Most Disney fans already know that Walt Disney World has a lot of new attractions in the works, but guests might forget that the resort also has a lot of new hotel projects in the works too. From the boutique Star Wars-themed hotel being built alongside Star Wars Land to Disney’s Riviera Resort and expansions at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort as well as Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, Disney is adding an unprecedented number of rooms to its already impressive inventory. And though it was rumored for nearly a year, Disney has finally confirmed another impressive hotel project…
River Country will finally be demolished to make way for a new Magic Kingdom hotel
One of the most infamous locations in all of Walt Disney World is River Country, which was a well-liked water park at Walt Disney World near the Magic Kingdom, which was unceremoniously abandoned and left to rot for nearly two decades, with slides, pools, and other structures slowly being overtaken by nature.
However, though this decaying park seemed like it was going to be a permanent part of Walt Disney World, it looks like Disney is finally ready to do something with this wasted space, as Disney has confirmed that they are building a new, nature-inspired resort in this area that will open by 2022. This brand new hotel will include over 900 rooms and Disney Vacation Club villas across a unique variety of accommodation types. To celebrate the official confirmation of this project, Disney has released the following concept art of the resort below, which shows off this new project’s modern, yet natural, vibe.
With the addition of this mixed-use resort, Walt Disney World will have added a total of 1700 rooms and villas to the resort specifically for DVC, which is definitely good news for those who have invested in this program. And while this new hotel project still remains unnamed, we do know a few preliminary details about this upcoming property.
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?
