Disney’s Lakeshore Lodge: A First Look at Walt Disney World’s Newest Resort
There’s a new Disney resort on the horizon, and if you love a little more space, beautiful surroundings, and a resort that feels like a destination all on its own, Disney’s Lakeshore Lodge is one to watch.
Opening July 1, 2027, at Walt Disney World Resort, Lakeshore Lodge is bringing a nature-inspired retreat to Bay Lake with a mix of cozy studios, spacious villas, and something we don’t see every day at Walt Disney World: private waterfront Lake Houses.
Disney is leaning into the beauty of the great outdoors with this resort, but of course, it wouldn’t be Disney without a little storytelling woven throughout. Guests will find original artwork inspired by beloved Disney films, beautiful natural surroundings, and plenty of details to discover throughout the resort.
So, what do we know about Disney’s Lakeshore Lodge so far? Let’s take a look.
When Can You Book Disney’s Lakeshore Lodge?
If you’re already thinking about staying at Lakeshore Lodge, you’ll want to mark these dates on your calendar:
- October 6: Disney Vacation Club members can begin making reservations
- October 7: Walt Disney World Annual Passholders can begin making reservations
- October 8: All guests can begin making reservations
The resort officially opens July 1, 2027, so this is definitely one to keep on your Disney vacation planning radar.
The Lake Houses: A Completely Different Way to Stay at Disney
I’ll admit it—the Lake Houses are one of the details that immediately caught my attention.
Exclusive to Disney’s Lakeshore Lodge, these one- and two-bedroom waterfront retreats are designed to give guests a little more privacy and a whole lot of space to relax.
The freestanding Lake Houses will feature dramatic A-frame architecture, floor-to-ceiling windows, and views overlooking Bay Lake. Each will also have a private porch, making it easy to imagine starting your morning with a cup of coffee while enjoying the water and surrounding nature.
The one-bedroom Lake Houses will accommodate up to five guests, while the two-bedroom Lake Houses will sleep up to eight guests.
And for families, the amenities are just as appealing as the views. Lake Houses will include:
- A full kitchen
- Washer and dryer
- Spacious living areas
- Private outdoor space
- Waterfront views
The Disney storytelling continues inside, too. Artwork celebrating “Brother Bear” will incorporate details inspired by the film’s Alaskan setting and the natural beauty surrounding the story.
If you’re looking for a Disney stay that feels a little different from the traditional resort experience, these Lake Houses are definitely worth keeping an eye on.
Nature-Inspired Studios and Villas
Not every Disney vacation requires a full Lake House, and Lakeshore Lodge will have several other room options.
For couples or two guests traveling together, Duo Studios will offer a colorful, cozy space inspired by Disney’s Encanto. It’s a fun way to bring some personality into a smaller room without sacrificing the Disney magic.
The Deluxe Studios will accommodate up to four guests and will feature Bambi-inspired artwork, including original concept art from the Walt Disney Archives.
For families who need more room, Lakeshore Lodge will also offer one- and two-bedroom villas.
The one-bedroom villas will accommodate up to five guests, while the two-bedroom villas will sleep up to nine guests. These villas will feature full kitchens, washers and dryers, private patios, and separate living and dining spaces.
Artwork inspired by Bambi will continue throughout the villas, tying the accommodations back to the resort’s overall connection with nature.
And this is one of the things I think families will appreciate about the villa options: having a full kitchen, laundry, and additional living space can make a big difference when you’re traveling with kids or planning a longer Disney vacation.
Your Disney Lakeshore Lodge Arrival
The resort experience starts before you even get to your room.
When guests arrive at Disney’s Lakeshore Lodge, the lobby is designed to immediately bring the outdoors inside.
Floor-to-ceiling windows will fill the space with natural light while giving guests views of The Wetlands, the resort’s outdoor recreation area.
One of the details I love about the lobby is the shimmering fiber-optic river running through the floor. Inspired by Pocahontas, it adds another layer of Disney storytelling without feeling like you’re simply walking into a movie-themed space.
And then there’s the Colors of the Wind sculpture, featuring hundreds of blown-glass leaves that bring movement, color, and a little bit of whimsy into the space.
It’s a great example of what Disney does so well—taking a theme and incorporating it into the architecture, artwork, and little details rather than simply putting characters everywhere
Dining at Disney’s Lakeshore Lodge
Food is always part of the Disney resort experience, and Lakeshore Lodge is shaping up to have several options depending on what kind of day you’re having. Whether you’re looking for a sit-down meal, grabbing coffee before heading to the parks, or wanting to enjoy a drink without leaving the pool, the resort will have something to fit the moment.
Moonglade
For a more relaxed dining experience, Moonglade will offer a waterfront table-service experience along Bay Lake.The restaurant will feature dishes made with seasonal and locally sourced ingredients, with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the cypress trees along the lake, and let’s be honest—I’m always a fan of a Disney dining experience where the view is part of the reason you’re there.
