New FAA Filing Suggests Construction on Reflections Resort Project at Disney World May Be Imminent

Sep 26, 2024 in "Disney Lakeshore Lodge"

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Nature-Inspired Resort concept art

Posted: Thursday September 26, 2024 9:25am ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

A recent filing with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) appears to confirm that the Reflections—A Disney Lakeside Lodge project, once thought to be canceled, may soon resume construction at Walt Disney World.

The FAA case details the use of large mobile cranes for the construction of a 10-story hotel, with the cranes reaching a maximum height of 240 feet above ground level (AGL) when fully extended. During non-working hours, the crane height will be reduced to 150 feet AGL. This description closely aligns with previous plans for the Reflections resort, adding further weight to the speculation that the project is back on track.

The proposed cranes are significant because they will be used for the construction of what is expected to be a towering structure—indicative of the scale of a large resort hotel. The height and location specified in the filing suggest that Disney may indeed be moving forward with the delayed Reflections resort.

The FAA filing indicates that the crane would be onsite from October 14, 2024, through August 14, 2025.

Background on Reflections—A Disney Lakeside Lodge

Originally unveiled by Disney in 2018, Reflections—A Disney Lakeside Lodge was planned as a deluxe nature-themed resort situated on the shores of Bay Lake, between Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort. The resort was to include over 900 hotel rooms and Disney Vacation Club (DVC) villas spread across a variety of unique accommodation types.

However, in 2020, amid the financial strain brought on by the pandemic, Disney quietly shelved the project, and much of the pre-construction work was undone. Since then, the land had been returned to its original state, leading many to believe the project was abandoned indefinitely.

Nature-Inspired Resort concept art

Recent Developments Indicate a Resurgence

This new FAA filing is not the only sign of life for the Reflections project. A recent filing by the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District (CFTOD) hinted at potential construction on a new resort, further fueling speculation. The CFTOD filing discussed plans for a Master Services Agreement with Chen Moore and Associates, a firm tasked with installing new electrical transformers to service what is referred to as “Project S”—a project widely believed to be Reflections.

Disney has yet to make any formal announcements regarding the revival of Reflections—A Disney Lakeside Lodge. However, with both the FAA and CFTOD filings pointing to imminent construction, it’s becoming increasingly likely that Disney plans to revive the resort in some form.

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Disgruntled Walt7 hours ago

Boy, those cranes multiply like rabbits!

JoeCamel14 hours ago

Only two cranes working? Slackers! We got marks to fleece, get to building!

SplashJacket18 hours ago

Today:

CJR6 days ago

WL has the boats, but I always felt like the point of it was to feel more isolated, without really being isolated. Like the most convenient escape to the wilderness ever. Keep in mind, when it was built (mid-90's), you had Discovery Island and River Country right there.

Chef idea Mickey`=6 days ago

It wouldn't be if Riviera had a pedestrian sidewalk between there along Buena Vista Street to Boardwalk. I love walking

plutofan157 days ago

Trapped? Hardly. In fact, on more than one occasion we have gone to Primo Piatto for a meal while at Epcot for a bit of down time from the park. Very easily done with the Skyliner. Of course, that would be a lot more difficult if the Skyliner was down. But that could be said of any resort which relies on any sort of transportation other than busses such as the monorail and boats. I would consider AKL and Coronado Springs resorts as more isolated than Riviera. You could also add Wilderness Lodge as being more isolated.

MR.Dis7 days ago

Since I go to WDW 2 to 3 times a year, I have taken the Skyliner many times. My problem is they shut it down way too often. So if you stay a RIV and are totally dependent on Skyliner for transportation, you are playing with fire. When I stay at Saratoga or AKL, I will automatically get a rental car. If I would ever stay at RIV, my guess is I would just not risk issues and have a rental car. For me, the big draw of the Skyliner would not be a draw at all.

FiestaFunKid7 days ago

I don't agree with trapped - but the monorail resorts are in the premium MK location. Riv location may not be horrible, but it's not a go to for anything. If you want Springs, it's Saratoga - if you want Epcot/HS, it's cresent lake. Monorail resorts also have easy access to each other - all great resorts/dining - and are set on Bay Lake. To each their own, bur for me this location blows the Riv out of the water. Admittedly, I have an irrational love for the monorial, so I suppose it's possible the skyliner could do it for others.

Chip Chipperson8 days ago

I'd hardly call easy access to 2 parks being trapped. By that logic, all of the guests at MK monorail resorts are "trapped," too, because the monorail to Epcot requires more effort than the Skyliner to Epcot and they have to take buses to Disney Springs, DHS, and DAK.

larryz9 days ago

Looks more like a YMMV...

Bocabear10 days ago

trapped except for the Skyliner... and yes you are closer to Disney Springs, but you still have to take a bus or get in your car to get there.... there is nothing to walk to nearby.... And when I stayed there the Skyliner went down fairly often...

Chef idea Mickey`=10 days ago

I wouldn't say you are trapped in that location, your the closest to Disney Spring's, access to Caribbean Beach, skylines access to two park areas and crescent lake resorts, pop century and art of animation.