A nature-themed hotel 

Image: Disney 

Much like other properties around the Magic Kingdom like Fort Wilderness and Disney's Wilderness Lodge, this new hotel will celebrate the wonder and glory of the natural world. However, this new property will be a little bit different, as it will try to give off a modern, rather than rustic, feel, setting it apart from other Magic Kingdom hotels. Terri Schultz, senior vice president and general manager of Disney Vacation Club released the following statement about this project: 

“This resort experience will be a celebration of Walt Disney’s lifelong love and respect for nature, with some fun and even surprising accommodation types that families will find irresistible, It will give our members and guests yet another opportunity to stay in close proximity to all the newest attractions and experiences in our theme parks, and with the flexibility, value and world-class service families expect from Disney." 

As longtime readers probably already know, construction on this new hotel has already begun in backstage areas, and now that this project has been confirmed, we expect to see work become more apparent beyond the hidden former River Country site. However, even though construction is definitely going to be ramping up in the near future, we are still more than 3 years away from the opening of this new hotel, which is currently scheduled for a 2022 opening. 

Though it's exciting to have this project finally confirmed (and get the first details about the theme of this upcoming hotel), one BIG question still remains: what tier of hotel will this new location be. Though it is easy to assume, based on the proximity to the Magic Kingdom, that this will be yet another deluxe accommodation similar to other area resorts like Disney's Polynesian Village Resort or Disney's Contemporary Resort, rumors have been circulating that Disney is actually looking to expand its moderate resort offerings, and could be using this new property to bring a more budget-friendly option to the Magic Kingdom. We don't know anything for sure at this point, but hopefully as construction ramps up we'll learn more about Disney's plans for this new property. 

Are you excited for the addition of another Magic Kingdom-area hotel at Walt Disney World?