It’s happening. It’s actually happening.
After years of concept art, construction and enough speculation to fill the Seven Seas Lagoon, Disney has finally given us an opening date for its newest Walt Disney World Resort hotel.
Disney’s Lakeshore Lodge is scheduled to open July 1, 2027.
And Disney has also given us a much better look at what guests can expect when they finally get to check in.
Lakeshore Lodge Will Open in Summer 2027
The new resort will welcome its first guests on July 1, 2027, bringing another large-scale resort to Walt Disney World.
Lakeshore Lodge will feature 967 guest rooms, including everything from Duo Studios to three-bedroom Grand Villas.
And then there are the Lake Houses.
Because apparently a regular Disney hotel room wasn’t ambitious enough.
Yes, There Are Actual Houses
The Lake Houses are one of the most interesting pieces of Lakeshore Lodge.
These standalone accommodations will sit along the waterfront and offer a much larger vacation-home experience than a traditional hotel room.
They’re designed to take advantage of the resort’s natural surroundings, with views of the lake and plenty of space for larger groups.
If you’re traveling with extended family or a group of friends, these could be a pretty compelling option.
The Rooms Have a Very Different Disney Look
Disney’s first look at the guest rooms shows a design that’s considerably more nature-inspired than some of the resort’s other recent additions.
The rooms incorporate natural colors, wood tones and details inspired by the surrounding wetlands and Florida landscape.
It’s very different from walking into a room covered in giant Mickeys.
And honestly, I’m not mad about it.
Lakeshore Lodge Has a Pretty Fascinating History
There’s another reason Disney fans are likely to be fascinated by this resort.
Lakeshore Lodge is being built on the former site of Disney’s River Country, Walt Disney World’s first water park.
River Country opened in 1976 and eventually closed permanently in 2001.
For years, the abandoned property sat quietly along Bay Lake while Disney fans wondered what would eventually happen to it.
Now we know.
Instead of a forgotten piece of Disney history, the property is about to become one of the newest vacation destinations at Walt Disney World.
The Resort Is Built Around the Waterfront
The name Lakeshore Lodge isn’t exactly subtle.
Water and the surrounding natural landscape are major parts of the resort’s design.
Guests will find recreation areas, walking paths and spaces designed to make the most of the waterfront setting.
One of the areas Disney has highlighted is the wetlands, which will incorporate the natural environment into the guest experience.
And that’s something I really like about this project.
It doesn’t sound like Disney is trying to build another giant resort that could exist anywhere.
This one is supposed to feel connected to the property it’s sitting on.
There’s Going to Be Plenty of Food
Of course, this is Disney World.
We were never going to get a 967-room resort without food.
Lakeshore Lodge will feature several dining options, including both table-service and quick-service choices, along with lounges and places to grab something while you’re exploring the resort.
Disney hasn’t revealed every detail yet, so there’s still plenty more to learn about the dining lineup.
Club Level Will Be Available
For guests who like their Disney vacation with a few extra perks, Lakeshore Lodge will also offer Club Level accommodations.
That means guests will have another option when deciding just how fancy they want to make this particular Disney vacation.
Because apparently there are now approximately 47 different ways to stay at Walt Disney World.
This Is One Disney Resort I’m Going to Be Watching Closely
I’ve always thought the former River Country property was one of the more fascinating pieces of unused Disney World real estate.
Now we’re finally getting to see what Disney has planned for it.
Lakeshore Lodge is shaping up to be a very different kind of Disney Resort—one that leans heavily into nature, waterfront views and the history of the property.
And because it opens in 2027, we’ve still got plenty of time to watch the whole thing come together.
Which is good.
Because you know we’re going to be watching.
Mark July 1, 2027
Disney’s Lakeshore Lodge officially has a date.
July 1, 2027.
After years of waiting, the former River Country property is about to get a very different second act.
And I have a feeling this is going to be one of those Disney Resorts that people either absolutely fall in love with—or spend years debating whether it’s worth the price.
Either way, I’m interested.
And yes, I’m already curious what those Lake Houses are going to cost.
