Disney World Reveals Restaurants, Lovely Lobby, & Fireworks Deck for Lakeshore Lodge Resort!
Walt Disney World has released new concept art and details for the restaurants (plural), upper-level fireworks viewing terrace, and lobby at Lakeshore Lodge, giving fans our first look inside the new Magic Kingdom area waterfront resort opening in Summer 2027. Here are full details, brand-new concept art, plus our commentary about these features.
As basic background, Disney’s Lakeshore Lodge will celebrate the beauty and magic of nature as seen through the eyes of Disney artists and storytellers. Inspired by Walt Disney’s admiration for the great outdoors, the resort’s design highlights animated stories rooted in nature, with subtle nods to classic films, from the lush forests of Bambi and the colorful winds of Pocahontas to the glacial landscapes of Brother Bear.
Located along the ‘bayou’ of Bay Lake, Disney’s Lakeshore Lodge will feature floor‑to‑ceiling windows that welcome natural sunlight, allowing the outdoors to flow into the architecture, artwork, and ambiance. Guests follow a lush tree-lined driveway and arrive beneath a porte-cochere that’s inspired by a bird in flight and surrounded by cascading water features. Otherwise, there isn’t much to the architecture or design of Lakeshore Lodge.
The resort will offer 967 themed accommodations, ranging from studios to spacious multi-bedroom villas. Disney’s Lakeshore Lodge also introduces standalone one and two-bedroom Lake Houses positioned along the waterfront, similar to the Cascade Cabins at Wilderness Lodge. We’re actually expecting a huge variety of room types at Disney’s Lakeshore Lodge; far more than Island Tower or Riviera Resort.
Disney is promising more details in the coming months in the lead-up to active sales starting. Disney’s Lakeshore Lodge is slated to open in Summer 2027, so there’s some time to slowly pull back the curtain on its accommodations, amenities, and marquee features.
Site plans, aerial construction photos (via bioreconstruct), and previously-released concept art have revealed that Disney’s Lakeshore Lodge will feature a sprawling pool complex with a lazy river in the central courtyard, plus a leisure pool in the other courtyard, dedicated boat dock, and waterfront restaurant.
We’ve now received confirmation of all of this thanks to the announcements made by Disney Vacation Club and Walt Disney World. The only unknown at this point versus the site plans and previous announcements for Reflections is the status of the treehouse villas, which still haven’t been started even as work on the A-frames wraps up.
The other big under-the-radar development with this announcement is a name change. I am very happy to report that the Disney Lakeshore Lodge name is dead. Born from its ashes is Disney‘s Lakeshore Lodge. That’s right, we’re back to possessives! While either could be technically correct grammatically, to my ear, Disney’s Lakeshore Lodge just sounds better.
This name change, or perhaps more accurately, tweak, is present throughout the new announcement, including in sections that were previously revealed. Given that, it is very clearly a purposeful change, and one that we are perhaps a bit too excited to see. Disney, if you’re listening, please do DCA next! With that pressing possessive update out of the way, let’s turn to the actual announcement.
According to Walt Disney World, there’s more magic happening along the shores of Bay Lake as Disney’s Lakeshore Lodge continues to take shape. Walt Disney Imagineers are hard at work designing new spaces where families and friends can gather, reconnect, and experience sunrise coffee, leisurely afternoons, and unforgettable nighttime views.
Now we’re taking a first look at some of these exciting new venues guests can enjoy when Disney’s Lakeshore Lodge opens in Summer 2027. Here’s a rundown, starting with the first impression guests will see when entering the resort…
Disney’s Lakeshore Lodge Lobby
When guests arrive at Disney’s Lakeshore Lodge, they’ll step into the lobby and become immersed in the sights and sounds of nature. Spectacular floor‑to‑ceiling windows will welcome natural sunlight and showcase sweeping views of The Wetlands outdoor recreation area, allowing the local flora and fauna to flow seamlessly into the architecture, artwork, and ambiance.
Drawing inspiration from the music and storytelling of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Pocahontas, a shimmering fiber-optic river will illuminate the floor, while overhead, a blown glass Colors of the Wind sculpture with hundreds of suspended glass leaves will fill the space with movement, color, and wonder.
