Walt Disney World's newest resort won't welcome its first guests until next summer, but some Disney fans will get a head start when reservations open this fall. Disney has announced an early booking schedule for Disney's Lakeshore Lodge, the massive new waterfront resort coming to Bay Lake — and the dates roll out across just three days in October.

Who Books First — and When

Disney Vacation Club Members will be first in line, with their early cash booking window opening on October 6, 2026. Members can call (800) 800-9800 to make a reservation.

Walt Disney World Annual Passholders get their turn one day later, on October 7. Passholders can call (407) 934-7639 to book.

Then, on October 8, reservations open to everyone. At that point, guests can book online or by calling Disney at (407) 934-7639.

It isn't an enormous gap between the three dates, but guests targeting specific accommodations or early stays may appreciate having that extra time. Opening periods tend to generate plenty of curiosity around new Disney experiences, and Lakeshore Lodge has been years in the making — making its eventual debut particularly notable.

Lakeshore Lodge Opens July 1, 2027

Disney has confirmed that Lakeshore Lodge will officially open on July 1, 2027. That firm date puts an end to years of uncertainty surrounding the project.

The resort's story stretches back to 2018, when Disney first announced plans for a resort on this property under the name Reflections – A Disney Lakeside Lodge. The project later stalled during the COVID-19 pandemic and appeared uncertain for several years. New permits eventually showed activity returning to the site, and Disney formally revived the project in 2024 under its current Lakeshore Lodge name.

Now, guests who have followed every construction update can finally move on to making actual reservations.

Nearly 1,000 Accommodations on Bay Lake

Lakeshore Lodge will be a major addition to Walt Disney World, with 967 accommodations planned in total. The resort will offer a range of room types, from smaller studios to larger villas and suites. It will also introduce one- and two-bedroom Lake Houses positioned along the waterfront.

The resort is being built along Bay Lake on the former site of Disney's River Country water park, situated between Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground and Disney's Wilderness Lodge. Many rooms are expected to overlook the water, and some guests will have views of Magic Kingdom fireworks at night.

Rooms Inspired by Classic and Modern Disney Films

Rather than centering the entire resort around a single film or franchise, Disney is drawing from several stories — with nature serving as the connecting thread throughout.

  • Waterfront Lake Houses — inspired by Brother Bear (2003), featuring large windows, spacious living areas, and mountain imagery in the bedroom
  • One-bedroom villas and deluxe studios — drawing from Bambi (1942)
  • Resort studios and the Hidden Willow Presidential Suite — inspired by Pocahontas (1995)
  • Duo studios — featuring inspiration from Encanto (2021)
  • Three-bedroom grand villas — taking their cues from Fantasia (1940)
  • The lobby — also drawing inspiration from Pocahontas (1995)

That variety adds another layer to the October booking decisions. DVC Members and Passholders won't simply be choosing whether to stay at Lakeshore Lodge — they may also have a particular accommodation type or Disney theme they want to experience.

Three New Dining Locations

Lakeshore Lodge will give guests several new places to eat without leaving the resort. Disney has confirmed three dining experiences for the property:

  • Moonglade — the resort's table-service restaurant
  • Bay Lake Provisions — an all-day quick-service marketplace
  • Paint Out Point Bar & Grill — a poolside dining option

Beyond dining, Dandelion Terrace will serve as a lounge overlooking Bay Lake, offering views toward Magic Kingdom fireworks. Those amenities suggest Disney is designing Lakeshore Lodge as a destination in its own right — not just a place to sleep between park days.

Mark Your Calendar for October

Lakeshore Lodge may not open until July 2027, but anyone hoping to be among its earliest guests needs to pay attention much sooner. Here's a quick recap of the booking timeline:

  • October 6, 2026 — Disney Vacation Club Members (call 800-800-9800)
  • October 7, 2026 — Walt Disney World Annual Passholders (call 407-934-7639)
  • October 8, 2026 — General public (online or call 407-934-7639)

After years of wondering whether the old Reflections project would ever return, Lakeshore Lodge now has an opening date, 967 planned accommodations, Disney-inspired rooms, waterfront Lake Houses, three dining locations, and — most importantly for anyone who wants to stay there — booking dates. For Disney's most frequent guests, the first big date on the calendar arrives this fall.