Credit: DisneyDisney World fans have been waiting a long time for this.
For years, one of Disney’s biggest resort construction projects has felt like it was stuck in limbo. We heard the early promises, saw the concept art, and then… nothing. Just silence. No major announcements. No clear timeline. No real signs that it was moving forward.
But now, Disney has finally given us the kind of update guests have been craving.
And based on what we’re seeing, this isn’t just a small “progress report.” It looks like Disney is fully committed to finishing this massive resort project, and the 2027 opening window is suddenly starting to feel very real.
Disney World Resorts Are a Huge Part of the Vacation Experience
Disney World doesn’t just have theme parks. It has an entire hotel ecosystem that feels like its own world.
For many families, the resort you choose becomes part of the trip’s identity. Some guests want something classic and luxurious, while others want a place that feels fun, themed, and affordable.
That’s why resorts like Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa remain some of the most recognizable hotels on property. It’s elegant, it’s iconic, and it feels like “old-school Disney” in the best way. The monorail access doesn’t hurt either.
Then there’s Disney’s Contemporary Resort, which has become legendary simply because the monorail literally runs through the building. It’s sleek, modern, and one of those hotels that feels like a true Disney landmark.
Of course, not everyone books deluxe resorts, and Disney knows that.
Pop Century and Art of Animation remain two of the most popular budget-friendly options, especially for families. They offer strong theming, Skyliner access, and that energetic “Disney vacation” vibe that makes even a value resort feel special.
And that mix of deluxe, moderate, and value hotels is precisely what makes Disney World such a unique destination.
Disney’s New Resort Is Still On the Way
Now we can finally talk about the real focus of this update.
Disney’s newest hotel project is expected to open in 2027, and it’s being built in a location with a complicated Disney history. The resort is going up on the former site of Disney’s River Country water park, which used to sit near Fort Wilderness.
For years, River Country felt like one of Disney’s strangest abandoned pieces of property. It was a location longtime fans always talked about, mainly because it sat unused for so long.
Disney originally announced plans for a new resort in that space called Reflections — A Lakeside Lodge.
But after the COVID-19 pandemic hit, that project went almost entirely silent. Guests stopped hearing about it, and many assumed it had been quietly canceled.
Then, in late 2024, Disney revealed that the project was returning under a new name: Disney’s Lakeshore Lodge.
That announcement confirmed Disney wasn’t walking away from the location. Instead, they were moving forward with a refreshed version of the original idea.
What Disney Has Said About the New Resort’s Theme
Disney hasn’t released every detail about what the final resort will include, but they have given a clear sense of the theme and overall vision.
The company has described the hotel as inspired by the “majesty of nature” and by the influence nature has had on Disney artists. That language makes it pretty clear Disney wants this place to feel like a peaceful wilderness escape rather than a flashy, modern resort.
And based on the concept art, Disney may also lean heavily into classic forest imagery.
Some early artwork suggests that guests could see characters like Bambi, Thumper, and Flower prominently featured near the front entrance. The design also appears to include a large sign above the entryway reading something along the lines of “The Wonders of Nature are Endless.”
If Disney sticks closely to those early visuals, this resort could end up feeling like a blend of rustic lodge vibes and vintage Disney storytelling.
Which honestly sounds like a winning combination.
Construction Has Made Huge Visible Progress
This is where things get exciting.
For a long time, this project felt like it barely existed outside of concept art and vague Disney statements. But now, construction has reached a point where you can clearly see Disney’s momentum.
Recent progress indicates that much of the exterior structure is now built. The resort is no longer just a foundation or framework. It’s becoming a real hotel with visible shape, height, and design.
It also looks like Disney is entering the “wrap-up” phase of exterior work.
While the resort obviously isn’t finished yet, the exterior of the building appears structurally complete. That suggests Disney could be shifting focus toward interior work, detailing, and the final finishing stages.
Construction walls are still up around the entire property, a strong sign Disney is keeping the project sealed off and moving full speed ahead.
If Disney maintains this pace, it’s hard not to believe we’re actually heading toward a legitimate 2027 opening.
Disney Is Also Overhauling a Huge Chunk of Its Resort Lineup
This update is also happening at a time when Disney World hotels feel like they’re constantly under construction.
While new resorts always get the most attention, Disney has been pouring significant effort into refurbishments across the property. And honestly, guests have noticed. Some resorts feel like they’ve been “mid-renovation” forever.
Several major hotel projects are currently underway or scheduled to continue through 2026.
Disney’s Contemporary Resort and Bay Lake Tower are still dealing with extended renovation work, with updates stretching into mid-to-late 2026. Pop Century has also been in the middle of a long guest room refurbishment timeline that has carried through 2025 and into early 2026.
Animal Kingdom Lodge is another big one, with Kidani Village renovations continuing into 2026 and additional work expected to impact the resort beyond that. Port Orleans Riverside is also undergoing a significant refurbishment plan that is likely to continue for years.
Disney’s BoardWalk Inn has been in an ongoing update phase as well, with continued projects expected throughout 2026.
Meanwhile, Polynesian Village Resort has continued entrance and roadway construction, projected to remain a factor through 2026. That work has been noticeable to guests, especially with traffic flow changes and construction zones near arrival areas.
The main takeaway here is simple: Disney is not slowing down on resort improvements.
Why This 2027 Resort Update Actually Matters
Disney World has always been a vacation destination, but the resort hotels are becoming more critical than ever.
Guests aren’t just booking hotels anymore. They’re booking experiences. People want theming, transportation convenience, immersive design, and a sense that their resort stay feels just as special as their park days.
That’s why a new resort opening in 2027 could be a huge deal.
It gives Disney another major lodging option, potentially with a deluxe-style atmosphere and unique nature-inspired theming. And if Disney ties in classic animated characters and strong storytelling elements, it could easily become one of the most in-demand hotels on property.
Plus, the fact that this project survived the post-COVID slowdown speaks volumes.
Disney didn’t just shelve it and move on. They reworked it, renamed it, and pushed forward.
Final Thoughts
Disney World doesn’t give major resort updates lightly.
So when we start seeing real progress and visible construction nearing completion, it’s worth paying attention. This new hotel has gone from “maybe canceled” to “actually happening” in a pretty dramatic way.
And if Disney keeps building at this pace, 2027 may finally be the year this long-delayed project becomes a real part of the Disney World resort lineup.
For fans who love Disney hotels as much as the parks themselves, this is the kind of update that feels like a major win.