First Look at The Wetlands Recreation Area at Disney Lakeshore Lodge opening at Disney World in Summer 2027

Walt Disney World is currently constructing Disney Lakeshore Lodge, a new resort on Bay Lake, on the former site of the River Country water park, between Fort Wilderness and Wilderness Lodge.

When Disney Lakeshore Lodge opens at Walt Disney World, guests will be invited to relax, unwind, and reconnect with nature at The Wetlands, a sweeping outdoor recreation area just beyond the lobby that’s surrounded by the beauty of Bay Lake.

The Wetlands will be thoughtfully designed with both fun and relaxation in mind. Younger guests will become part of nature’s story through whimsical wet and dry play areas inspired by the music and storytelling of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Pocahontas. Drawing from the lyrics “the heron and the otter are my friends” from the beloved song “Colors of the Wind,” these vibrant spaces will celebrate the playful connections found in nature.

Heron Shores will welcome exploration and hands‑on play with imaginative climbing features, while just around the riverbend, Otter Springs will come to life with interactive water features where little ones can cool off as they splash and slide. Nearby, the lazy Daydream River will invite guests to sit back and relax as the current carries them through the recreation area, offering a leisurely way to take in views of the surrounding landscape.

At the heart of The Wetlands will be Lakeside Lagoon, the resort’s zero‑entry feature pool where guests of all ages can come together under the Florida sun, complete with a spiral waterslide that leads into the refreshing water. Tucked away on the opposite side of the resort, Perspective Pondwill be home to a leisure pool and whirlpool spa, perfectly positioned for views of Magic Kingdom fireworks in the evenings.

Whether you choose to start your morning with a peaceful float along the Daydream River or end your day watching the sun set over Bay Lake, each area of The Wetlands will offer a distinct connection to nature, balancing breathtaking beauty and tranquility with moments of discovery and play.

As guests make their way along a scenic path through the recreation area, they’ll uncover fun facts about the local flora and fauna that surrounds them. Keep an eye out for a special plaque that honors a beloved historic attraction that once stood on this very spot!

And best of all, the fun in the sun is just a boat ride away from Magic Kingdom! Staying in the magic at a Disney World hotel means enjoying access to unique amenities, along with special benefits such as complimentary transportation across Walt Disney World Resort and extra time to enjoy the theme parks.

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The new Lakeshore Lodge will feature 967 thoughtfully designed rooms, and will offer guests a variety of ways to stay, from cozy studios to spacious suites. Many rooms will offer peaceful views of Bay Lake by day and spectacular views of Magic Kingdom park fireworks by night. The resort will also debut with new one- and two-bedroom Lake Houses along the waterfront, offering families an even closer connection to nature with ample space to relax and unwind.

Walt Disney World say that the new resort will, " Celebrate the beauty and magic of nature as seen through the eyes of Disney artists and storytellers. Inspired by Walt Disney’s lifelong admiration for the great outdoors, the resort’s design will pay tribute to decades of 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 sweeping glacial landscapes of Brother Bear."

The new Lakeshore Lodge borrows heavily (at least on the outside) from Reflections – A Disney Lakeside Lodge, the original resort that was scheduled to to built on the same spot. Announced back in 2018, ground clearing did begin for Reflections – A Disney Lakeside Lodge, but was halted, and eventually cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

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