Episode 693
Disney's Next Big Resort & The Park Bench That Started It All
What does Disney's newest resort have in common with a simple wooden park bench where Walt Disney once sat watching his daughters ride a merry-go-round?
Both tell fascinating stories about Disney's past, present, and future!
This week on the Geekin' on Walt Disney World Podcast, Curtis Stone is trying something new — his very first solo episode!
We're introducing two new segments: Disney Crystal Ball, exploring what's coming to Walt Disney World, and Walt's World, sharing the stories, dreams, and inspiration behind Walt Disney himself.
And we're kicking things off with two great topics: Disney's upcoming Lakeshore Lodge and the remarkable story of a father, his daughters, and the park bench that helped inspire Disneyland.
👑 Plan Your Next Vacation With the Travelin' Tiaras!
Thinking about your next Disney vacation or a visit to Universal's Epic Universe?
Curtis's wife Margita and Auntie Judy are the Travelin' Tiaras, your trusted vacation planners!
They can help you plan:
- Walt Disney World and Disneyland vacations
- Disney Cruise Line adventures
- Universal Orlando and Epic Universe
- Cruises, all-inclusive resorts, and other destinations
Already booked? You may be able to transfer your reservation and still receive their expert planning advice and support.
Booking or transferring your vacation through the Travelin' Tiaras is a wonderful way to support the podcast!
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🔮 Disney Crystal Ball: A Deep Dive Into Lakeshore Lodge
Disney's newest Deluxe Villa Resort, Lakeshore Lodge, is scheduled to open July 1, 2027, along the shores of Bay Lake near Magic Kingdom.
Curtis shares his research into this exciting new resort, including its accommodations, restaurants, recreational experiences, and unique location near Fort Wilderness.
🏨 What We Explore
- 967 announced accommodations — and how Lakeshore Lodge compares with Saratoga Springs, Old Key West, and other Disney Vacation Club resorts
- Unique room themes inspired by Pocahontas, Bambi, Encanto, Brother Bear, and Fantasia
- Waterfront lake houses and the luxurious Hidden Willow Presidential Suite
- Lakeshore Lagoon and Daydream River — featuring a zero-entry pool, water slide, and lazy river
- New dining experiences including Moonglade, Paint Out Point Bar & Grill, Bay Lake Provisions, and Branch and Brush
- Magic Kingdom fireworks and the Electrical Water Pageant from the Bay Lake shoreline
- Special opening experiences for DVC members, including dining, park tickets, and commemorative experiences
Curtis also discusses why the resort's outdoor spaces, nature-inspired design, and waterfront lounges have him particularly excited.
And here's something interesting: Lakeshore Lodge is being built on property once associated with River Country, Walt Disney World's original water park!
Could this become one of Disney World's most desirable resorts?
🎠 Walt's World: The Park Bench That Helped Inspire Disneyland
For our first Walt's World segment, we're traveling back to Griffith Park in Los Angeles.
Picture Walt Disney sitting on a wooden park bench, eating peanuts while watching his daughters Diane and Sharon enjoy the merry-go-round.
Walt loved these outings with his girls, but he began imagining something different.
What if there were a place where parents and children could have fun together, instead of adults simply watching from the sidelines?
That simple idea became an important part of Walt's vision for Disneyland.
Curtis explores:
- Walt's special "Daddy's Day" outings with his daughters
- The Griffith Park carousel and the famous park bench
- How Walt imagined a different kind of family amusement park
- The creativity, engineering, and determination required to build Disneyland
- The opening of Disneyland on July 17, 1955
- Why Walt's original vision still matters to families today
And now, as a grandfather, Curtis reflects on how meaningful those shared family experiences become as the years go by.
Sometimes the greatest memories aren't about which attraction you rode.
They're about who was sitting next to you.
❤️ It's Always About the People
Whether we're talking about a beautiful new Disney resort or the dreams of Walt Disney himself, there's a common thread running through this episode.
Disney gives families and friends opportunities to spend time together, share experiences, and create memories that last for generations.
And sometimes the biggest dreams begin with the simplest moments.
💬 Join the Geekin' Conversation!
We'd love to hear your thoughts on this week's episode!
Are you excited about Lakeshore Lodge? Would you stay there instead of Wilderness Lodge or the Polynesian?
What did you think about Walt's park bench story?
And how do you like our new Disney Crystal Ball and Walt's World segments?
Come join the conversation in our Geekin' on Walt Disney World Facebook group!
Have a Disney vacation story or trip report you'd love to share? We'd love to have you as a guest on the podcast!
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We appreciate every one of you!
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Keep taking care of each other, have a magical day, and may all your dreams come true!
