Princess & Frog Restaurant, A-Frame & Treehouse Suites Coming to Disney World
During the 2019 D23 Expo, new details were announced about Reflections – A Disney Lakeside Lodge that will be a new Walt Disney World hotel and DVC accommodations. In this post, we’ll share details and offer commentary, with an emphasis on the commentary.
While little new information about Reflections – A Disney Lakeside Lodge has been released on the Disney Parks Blog or Disney Vacation Club news sites, Bob Chapek, Chairman of Parks, Experiences and Products for the Walt Disney Company actually spent a good amount of time on it during his Parks & Resorts presentation.
In addition to the concept art above that Disney has officially released, which is fairly similar to previously-released art from when Reflections – A Disney Lakeside Lodge was first announced, several other pieces of art were flashed on the screen at the D23 Expo…
On the accommodations front, Walt Disney World has revealed that Reflections — A Disney Lakeside Lodge will feature both treehouse suites and A-frame accommodations. (Concept art was shared on-screen at the D23 Expo, but has yet to be released online.)
Based on a combination of concept art and permits, it’s safe to assume that the A-frames will be waterfront bungalows on the Wilderness Lodge side of Reflections and the treehouse suites will be situated on the Fort Wilderness side, with some along the water and others facing the woods.
Reflections — A Disney Lakeside Lodge will also feature a restaurant inspired by Princess and the Frog. The restaurant will be located “along the bayou of Bay Lake” according to Bob Chapek. He also believes that Reflections — A Disney Lakeside Lodge will be one of the most unique resorts that Disney has ever built.
I disagree. In fact, before going any further, I’d encourage you to read the commentary to our Reflections – A Disney Lakeside Lodge Announcement post, which I won’t rehash here. I’m pretty critical of the Reflections Lodge project in that post, and I stand by all of that.
I have a range of new thoughts about Reflections – A Disney Lakeside Lodge that I’ve felt since seeing photos of the natural destruction (I still haven’t visited the area yet myself) as site prep work has begun, along with reactions to the concept art, what Bob Chapek had to say about the resort, etc. I’ll mostly direct my commentary towards what was covered at the D23 Expo…
At least superficially, the design here appears to be modern meets rustic with some exposed wood, rock walls, and what appears to be use of sustainable design trends. The supposed theme of the resort will “be a celebration of Walt Disney’s lifelong love and respect for nature.” (That’s not actually a theme, hence the ‘supposed.’)
The “Walt Loved Nature” artwork is an easy way to decorate the resort, and give it the pretense of a wilderness theme. We’ve seen the same thing at Disney’s Riviera Resort. One could argue the supposed theme will be “Walt Loved the Riviera,” which is easier to accomplish than theming the resort to the actual Italian or French Riviera and the ornate and lavishly-detailed architecture that typifies those regions.
Beyond using photos and art of Walt Disney as a crutch in place of substantive design that honors his philosophies, it also appears that Disney is going to ‘go hard’ with characters at this resort. We’d expect art in rooms from Pocahontas, Moana, Jungle Book, and maybe photos from the True-Life Adventures.
In the new concept art out showing the front entrance, Bambi and friends are visible. Princess and the Frog will be represented with a restaurant. Other characters are highly likely to appear in the lobby. Reflections is likely to be to nature what Jungle Cruise is to safaris.
Speaking of the Princess and the Frog restaurant, don’t get too excited. Concept art was shown for this at the D23 Expo, and it takes literally no visual cues from the movie. That’s arguably for the best, since this resort has zilch to do with the bayou or New Orleans.
At least the generic modern interior of the waterfront restaurant located on the shore of Bay Lake leaves the door open for a well-done Tiana’s Place Restaurant at Walt Disney World down the road. Perhaps it could be built in the unused dining space that already exists at Port Orleans French Quarter, where it would actually make sense. (The photos above and below are from Tiana’s Place Restaurant on Disney Cruise Line, which is actually excellent.)
