Big splashes are on the horizon at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground! Disney has officially confirmed that a brand-new pool is being added to the resort’s Meadow Swimmin’ Pool area, significantly expanding one of the most popular recreational hubs at the resort. This exciting project promises to enhance the guest experience for years to come.
What’s Included in the Expansion?
The upcoming expansion will add a brand-new zero-entry pool and expanded deck space alongside the existing Meadow Swimmin’ Pool. This effectively doubles the aquatic fun available for guests and provides more room for lounging, playing, and relaxing in the Florida sun. Blog Mickey recently reported more details on this planned project that were revealed in permits and other filings.
But that’s not all—the new project also includes the addition of a tennis court and two pickleball courts nearby, adding even more options for family-friendly outdoor recreation.
Fort Wilderness Continues to Transform
This pool expansion comes at a time when Disney’s Fort Wilderness is undergoing a significant transformation. Just last year, The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness became the newest addition to the Disney Vacation Club family. These reimagined DVC cabins offer a refreshed take on rustic charm with upgraded interiors, modern conveniences, and a peaceful setting that blends right into the surrounding pine forest.
And just down the road, the skyline is changing as construction ramps up on Disney’s Lakeshore Lodge, the next all-new Disney Vacation Club resort currently under development. With vertical construction well underway and anticipation growing by the day, the addition of this new pool could help ease future demand for recreation as the area welcomes more guests.
Who Pays for the New Pool?
One important clarification for DVC Members: While this pool is being added near the Meadow Swimmin’ Pool area—an iconic part of Fort Wilderness—it is not part of the Disney Vacation Club Association for The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness. This means that no Member dues are being used to fund this project.
The Palmetto Trust, which governs the DVC portion of the resort (i.e., the cabins), includes the Wilderness Swimmin’ Pool near the front of the resort. As of now, no improvements or upgrades have been announced for that area.
What Does This Mean for Lakeshore Lodge?
The bigger question many are asking is what this means for Disney’s Lakeshore Lodge. While Disney has not officially confirmed it, multiple development filings and industry speculation suggest that the new resort could eventually be rolled into the existing Palmetto Trust. If that were to happen, it would mean:
- Shared access to amenities (like pools and recreation) between The Cabins and Lakeshore Lodge.
- Expanded facilities for DVC Members without increasing per-resort load.
- Diversified annual dues, potentially bringing down costs for Members who own at the Fort Wilderness Cabins by spreading expenses across a larger group of owners.
It’s too early to know for sure, but with the resort landscape at Fort Wilderness changing quickly, this pool expansion may just be one piece of a much larger puzzle.
Whether you’re a returning guest, a proud DVC Member, or someone keeping an eye on Disney’s resort evolution, there’s no denying that Fort Wilderness is entering an exciting new chapter. From updated accommodations to new recreation offerings and the future Lakeshore Lodge development, the area is blossoming with potential.
We’ll continue monitoring this and other developments as they unfold. Stay tuned to DVCFan.com for the latest updates, and let us know in the comments what you’re most excited about with the Fort Wilderness expansion!
