The Bay Lake DVC resort 'Reflections - A Disney Lakeside Lodge' may be the first major COVID-19 cancellation at Walt Disney World

Jun 15, 2020 in "Reflections - A Lakeside Disney Lodge"

Posted: Monday June 15, 2020 10:14am ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

Evidence is mounting that the Bay Lake Disney Vacation Club resort 'Reflections - A Disney Lakeside Lodge' may be the first major Walt Disney World cancellation due to COVID-19.

According to various sources from the construction side of the project, delivery of material has been permanently cancelled, and the work that was done to begin the concrete pours has been removed and the land will likely be returned to its pre-construction state.

Project 89 as it was known, was somewhat controversial since it began, with the resort offering a design style that was not to everyone's liking on a prime piece of land around the former River Country.

The economic climate is obviously not conducive to build new resort hotels at this time, with both the company and guests looking to reduce spending over the coming years.

Despite the likely cancellation of Reflections, the land is a prized location, and it would be no surprise to see the project revived at a later time, or a new project moving in to take its place.

It should be noted that Disney is yet to make any official announcement of a cancellation.

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MisterPenguinApr 20, 2023

Here's the dedicated thread for the Glampground (whereas this thread is a memorial to a stillborn DVC). https://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads/disney-vacation-club-announces-plans-for-more-than-350-new-cabins-at-disney%E2%80%99s-fort-wilderness-resort.980820/page-8#post-10588421

Love Ft WildernessApr 20, 2023

Simply put, this royally stinks.

CaptainAmericaApr 20, 2023

That's correct. AKL and WL are my favorite resorts, but they're not the best rooms.

Skibum1970Apr 20, 2023

When we did our tour, the Studio seemed tiny. It just seems like the DVC studios at other resorts were larger. That may have just been perception, though.

lentestaApr 20, 2023

Missed it by THIS MUCH.

aladdin2007Apr 13, 2023

This, and the fact they are slapping a giant modern city looking building at the poly on seven seas lagoon is the end of it.

NaplesgolferApr 13, 2023

The rooms are very nice and large. But the common area's and the facade are mid level Marriott and too small. It is foolish and sad that Disney will never build a Wilderness lodge or Animal Kingdom lodge again. They no longer know what the Disney difference is or care.

HauntedPirateApr 12, 2023

They used the finest glue to attach things to the walls? :D

DisoneApr 12, 2023

I cannot agree with this statement. IMO The four seasons Orlando is notably elevated several notches above what the Riviera is. While I don't know the time and place that the four seasons is trying to portray but as soon as you step in the lobby you feel like you've left Florida. The grounds are immaculate. The pools are stunning and the rooms completely out class Disney. For me personally, the Riviera is more akin to a Hyatt, or a nice Marriott. I can absolutely agree on the second part. Very Hilton garden inn on a service level.

BocabearApr 12, 2023

The interior was nice...I would not go any farther then that. yes it was nicer than a Comfort Inn, or Holiday Inn... No it was not Four Seasons or Waldorf Astoria nice... the service level was as noted... Marriott Courtyard/ Hilton Garden Inn level. I did not find it "fancy"...I guess that is taste subjective, but it was nice... the Lobby etc felt soulless and disconnected. Poorly designed on the whole. We would never stay there again...

UNCgolfApr 12, 2023

I don't think it rises to Four Seasons level on the interior, although it is nice. The exterior is abysmal, though. It looks cheap.

fgmntApr 12, 2023

I will say that my family has held BCV for 20 years and there was an attempt at the upsell to a new Riviera contract a year ago, but the money does not make any sense at all like it did 20 years ago. And with the nature of timeshare sales, if you cant further hook in the people you already have, how well are you doing at bringing in new people?

CastAStoneApr 12, 2023

Riviera is Four Seasons level look and feel. Like every Disney Deluxe resort, the service level is Hilton Garden Inn. But the rooms, while styleless, are very nice, and fancy.