Natural materials will be incorporated throughout the lobby design, with custom tapestries inspired by the film’s landscapes and thoughtfully crafted furnishings with accents of river-recovered cypress wood.
It’s interesting to see the revival of the Pocahontas-inspired lobby, which was a feature of Reflections. Old concept art (see above) revealed a giant statue of Pocahontas right at the entrance, along with a similar style to what’s pictured here.
Personally, I was not a fan of the Pocahontas statue. Perhaps it would’ve been tastefully done, but it just gave me All Star Movies vibes, and didn’t feel befitting of a Deluxe Resort. It’s possible that reveal is still to come as a big wow-inducing statement piece. After all, the way the new concept art is positioned, it could be right behind the camera.
I doubt that’s the case. Fan feedback on the Pocahontas statue was not positive, and in the years since, Imagineering has gone with a less heavy-handed approach. Designs are subtly imbued with inspiration from animated films in common areas, with overt Easter Eggs tastefully injected (especially in rooms). The ‘hit guests over the head with overt-but-hollow references’ approach is seemingly dead. Thankfully.
As for what’s actually shown here, the lobby at Lakeshore Lodge looks lovely.
Light and airy, but with enough detail, woods, and angular design features to work well. It’s definitely more modern than nearby Wilderness Lodge, but I personally don’t mind some daylight between the two. Based on what we know from the plans, the lobby level is elevated above ground level, so guests should have a view out to Bay Lake when first entering.
That reminds me of the nearby Conrad Orlando (not the last time we’ll make this comparison), which is likewise lovely. Disney’s Lakeshore Lodge should offer its own similar wow-moment upon entering. Simple and clean works for me here, and I strongly suspect this will exceed the expectations of critics. At least, so long as Imagineering doesn’t mess it up with an oversized statue or any other silliness.
Disney’s Lakeshore Lodge will also debut with three distinctive dining experiences for guests to enjoy throughout their stay. From convenient, grab-and-go favorites to memorable waterfront dining, each location is thoughtfully designed to highlight the resort’s connection to the natural beauty of Bay Lake. Here’s a rundown…
Bay Lake Provisions
Bay Lake Provisions will be the perfect spot to fuel up for a day of adventure or relax and refresh after a poolside afternoon. This all-day, quick-service marketplace will offer specialty coffees and fresh fare in an inviting open-kitchen atmosphere.
And because no space is complete without a little hidden magic, guests can find woodland critters inspired by beloved Disney classics throughout the space.
Bay Lake Provisions appears to be located in the main lobby, just judging by the (cool looking!) stairs located in the background. My first thought here is that this looks a bit simplistic and straightforward in terms of design. This could be concept art for any number of newer hotels along Harbor Boulevard near Disneyland.
However, that would also include luxury-level resorts like the Westin and JW Marriott. Even the Conrad Orlando, which we absolutely adore, has a lower-level area that looks a lot like this. I would argue that all of the aforementioned hotels are nicer than Disney’s recent efforts.
With areas like this, guest perception ultimately comes down to the details, fit and finishing. Virtually all newer chained-brand hotels of every tier use light fixtures like those on the far right of the concept art, but not all of them are of the same quality. Moreover, the panel on the left could look lovely, especially if it’s a backlit light fixture as opposed to a wall-cling graphic.
Point being, the devil is in the details with stuff like this. Bay Lake Provisions could be good, bad, or middling.
As a final point on the look of this interior, I’d note that Primo Piatto over at Disney’s Riviera Resort is nothing noteworthy from a design perspective. And yet, Walt Disney World fans love it because the menu is a bit on the ambitious side (albeit not what it once was). If anything, Bay Lake Provisions looks better than that, and more on par with adjacent Bar Riva.
My bigger concern is the menu at Bay Lake Provisions. The name and description don’t instill a lot of confidence in that regard, and I really hope that Disney’s Lakeshore Lodge has sufficient, substantive counter service options. Those are often a mixed bag at Deluxe Resorts (see literally all of Crescent Lake), and I really hope that’s not the case here.
Moonglade Restaurant
Along the lakefront, Moonglade will offer an enchanting table-service dining experience where stunning water views are part of every course. Here, guests will enjoy thoughtfully prepared dishes featuring seasonal and locally sourced ingredients.
