Walt Disney World is adding a new place for families to stay, and it could quickly become one of the most in-demand resorts on property.

Disney has announced that Disney Lakeshore Lodge will open next summer along the shores of Bay Lake near Magic Kingdom. The new resort rises on the former site of River Country, Disney’s long-closed water park, giving one of the most storied locations on property a fresh new chapter.

Part of the Disney Vacation Club portfolio, Disney Lakeshore Lodge will be a nature-inspired retreat featuring design nods to beloved Walt Disney Animation Studios films including Bambi, Pocahontas and Brother Bear.

A Prime Location Between Two Fan-Favorite Resorts

The new hotel will sit between Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, giving guests a secluded setting while keeping them close to the action.

That location could be one of the resort’s biggest selling points. Families can expect waterfront views across Bay Lake during the day and, by night, a strong vantage point for the nightly fireworks at Magic Kingdom.

For travelers who want a Disney stay that feels peaceful without sacrificing convenience, Lakeshore Lodge appears positioned to deliver exactly that.

Nearly 1,000 Rooms — Including a New Accommodation Style

Disney says the resort will offer 967 accommodations, ranging from studios to multi-bedroom villas. But the headline addition may be the new one- and two-bedroom Lake Houses set directly along the waterfront.

That lodging style could become an instant hit. Unique accommodations at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort have long been difficult to book because of limited inventory and strong demand. These new Lake Houses may give larger families another premium option.

A Resort With a Backstory

Disney Lakeshore Lodge also arrives with a history before welcoming its first guest.

Back in 2019, Disney announced a similar project for the same site called Reflections: A Disney Lakeside Lodge. That resort was expected to open in 2022, but construction plans were halted during the pandemic. Now the project has returned under a new name, and construction is visibly moving fast. Guests riding boats to Magic Kingdom or staying near Disney’s Contemporary Resort can already see the resort taking shape.

Why This Could Be One of Disney’s Toughest Reservations

Disney fans know that new resorts often generate major interest, but Lakeshore Lodge checks several boxes at once: prime Magic Kingdom-area location, waterfront setting, family-sized villas, unique lodging options and fresh Disney storytelling.

That combination could make it one of Walt Disney World’s toughest reservations once bookings open. Families planning future Orlando vacations may want to keep a close eye on this one.

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(Rendering Disney)