It’s safe to assume this Princess and the Frog dining at Reflections – A Disney Lakeside Lodge will actually be a character meal featuring Tiana, Prince Naveen, Louie the Alligator, and maybe Dr. Facilier set in a mixed-use Signature Restaurant. This is what’s happening with Topolino’s Terrace and both seem to be following the formula created last year with Storybook Dining at Artist Point.
Even with the new concept art, Reflections – A Disney Lakeside Lodge looks uninspired. The core design of the hotel tower is pretty simplistic, not really all that much different from the SpringHill Suites by Marriott at Flamingo Crossings (currently $88 per night for select dates in September!).
If you’re more familiar with Anaheim hotels, the exterior of Reflections – A Disney Lakeside Lodge resembles literally all of the new cookie-cutter boxy family suite hotel buildings popping up all around the city (the easiest to spot examples are, again, the SpringHill Suites and Hyatt House at the Katella and Harbor intersection).
This boring style is hardly unique to newer hotels popping up–the current boom of apartment buildings and other boxy structures is likewise being derided as McUrbanism or fast-casual architecture. (Here’s an interesting read on the topic from Curbed.)
Now, it would seem that Disney is following the lead of mainstream, contemporary developers in building resorts that likewise appear to be leaning heavily on computer-aided drafting over humans to maximize usable interior space, feature formulaic styles, and cut costs. As with fast-casual architecture, it would appear Reflections – A Disney Lakeside Lodge is being designed more by accountants than architects.
With all of that said, will Reflections – A Disney Lakeside Lodge be a total dud? I don’t necessarily think so. Imagineers were able to do just enough with Gran Destino to give its boxy casino building some redeeming design value. Disney’s Riviera Resort looks like it’ll be a similar story with enough flourishes, amenities, and details to at least make it interesting.
Even though we’ve seen so little of it, the obvious direction they’re going with Reflections – A Disney Lakeside Lodge is organic modern, indoor-outdoor living, and natural minimalist architecture. Those might all sound like trendy buzzwords (and they are!), but there’s also real value in each of the concepts.
To varying degrees, these represent forward-looking design principles, much like the Contemporary did back in the 1970s. It’s just a matter of how much budget the Imagineers are given to flesh out these principles versus how much they’re empty, surface level fluff.
I’m also a total sucker for A-frame housing, which I think is an exemplar of all of those principles (just look at these gems). A-frames are a distinct and eye-catching canvas, offering Imagineers a lot of creative latitude in doing interesting things. (If they’re given the freedom for it.)
Doing A-frame accommodations over cabins is actually really savvy on Disney Vacation Club’s part. I’d expect those to feature heavily in the marketing of Reflections, as cool A-frames will sell DVC memberships much easier than a SpringHill Suites big-box. (Never mind the reality that most DVC members won’t ever stay in the A-frames.)
Ultimately, Reflections – A Disney Lakeside Lodge has a few insurmountable problems that make this project a non-starter for me. First, Reflections still appears to be doing the bare minimum in terms of design, and the ‘minimalist’ look is arguably less of a deliberate design choice and more a matter of what’s easiest. Second, it’s an odd thematic fit for this area, “nestled” between the uber-themed Wilderness Lodge and the rustic beauty of Fort Wilderness. These might seem similar to Reflections, but they’re not.
Finally and most significantly, Reflections – A Disney Lakeside Lodge is decimating the natural beauty and wilderness between Wilderness Lodge and Fort Wilderness. This is an area that has already taken a big hit in recent years thanks to other DVC expansion, and it’s sad to see even more of this disappearing. For how much Walt Disney World hypes up its ‘blessing of size’ and conservation efforts, choosing this location is at odds with that. (We didn’t focus much on that here, primarily because we intend upon doing a Reflections – A Disney Lakeside Lodge construction update with illustrative visuals in the near future.)
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YOUR THOUGHTS
Do you think I’m being too hard on Reflections – A Disney Lakeside Lodge? Are you interested in buying here? Think the A-frame and treehouse accommodations will be enough to make this interesting? Bothered by the location of this resort? Do you agree or disagree with our assessment? If you’re an existing Member, what do you think? Share any questions, tips, or additional thoughts you have in the comments!
The majority of this new resort looks like the cheap condo buildings that popped up in most cities the past decade or so. Zzzzzzz not themed enough for me to spend Disney $ on.
Definitely take the time to get over to Fort Wilderness and see for yourself. We were just there on 08/30 and I cannot believe what it looks like now. The beautiful path to WL is now just a gaping hole.
I am disappointed that Reflections resort will be generic and sterile design. I was hoping with its close proximity to a few of my favorite themed resorts (Fort Wilderness and Wilderness Lodge), Reflections would be well themed to match them. Although its only boat ride from MK, I doubt I will stay there. Bring back River Country and Mickeys Backyard BBQ haha.
My family will be staying at Wilderness Lodge in December and I was looking forward to biking from the Lodge to Fort Wilderness on our “day off” to see the Christmas decorations. I was told the pathways will be closed. I also will end up canceling our ADR for Trail’s End.
When I initially made our reservations for Lodge, I asked if there was ANY work being done on the grounds, and the very nice agent said that there is some “view enhancement” going on, which is a very soft way to say tree clearing.
I was told the path from wilderness to the campground would remain open but you are going to see the construction on the way. The construction is actually around a little bend of forest from what I could see in May but I’m sure that changed. I’d keep my reservation if I was you to trails end.
The path is completely gone now and that whole area is closed. The area where the path used to be is now cleared and they’re working on building the new horse barn there. As far as the ADR goes, you can always just hop on the boat and check out the construction from the water on the way over to Trails End.
Any place that Disney can find land, they are going to build another resort. There will be so many people down there in all the parks, I personally, won’t want to visit. I went 6 times last year, so far this year only twice and that may be all for me. The destruction of the forest and I am sure relocation of all the wildlife that was in that area is devastating. When I stayed at the Wilderness Lodge in May, I drove a boat by and even though the build had just started, the dump trucks making a road to get to the location and the noise were already bad. The area was being cleared completely. But right next to the campground just takes away from the campground. I am sure in the near future, 3-5 years, Disney will get rid of the campground and put in glamping or something more expensive. Things are out of hand. There is no imagination, no magic, just money and lack of space. One reason I like staying at the AKL. You at least get to see forest and animals, but what the are doing to the AK is starting to not focus on the animals which was the original reason for this park. Too much technology and hype.
I’ll just say this, we are staying at Old Key West and as we walk the palm tree walk says in the morning, it’s sad thinking that this type of resort will probably never be again. It’s just too cost friendly and efficient to build a plain tower with one pool, one bus stop and a centralized housekeeping department. People may someday rethink how they rank resorts.
Why wouldn’t they put a Princess and the Frog theme restaurant at Port Orleans Riverside or French Quarter? Perfect location with it being a New Orleans theme resort and all.
I think it could not have been said better!! The bean counters are now telling Disney what to build in hotels!!! This resort won’t hold a candle to the older themed resorts as Wilderness Lodge and Beach Club/Yacht club and so on!! I am not sure about people buying DVC if this in a bland hotel. You would think DVC sales would be hurt unless they really push swapping with other resorts and cruises/Disney Adventures angle for points.
Ten years ago I would’ve found myself arguing in defense of change. Now, less so… this is in large part due to simply getting older and realizing more of the things I used to like are disappearing (like my hair!) ::sigh::
So, places most people like to visit/live are places of lasting value. Many times, though not always, the places have been cultivated over time to deliver an atmosphere and experience that builds on itself. It’s hard to capture and more times than not it happens organically. But places that have it try to protect it and enhance it. It feels like (?) WDW is not.
Changes to the parks, the resorts, Dis Springs… I think all of them could be viewed as positives. But taken together, the changes seem less like a curated experience meant to enrich the visitor, and more like saccharin atmosphere with a veneer of substance.