Floor-to-ceiling windows will frame the gracefully arching cypress trees along Bay Lake where artful lighting and nuanced design reflect the interplay of light and shadow.
Back when it was Reflections, this was originally announced as a Princess and the Frog-inspired table service restaurant. That was before Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, so I wouldn’t be surprised if this now features a different intellectual property, or none at all.
Based on the announcement here, it sounds like this won’t attempt to shoehorn in an IP. Thankfully. That’s the right approach with a restaurant like this, which is essentially bringing the outside inside with its floor-to-ceiling windows. While I love highly-themed restaurants, I’m also a fan of this approach where appropriate. And a waterfront restaurant most certainly qualifies as “where appropriate.”
Assuming Moonglade is a Signature Restaurant, it’ll still be possible to signal its upscale nature with high-quality furnishings, fixtures, furniture, and another “f” word I’m probably forgetting. As with Bay Lake Provisions, this will come down to execution.
The big unanswered question is whether Moonglade Restaurant will pull a Topolino’s Terrace and double as a character breakfast. I really, really hope so. There’s endless potential for a wilderness-themed fine-dining character breakfast. Think Storytellers at Disneyland Resort, with Humphrey the Bear thrown into the mix!
Paint Out Point Bar and Grill
When all the fun in the sun works up an appetite, head to Paint Out Point Bar & Grill near Lakeshore Lagoon.
Enjoy shareable bites and specialty beverages while soaking in the natural beauty that surrounds The Wetlands. Inspired by the art of plein-air painting, this pool bar will showcase a collection of original artwork created by Imagineers as they drew inspiration from the Bay Lake landscapes.
This is presumably part of the same restaurant ‘complex’ as Moonglade, but on the pool facing side. Our hope and expectation is that this is similar to Wailulu Bar & Grill at Island Tower or Geyser Point at Wilderness Lodge. Those are two of our favorite restaurants in all of Walt Disney World, so that’s a really high bar.
I love the plein-air painting inspiration. It’s common where we live to see several talented plein-air artists painting in public parks, and it’s fascinating and fun to watch them work. Complete daydreaming, but it’d be neat if Disney did that at Lakeshore Lodge, and had this collection be an ever-growing and changing one.
Dandelion Terrace
After the sun sets, guests can gather in Dandelion Terrace to see Magic Kingdom fireworks lighting up the sky over the waters of Bay Lake.
The lounge will be home to a two-story gallery of archival artwork from Disney classics like Fantasia, complete with whimsical dandelion light fixtures that add a touch of magic to the space. Soft lighting and sweeping views create the perfect setting to slow down and enjoy the nighttime spectacular.
There’s no rooftop restaurant at Disney’s Lakeshore Lodge, and now we (hopefully) know why! The ‘hopefully’ part of that is because Walt Disney World did not offer confirmation that this is a rooftop terrace, and that seems like the kind of thing they’d tout. Just based on the concept art, it looks like it might be lower.
On the other hand, this is two stories and the most logical location is the upper levels. At minimum, it’s elevated above the palm trees (also based on the concept art). Wilderness Lodge doesn’t have sufficient clearance for fireworks views until its 4th floor, so we’d expect Dandelion Terrace at least on the 5th floor or higher.
As for the animating idea of this, I love it. We are huge fans of the terrace gardens at the Polynesian’s Island Tower (view pictured above), and this looks like those, but larger. And it will need to be larger, since Disney’s Lakeshore Lodge is a significantly larger resort.
Generally speaking, I’m a fan of restricted-access locations like this (and this will assuredly be exclusively for guests of Disney’s Lakeshore Lodge and require a room key to enter). I know that’s an increasingly unpopular opinion with Walt Disney World fans for whatever reason, but the crowds on the Poly beach and elsewhere have been untenable, and the smartest solution going forward is a physical barrier to entry.
Allocating limited resources to paying guests shouldn’t be a controversial opinion, but here we are. Of course, it helps here that Disney’s Lakeshore Lodge needs a bit of elevation for proper fireworks views, so this is necessary one way or the other.
Our Commentary
As should be evident from the commentary I’ve already sprinkled in above for each location, I’m largely impressed with the latest round of Lakeshore Lodge reveals, including that it’ll be Disney’s resort.
