New Magic Kingdom Resort? New Permits Say, Yes

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Hey Disney Vacationers! A new permit filing by the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District (CFTOD) is sending us Disney fans into speculation mode once again. If you’ve been following the developments at Walt Disney World, you’ll know that the buzz around the abandoned Reflections—A Disney Lakeside Lodge has been quiet for a while now. But, as of late August 2024, that may be changing. Let’s dive into everything we know so far about this potential new Magic Kingdom resort and why it’s making waves in the Disney community.

The Latest Filing: What’s Going On?

The CFTOD filed a Master Services Agreement with Chen Moore and Associates on August 28, 2024, for the installation of new electrical transformers. Sounds pretty routine, right? Except for one small detail: the permit is for something called “Project S.”

Let’s break this down. The project brief states:

“The purpose of this project is to provide a new transformer service yard, transformer loop, and SCADA monitoring cabinets for a new resort.”

A new resort, folks. This isn’t just another routine maintenance update. When you pair this information with the latest Disney construction permits filed recently, things get even more interesting.

Recent Construction Permits Hint at Resort Plans

Walt Disney Imagineering recently filed a construction permit that’s leading many to believe this is more than just idle speculation. The permit references locations between Wilderness Lodge and Fort Wilderness Resort, which, for those unfamiliar with the area, is prime real estate.

This permit lists multiple locations close to the Copper Creek Cabins at Wilderness Lodge—raising eyebrows and making fans wonder if Disney’s dusting off the old plans for Reflections.

The contractor for this permit? None other than Balfour Beatty. If that name rings a bell, it’s because they filed a very similar permit back in 2019, right around the time Disney was still pushing forward with plans for Reflections.

A Brief History: What Happened to Reflections?

Let’s rewind for a second. Back in 2018, Disney announced a new resort: Reflections—A Disney Lakeside Lodge. It was supposed to be a nature-inspired hotel with all the bells and whistles you’d expect from a Disney Vacation Club (DVC) resort.

But, in 2020, things took a turn. The pandemic forced Disney to pause many projects, and Reflections was one of the first to (quietly) get the ax. By the time the dust settled, the land had been mostly returned to its pre-construction state, and fans were left wondering if they’d ever see the resort come to life.

According to Jim Hill of Jim Hill Media, another factor for Reflections being shelved was lukewarm enthusiasm from the fanbase. In the end, Disney chose to shift gears and focus on expanding Disney’s Polynesian Resort with the addition of the Polynesian Island Tower, set to open in December 2024.

Is Disney Bringing Reflections Back?

With this new permit filing, the possibility of Reflections making a return feels more real than ever. Disney clearly hasn’t given up on the land between Fort Wilderness and Wilderness Lodge, and now the question becomes: What could this new resort look like?

Will It Be Reflections 2.0?

While Disney might dust off parts of the old Reflections concept, it wouldn’t be surprising if they moved in a different direction. After all, the pandemic gave Disney an opportunity to reset the Reflections designs and their planning priorities have shifted.

Given the location, it’s hard to imagine Disney straying too far from the “wilderness” theme. It would need to mesh with the surrounding areas of Wilderness Lodge and Fort Wilderness. There’s so much potential to create something that feels like a natural extension of these resorts while still giving guests something new to get excited about.

A few possible themes? Think along the lines of:

• Blue Ridge Mountains: Iconic and rugged, with mist-covered peaks and lush forests.
• White Mountains: A rustic, serene vibe with a nod to the Northeast.
• Rocky Mountains: The ultimate outdoor adventure setting with vast, sweeping landscapes.

The question becomes which Intellectual Properties (IP) would Walt Disney Imagineering tap into for the resort. I could easily see them sticking with some of Reflections IP’s like Bambi and potential Pocahontas.

Disney Vacation Club: Full or Partial?

Here’s a bet that Disney goes the DVC route. Whether it’s a full DVC resort or just a partial one, the demand for Disney Vacation Club accommodations continues to grow. With the high demand for resort stays and DVC properties consistently selling out, it seems like a no-brainer for Disney to cater to that crowd. Additionally, it is well-known that Disney Vacation Club is one of the most successful “products” for Disney.

Timing and Other Projects: What to Expect

We have to acknowledge that as of now, Disney has made no official announcements regarding this new resort project. However, the timing feels right. The opening of the Polynesian Island Tower in December 2024, coupled with ongoing expansions at the Magic Kingdom (hello, Cars Land and Villains Land!), means Disney is in growth mode.

And with land around Magic Kingdom being as valuable as it is, building a new resort in this location makes all the sense in the world. Adding extra accommodation options—especially something new and exciting—would be a strategic move for Disney to keep up with the increased demand as the parks continue to expand.

What’s Next for the Magic Kingdom Resort Area?

It’s clear that Disney is once again eyeing the space between Wilderness Lodge and Fort Wilderness for their next big resort. While there’s still some mystery surrounding the exact plans, all signs point to a potential return of Reflections—albeit possibly in a new form. Whether it sticks with the original design or goes in a fresh direction, one thing’s for sure: Disney fans have plenty to speculate about.

Stay tuned, because if this project follows the path of recent Disney expansions, we’re in for some exciting announcements in the near future!

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