Disney’s Lakeshore Lodge Construction Photos: A-Frame Villas Take Shape
Lakeshore Lodge is enormous. I knew that going in, but I still was shocked as my Fort Wilderness water taxi rounded Shipwreck Island in Bay Lake last month. Even then, I couldn’t see all of the under-construction Disney Vacation Club (DVC) hotel, as the east wing was still out of sight. But I eventually did. Pictures don’t do it justice.
Remember those old TV sitcoms where someone was shipwrecked on a deserted island, only to find a resort hotel on the other side of a hill? That’s how guests staying at Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground are going to feel. Only there isn’t a hill to block the views of Lakeshore Lodge. It’s very present, especially for those hanging out near the northern side of the resort.
A quick caveat on my photos. They aren’t the greatest (I blame a very uncooperative sky). If I lived in Orlando, I’d have deleted my memory card and tried again another day. But I was there on vacation. I wasn’t willing to forgo riding TRON to get more pics.
A-frame villas
Anyway, back to the hotel. While DVC has been tight-lipped about the amenities coming to Lakeshore Lodge, we’re starting to get an understanding of what guests can expect from this Fort Wilderness-adjacent resort. For one, they’re getting A-frame villas. Several of those standalone units are visible on either side of the hotel.
That villa type was first introduced with the Polynesian Bungalows. Later on, DVC added the Cascade Cabins to Wilderness Lodge. Lakeshore Lodge’s A-frames might be my favorite design yet. Their steep rooflines and wooden awnings are striking. That doesn’t mean I’ll be dropping 125+ points on a single night, but I’ll love taking pictures of them from a passing boat.
Resort pools and a lazy river
Lakeshore Lodge is also getting a lazy river. We reported on that rumor earlier this year, and Bioreconstruct’s aerial photos have since confirmed it. I couldn’t see the pool area from my vantage point on the water taxi, but nothing escapes Bio’s eye when he’s in the air.
A leisure pool can be seen going in on the western side of the resort. And dock pilings confirm guests won’t need to trek to Fort Wilderness to ride a boat to Magic Kingdom.
Hotel lobby
The hotel lobby’s angled roofline is intriguing. The design is in stark contrast to the more typical hotel towers on either side of it. Looking at Bio’s photos, we can see that guests will enter the building on the second floor, giving them even better views of the lake and pool area as they walk through the lobby. Thanks to Aahs n Oohs for spotting that detail.
Rooftop areas?
We wouldn’t be surprised if Disney includes rooftop areas for fireworks viewing. Bay Lake Tower and the Polynesian Tower already offer prime spots for catching Happily Ever After, and while Lakeshore sits a bit farther away, it should still provide a worthwhile vantage point. If Bay Lake Tower blocks those views, rooftop guests may simply have to trade fireworks for more natural scenery.
More Lakeshore Lodge photos
And now, here are several more adequate shots of an under-construction Lakeshore Lodge.
Reactions to Lakeshore Lodge are mixed. Purists worry it doesn’t fit Fort Wilderness’ rustic vibe, while DVC owners are thrilled to have another resort to explore, complete with Walt Disney World’s second lazy river. Love it or not, Lakeshore Lodge is on its way. The hotel debuts in 2027.
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