While riding some of the wonderful Magic Kingdom area watercraft recently, we decided to point the camera in the direction of the not-so-secret restart of a 10-story hotel at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort. Reflections – A Disney Lakeside Lodge was originally announced in October 2018, with a scheduled opening in 2022. Of course, plans stalled due to COVID-19, but recent permit developments and construction have shown that the project is back on.

“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,” said Terri Schultz, senior vice president and general manager of Disney Vacation Club. “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.”

While it’s unknown if this project will keep all of the “Reflections” naming and theming, we can all but confirm that the footprint of the hotel will be the same as previously permitted thanks to aerial photos from last month.

Back to our recent tour of Bay Lake via Disney water taxi, here’s a look at the construction site, which currently has three large cranes and a number of vertical walls under construction. This project is very much back on and we anticipate that Disney will officially announce their current plans either next month with the completion of the Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, or sometime next year.

Our coverage occasionally includes looks at the site from Disney’s Contemporary Resort, but this article will exclusively have photos from the watercraft traveling along Bay Lake.

As we get closer to the site, a clearing in the trees offers a look at the extensive vertical construction taking place to give the building a solid foundation. Basically, a sea of rebar is shaped into vertical concrete columns and pre-cast walls to create the first floor of this 10-story hotel.

A second vantage point closer to the Fort Wilderness dock shows other walls and columns under construction on the northwest side of the site.

As always, keep checking back with us here at BlogMickey.com as we continue to bring you the latest news, photos, and info from around the Disney Parks!