I recall the Dis Marketplace of 35 years ago. It was small, charming, and something most people probably never saw outside of WDW. Dis Spring, while pristine and wildly expansive, it’s still just a “lifestyle center” (aka outdoor mall) done really well. Clearly, the marketplace of 35 years ago would feel dated. And, I’m not arguing that things should never change. Perhaps, though, WDW could be a more mindful curator of its places so that they have lasting value.
Tommy Hot-Takes! At it again!
I’m with you across the board. I read a comment somewhere regarding the failure to keep up with the thematic ties of the MK hotels to the lands in the MK (i.e. Contempo to Tomorrowland, Poly to Adventureland, etc..). To that end, it would have been fun to see a hotel with ties to Fantasyland find its way on the other side of the lake. Shoehorning a Hilton between Fort Wilderness and the Wilderness Lodge just doesn’t work for me. *Maybe* if it was a Wild West themed hotel…maybe. Turn it into a regular Country Bear Jamborooo and you’ve got my attention.
Bonfamiles was our favorite spot for breakfast back in the day. I agree that would have been perfect spot for Tianas Place and it was already there! I think with all the rehash of popular animated movies made into Live action films, Disney has just been phoning it in for years. As a DVC member since 1995, I would never encourage anyone today to join. We’ve been disappointed with the overhauls to our favorite resorts and the beige-ing out at OKW (our home).
Tom,
Setting aside your substantive concerns (which I think are meritorious), I think your overall take on Disney World resorts (redesigns, new resorts, etc.) are pretty harsh. Perhaps that is because of Walt Disney World’s size that you see the resort experience as quintessentially part of the full Disney vacation.
I’m curious to see your take on the Disney resort hotels for other parks worldwide. The Tokyo Disneyland Hotel and Miracosta are beautifully designed, but even Tokyo Disneyland Hotel has a lot of character-heavy stuff with their themed Beauty and the Beast, Cinderella rooms, etc. The Ambassador Hotel is an interesting style but is superficial and the Celebration Hotel is almost essentially devoid of any theme.
The Explorer’s Lodge in HKDL feels a lot like Lakeside (a fake-nature theme), and the Hollywood Hotel is like a cheaper version of the Ambassador in Tokyo, and certainly don’t have any real “Hollywood theming.” Shanghai Disneyland’s Toy Story Hotel is of course, IP and characters all over.
I’m not sure if you’re demanding more out of the WDW Resorts that you’d expect for other Disney resort hotels worldwide. Or maybe you dislike those, too, but don’t voice those criticisms on your blog as frequently.
“Perhaps that is because of Walt Disney World’s size that you see the resort experience as quintessentially part of the full Disney vacation.”
Precisely. The one advantage Walt Disney World has over other, more compact (WALKABLE!) Disney destinations worldwide is this blessing of size. And that’s now being squandered.
“The Tokyo Disneyland Hotel and Miracosta are beautifully designed, but even Tokyo Disneyland Hotel has a lot of character-heavy stuff with their themed Beauty and the Beast, Cinderella rooms, etc. The Ambassador Hotel is an interesting style but is superficial and the Celebration Hotel is almost essentially devoid of any theme.”
I’m not a fan of these rooms anywhere, but I can understand the market for them, and am more forgiving when the resort as a whole is still well-themed. (For example, I take no issue with the existence of the princess rooms at Port Orleans Riverside.)
I have zero interest in Celebration Hotel due to its location. Despite all of our trips to TDR, I’ve never been to it. I don’t think my opinion upon seeing it would be all that favorable.
“The Explorer’s Lodge in HKDL feels a lot like Lakeside (a fake-nature theme), and the Hollywood Hotel is like a cheaper version of the Ambassador in Tokyo, and certainly don’t have any real “Hollywood theming.” Shanghai Disneyland’s Toy Story Hotel is of course, IP and characters all over.”
