Project 89 to Be a “Nature Inspired” Resort

Back in August, we heard new rumors of a ” large-scale themed hotel and timeshare resort”, referred to as Project 89, being be built in the location of River Country, Disney’s first water park.  Disney has now confirmed this to be true.  The resort, which is expected to open in 2022, will have a “nature inspired” theme and will reside between Disney’s Fort Wilderness Campgrounds and Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort.  It will boast 900 rooms and villas and share a shoreline on Bay Lake, making it the newest resort in the Magic Kingdom Park Area.

Terri Schultz, senior vice president, and general manager of Disney Vacation Club was quoted as saying, “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.”

Discovery Island on Bay Lake, Walt Disney World Resort

It sounds to me like the new resort theme is a nod to Discovery Island which is located directly across from the shores of the new resort’s location.  Discovery Island, which opened as Treasure Island in 1974, was recognized as a zoological park where guests could take a boat ride over to spend the day observing wildlife and nature until it’s closure in 1999.