Of course, a lot comes down to execution, and admittedly, much of what’s shown above takes a less-is-more approach to themed design, and leverages the location and landscape. It’s not as if anything inside Lakeshore Lodge that we’ve seen thus far is an exemplar of themed design.
On the other hand, there are also no unforced errors…and that’s half the battle! There is no oversized Pocahontas statue, no weird Walt art like at Gran Destino Tower, cheesy Pixar movie posters like Riviera, or general garishness. The design looks tasteful and upscale, with the features and flourishes befitting of a Deluxe Resort.
If the attention to detail is there, the inside of Disney’s Lakeshore Lodge should be a winner. Not that I’m surprised. For all of our complaints about the Island Tower’s hideous exterior, Imagineers nailed the inside of the hotel. Like that, Lakeshore Lodge is ugly on the outside–but hopefully detailed and well-appointed inside!
Disney really needs the interior and restaurants to be fantastic, because this will be one of the big (figurative) selling points for Lakeshore Lodge. Now that we know this massive 967 room property is not a mixed use resort, Disney Vacation Club is going to have its work cut out in (literally) selling points for it.
While cutting costs might save money in the short term, Disney cannot afford to cheap out on Lakeshore Lodge’s defining features. I hope Disney realizes this, and understands that DVC isn’t just a license to print money irrespective of quality. This should be obvious, given that the #1 hobby of members is complaining!
All in all, we like what we’ve seen so far of the interior of Disney’s Lakeshore Lodge. This is a big change from The Wetlands, which did not exactly garner a favorable first impression from us. We’re still hoping that was just the concept art that underwhelmed, because the animating idea is a fun and whimsical one–so that also could be good!
Ultimately, we remain cautiously optimistic about Disney’s Lakeshore Lodge. As a reminder, we never wanted this built in the first place, and were pleased when it was seemingly abandoned. However, we also have a “what’s done is done” outlook on this project.
That’s to say that Disney’s Lakeshore Lodge is being built, whether Walt Disney World fans want it or not, so we might as well hope for the absolute best. It will bring me no joy whatsoever if the end product is underwhelming. I don’t want to say “I told you this should’ve never been built.” I very much want my reaction to be “turns out I’m glad they paved over the wilderness for this!”
As I’ve said before, we’re looking forward to staying at Disney’s Lakeshore Lodge in Summer 2027. While I have lingering reservations about this project and its proximity to Fort Wilderness, everything else WDW and DVC have revealed in the last couple of months has been optimism-inducing. I’m really looking forward to Lakeshore Lodge at this point, and had become increasingly optimistic about the project prior to this.
Part of that is my unabashed love of lodges, and the ‘wilderness region’ of Walt Disney World. Another part is how I’ve ended up feeling about other dubiously-designed resorts that have opened since 2018. There’s the aforementioned Riviera Resort for one, which has grown on me a ton. We also have ended up loving Gran Destino Tower. Hideous as it is from the outside, we’ve enjoyed Island Tower far more than expected.
Disney’s Lakeshore Lodge looks much more ambitious, fully-featured, and better looking than any of those. If this has a healthier budget for placemaking and a lush environment around the outside, that alone will make it a massive upgrade over the Island Tower.
It’s a shame that Disney’s Lakeshore Lodge towers over the Settlement, as opposed to being centered between Fort Wilderness and Wilderness Lodge, but it should still be an asset to this resort ‘region,’ as well as the DVC portfolio and Walt Disney World as a whole. Failing all else, we’re looking forward to finally being able to walk between Wilderness Lodge and Fort Wilderness again!
If you’re considering joining DVC and want more guidance, be sure to read our Ultimate Guide to Disney Vacation Club. That guide covers the pros & cons, resale v. direct, how much money you’ll save, and other important things to know before taking the plunge. If you still can’t decide whether membership is right for you, “try before you buy” with the recommendations in How to Save BIG on Deluxe Disney Accommodations Renting DVC Points.
Your Thoughts
Thoughts on the restaurants, fireworks observation terrace, or lobby at Disney’s Lakeshore Lodge? What’s your reaction to the new concept art and details? Do you agree or disagree with our assessment? Any questions we can help you answer? Hearing your feedback–even when you disagree with us–is both interesting to us and helpful to other readers, so please share your thoughts below in the comments!
