A new Disney World hotel is opening in 2027, but not all Disney fans are excited about it.

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Disney’s Lakeshore Lodge is being built as we speak, and Disney recently announced that this Disney Vacation Club Resort will officially open in summer 2027. Lakeshore Lodge is located in the former home of Disney’s River Country water park near Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground. While some Disney fans are excited by the possibilities that come with a new hotel, others are already disappointed in it.

It’s HUGE

Disney has confirmed that Lakeshore Lodge will be a massive addition to Disney World, with 967 rooms planned for the property. That makes it one of the larger Disney Vacation Club resorts on property, and some fans are already worried that the scale could impact the peaceful, nature-focused atmosphere that many guests associate with the Fort Wilderness area. Disney has shared that the resort will include a wide variety of accommodations, from standard studios to larger suites, along with new 1- and 2-bedroom Lake Houses positioned along the waterfront.

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The size of the project also has some people worried about how much it could change the surrounding area visually. Lakeshore Lodge is being built near Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, which has historically been known for its quieter, rustic atmosphere. Fans who love the campground’s wooded setting and laid-back feel are concerned that a nearly 1,000-room resort could dramatically shift the vibe of that corner of Disney World.

Under construction

More of the Same

Another major concern from fans is that Lakeshore Lodge is being developed as a Disney Vacation Club resort. While DVC properties are known for beautiful accommodations and deluxe amenities, they’re also typically among the most expensive hotel options at Disney World. Many fans were hoping Disney’s newest resort would introduce more moderate or value-level pricing to help offset rising vacation costs, especially as Disney vacations continue getting more expensive overall.

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Because DVC resorts are heavily geared toward members and deluxe travelers, some guests worry that Lakeshore Lodge may feel financially out of reach for the average Disney vacationer. Even cash rates at newer DVC resorts can be extremely high, particularly for rooms with premium views or larger accommodations. For guests who miss the days of more affordable Disney resort expansions, this announcement has been a disappointing one.

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The Lake Houses

One of the biggest conversation starters surrounding Lakeshore Lodge has been the newly revealed Lake Houses. Disney’s concept art shows striking A-frame-inspired structures with an entire wall made of glass facing the water. While the design certainly looks modern and luxurious, some fans immediately pointed out a potential downside: heat. In Florida, large glass windows can quickly turn rooms into greenhouses, especially during the summer months when temperatures and humidity soar.

Disney’s Lakeshore Lodge

Beyond temperature concerns, some guests are also questioning how private these accommodations will actually feel. The open glass-front design may provide beautiful waterfront views, but it could also leave guests feeling exposed, particularly at night when interior lights are on. Disney will likely incorporate shades, smart glass, or other privacy features, but until more details are released, fans are already debating whether the design prioritizes aesthetics over comfort.

A frame cabin

Too Modern

Another criticism fans continue to bring up is the overall architectural style of Lakeshore Lodge. Based on the early concept art Disney has released, the resort appears to lean heavily into a sleek, modern-luxury aesthetic. While some guests love the contemporary look, others feel it clashes with the rustic, outdoorsy charm of neighboring Fort Wilderness. For decades, that area of Disney World has had a distinctly cozy, woodsy atmosphere, and some fans worry the new resort could feel disconnected from its surroundings.

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Many Disney fans are already comparing the project to the newer Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, which received mixed reactions for its more modern appearance that could lack Disney touches. Critics argue that newer Disney hotels sometimes prioritize trendy upscale design over the deeply immersive storytelling Disney resorts were once known for. Some fans are concerned Lakeshore Lodge could continue that trend, creating a resort that feels beautiful but less distinctly “Disney” than older classics across property.

4 Details Hiding in the Concept Art for Disney World’s Newest Hotel, Lakeshore Lodge

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At the same time, there’s still a lot fans are genuinely excited about when it comes to Lakeshore Lodge. The resort’s dining location, shown in the concept art, already has people talking, especially because it appears to feature huge waterfront windows with incredible views across Bay Lake. At night, that setting could be absolutely stunning. Guests are also excited about the resort’s pool complex, which appears to include an impressive water slide area and even a potential lazy river. While fans may have concerns right now, there’s no denying that Lakeshore Lodge is shaping up to be one of Disney World’s most talked-about resort projects in years.

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We will continue to bring you updates as they happen with this new hotel. Be sure you’re following DFB for the latest Disney news.

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