Explorers Lodge is incredible–if Reflections is half that good, I’ll eat crow on it. (Aside from the parts about the wilderness being destroyed to add it.) I like the Art Deco theme of Hollywood Hotel, but you’re right about it being a cheaper version of the Ambassador. I hate Toy Story Hotel.
It seems to me that Disney and the Imagineers lost something important: IMAGINATION. That also is happening with Character Dining. When Aukerhaus went character, they lost an experience that was so much more. Ditto for Artiste Point. Whenever we camped at Fort Wilderness we did REAL camping. We pitched our tent. It seems everything Disney is doing now is just “cookie-cutter” from attractions to Dining to Hotels. Again, I ask, what happened to the IMAGINATION?
I wouldn’t lay blame at the feet of the Imagineers for what’s happening with resorts or dining. These decisions are being driven by other divisions.
(Now, if you want to criticize WDI for the creative failures of Pixar Pier, that’s another story entirely!)
As a family that really enjoys Fort Wilderness (we’ve stayed 7 times in the last 2 years and just got back 2 days ago from our last visit), the location of this resort is really disappointing. As stated, with so much room, why put it literally on top of Fort Wilderness? From the plans I’ve seen, and construction already started, the Reflections parking lot is going where the horse barn is now and cabins on the Fort Wilderness beach. They’ve already expanded the beach on the side of the marina furthest from the Reflections site to make a “new” beach, closed the existing horse barn, and started on the new barn. Of course I’ve seen Disney advertising this as “The Fort Wilderness horses are getting a great new barn.” The Hoop-Dee-Doo and Trails End will be surrounded on 3 sides by Reflections and instead of sitting at Trails End or on the porch and looking at Bay Lake, now you’ll be able to look at the back of the cabins or A frames or whatever ends up there. Unfortunately, I can’t see how the Fort will ever be the same.
I’m TOTALLY COOL with Princess and the Frog being at Reflections. I know FQ has unused space for a TS, but the last thing I want is for my favorite resort to be stuffed with Princess and the Frog IP/characters/whatever.
For me, just like the Riviera and Gran Destino, I have no interest visiting/staying here. This place looks fine in a bland, forgettable way.
Ha! That’s one perspective, I suppose.
If we’re going that route, I’d personally love a “Disney’s Island of Misfit Intellectual Properties Resort & Spa” out by ESPN Wide World of Sports. Just throw it all there instead of cluttering up the rest of WDW–especially the areas around Magic Kingdom and Epcot!
I actually really like that idea. My personal decorative style tends to be a bit more hodge-podgey and less cohesive (I like each individual thing to have its own interest rather than add to a cohesive theme of a room.) I am fully aware of why this isn’t for everyone. But I think this would be great! Cram in all the good ideas that didn’t warrant an entire hotel, or didn’t really fit anywhere very seamlessly. I am sure they have tons of this kind of stuff. Personally I would love it. It wouldn’t be for everyone, but then those people wouldn’t have to stay there. Have old underused IP’s etc. rare character meet and greet everyday. Yes, they should do this.
Oh, I love that idea for a resort. It would be so bizarre and such a hilarious mess that you’d HAVE to visit.
The concept art reminds me a lot of this article. It is very “mid rise apartment complex in the PNW”. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2019-02-13/why-america-s-new-apartment-buildings-all-look-the-same
That’s a great article–thanks for sharing!
While I can appreciate the viewpoints of others, I am actually quite happy that characters are being incorporated into this resort. Recent refurbishments in other resorts made the resorts more generic, IMO. When I’m at Disney, I personally want to feel like I’m at Disney all the time, and characters are a part of this for me, even as an adult. My kids love them also. I know others feel differently. The special character touches, amongst other things, are what separates a Disney resort from another rI’m of the mill resort that is WAY cheaper. I’m very excited for the Princess and the Frog restaurant!! Unique character dining is fun, and there are too many options with Mickey and Minnie and the gang already. I’m glad this is something different like Artist Point so it isn’t redundant.
