Disney World Guests Can Access Brand-New Resort Earlier Than Planned

Walt Disney World’s newest resort is already giving guests another reason to watch the calendar.

Disney’s Lakeshore Lodge is currently under construction along Bay Lake, where Disney is developing a 967-room nature-inspired property with a mix of Disney Vacation Club accommodations, restaurants, pools, and recreation areas.

The resort is scheduled to officially open on July 1, 2027. Its rooms will range from studios and suites to one- and two-bedroom waterfront Lake Houses, with touches inspired by Pocahontas (1995), Bambi (1942), and Brother Bear (2003).

Guests will also have several new Walt Disney World dining options to explore. Moonglade will operate as a waterfront table-service restaurant, while Bay Lake Provisions will offer quick-service meals and coffee.

Paint Out Point Bar & Grill will serve guests near the pool, and Dandelion Terrace will provide another option overlooking Bay Lake, complete with views of nighttime fireworks.

Reservations for Disney’s Lakeshore Lodge are officially scheduled to begin opening in October. But Disney has now revealed that the resort’s July opening date will not actually mark the first time guests sleep inside the property.

Select Disney Vacation Club Members Can Arrive in June

Disney Vacation Club is offering eligible members an opportunity to experience Lakeshore Lodge before its official grand opening through a new “First Wave” package.

The special Disney Vacation Club experience will take place from June 24 through June 27, 2027.

That puts participating guests inside Disney’s Lakeshore Lodge several days before the resort formally welcomes its first regular guests on July 1.

The three-night experience includes accommodations at Lakeshore Lodge and three-day Walt Disney World Park Hopper tickets, allowing participants to visit multiple theme parks during their stay.

NEW: Disney Vacation Club reveals a “First Wave” experience at Disney’s Lakeshore Lodge from June 24-27, 2027, giving eligible DVC members the chance to stay at the resort before its official July 1 opening.

The package includes a 3-night stay, 3-day Park Hopper tickets,… pic.twitter.com/BPQTlivK3a

— Scott Gustin (@ScottGustin) August 28, 2026

Guests will also receive exclusive dining experiences and a $200 dining card per person. Disney says the package will include behind-the-scenes information about the new resort, along with commemorative keepsakes connected to the early-access stay.

Reservations for the “First Wave” experience will open November 7.

Pricing starts at 184 Disney Vacation Club points for two adults staying in a Duo Studio. Larger accommodations and different party sizes will require additional points, with rates varying according to Disney Vacation Club’s points chart.

The limited event effectively gives some DVC members a preview period before Lakeshore Lodge enters normal operations, offering a rare opportunity to stay inside a brand-new Disney World hotel ahead of its advertised opening date.

Lakeshore Lodge Brings Major Additions to Bay Lake

The early opening experience will give participating members a first look at far more than the resort’s guest rooms.

One of Lakeshore Lodge’s biggest additions will be The Wetlands, an extensive outdoor recreation area centered around water activities.

The area will feature Daydream River, a lazy river offering a slower-paced alternative to the resort’s larger swimming facilities. Lakeshore Lagoon will serve as the primary zero-entry pool and will include a spiral waterslide.

Disney is also developing both wet and dry play areas inspired by Pocahontas, providing dedicated spaces for younger guests.

Those looking for something quieter will have another option at Cypress Point. The leisure pool area will include a whirlpool spa and is expected to provide a more relaxed setting away from the resort’s larger family recreation zone.

Lakeshore Lodge represents one of Walt Disney World’s most significant upcoming hotel projects, adding hundreds of rooms to Disney’s existing resort portfolio while transforming another section of the Bay Lake shoreline.

The project also expands Disney Vacation Club’s footprint at Walt Disney World, continuing Disney’s push toward larger villa-style accommodations that can appeal to families and groups staying for longer trips.

Do you plan on visiting Disney’s Lakeshore Lodge?