I don’t get the weird (BWV the clown is gone thankfully) and/or small pools at DVC resorts. This is FLORIDA after all and many people come for good weather, the parks and the pools. I do love the Turtle Pond pool at OKW as it is small but beautiful. Maybe, keeping us spending at the parks rather than relaxing at the pool is the ultimate goal (yes, I am being sarcastic!) There is nothing like spending a morning at a park. Returning for a swim and nap and heading out for round #2 later on!
As a Fort Wilderness camper since 1987 I’m not upset with this like others are! I’ve seen more changes there than most over the years. When I’m at campsite I still am surrounded by woods as I always have been and it’s quiet.
Yes up front it’s apparent there is a huge building in FW back yard. But I’m excited for more dining options on that side of the lake (we frequently go to WL now). Time marches on and things change. As long as they don’t take away my wooded campsite and peacefulness there – I’ll remain a FW guest.
Disney has always been very good with color and subtle immersion to make a guest feel like the ‘Star of the Show’ as they used to call it.
That concept worked for a long time.
Maybe not obvious to everyone, but recent decor choices have largely taken that away from the guest experience.
“Drawing inspiration from”…… Universal lobbies
Tom, why do you continue to describe the Lakeshore Lodge as massive? It’s a normal sized Deluxe Resort that in terms of total number of rooms is in line with a lot of other resorts – https://c.touringplans.com/walt-disney-world/hotels/number-rooms:
– Grand Floridian Resort – over 1,000 total rooms and villas between the main hotel and two separate DVC buildings.
– Contemporary Resort – approximately 950 rooms and villas between the A-frame, the South Garden Wing, and DVC’s Bay Lake Tower.
– Boardwalk Inn and Boardwalk Villas – approximately 910 rooms and villas between the main inn and the DVC section of the resort.
– Beachclub Resort – approximately 865 rooms and villas between the main hotel and the DVC section of the resort.
– Polynesian Village Resort – approximately 860 rooms and villas between the main hotel, the DVC Tower, and the DVC Villas and Bungalows.
– Animal Kingdom Lodge (Jambo House) – over 1,180 total rooms and villas between the main hotel and the DVC section of the resort.
– Disneyland Hotel – over 1,300 total rooms and villas between the three towers of the main hotel and the DVC tower.
– Grand Californian Resort – approximately 950 rooms and villas between the main hotel and the DVC section of the resort.
Because it very much is massive relative to what they’ve been building. I think our full Lakeshore Lodge post pretty well contextualizes it: https://www.disneytouristblog.com/river-country-hotel-announced-disney-world/
Tom,
I’m with you 100% on the use of possessives regarding the nomenclature of Disney theme parks and resort hotels, especially DCA. The grand opening of Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel and the opening of Disney’s California Adventure both took place on February 8. 2001. Then, inexplicably, DCA became Disney California Adventure in June 2010. WHY? Now you walk from the possessively named hotel right into the non-possessively named theme park. It makes no sense. WDW still has Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom, so why is it no longer Disney’s California Adventure?
For consistency’s sake, WDW should go the extra mile with Disney’s Magic Kingdom and Disney’s EPCOT Center (so as not to confuse it with Disney’s EPCOT, the community of tomorrow).
Still over here on Team Maximalist for theming, but I do grudgingly accept the argument that we kinda can’t have nice things in the US, lol. Much as I love the pictures of the themed Tokyo rooms, fairly certain if that was here you’d see a guest casually walking out with the Beauty and Beast style wardrobe to sell on eBay, or using the elaborate headboards to get a set of gel pens started. If we have to do minimalist, I do think letting nature be half the decor is a good way to go about it.
I am most excited for more details about the pool area! That alone has actually made me dream of becoming a DVC owner. Everything they’ve revealed so far looks like it could be really nice, so I’m also cautiously optimistic.
I literally have a post in my drafts that’s essentially a review of the new Tokyo Disneyland Hotel rooms and explains why it’s not an Imagineering problem, but rather, a guest issue. (Trying to figure out how to work “This Is Why We Can’t Have Nice Things” into the title, but that seems overly aggressive, ha.)
