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Disney’s Lakeshore Lodge will open on July 1, 2027, and the first cash reservations begin in October 2026. The practical question is not simply whether to book the newest Walt Disney World resort, but which of its many room types fits your group—and whether you are booking with cash or waiting for Disney Vacation Club points.
Updated August 28: Eligible Disney Vacation Club members can book a four-day, three-night “First Wave” stay for June 24–27, 2027—before the resort officially opens July 1. Event booking begins November 7 at 10 a.m. Eastern, while ordinary cash-booking windows still begin October 6–8.
In This Article
- The June 24–27 DVC First Wave experience
- The July 1, 2027 opening date
- October cash-booking windows and November event booking
- First Wave points and package inclusions
- Room types for parties of two to 12
- What to compare before booking
Disney Lakeshore Lodge Opens July 1, 2027
The 967-room resort is rising along Bay Lake near Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground. Disney has moved beyond the earlier “summer 2027” window and set July 1 as the first official arrival date.
This is the largest piece of new information since Disney revealed the resort’s restaurants, lobby, and fireworks lounge. Guests can review those plans in our Lakeshore Lodge dining and lobby overview.
The October 2026 Booking Calendar
- October 6: Disney Vacation Club members can make cash reservations by phone.
- October 7: Walt Disney World Annual Passholders can make cash reservations by phone.
- October 8: Cash reservations open to all guests online and by phone.
The word cash matters here. These early windows do not mean members can reserve with DVC points on October 6. Disney says points reservations will open later, but it has not released that date or the resort’s point charts.
Opening-night demand will likely be stronger than a typical July stay, especially for the limited waterfront accommodations. That is a planning expectation, not a confirmed sellout forecast. Guests who are flexible should compare the opening period against later dates once prices and discounts become available.
DVC First Wave Arrives Before Opening Day
The member-exclusive First Wave experience runs June 24 through June 27, 2027. It is a four-day, three-night package, not an ordinary room-only reservation. Booking opens November 7, 2026 at 10 a.m. Eastern through Member Services for Disney Vacation Club members who qualify for Membership Extras.
- A three-day Walt Disney World ticket with Park Hopper for each guest age 3 and older
- Dinner at Moonglade, breakfast at Pioneer Hall, and dinner at Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue
- A $200 Disney Dining Promo Card for each guest age 3 and older
- Insights into the making of Lakeshore Lodge and commemorative keepsakes
The chart includes the first two guests in each accommodation. Those first two guests must be paid with Reservation Points. Additional guests can be paid with either cash or Reservation Points, but the two methods cannot be combined for one person.
| First Wave accommodation | Maximum occupancy | Points for first two guests |
|---|---|---|
| Duo Studio | 2 | 184 |
| Deluxe Studio — Resort View | 4 | 196 |
| Resort Studio — Preferred View | 4 | 198 |
| Deluxe Studio — Preferred View | 4 | 200 |
| Deluxe Studio — Premium View | 4 | 216 |
| One-Bedroom Villa — Resort View | 5 | 248 |
| One-Bedroom Villa — Preferred View | 5 | 260 |
| One-Bedroom Villa — Premium View | 5 | 308 |
| Two-Bedroom Villa — Preferred View | 9 | 336 |
| Two-Bedroom Villa — Premium View | 9 | 420 |
| Three-Bedroom Grand Villa | 12 | 532 |
| One-Bedroom Lake House | 5 | 424 |
| Two-Bedroom Lake House | 8 | 524 |
An additional guest age 10 or older costs 68 points or $1,349; a child age 3–9 costs 50 points or $999. Eligible members may book up to two rooms per membership, the Rule of Four does not apply, and a waitlist is available if the event sells out.
See the First Wave Announcement
Room Types Range From Two to 12 Guests
| Room type | Sleeps | Theme or defining feature |
|---|---|---|
| Duo studio | 2 | Encanto |
| Resort studio king | 2 | Pocahontas |
| Deluxe studio | 4 | Bambi |
| Resort studio | 4 | Pocahontas |
| One-bedroom villa | 5 | Bambi; kitchen and laundry |
| One-bedroom Lake House | 5 | Brother Bear; waterfront porch |
| Hidden Willow Presidential Suite | 6 | Two bedrooms and Artist’s Nest access |
| Two-bedroom Lake House | 8 | Brother Bear; waterfront porch |
| Two-bedroom villa | 9 | Bambi; kitchen and laundry |
| Three-bedroom grand villa | 12 | Fantasia; Bay Lake views |
The capacity number is only a starting point. A party of four may prefer a one-bedroom villa for the kitchen and washer-dryer, while a couple may prioritize a king bed or the smallest studio. Compare the usable layout and amenities before choosing the room with the highest headline capacity.
The Lake Houses Are the Big New Option
The freestanding one- and two-bedroom Lake Houses will sit along Bay Lake with A-frame architecture, floor-to-ceiling windows, private waterfront porches, full kitchens, and washers and dryers. The one-bedroom version sleeps five; the two-bedroom version sleeps eight.
Inside, Brother Bear artwork connects the rooms to nature and discovery, while a Northern Lights-inspired fixture will illuminate the primary bedroom after dark. These accommodations are likely to appeal to guests who value privacy and a direct connection to the lake more than being close to a hotel corridor.
Club Level and the Presidential Suite
Guests in select club-level resort rooms will have access to The Artist’s Nest, a concierge lounge above the treetops with refreshments, personalized service, and views of Magic Kingdom fireworks. Disney has not yet published the eligible room inventory or price premium.
The Hidden Willow Presidential Suite sleeps six with two bedrooms, two full bathrooms, a full kitchen, laundry, Bay Lake views, and Artist’s Nest access. It is the most elaborate option announced, but price—not capacity—will determine whether it makes sense compared with two villas or multiple studios.
What to Compare Before You Book
- Cash or points: October’s ordinary booking dates are for cash stays; standard DVC points details remain pending. First Wave is a separate November 7 event booking with its own points chart.
- Real party needs: A kitchen, laundry, separate bedrooms, and outdoor space may matter more than maximum occupancy.
- Transportation: Disney says resort guests will receive complimentary transportation, but travelers should wait for the detailed route and operating information before building a park plan around it.
- Opening-period tradeoffs: A first stay offers novelty, but a later visit may bring more operational history and potential discounts.
- Whole-resort fit: Compare the room with the Lakeshore Lodge pool and recreation plans and the rest of our Disney World resort guide.
Disney Lakeshore Lodge FAQ
When does Disney’s Lakeshore Lodge open?
The resort is scheduled to open July 1, 2027, at Walt Disney World.
When can anyone book a Lakeshore Lodge room?
Cash reservations open to all guests online and by phone on October 8, 2026. DVC members and Annual Passholders receive earlier phone-booking windows on October 6 and 7.
Can DVC members book with points on October 6?
Not based on the current announcement. October 6 is an early cash-booking date for DVC members. Disney will announce the points-booking date later.
What is the largest announced room?
The three-bedroom grand villa sleeps up to 12 guests. The new two-bedroom Lake House sleeps eight.
Who can book the First Wave stay?
Disney Vacation Club members eligible for Membership Extras can book beginning November 7, 2026 at 10 a.m. Eastern, subject to availability.
Does the First Wave chart include park tickets and dining?
Yes. It is a four-day, three-night package with three-day Park Hopper tickets, three included meals, a $200 dining card per guest age 3 and older, resort insights, and keepsakes.
Are ordinary opening rates available?
Disney has not published standard opening cash rates or the standard DVC point chart. The separate First Wave event chart is available.
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