Is Disney planning to resurrect their plans for a new nature-themed resort at Walt Disney World? It seems possible as Disney has requested a 5-year extension for the permits concerning the Reflections – A Disney Lakeside Lodge project.
Reflections – A Disney Lakeside Lodge was originally planned for the old River Country Water Park site located near Disney’s Fort Wilderness & Campgrounds. The resort was supposed to include a variety of accommodations, including over 900 rooms and Disney Vacation Club (DVC) villas. Permits were filed in 2019 with the plan to open Reflections in 2022.
Disney postponed the Reflections project in 2020 when they shut down all their theme parks and resorts. While we never heard that Reflections was officially cancelled, it was clear it was very much on the back burner as Disney resumed other construction around Walt Disney World.
We most recently checked in on the Reflections site back in 2023. We could see that Disney had completed all the land clearing and left the area empty albeit with a new building for the Tri-Circle-D Ranch, which is the home of Walt Disney World’s horses.
Does this mean Disney is officially building Reflections – A Disney Lakeside Lodge? Not necessarily. The extension may mean Disney just wants more time to evaluate their options. Disney may want to see how things pan out with the new DVC tower opening soon at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. They may also want to see how the new DVC cabins are received at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground. Should those projects show weakening in the DVC market, the Reflections project could evolve.
