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!

📧 [email protected]

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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 Wa