Disney just dropped NEW details about Disney’s Lakeshore Lodge, and honestly…this resort is really starting to appeal to me.
With reservations opening to all guests on October 8 and the resort scheduled to open July 1, 2027, Disney is now revealing more of what guests will actually experience once they walk through those doors…
THE BIG NEW REVEAL: BRANCH & BRUSH
The biggest announcement today is Branch & Brush, a brand-new lounge located just beyond the resort’s grand lobby.
Disney says the lounge will have Bay Lake views, handcrafted cocktails, rich seasonal colors, natural textures and artwork throughout the space. But the centerpiece might be the coolest part…A color-changing chandelier will represent the changing seasons, giving the lounge a completely different feel as the colors and lighting shift. And THIS is exactly the kind of detail that could make Lakeshore Lodge feel different from a typical Disney resort. It isn’t just throwing Disney characters everywhere. The entire resort is being built around nature, storytelling and atmosphere.
Source: Disney
THE LOBBY MAY BE EVEN MORE IMPRESSIVE
Disney also showed off a new look at the grand lobby.
The centerpiece will be a massive set of floor-to-ceiling windows, bringing the surrounding nature and Bay Lake views directly into the arrival experience.
The lobby will also feature a shimmering fiber-optic river inspired by Pocahontas, flowing around a custom bronze centerpiece created by Walt Disney Imagineering.
And above it all?
A giant “Colors of the Wind” blown-glass sculpture featuring hundreds of suspended glass leaves. We LOVE THIS addition!!!! It brings the story and famous song from Pocahontas to life and we love that. Disney says guests will even find familiar characters from decades of Disney animation etched into the design.
Source: Disney
THIS RESORT IS GOING ALL-IN ON BAY LAKE
And that’s something I think Disney is getting right here. Lakeshore Lodge isn’t trying to compete with the castle-themed resorts or go completely over-the-top with IP. You have Bay Lake views, nature-inspired architecture, waterfront Lake Houses, multiple pools, The Wetlands recreation area, fireworks views and now a lounge specifically designed around watching the seasons change.
The resort will have 967 rooms, including unique waterfront Lake Houses that can sleep up to five or eight guests depending on the configuration.
AND THE FOOD & DRINK OPTIONS ARE STARTING TO STACK UP
Branch & Brush joins several previously announced locations:
🍽️ Moonglade — waterfront table-service dining
☕ Bay Lake Provisions — all-day quick service and coffee
🏖️ Paint Out Point Bar & Grill — poolside food and drinks
🌙 Dandelion Terrace — a lounge with Magic Kingdom fireworks views
And now…
🌲 Branch & Brush — the new waterfront lounge
That is actually a pretty solid lineup for a brand-new resort!!
MY TAKE
I’ll be honest: I’m so excited for this resort to open. The more Disney reveals, the more I’m starting to understand what they’re going for. This doesn’t feel like Disney trying to build another resort that screams for your attention. It feels like they’re trying to build a resort where the environment IS the attraction.
If you’re looking for huge characters, elaborate theming and constant Disney references, this probably won’t be your dream resort. But if Disney executes the atmosphere correctly? Sitting by Bay Lake with a drink at Branch & Brush, watching the sunset, then seeing the Magic Kingdom fireworks in the distance…That sounds VERY Disney.
And honestly, I think the waterfront Lake Houses could end up being the sleeper hit of this entire resort.
WHEN CAN YOU BOOK?
Disney Vacation Club members can begin making rental reservations October 6. Annual Passholders get their opportunity October 7. And all guests can begin making reservations October 8.
Lakeshore Lodge officially opens July 1, 2027
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