Letters from Lakeshore: Updates on Disney World’s Newest Resort
By Disney Destinations
Greetings from the south shores of Bay Lake at Walt Disney World Resort, the future home of Disney Lakeshore Lodge!
We invite you to embark on this journey with us, following Letters from Lakeshore as the proposed nature-inspired resort comes to life. Like a collection of postcards, each update will share new details – from first looks to finishing touches, with exclusive behind-the-scenes moments along the way.
June 17, 2026: First Look at The Wetlands at Disney Lakeshore Lodge
When Disney Lakeshore Lodge opens in summer 2027, guests will be invited to relax, unwind and reconnect with nature at The Wetlands, a sweeping outdoor recreation area just beyond the lobby that immerses guests in the beauty of Bay Lake.
The Wetlands will be thoughtfully designed with both fun and relaxation in mind. Younger guests will become part of nature’s story through whimsical wet and dry play areas inspired by the music and storytelling of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Pocahontas.” Drawing from the lyrics “the heron and the otter are my friends” from the beloved song “Colors of the Wind,” these vibrant spaces will celebrate the playful connections found in nature.
Heron Shores will welcome exploration and hands‑on play with imaginative climbing features, while just around the riverbend, Otter Springs will come to life with interactive water features where little ones can cool off as they splash and slide. Nearby, the lazy Daydream River will invite guests to sit back and relax as the current carries them through the recreation area, offering a leisurely way to take in views of the surrounding landscape.
At the heart of The Wetlands will be Lakeside Lagoon, the resort’s zero‑entry feature pool where guests of all ages can come together under the Florida sun, complete with a spiral waterslide that leads into the refreshing water. Tucked away on the opposite side of the resort, Perspective Pond will be home to a leisure pool and whirlpool spa, perfectly positioned for views of Magic Kingdom fireworks in the evenings.
Whether your clients choose to start their morning with a peaceful float along the Daydream River or end the day watching the sun set over Bay Lake, each area of The Wetlands will offer a distinct connection to nature, balancing breathtaking beauty and tranquility with moments of discovery and play.
As guests make their way along a scenic path through the recreation area, they’ll uncover fun facts about the local flora and fauna that surrounds them. Keep an eye out for a special plaque that honors a beloved historic attraction that once stood on this very spot!
And best of all, the fun in the sun is just a boat ride away from Magic Kingdom! Staying in the magic at a Disney World hotel means enjoying access to unique amenities, along with special benefits such as complimentary transportation across Walt Disney World Resort and extra time to enjoy the theme parks.
Stay tuned to Letters from Lakeshore on Disney Travel News for more details as Disney Lakeshore Lodge continues to take shape.
April 21, 2026: Celebrate the Beauty and Magic of Nature at Disney Lakeshore Lodge
Introducing Disney Lakeshore Lodge, a waterfront retreat where guests and their loved ones will discover the wonder of nature through the artistry of Disney storytelling.
Projected to open at Walt Disney World Resort in summer 2027, Disney Lakeshore Lodge will celebrate the beauty and magic of nature as seen through the eyes of Disney artists and storytellers. Inspired by Walt Disney’s lifelong admiration for the great outdoors, the resort’s design will pay tribute to decades of animated stories rooted in nature, with subtle nods to classic films — from the lush forests of Bambi and the colorful winds of Pocahontas to the sweeping glacial landscapes of Brother Bear.
Nestled along the tranquil shores of Bay Lake, Disney Lakeshore Lodge will invite families to slow down, take in their surroundings, and create cherished memories together. Spectacular floor‑to‑ceiling windows will welcome natural sunlight and showcase views of the local flora and fauna, allowing the outdoors to flow seamlessly into the architecture, artwork, and ambiance.
With 967 thoughtfully designed rooms, this new addition to the Disney Resorts Collection will offer a variety of ways to stay, from cozy studios to spacious suites. Many rooms will offer peaceful views of Bay Lake by day and spectacular views of Magic Kingdom park fireworks by night. The resort will also debut with new one- and two-bedroom Lake Houses along the waterfront, offering families an even closer connection to nature with ample space to relax and unwind.
In the months ahead, we’ll share more about the dining locations, recreational offerings, amenities, and distinctive design details that will bring the spirit of nature and the magic of Disney storytelling to life at Disney Lakeshore Lodge.
Ready to book your Walt Disney World vacation?! Hit the link below for your free quote! Who knows...maybe you'll want to switch your reservation to Lakeshore Lodge when it opens in the summer of 2027 😄
