Credit: DisneyWalt Disney World has quietly extended one refurbishment in the Magic Kingdom resort area, and it will affect thousands of guests traveling to the Central Florida destination.
Across the parks at Orlando’s Walt Disney World Resort, the House of Mouse works on several new experiences for future guests. Aside from the bigger changes like the overhauls at Magic Kingdom Park, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, several more minor updates are being made resort-wide.
Disney World’s flagship park, Magic Kingdom, is heading into an exciting summer. On July 20, the debut of its new nighttime parade, Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away, will occur. This entertainment offering takes inspiration from the beloved Main Street Electrical Parade and sees floats inspired by Frozen and Tangled travel through the park.
Summer also brings a shift to Magic Kingdom’s nighttime spectacular as Happily Ever After will move from its 9:20 p.m. showtime to 10 p.m.
For those with the opportunity, staying close to Magic Kingdom is perfect for enjoying the nighttime events as travel back to the resort is often quicker, with less waiting in line for the Disney Transportation system. That said, the three Magic Kingdom resort hotels are some of the priciest on property.
From Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort to Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa and Disney’s Contemporary Resort, hotels in this area can cost up to thousands per night. And presently, there’s a number of updates happening across the portfolio.
The Grand Floridian is transforming its lobby area to feature a new bar for adult guests, while the Contemporary Resort—including the DVC Bay Lake Tower—is undergoing general refurbishment. Pool closures are also scheduled for next year.
Disney has quietly updated the refurbishment plans for the Contemporary, pushing the construction into mid-2026, where before it was scheduled to end in summer 2025. The notice on the website shows the change.
“September 2024 Through July 2026: Refurbishments will occur in select areas of Disney’s Contemporary Resort—including Bay Lake Tower,” the online warning reads. “Please allow for extra travel time. Guests may also see and hear construction during their stay.”
Due to the popularity of Disney’s Contemporary Resort, the construction extension will now affect even more vacations, changing the experience for thousands of guests–guests who are also paying top dollar for their visit to The Most Magical Place on Earth. That said, regular maintenance at the hotels is fundamental in ensuring guests get the experience they pay for.
In addition to the above notice, Disney also explains that the pool areas will undergo refurbishment in 2026.
“January 26, 2026 Through Early May 2026: The Bay Cove Pool, the Cove Bar, the water play area and the whirlpool spa at Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort will temporarily be closed for maintenance,” Disney writes. “The Bay Lake Pool, the feature pool, the water play area, and the whirlpool spa at Disney’s Contemporary Resort will remain open for Guests to enjoy.”
A stay at Disney’s Contemporary Resort is not just good for proximity to the iconic Magic Kingdom Park but also for its nostalgia and signature dining options.
As one of Walt Disney World’s opening day resorts, Disney’s Contemporary Resort holds a unique place in the legacy of the Vacation Kingdom. Debuting on October 1, 1971, the same day as Magic Kingdom, this iconic hotel is instantly recognizable thanks to its bold A-frame design—a futuristic structure that still feels ahead of its time more than 50 years later.
Dining at the Contemporary is just as memorable. The acclaimed California Grill, perched atop the resort, delivers fine dining with panoramic views and a nightly vantage point for the Happily Ever After fireworks. Downstairs, families can meet classic characters at Chef Mickey’s, one of Walt Disney World’s most popular character dining experiences.
How do you feel about this extended refurbishment at Disney’s Contemporary Resort? Let Inside the Magic know in the comments down below!