Aerial View of the Construction at Disney Lakeshore Lodge

Disney Lakeshore Lodge Rises Rapidly Near Magic Kingdom

A once-shelved project is now reaching new heights, literally. Disney Lakeshore Lodge, the long-awaited mixed-use resort near Magic Kingdom, is back on track and going vertical fast, with fresh aerial photos showing just how massive this addition will be to the Fort Wilderness area.

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Formerly known as Reflections – A Disney Lakeside Lodge, the project was originally announced in 2018, paused during the 2020 shutdown, and has since been reborn as Disney Lakeshore Lodge. The new resort will feature both Disney Vacation Club (DVC) villas and regular hotel rooms, totaling 900 rooms across three 10-story towers.

Thanks to images captured by the ever-watchful @bioreconstruct, we now have a birds-eye view of the construction site, which stands out starkly against the tranquil backdrop of Fort Wilderness. These towers aren’t just big — they literally dwarf nearby Pioneer Hall and are significantly taller than anything currently at the Fort. It’s a striking contrast to the cabins and campsites just next door.

What We Know So Far:

• Opening Date: Disney is targeting 2027, and based on the current construction speed, that goal looks more than achievable.
• Layout: The resort retains its “W”-shaped footprint from the original Reflections site plan, complete with two courtyards — one rumored to include a lazy river, feature pool, and waterfront dining.
• Accommodations: Along with the main towers, there will be A-frame cabins and treehouse-style villas along the water’s edge, offering unique views and upscale lodging options.
• Nearby Access: The lodge is very close to Clementine Beach, Pioneer Hall, and the Fort Wilderness dock, putting guests within easy reach of boat transportation to Magic Kingdom.
• Impact on Fort Wilderness: While many campsites and cabins remain undisturbed, the scale and proximity of the new resort has raised concerns among longtime Fort Wilderness fans who value its peaceful, rustic feel.

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A Resort Renaissance

This development is part of a broader push to increase DVC inventory across Walt Disney World. It follows other recent DVC additions like the Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort and the new DVC Cabins at Fort Wilderness, the latter of which debuted in phases over the past year.

Construction has also prompted several enhancements at Fort Wilderness, including a pool expansion at the Meadow Swimmin’ Pool Area, new walking trails, and updated dining options at Trail’s End and Crockett’s Tavern.

Still, for some guests, the soaring towers of Lakeshore Lodge signal a shift away from the campground’s original “wilderness” charm. Love it or loathe it, this is a huge project — and it’s happening fast.

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