Bay Lake Provisions
For those mornings when you need coffee and food before the day really gets going, Bay Lake Provisions will be the resort’s all-day quick-service marketplace. Guests can stop in for specialty coffee and fresh food in an inviting open-kitchen setting. It’s designed to work just as well for grabbing something before a day in the parks as it is for picking up a bite after spending the afternoon relaxing at the resort. Since this is Disney, there will be a little hidden magic tucked into the space, too. Guests will be able to spot woodland critters inspired by beloved Disney classics throughout Bay Lake Provisions.
Paint Out Point Bar & Grill
Spending the day at the pool? Paint Out Point Bar & Grill will be located near Lakeshore Lagoon, making it an easy stop when everyone starts getting hungry after a few hours in the sun. The poolside spot will offer shareable bites and specialty beverages surrounded by the natural beauty of The Wetlands.
Dandelion Terrace
And then there’s Dandelion Terrace, which might be one of the most interesting spots at the resort once the sun goes down. After dark, guests will be able to gather here and watch the Magic Kingdom Park fireworks lighting up the sky over Bay Lake, and being able to enjoy the Magic Kingdom fireworks from the resort rather than standing in the middle of a crowded park? That’s definitely an experience worth talking about.
More Than Just a Place to Eat
One thing that stands out to me about the dining options for Lakeshore Lodge is the variety. You have Moonglade for a leisurely waterfront meal, Bay Lake Provisions for coffee and quick-service food, Paint Out Point Bar & Grill for poolside bites and drinks, and Dandelion Terrace for an evening lounge experience with views of the Magic Kingdom fireworks. Each space has its own personality, but they all connect back to the same overall theme of Lakeshore Lodge: nature, art, and Disney storytelling.
Honestly, that’s what I’m most curious to see when the resort opens. Disney is taking the natural setting around Bay Lake and weaving it into everything from the restaurants to the artwork to the guest experience, rather than making the resort feel like it could be anywhere else.
The Wetlands: Where Resort Time Becomes Part of the Vacation
One of the things that really stands out about Disney’s Lakeshore Lodge is The Wetlands, a sprawling outdoor recreation area located just beyond the lobby. This isn’t simply a pool area. The Wetlands is designed to give guests a place to play, explore, relax, and enjoy the natural beauty surrounding Bay Lake—and I think that’s going to be especially appealing for families who want to build some downtime into their Disney vacation.
Heron Shores
For kids who love to climb, explore, and burn off some energy, Heron Shores will feature imaginative climbing elements designed to encourage hands-on play. It’s the kind of space that gives younger guests something to do when they’re ready for a break from the parks but definitely aren’t ready to sit still.
Otter Springs
Just around the riverbend, Otter Springs will bring water play into the mix with interactive water features where little ones can splash, cool off, and slide. Let’s be honest—on a Florida vacation, having somewhere to cool down can be just as important as having somewhere to play.
Daydream River
Need a little more relaxation? The Daydream River will offer a leisurely way to take in the surroundings as guests float along the water through The Wetlands.
Lakeside Lagoon
At the heart of The Wetlands will be Lakeside Lagoon, the resort’s zero-entry feature pool. The pool will offer something for a variety of ages, with a gradual entry into the water and a spiral waterslide that sends guests right into the refreshing pool below. This is definitely giving me “let’s take a pool day” vibes, and I think that’s important when choosing a Disney resort. Sometimes the best Disney vacation memories happen on the days when you slow down enough to actually enjoy where you’re staying.
Perspective Pond
On the opposite side of the resort, Perspective Pond will offer a quieter setting with a leisure pool and whirlpool spa, and there’s an extra perk here: the location will provide views of the Magic Kingdom fireworks in the evenings. So while Lakeside Lagoon sounds like the place for family fun, Perspective Pond seems designed for slowing things down a bit.
A Little Nature, A Little Disney History
The Wetlands won’t just be about pools and recreation. As guests explore the scenic paths throughout the area, they’ll encounter fun facts about the local plants and wildlife surrounding the resort, and there’s even a little Disney history waiting to be discovered. Disney says guests should keep an eye out for a special plaque honoring a beloved historic attraction that once stood on this very spot. I love details like this because they give you another reason to actually explore the resort instead of simply walking from your room to the bus stop.
And Yes, You Can Take a Boat to Magic Kingdom. One of the biggest advantages of staying at a Disney resort is being immersed in the Disney experience even when you’re not inside a theme park. At Lakeshore Lodge, the fun at The Wetlands will be just a boat ride away from Magic Kingdom Park. You could spend the morning at Magic Kingdom, head back to the resort for an afternoon floating along the Daydream River or playing at Lakeside Lagoon, and then finish your evening watching the fireworks over the water. That’s not just a place to sleep between park days. The resort itself becomes part of the vacation.
Stay Tuned for More on Lakeshore Lodge
This is just the beginning for Disney’s Lakeshore Lodge, and I’m sure we’ll have plenty more to talk about as we get closer to the July 1, 2027 opening.
As Disney continues to release new details, I’ll be updating this post and sharing what you need to know—from new resort details and dining information to the experiences that will make Lakeshore Lodge unique.
So if Disney’s newest resort has caught your attention, bookmark this page and check back often! I’ll be keeping you updated as the news comes in, so you can get a better feel for what Lakeshore Lodge will offer and whether it might be the right fit for your next Walt Disney World vacation.
