These 2 Maps Show the Fate of Magic Kingdom Hotels

Big changes are coming to the Magic Kingdom resort area.

On top of all the changes coming to the Disney World parks, Disney is in the process of building a brand-new Disney Vacation Club (DVC) resort, Lakeshore Lodge, and its location is shaking up the hotel landscape near Magic Kingdom. Now, around these parts, we like a good map to clarify things. To that end, we’ve got two maps for you that show exactly where Lakeshore Lodge is being built and what that means for its neighbors.

The Magic Kingdom Resort Area Is Expanding

If you’ve ever stayed at one of Disney’s Magic Kingdom resorts, you know how valuable that proximity to the park can be. Until now, the classic resort lineup included the Contemporary Resort, Grand Floridian Resort, Polynesian Village Resort, and Wilderness Lodge. These hotels offer unique themes and deluxe amenities while being just a monorail, boat, or short bus ride away from the Magic Kingdom’s gates.

Now, Disney is adding Lakeshore Lodge, a brand-new DVC resort, to this list.

©Disney

The first map we’re sharing shows just where this resort is being placed in relation to Magic Kingdom and the surrounding hotels.

As you can see, Lakeshore Lodge will be nestled along the shores of Bay Lake, across the water from the Contemporary Resort and just beyond Wilderness Lodge. This location puts it in a prime spot for scenic lake views and convenient park access via boat transportation. However, it’s not just Magic Kingdom access that makes this new resort interesting – it’s also the close ties it will have with Fort Wilderness.

A Fort Wilderness Neighbor

The second map zooms in closer to show Lakeshore Lodge’s proximity to Fort Wilderness, and it’s closer than you might think!

Lakeshore Lodge right next to Fort Wilderness

Fort Wilderness is known for its rustic, camping-inspired atmosphere, with cabins, campsites, and tons of outdoor activities. Two of the most iconic spots at Fort Wilderness, the Tri-Circle-D Ranch barn and Pioneer Hall (home of the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue), are just a short walk away from where Lakeshore Lodge is being built.

Pioneer Hall at Disney’s Fort Wilderness

This means guests staying at Lakeshore Lodge might end up having easy access to some of the best entertainment and recreation options at Disney World. Want to catch a live dinner show at Hoop-Dee-Doo Revue? It’ll be right down the way.

Interested in horseback riding or visiting the famous Disney horses at Tri-Circle-D Ranch? That’s only a few steps away. This is definitely going to be a unique placement for this new DVC resort.

What This Means for Magic Kingdom Hotels

So, what does the addition of Lakeshore Lodge mean for the Magic Kingdom resort lineup? For one, it increases competition for that highly coveted lakeside real estate. Guests who might have booked Wilderness Lodge for its secluded, woodsy feel now have another option with a similar aesthetic but in a slightly different location. Plus, it offers a new option for DVC members who want that Magic Kingdom-area stay without choosing one of the monorail resorts.

Another major change is how it may impact Fort Wilderness. While Fort Wilderness has traditionally been separate from the deluxe resort experience, Lakeshore Lodge might blur that line. Will we see more enhancements and updates at Fort Wilderness as a result? Only time will tell.

The Future of Magic Kingdom’s Hotel Landscape

While the monorail loop resorts will always be a favorite for their direct park access, this new addition offers something different – a peaceful lakeside retreat with, potentially, a touch of Fort Wilderness charm.