The worst kept secret of DVC these days is the restarting of the Reflections project. Reflections was a DVC resort that was to be built between Wilderness Lodge and Fort Wilderness on the old River Country site. Reflections, a lakeside lodge, started back in 2019 and was underway when the pandemic hit. This project has been on hold since 2020. Well no more. This resort has been reimagined and construction is back on.

What We Know

Not much I am afraid. One thing we do know is the new project is called Disney Lakeshore Lodge. We can assume that much of the original Reflections concepts still hold true. This should be 900 rooms comprised of both DVC and Hotel rooms in two towers. DVC seems to be in love with towers these days. There has been multiple permits filed and cranes have been spotted on site earlier this month. Construction is in full swing with a slated opening sometime in 2027. Theming of rooms should be stunning and may feature characters from Bambi, Bother Bear, The Fox and The Hound, and Pocahontas.

Editorial

I may be in the minority here, but I don’t like this. DVC just opened the Polynesian Island Tower. Demand for this addition has been really strong, as opposed to the other new property, Cabins at Fort Wilderness. DVC is adding rooms and capacity at a rapid rate. However, the park capacity is not changing. Where are these people supposed to go? All parks are really crowded. I know that attendance is supposed to be down, but the parks are often shoulder to shoulder with long lines and wait times. The current park expansion plans do not add much more capacity, with the exception of Villians Land at Magic Kingdom. I think we need a long sought after 5th gate before any room capacity is added.

I also think Disney would be better served if they put the money into value resorts such as Pop Century and the All Star resorts. It is very expensive to go to Disney World and stay on property. Many families are just priced out. I don’t see this new project helping in that regard. Disney theme parks should not just be the playground of the rich and near rich. DVC caters to the guests that want and can return year after year. This is not the target audience for value resorts, which are families trying to make the most of a once in a lifetime trip.

Now I know that this property will sell out pretty quickly. There are a lot of families with means that go to the parks. This is shown by the Lightning Lane Premier Pass selling out during the Thanksgiving Holidays. The Poly Tower has pretty expensive point charts and high dues, but it is selling well. People are buying more points as it takes more points for a stay. Maybe Disney wants the parks to be super crowded so that the line skipping extras will sell better. Guest have a huge case of FOMO when they see long wait times and crowds. FOMO does fuel Lightning Lane sales. It seems that have a relaxing leisurely day at the parks may be going the way of Tom Sawyers Island and the River of Americas. That really makes me sad.

Full Disclosure. Grandma and I are DVC members with home resorts of Boardwalk, Bay Lake Towers, Disneyland Hotel, and just added at Animal Kingdom.

Let me know what you think in the comments or better yet join be at Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/disneygrandpa.bsky.social

Until next time: