Disney World is being SNEAKY.
Reflections ©Disney
Reflections — A Disney Lakeside Lodge was first announced in 2018, and later that year Disney filed permits for a new mystery development labeled “Project 89” to be built in an area right near Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground. But then, POOF! Work halted on Reflections and Disney has been quiet on the project ever since. Lately, though, we’ve been seeing signs that Reflections may not be over after all, and we just found two more.
After filing a permit for the construction of a mobile crane at Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground, the Federal Aviation Administration has granted Disney’s request.
Reflections Concept Art © Disney
The coordinates listed on the permit match the proposed area where Reflections — A Disney Lakeside Lodge was originally going to be built. So, what gives? Is this really
©FAA | Area where the crane will be located
But, this isn’t the only new permit in this area. Disney also recently filed a permit with Orange County, Florida to install a water main at the STOLport North Area Development — which is the location of “Project 89,” or Reflections. STOLport stands for Short Take Off and Landing, as this area was a small airfield back in the day. Ultimately, this water main installation could be a sign that further development of this staging area could be underway for a multi-year project.
Aerial photo of site of Reflections: A Disney Lakeside Lodge. pic.twitter.com/JUwjj9tGUA
— bioreconstruct (@bioreconstruct) September 23, 2023
That, combined with a mysterious new filing from the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District that is described as, “The purpose of this project is to provide a new transformer service yard, transformer loop, and SCADA monitoring cabinets for a new resort,” makes us think Reflections — or at least a new hotel or expansion of some kind — is still planned for this area.
In early August, Disney World filed a permit for lengthy “site and facility improvements” for the area near the Copper Creek Villas and Cascade Cabins, which is ultimately where Reflections was supposed to go.
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Of course, Disney is playing coy and keeping things quiet. So far, we haven’t heard any announcements about the resurrection of Reflections — or any other potential new hotel or expansion for that matter. But, if we do, you’ll be the first to know! In the meantime, don’t forget to stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for the latest news you need to know!
Experts Predict Three HUGE Changes for Disney in 2025
Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe!
WE KNOW DISNEY.
YOU CAN, TOO.
Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.
Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!
What do you think of this potential new hotel project? Tell us in the comments.
Our handy (and portable!) ebook guides make sure you get the best deals and can plan a vacation of a lifetime.
I know exactly what they will build, a splendid beige building with all the charm of a hospital room and a picture of Mickey Mouse in the bathroom for theming!
While this will undoubtedly will be another Deluxe or DVC resort which the market hardly seems to need, I am at least hoping that it will bring sorely needed dining options within easy reach of Fort Wilderness. But given the way things have gone with resort developments recently, it will probably be very difficult to access this resort from FW. Although, maybe the cabins going DVC will be the saving grace to that – the cabins and FW in general lack a lot that DVC customers normally expect, especially in dining options. Maybe that will be the motivation to make it easy to access the new resort from FW.