacation club units. pic.twitter.com/taduX5NCcP
— Boardwalk Times (@BoardwalkTimes) December 9, 2025
Vacation Club members often describe their stays as “coming home,” and Disney seems to be leaning hard into that emotional bond here. Set against a backdrop of cypress trees, waterways, and rustic wood accents, Lakeshore Lodge channels the wilderness charm of Fort Wilderness while offering the modern amenities and artistry found in deluxe-tier resorts like Disney’s Riviera Resort and Polynesian Villas.
Even the theming hints at something deeply personal—concept art shows nods to Bambi’s forest friends, with the entrance sign reading, “The Wonders of Nature Are Endless.” It’s a visual love letter to Disney’s decades-long fascination with natural beauty and artistic inspiration drawn from the wild.
What Happens Next
While Disney has yet to reveal all the details, fans are already speculating about dining and immersive storytelling elements. During its earlier life as Reflections, Imagineers teased a restaurant inspired by The Princess and the Frog—a theme that would fit seamlessly beside Bay Lake’s lush, Louisiana-like setting.
Whether those plans make their way to Lakeshore Lodge remains to be seen, but insiders suggest something in that vein could still be on the table.
What’s certain is that by 2027, Bay Lake will welcome Disney’s newest—and arguably most personal—addition to its resort lineup. More than just a place to stay, Lakeshore Lodge feels like a signal of what’s next for Disney accommodations: where sustainability, serenity, and storytelling blend into one.
For those dreaming of a home closer to Cinderella Castle than ever before, this may be as close as it gets.