Disney just gave the first detailed look at The Wetlands, the outdoor recreation hub coming to Disney Lakeshore Lodge, the new resort rising on the south shores of Bay Lake at Walt Disney World. The reveal landed June 17, 2026, in the latest “Letters from Lakeshore” update on the Disney Parks Blog. The resort is projected to open in summer 2027.
The Wetlands sits just beyond the lobby and wraps around Bay Lake views. It pulls its theme from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Pocahontas, specifically the “Colors of the Wind” lyric “the heron and the otter are my friends.” That line shows up directly in the names of the play areas.
What pools and water areas are coming to The Wetlands?
The centerpiece is Lakeside Lagoon, a zero-entry feature pool with a spiral waterslide that drops into the water. Disney describes it as the spot where guests of all ages gather under the Florida sun.
On the opposite side of the resort, Perspective Pond will hold a leisure pool and a whirlpool spa. Disney specifically positioned that area for Magic Kingdom fireworks views in the evening, which is a real planning detail for anyone who wants the show without leaving the resort.
There’s also the Daydream River, a lazy river that carries guests through the recreation area for slow lake-and-landscape views. If you want the full rundown on Bay Lake’s resort cluster, this adds another waterfront option a short distance from Magic Kingdom.
Is there anything for kids at Disney Lakeshore Lodge?
Yes. The kid-focused zones split into wet and dry play. Heron Shores leans into hands-on exploration with imaginative climbing features. Otter Springs is the water side, with interactive features where younger guests splash and slide to cool off.
Both areas tie back to that Pocahontas theme, so the storytelling runs through the play spaces rather than sitting on top as decoration. Families weighing a stay built around younger kids now have a clearer picture of what this resort offers them.
The plaque detail park history fans will want
A scenic path runs through The Wetlands with fun facts about local flora and fauna along the way. Disney also teased a special plaque honoring “a beloved historic attraction that once stood on this very spot.” The company did not name the attraction in this update, so that one is still a guessing game for now.
Disney Lakeshore Lodge was first announced April 21, 2026, as a nature-inspired waterfront resort with subtle nods to Bambi, Pocahontas, and Brother Bear. As a Disney World hotel, it will include the usual on-site perks: complimentary transportation across the resort and extra theme park time. It also sits a boat ride away from Magic Kingdom, which pairs with the easiest ways to reach Magic Kingdom from the Bay Lake hotels.
What is still unknown?
Disney has not announced room rates, a specific opening date beyond summer 2027, room counts, dining venues, or whether Disney Vacation Club rooms are part of the plan. The “Letters from Lakeshore” series is set to keep dropping updates as construction continues, so more details should come in future posts.
Shark Take: If you book Bay Lake resorts for the Magic Kingdom proximity, Perspective Pond’s fireworks-facing leisure pool is the standout planning note here. Bookmark the Disney Parks Blog series, because the plaque reveal and dining details are the things actually worth waiting on.
Source: Disney Parks Blog
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