As a long-time enthusiast and chronicler of all things Disney Vacation Club (DVC), I couldn’t ignore the increasing buzz surrounding the potential revival of a DVC property at the former Reflections: A Disney Lakeside Lodge site. So as I sit here bobbing around on a cruise ship in the Atlantic Ocean, I thought it was about time to officially state that I think Reflections is back from the dead!
This speculation has been fueled by a series of permit filings and industry whispers, suggesting that an announcement might be just around the corner, perhaps at the upcoming D23 Convention in Anaheim, California. Here’s what we’ve pieced together so far:
Permits and Speculations
The Permits
The first significant clue comes from recent permit activities. In May, several permit extensions were filed related to the original Reflections construction site.
Recently, Walt Disney Imagineering has added further permits on land initially intended for Reflections, covering a timeline through 2026 and involving major construction companies like Adena Corporation and Balfour Beatty, which Disney has used for substantial projects in the past.
Shout out to our friends at WDWMagic who recently reported on these recent permits and their potential relation with the Reflections and Wilderness Lodge area.
Wilderness Lodge Connection
The permits extend from Wilderness Lodge to the original Reflections site, suggesting a potential connection between the two areas. Previous plans for Reflections included paths and trails linking Fort Wilderness and Wilderness Lodge, complete with new cabins along the lake. While some speculate these permits might be for a Wilderness Lodge expansion, I believe the former Reflections site is a more logical choice for the next DVC property. I’m not ruling out an eventual expansion of Wilderness Lodge and actually we discussed this slightly in a recent DVC Show episode, however I believe the timing makes more sense for a larger project on the former Reflections site.
The Cabins at Fort Wilderness
Logistical Solutions
Moving forward with the Reflections project could address several issues related to The Cabins at Fort Wilderness. The cabins have faced challenges in sales, possibly due to their unique accommodation style and high annual dues. In some discussions over on DISboards, some have speculated that incorporating Reflections into the Cabins at Fort Wilderness Condo Association could provide a broader range of accommodations, and dilute the annual dues, making the property more attractive to potential owners.
Reflections and The Palmetto Trust
If Disney were to roll the Reflections property into the already established Palmetto Trust, it could offer dual benefits: enhanced accommodation options and a reduction in annual dues for standalone cabins. This approach would offer members more choices while addressing some of the property’s biggest criticisms. Think similar to the new Polynesian DVC Tower solving the “bungalow problem” and/or the expanded options that Kidani/Jambo gives Members there.
Insider Rumors
DVC Leadership Insights
A particularly intriguing rumor comes from a supposed discussion by a senior DVC leadership member during the 2024 DVC Mediterranean Members Cruise. Allegedly, Reflections was mentioned as a project that has been green-lit and is already in progress. While I haven’t been able to confirm this directly, it aligns with the current permitting activities and the broader context of Disney’s development plans. If you are an avid follower of Disney rumors though, chalk this up in the category of “I heard from a bus driver!”
Conclusion
All signs point to the possibility that the Reflections: A Disney Lakeside Lodge project is being revived. While we may not receive a full announcement at the D23 Convention, I expect some acknowledgment that the project is on the horizon. This development was considered to previously be and would still be a significant addition to the DVC portfolio, despite some opposition from certain segments within the DVC community who don’t want any more resorts right now(I’m looking at you Derek DeBoer – Lol).
What are your thoughts? Do you think Reflections will be announced at D23? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Stay tuned to DVC Fan for the latest updates, and don’t forget to join our discussions on the DVC Fan Facebook Group!
Laurie Eback
August 2, 2024I’m excited and hopeful for the possibility of Reflections and, what it could possibly mean for the cabins. We’d love to buy there but right now the dues are a huge drawback for us. Will see what happens!
Donna DiMarzio
August 2, 2024I’d love for Reflections to have a come back. I was disappointed when it was pushed aside post-pandemic. Can’t wait for an announcement!
Angela C
August 2, 2024omgosh- love all this speculation! I’m excited about whatever it is/could be! I’m in the camp of intrigued by Fort Wilderness Cabins for all the reasons stated in write up- not enough to buy in. And Poly tower… looks amazing- don’t get me wrong- but concerned about the congestion there. I’m ready for the next “thing”!
Narcoossee
August 2, 2024I think the permits get renewed to keep them “active” . It is cheaper and easier for
projects
. Really means nothing
Paul Krieger
August 2, 2024I thought the same until the new permits. These are not extensions however and point that something larger may be in the works.
Stefanie
August 2, 2024If they connect it to Copper Creek and not the Cabins it won’t have to go through the Trust. Disney seems to be doing this lately. So the question is, trust or no trust?!
Marcia
August 2, 2024I think they should hold off on any new DVC resorts and bringing more DVC members in to compete with the current DVC members for reservations.
Dante Santone
August 2, 2024I never question Derek.
Davidc
August 2, 2024I would think they would not announce anything at this point. They tend to like to push sales on existing newer product first. It will be interesting to see what they would put there. As I believe they made use of the money spent on Reflections plans to build the Poly Tower.
Jennifer G
August 2, 2024I took a Fireworks Cruise (private boat) in June. We were driven around the entire lake and there is construction equipment and building equipment currently there.
Jonhy Fernandez
August 2, 2024They should bulid reflections resort after they announced and they bulid another 5 theme park and disney cruise line adding more cruises to expand its fleet and adding more waterslides to disney cruises at least 3 waterslides and expand magic kingdom villains and coco expansion
Sheila Bakken
August 2, 2024Even if they did move forward with this and if the use drop significantly, I still wouldn’t buy there. Not really our aesthetic for a home resort. It’s mainly the transportation options. Not a huge fan of internal buses to get on a bus to parks. No thanks.