Walt Disney Imagineering has recently filed a new construction permit that hints at the potential revival of the Reflections – A Lakeside Disney Lodge project. The permit, filed for “Site and facility improvements,” encompasses several addresses along Wilderness Way near the Copper Creek Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. This new permit is valid through March 31, 2027, possibly pointing towards a long-term plan for the area.
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The Story of Reflections
Disney first announced Reflections — A Disney Lakeside Lodge in 2018 amidst rumors of a new nature-inspired resort. The project was set to rise on the site of the long-closed River Country, which was demolished in 2019 to make way for the new Disney Vacation Club (DVC) resort. However, the COVID-19 shutdowns in 2020 and a subsequent permit for trailer removal in 2021 fueled speculation that the project had been canceled.
In a surprising turn of events, Disney filed a five-year extension for the project’s staging ground permit in 2023. Another extension for a construction permit followed in May 2024. This activity suggests that Disney may announce the resumption of work on Reflections or a different resort in the same area at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event this weekend.
What is Reflections – A Disney Lakeside Lodge?
Reflections – A Disney Lakeside Lodge is envisioned as a nature-inspired resort located on the former River Country water park site along the shores of Bay Lake, between Wilderness Lodge and Fort Wilderness at Walt Disney World. The development would feature both hotel rooms and Disney Vacation Club villas, offering a mixed-use resort experience. Originally announced in October 2018, the resort aims to celebrate Walt Disney’s lifelong love and respect for nature, with plans for more than 900 rooms and villas.
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Recent Developments in the Magic Kingdom Resort Area
Since Reflections was put on hold, Disney has announced three new DVC projects in the Magic Kingdom resort area, which have indirectly taken the spotlight from Reflections:
- Resort Studios at the Grand Floridian: The first and smallest project involved converting an outlying building to new Resort Studios at Walt Disney World’s flagship resort. This project is complete and has already sold out.
- New DVC Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort: Currently under construction and slated to open in late 2024, this expansion is progressing swiftly and is expected to be a significant success for DVC.
- Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort – A Disney Vacation Club Resort: Concept art for this project has been released, further highlighting Disney’s ongoing investment in new DVC accommodations.
What’s Next?
With the recent permit filings and extensions, it’s possible that Disney is preparing to officially revive Reflections – A Disney Lakeside Lodge. Fans are eagerly awaiting potential announcements at D23, which could shed more light on the future of this anticipated project.
Stay tuned for more updates as we learn whether Reflections will finally come to life or if Disney has other exciting plans in store for this picturesque area along Bay Lake.
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