Disney Experiences brought a piece of its next Walt Disney World resort to New York City today. On October 2, 2026, a 3D street mural inspired by Disney’s Lakeshore Lodge appeared in Flatiron Plaza, giving passersby a chance to step into the scene before the resort opens next summer. Here is a look at the installation, the artist behind it, and what the activation tells us about the upcoming Disney Vacation Club property.
Where to Find the Mural and When
The installation sits at the corner of 23rd Street and 5th Avenue in Flatiron Plaza. It is open for a single day, running from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on October 2, 2026.
If you happen to be in Manhattan during those hours, you can stop by to take photos and video of yourself as part of the artwork. The timing is tight, so this is very much a one-day event rather than a lasting fixture in the plaza.
A Street Mural Built Around Daydream River
The mural draws its inspiration from Daydream River, the lazy river planned for the resort’s pool and recreation area known as The Wetlands. Disney describes the artwork as a preview of the resort’s relaxing signature experiences.
The design reads as a ribbon of blue water flowing down the plaza, with rock formations lining the banks and a waterfall at the far end. Orange and white inflatable tubes branded with the Lakeshore Lodge name sit on the painted water, and visitors can climb in to pose as if they are drifting along. A turf lounge with an A-frame Lakeshore Lodge sign sits beside the scene, while the Flatiron Building rises in the background to complete the setting.
The Artist Behind the Artwork
The mural was created by Tracy Lee Stum, an American street muralist known for colorful, interactive 3D chalk art. Her work has earned recognition around the world over the course of her career.
Among her accolades is a 2006 Guinness World Record for the largest chalk painting by an individual. That background fits the goal of this installation, which relies on perspective and detail to make a flat sidewalk look like a flowing river that guests can appear to step into.
A Closer Look at Disney’s Lakeshore Lodge
Disney’s Lakeshore Lodge is set to open on July 1, 2027, as a waterfront retreat along the shores of Bay Lake. It will be the eighteenth Disney Vacation Club property, placed between Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort at the former site of the River Country water park.
The resort celebrates the beauty of nature through Disney storytelling, with design influences drawn from films like Bambi, Pocahontas, Encanto, and Brother Bear. It will offer 967 rooms, ranging from studios and villas to new one- and two-bedroom waterfront Lake Houses. Rooms are planned to feature natural materials, earthy color palettes, and original artwork tied to classic films set outdoors, and the resort will sit just a boat ride from Magic Kingdom.
The Three-Phase Reservation Timeline
Cash reservations open in stages beginning the week after the New York activation, and Disney Vacation Club Members get the first opportunity. Here is how the schedule breaks down:
- October 6: DVC Members can reserve by contacting Member Services at (800) 800-9800.
- October 7: Walt Disney World Annual Passholders can reserve by calling (407) 934-7639.
- October 8: All guests can reserve online, by phone at (407) 934-7639, or through a travel agent.
This staggered approach gives each group a clear starting point. For members weighing a stay, it is worth noting that details on booking with DVC points and purchasing points in the new resort are expected at a later date.
Final Thoughts
The Flatiron Plaza mural is a short-lived promotion, but it offers an early, hands-on taste of what Disney’s Lakeshore Lodge aims to deliver when it opens on July 1, 2027. With a nature-forward theme, 967 rooms along Bay Lake, and a reservation window that puts DVC Members first on October 6, the resort is moving into its next phase. Whether or not you can make it to New York today, the activation is a sign that booking season is nearly here.
Written by
Rachel Van Norman
Contributing Writer
Rachel fell deeply in love with all things Disney as a little girl. Now as a wife and a mother herself, she shares this Disney obsession with her son and everyone around her. From her love of princesses to eating all the Disney food, Rachel spends her time radiating Disney magic and keeping everyone up to date on Disney news.
