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

Sep 26, 2024 in "Reflections - A Lakeside Disney 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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Bocabear17 days ago

Is this "resort" part of the 60 Billion dollar investment in the parks?

Surfin' Tuna17 days ago

Tron was a different situation. But I wouldn't get my hopes up too much for future speed.

Nickm202217 days ago

Just gotta say, if they build this quicker then Tron then it's kinda sad but a nice change a pace that gives me hope for future additions and yes I know they cleared ground for it years ago but that's besides the point

Disone18 days ago

I am inclined to agree. They look too fresh for them to have been there for years. Based on how exposed they would be to the weather just sitting there like that for years there's just not enough weathering discoloration on them.

HauntedPirate18 days ago

D23 Brazil announcement CONFIRMED!!!! What, that isn’t too soon? 🤔😉 They need to announce all kinds of things there because it’s D23. I expect this, though, will be behind the 5th gate announcement plus the other $20 billion in WDW projects they are undoubtedly announcing.

peter1143519 days ago

That’s correct. I don’t know why but I assumed you meant they had been there since before the recent restart.

nickys19 days ago

New - yes. But a few weeks ago. When I said “for some time” I was meaning weeks not months. When Blog Mickey flew over the site with Bioreconstruct , those structures were in place. So they were erected sometime between the 24th September and 14th October.

peter1143519 days ago

I don’t know about that. I’m pretty sure these are new.

nickys19 days ago

Those have been there for some time.

Disgruntled Walt19 days ago

Wow, they've gone vertical! Another example of how quickly they can build things if they really want to .

DCBaker19 days ago

Photos from today: https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54111860266_4d83a14c90_k.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54112117208_df4d08ae38_k.jpghttps://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54112314030_7f799acf7d_k.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54112334245_1dc5932e67_k.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54112314290_5cde2ade10_k.jpg

denyuntilcaught20 days ago

I, for one, would encourage Disney on holding on announcing things until they're further along and get them out of the habit of announcing things ~7 years before they intend to actually move dirt.

MickMinn2220 days ago

A few posts about transportation which I agree is a concern with this resort especially with all the great transportation options for the other deluxe/dvc resorts. I would assume this has its own dedicated bus transportation or shared with wilderness but fort wilderness separate? I know there are going to be so close but I do hope they can separate this resort from fort wilderness. If it’s simply added as the hotel at fort wilderness, I don’t think I would be as inclined to add on at this resort. I hope they keep the cabins though. Love those options at wilderness.