Disney World Finally Reveals Major Progress on 2027 Resort Construction

Disney World fans have been holding their breath for this kind of update.

For years, one of Disney’s biggest resort construction projects ever teased felt like it vanished into thin air. We saw concept art. We heard big promises. Then the news stopped coming, and the entire thing started to feel like it had been quietly shelved.

But now, Disney has finally given guests something real to talk about again.

And based on what’s happening right now, it’s becoming harder to ignore that Disney might actually be on track for a 2027 opening after all.

Disney Hotels Are Half the Magic

Disney World isn’t just about the parks. The resorts play a major role in making the trip feel special.

For many families, the hotel becomes part of the story. It’s where you start your mornings, collapse after long park days, and plan out everything you’re going to do next. Some guests want deluxe comfort and convenience, while others want the cheapest option that still feels like Disney.

That’s why resorts like Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa remain so iconic. It’s elegant, classic, and it feels like it belongs in a different era of Disney. Plus, having monorail access makes it even more appealing.

Disney’s Contemporary Resort sits in the same category. It’s one of those hotels that feels like a landmark, mainly because the monorail literally runs through the building. It’s modern, it’s convenient, and it still feels like a “big deal” to stay there.

On the other end of the spectrum, value resorts like Pop Century and Art of Animation stay popular for a reason. They offer strong theming, Skyliner access, and a fun atmosphere without the deluxe price tag.

That balance between luxury and affordability is exactly why Disney’s resort lineup feels so unique.

A Long-Delayed Resort Is Back in the Conversation

Now we can finally get into the real update Disney fans care about.

Disney is currently working on a major hotel project, expected to open in 2027. The location itself is part of what makes this story so interesting. Disney is building this resort on the former site of River Country, the long-closed water park near Fort Wilderness.

For years, River Country felt like one of those forgotten Disney spaces that people only talked about in rumors. It sat unused for so long that many fans assumed Disney had no plans for the land at all.

Then Disney originally announced a resort project called Reflections — A Lakeside Lodge.

After the COVID-19 pandemic hit, everything seemed to go silent. Fans stopped hearing updates, and the project started to feel like it might be dead.

But in late 2024, Disney confirmed the resort wasn’t gone. Instead, it was returning under a new name: Disney’s Lakeshore Lodge.

That shift made it clear Disney still wanted this resort to happen.

Disney’s Vision for the Resort Feels Very Classic

Disney hasn’t revealed every detail about what this hotel will include, but they have shared enough to give fans a clear idea of the vibe.

The company has described the resort as being inspired by nature and by the way nature has influenced Disney artists over the years. That wording suggests Disney wants this to feel more like a peaceful retreat than a flashy modern hotel.

Concept art supports that idea.

Early visuals hint that characters like Bambi, Thumper, and Flower could appear near the entrance, possibly as statues or design elements. The artwork also seems to include a major sign above the entryway with wording similar to “The Wonders of Nature are Endless.”

If Disney sticks with that direction, this could become one of the most charming resorts on property.

Construction Progress Is Hard to Ignore

This is the part that has fans excited again.

For a long time, the project felt more like an idea than a real building. But recent progress shows the resort is clearly taking shape. Much of the exterior structure appears built, and the hotel no longer looks like a simple framework.

It looks like an actual resort.

The building’s size, shape, and layout are becoming visible, and it appears Disney is starting to focus on exterior finishing work. Construction walls still surround the site, indicating Disney is actively keeping the area closed while crews push forward.

If the pace continues, a 2027 opening starts to feel believable.

Disney’s Resorts Are Under Construction Everywhere

This update also comes at a time when Disney World resorts seem to be in nonstop refurbishment mode.

Several major hotel projects are either underway or expected to continue through 2026. Disney’s Contemporary Resort and Bay Lake Tower are undergoing ongoing work, while Pop Century is in the middle of a lengthy guest room refurbishment.

Animal Kingdom Lodge is undergoing ongoing room renovations, and Port Orleans Riverside is also undergoing a large-scale refurbishment. Disney’s BoardWalk Inn continues to see updates, and Polynesian Village Resort still has entrance and roadway construction affecting guest arrival.

A lot is happening at once.

But it also shows Disney is taking resorts seriously again.

A Resort in Motion

Disney doesn’t usually make a big deal out of construction updates unless something is actually moving forward.

And right now, this project looks like it’s finally building real momentum. After years of uncertainty, Disney’s newest resort feels closer to reality than ever.

If construction keeps moving at this pace, Disney World may truly be headed for a central 2027 resort opening that fans once assumed would never happen.