The Mystery of Project 89 Is Finally Solved
For years, guests taking the boat from the Magic Kingdom to Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground have looked at the shoreline of the old River Country water park and wondered what was going on. For a long time, the answer was “not much,” but that’s officially changed. The development once known as Reflections – A Disney Lakeside Lodge has a new identity: Disney Lakeshore Lodge.
This massive project, often referred to by its internal code name, Project 89, is currently under active construction in Orlando, Florida. While the pandemic originally put the brakes on this development back in 2020, Disney has recently confirmed that the resort is back on track with a planned opening timeline of Summer 2027. This is going to be a major addition to the Bay Lake area, bridging the gap between the rustic charm of the campgrounds and the Pacific Northwest elegance of Disney’s Wilderness Lodge.
What to Expect from Disney Lakeshore Lodge
Disney Lakeshore Lodge is shaping up to be one of the largest resorts built at Walt Disney World in recent years. We’re looking at a 10-story main building that will house roughly 967 rooms. It’s designed as a mixed-use property, meaning it will serve as both a standard hotel and a Disney Vacation Club (DVC) resort. The design philosophy is centered on the “majesty of nature,” and Imagineering is pulling inspiration from classic Disney stories that celebrate the outdoors, such as Bambi, Pocahontas, and Brother Bear.
One of the most exciting aspects of the new layout is the variety of accommodations. Beyond the standard studios and suites, Disney is constructing Lake Houses. These are one- and two-bedroom A-frame style cabins located right on the water, similar to the popular bungalows at the Polynesian or the cabins at Copper Creek. For those who love a good pool day, early reports and permits indicate a massive horseshoe-shaped lazy river is in the works, making it a standout feature for the resort.
Why This Matters for Your Next Trip
Even though the resort won’t welcome its first guests until 2027, it’s already making an impact on the landscape. If you’re planning a trip to Walt Disney World in 2026, you’ll likely see the construction progress from several vantage points. The vertical structure is already very visible from Bay Lake and the Settlement area of Fort Wilderness.
The good news is that current construction hasn’t significantly impacted the guest experience at the neighboring resorts. However, if you’re a fan of the quiet, secluded vibe of the Clementine Beach area at Fort Wilderness, you should expect to see cranes and hear the sounds of progress during daytime hours. This project is filling in the last piece of the puzzle on the south side of Bay Lake, and the results look like they’ll be well worth the wait.
Planning Pro-Tips for 2026 and Beyond
- Watch the Boats: The best view of the new Lake Houses and the main lodge construction is from the water taxi that runs between the Magic Kingdom and Fort Wilderness. It’s a great way to see Imagineering at work.
- DVC Strategy: If you’re a Disney Vacation Club member, keep an eye on point charts as we get closer to 2027. With over 900 rooms, this will add significant inventory to the Magic Kingdom resort area.
- Dining Updates: While a Princess and the Frog themed restaurant was originally rumored for the site, official confirmation on the final dining lineup is still pending. We expect more details on the table-service options to drop later this year.
Disney Lakeshore Lodge represents a major investment in the “nature” side of Disney property. It’s exciting to see this long-dormant site finally blooming into something that will house thousands of magical memories in the years to come.
Disclaimer: This information is gathered from various online sources and news outlets. While we strive for accuracy, Disney plans and policies can change rapidly. We recommend double-checking official Disney sources for the most up-to-date information before making final travel plans.