Disney has revealed plans for a new resort, Disney Lakeshore Lodge, set to debut in 2027. This announcement comes as a replacement for the previously planned Reflections – A Disney Lakeside Lodge, which was shelved after delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Originally announced in 2018, Reflections was intended to be a luxurious retreat on Bay Lake near Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground. Disney dismantled its first water park, River Country, which had been closed since 2001 to make way for the development. Construction on Reflections began but was halted indefinitely when the pandemic disrupted plans.
In recent months, Disney fans noticed renewed activity at the Bay Lake site, sparking rumors of a revived project. These speculations were confirmed when Disney began filing for construction permit extensions and resumed work on the site. The company has now officially shifted focus to Disney Lakeshore Lodge, a brand-new concept inspired by the natural world and its influence on Disney storytelling.
Although details about the new resort are still under wraps, concept art for Reflections previously showcased room designs influenced by classic Disney films like Bambi, Brother Bear, Fox and the Hound, and Pocahontas. It remains to be seen how much of this vision will carry over into the new lodge. Disney promises that the resort will deliver a serene, nature-inspired atmosphere that aligns with its legacy of innovative and immersive experiences.
How do you feel about Disney transforming historic sites like River Country into new resorts?