Ha ha, too funny! Guess that kind of theming isn’t headed this was for a long time, but maybe it’s an excuse to travel!
Assuming Moonglade is indeed a Signature, would that make this the only deluxe resort without a table service restaurant in walking distance? That’s quite tough for families with small kids who may not prefer either a signature restaurant or a pool bar – that only leaves Bay lake provisions…
Looks good otherwise though!
Wilderness Lodge will be in walking distance–they’ll definitely connect it via sidewalk.
Still, that’s a good point. Maybe Moonglade won’t be Signature, or perhaps it’ll be standard for lunch and Signature for dinner?
One of the best parts about Disney are all the abbreviations that we use to describe Parks, attractions, resorts, and even restaurants. I feel like that should be part of the consideration when naming new venues. Because, it’s clear they didn’t think about that here. DLP? POP? (We already have a POP!) Will Moonglade just be “Moonglade”? Thats waaaay too long to type! And let’s not forget: dandelions are weeds. The Disney community will need to come up something better. Ideas welcomed!!
Well, I’m glad Pocahontas is gone, but this project continues to make me feel depressed. As others mentioned, I’m so over this modern, clean aesthetic. I don’t want Disney to compete with the Conrad or whatever 4-4.5 star hotel chain. I want the transportive theming! I want to be in another time or place or inside a story! It’s Disney World! I don’t understand why Disney keeps shying away from what it does (or did) best. Because it’s cheaper? It’s sad. I think it’s a hill worthy of dying on because these special hotels are a huge part of what gives WDW its identity.
Also, doesn’t a property this size need more restaurants than this?
“Also, doesn’t a property this size need more restaurants than this?”
It depends. When adjusted for size, this seems like less than what Riviera has, but if these are all flex venues that are open all day, it could be sufficient.
It’s also likely that one of the reasons Disney has made updates to dining at Fort Wilderness is because there’s the expectation that Lakeshore Lodge guests will also use those facilities.
Wow…good call nixing the Pocahontas statue. My favorite parts of that movie were the songs and lyrics. My least favorite (as a distant descendant of her Patawomeck family, and lifelong resident of the Chesapeake region,) were the complete a-historicity of the story, and the very much not-Virginia landscape portrayed. So the “colors of the wind” art looks like a great choice.
Being DVC only feels disappointing. But I suppose there are points to be rented should I want to sponsor the kids and grandkids in a stay there a couple years down the road or so.
“Being DVC only feels disappointing. But I suppose there are points to be rented should I want to sponsor the kids and grandkids in a stay there a couple years down the road or so.”
Don’t worry–it’ll take 2 decades or more for those points to sell out. During that time, there will be plenty of availability for booking as hotel rooms, and most likely at fairly deep discounts!
I cannot wait for our next visit to Walt Disney’s World!
I still have fond memories of River Country that was in this spot. I have not seen this up close. The last time we were at WDW was in Feb, 2025 and we did not go over to the Bay Lake area but we could somewhat see it from the Contemporary (of course at the time a lot of the contraction had not been done). The exterior looks better than the Poly DVC thing for sure!
Am I hallucinating or are the fireworks going off INSIDE the terrace?
As far as theming, if the design truly connects you with nature, it doesn’t need a theme beyond that. Being in nature is transporting. I think the touches in the lobby and Moonglade have a chance of acheiving this. But, I am cautiously skeptical that theme will translate across the entire hotel.
Those are the light fixtures. They’re similar to the ones at Dahlia Lounge at Gran Destino, but larger and colorful. Should look nice!
You aren’t hallucinating, I thought the same thing. Then I re-read the description and I think those are the “dandelion light fixtures” mentioned, presumably with fiber-optic filaments to provide the light. It DOES strongly imply that the lighting on the terrace may change in sync with the fireworks/music, which I think would be incredibly cool.
I agree spaces like the Dandelion Terrace should have restricted access. Without restricted access, that space would be pandemonium. Even with restricted access, I can see it being packed and chaotic with multiple dads holding multiple kids on their shoulders and blocking the views for people behind them.
Between the lazy river and Dandelion Terrace, Disney will have restrict access at Lakeshore Lodge with policies only one notch below armed guards.