I guess it’s a matter of perspective, but I personally find resorts like Animal Kingdom Lodge or BoardWalk Inn to be much more thematically ambitious and in keeping with Disney’s standards than the “slap a character on it!” approach.
Hanging some character art is something you could literally do at home (the countless vacation rental homes near Walt Disney World do exactly that). Meticulously-themed resorts with lavish attention to detail that transport you to a different time and place…that’s something only Disney can do.
You are correct
Hi Kim I totally agree with you! I am planning a Disney trip for my 5 year old son for the first time along with his grandparents and cousins. We were struggling with resort selection because we LOVE the character involvement at Art of Animation, but for the cost it made more sense to rent DVC points and stay at a deluxe resort. But we then lost the exiting “disneyish” of it all for the kids. Since i am firmly in the planning the trip for the kids camp I would love to see more characters in the higher end resorts so we can enjoy the luxury as adults and still have our kids super excited to see characters they know. We ended up choosing Boulder Ridge Villas based on location and are excited for the theming, but it won’t be the same as my son getting to stay in a room decked out in Cars theme. I love all the movies and kid stuff and think the characters are exciting to add without having to pay extra like you do to get princess rooms elsewhere. Shouldn’t all rooms be princess rooms? Just kidding. 🙂
Animal kingdom lodge would be great too. They can complete little missions to earn beads and see all the animals. There are parades around the lobby with drums, you can decorate things in the lobby too. All kinds of things. Beach Club is great for the sand bottom pool. They can build a sand castle.
I get what your saying, and I agree I’d much rather stay at the my Gran Flo villas or Poly, Beach or Yacht club, but the Polly is t for everyone either. I’m sure they won’t have trouble selling rooms as people just love that new car smell.
In concept, I don’t think Reflections is a bad idea. So long as it really plays up organic modern, indoor-outdoor living, and natural minimalist architecture principles. In fact, it would be really interesting to see such a resort.
In a different location, without characters, and with something more than a big-box hotel at its core. They’re making some cheap decisions and using characters (and Walt Disney as a character) as a crutch–that’s what really bothers me.
If Reflections were truly a unique, forward-looking resort, I’d be totally on board.
Until your comments, the Princess and the Frog restaurant had me excited. I love Cajun/creole food, and a I think a Princess and great frog themed restaurant would do justice to the character more than ride or attraction might.
Who knows, maybe I’ll be wrong or the interior design of the restaurant will change between now and whenever it opens (that could be why art was only flashed on screen at the D23 Expo and not released). What I saw of the restaurant concept art didn’t inspire a ton of confidence, though.
Expect something like Sebastian’s Bistro–which I wouldn’t consider a “Little Mermaid Restaurant” in much of any sense.
I have be dreaming of a Tiana’s place on the Sassagoula ever since the movie came out!. Ideally, it would be attached to the Port Orleans resorts, but I have often lamented that it wasn’t included in the Disney springs expansion. There is so much potential for a Cajun-inspired, live jazz supper club, and I’m sure a well-executed version would be my favorite restaurant in WDW. That’s said, my first reaction to the title of this post was, “HUH??” No part of this makes sense. Thematic integrity is what made me fall in love with the Disney’s World is my childhood. I feel like there have been so many half-assed, shoe-horned concepts over the last decade, in particular. Everything has become “slap a character on it,” but then they don’t even do it well. No authentic Pizza Planet in Toy Storyland, a Muppets themed restaurant without the Swedish chef – there are amazing possibilities that they’re just wasting!! I don’t even know what to make of Reflections. The Wilderness Lodge has always been my favorite resort, and I’m already on the fence about all the DVC changes there…
Let’s not forget adding the Beauty and the Beast bar to the Victorian-themed Grand Floridian…at the same time a resort *inspired by France* is being built at Walt Disney World!
Woof. The dissonance on that one is just…stunning.
Oh don’t get me started on Beauty and the Beast at the Grand!!!
Horrible choice!!!!