Disney's Lakeshore Lodge, the newest resort hotel coming to Walt Disney World, is making visible strides in construction as of July 2026. The property sits along Bay Lake near Magic Kingdom, on the former site of River Country — Disney's original water park — and adjacent to Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground. It's expected to open in summer 2027 and participate in the Disney Vacation Club program, placing it in the deluxe resort tier for all guests.
The crown jewel of the new hotel is its expansive pool complex, called The Wetlands, which will rank among the largest pool areas at any Disney World resort. It includes the Daydream River lazy river, the Lakeshore Lagoon zero-entry pool, the Otter Springs water play area for young children, and the Heron Shores dry playground. Construction crews are currently building oversized otter sculptures for the Otter Springs area, complete with a small slide running down one of the animals' tails.
A large exterior wall facing The Wetlands now features a nature-themed mural of trees, nodding to Disney films such as Bambi, Pocahontas, and Brother Bear. Separate from the main water complex, a quieter pool called Cypress Point — accompanied by a hot tub — has been positioned specifically to offer guests views of Magic Kingdom's nightly fireworks show.
The resort's boat dock also appears largely complete, and Disney is expected to provide complimentary water transportation to Magic Kingdom for hotel guests. The overall development will include a tower with traditional rooms and suites, as well as lake houses closer to the water's edge.
Construction photos and details were originally reported by Mickey Visit.