Really curious about what operational/financial realities have made them seemingly decide not to do rooftop restaurants most recently with Poly and DLL. Love the look of the Dandelion Terrance – particularly the light fixtures – here’s hoping they can do something fun along with the fireworks – that would be very cool. I am more in the middle with the overall concept art – I think maybe I am just getting a little tired of modern “clean” spaces? I am ready to get more maximalist again. As you say it will depend on execution – I love nature, so if that really truly comes through it could be great. On that note I would like for the indoor plants to be a bit more present than the concept – I imagine that is very subject to change.
I would also love a return to maximalist themed design. I guess part of it is expectations for me? I didn’t expect that with this, and so long as this iteration is better than the Pocahontas statue version (so far, so good on that), I’m mostly happy.
Totally agree with indoor plants. That’s one fairly simple way of improving the execution here!
Great coverage of this topic. I’m excited to see the final product. The word “theming” gets thrown around in different ways. At its best, “theming” is design that is transportive. AKL brings you to Africa, surrounding you with an animal-filled savannah and African architecture. Wilderness lodge transports you to our national parks, filled with geysers, waterfalls, western architecture, etc. Grand Floridian transports you to a different time, like Main Street USA. Polynesian transports you to polynesia (or at least a tiki interpretation of it). A theme for a resort or park requires a thesis. Wind-swept leaves or fiber optic floors don’t establish a thesis other than invoking an IP. This resort does not seem to want to transport you. It does not seem intelligently devoted to giving you the feeling of lakeshore living, e.g., at Lake Tahoe or Lake George. I really hope I am wrong. But I think the art of the theme may have died in the 90/ early 2000s with the end of the Eisner era.
I doubt you’re going to be wrong about that. At least, when it comes to Disney’s Lakeshore Lodge.
This won’t transport guests to a different time or place. It will transport them to Bay Lake, circa 2027. It’ll continue the clear trend since Riviera (which also is NOT transportive, despite what some may claim). The last truly transportive resort Disney did anywhere was Explorers Lodge in Hong Kong.
With that said, I don’t think that means the transportive approach is dead. A lot of trends are cyclical, and I could see it returning. Probably without the more detailed exteriors, though. I do think that’s one thing that is truly dead.
I think you’re right about exterior design/theming being dead. Best we can hope for is true interior theming. Don’t get me wrong: Lakeshore Lodge looks well designed AS a hotel, with luxurious finishings. The only thing that differentiates it from a high end Hilton is the touch of whimsy from the nods to Pocahontas and a bit of rustic “theming” in the lesser sense of the word. Maybe that’s enough these days. But I see every deluxe resort built during the Eisner era standing the test of time long after Lakeshore Lodge.
I have mixed feelings on the new artwork released today. My hope is that DVC will be going away from Ikea style/quality for furniture and lighting, but the artwork does not convince me completely of that.
Do you think Island Tower looks or feels IKEA quality? I am a certified hater of the exterior, but I think the interior is fantastic. It doesn’t strike me as IKEA-like in the least.
Definitely not IKEA! Disney used Ethan Allen for the Grand FL renovation and the Poly Tower furniture looks at least as nice!
As much as this DVC resort will be amazing. It has completely destroyed the view from Ft. Wilderness’ Trails End and Pioneer Hall. Places that felt like you were in a Wild West location. I know, but it had great theming. Now, this resort looms over it and, once those rooms are occupied with lights on, it will add light and noise pollution. Seems with all that space, they could have tried to do something better. I was hoping for a return of the Mickey’s Backyard BBQ. Using that space to farther away from Ft. Wilderness. I am usually for changes at Walt Disney World, but another massive resort without increasing the parks ability to handle the additional crowds, is not the kind of change I agree with.
“I am usually for changes at Walt Disney World, but another massive resort without increasing the parks ability to handle the additional crowds, is not the kind of change I agree with.”
Agreed with you until this point.
Despite the common misconception among fans, building resorts does not have a meaningful impact on crowds in the parks. For the most part, it simply shifts stays from off-site to on-site.
Most park guests still come from off-site, and unless there’s a ban on that (which would never happen for obvious reasons), the biggest impact of building more on-site hotels is depressing room rates. That’s a net positive, not negative.
IMO one of the best things Walt Disney World could do is add a few thousand more rooms to the inventory. They won’t, but they should.