First Story Rises at Disney Lakeshore Lodge Resort Construction Site in Walt Disney World

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Disney Lakeshore Lodge Construction - December 17, 2024

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Posted: Wednesday December 18, 2024 9:40am ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

Progress continues at the construction site for Disney Lakeshore Lodge, the Disney Vacation Club (DVC) resort scheduled to open in 2027 at Walt Disney World.

Disney Lakeshore Lodge Construction - December 17, 2024

Photos from this week show that vertical construction has begun, with the first story of the resort now visible. These photos, taken from locations around Pioneer Hall, provide a clear view of the early structural framework along Bay Lake.

Disney Lakeshore Lodge Construction - December 17, 2024

Disney Lakeshore Lodge will be inspired by the majesty of nature and its enduring influence on Disney artists. According to Disney, the resort will offer a unique blend of rustic elegance and imaginative storytelling, providing guests with a serene escape along the shores of Bay Lake, between Disney's Wilderness Lodge and Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort.

Disney Lakeshore Lodge concept art

The original Reflections project was announced in 2018 as a deluxe nature-themed resort featuring over 900 hotel rooms and Disney Vacation Club villas. However, it was quietly shelved amid the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the area remained largely untouched until recent activity suggested the project might be revived.

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HauntedPirate13 days ago

640 is Evangeline's (the TSR). Not sure what the rest are, it would be some deeper digging than I have time for at the present.

DCBaker13 days ago

New Notices of Commencement filed today: 598 W WILDERNESS WY - Design Communications Ltd. - Install signage 612 W WILDERNESS WY - Design Communications Ltd. - Install signage 632 W WILDERNESS WY - Design Communications Ltd. - Install signage 636 W WILDERNESS WY - Design Communications Ltd. - Install signage 640 W WILDERNESS WY - Design Communications Ltd. - Install signage 648 W WILDERNESS WY - Design Communications Ltd. - Install signage 648B W WILDERNESS WY - ThemeWorks, Inc - Install set elements

HauntedPirate19 days ago

It does start to get a bit confusing sometimes. I should have spelled it out, though, thank you for pointing out your (brief) confusion in abbreviations. I’ll be better about that. And… shhh!! They’ll see your idea! 😉😂

UNCgolf19 days ago

When I first read this comment I didn't realize what thread I was in, and I was trying to figure out how Disney was going to use Lightning Lane at hotels.

HauntedPirate19 days ago

Thanks. Sometimes the ol' brain still sizzles back to life. :D We've been wondering if LL would get its own entrance or if it would somehow piggyback onto WL. This could be the answer to that question. If it is, then road expansion between WL and the LL site would be coming as well, as I cannot see the current road supporting the additional traffic safely.

Doberge19 days ago

Nice connection. It makes the most sense to put the LL security here, but adding LL pushes total rooms behind security to lole 2,000, about 50% more than combined Animal Kingdom Lodges's 1300ish. Extra capacity seems necessary.

HauntedPirate19 days ago

This may not necessarily be related to Lakeshore Lodge but from today's (March 26, 2026, if needed for future reference) 'Wilderness Lodge Exterior Refurbishment' post on the main site: The security kiosk at the entrance is being expanded as part of the work. But it makes you go "Hmmm...". (Edit was to expand 'LL' to be Lakeshore Lodge)

TrainsOfDisneyFeb 26, 2026

That’s still only 4 cruisers. 1 runs on the poly / grand route, 1 runs to wilderness lodge, and then 2 operate on Ft. Wilderness route I believe.

EeyoreFan#24Feb 26, 2026

If I’m not mistaken, I believe a large part of the justification for the new cruiser a few years ago was the original start of the new lodge and after the pause transport has been enjoying a slightly plussed fleet until the hotel actually opens. I’m don't remember where I read that, and it may be nonsense, but that’s the story I remember.

DobergeFeb 25, 2026

Views of LL from WL:

DobergeFeb 25, 2026

If you've seen the large boats (for ECVs, etc). running the FW and WL routes, Disney is adding at least one new one of those and I believe that should be in this summer. What we haven't heard yet is where this new LL route will dock at MK. I think it makes the most sense to put the LL launch where the FW launch is currently located (deluxe resorts getting better spots) and bumping FW to near the Poly/GF launch.

HauntedPirateFeb 25, 2026

It’s a dedicated boat dock for LL, as far as I’m aware.

TrainsOfDisneyFeb 25, 2026

It looks like they are building a dedicated boat dock - unless that is for a Marina or something else? They currently run direct boats from MK to both WL and Fort Wilderness. In the afternoon / evening they also operate boats that connect Contemporary, WL and the Fort.

HauntedPirateFeb 25, 2026

No chance. Riviera is 80%-ish sold and Poly Tower is only around 35%. I believe I read that they have additional watercraft either ordered or purchased for this resort, but others know far more about that.