Credit: Will Bostwick, FlickrWalt Disney World Resort has shed some light on upcoming construction work at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, one of its most popular Deluxe Resort hotels and Disney Vacation Club (DVC) destinations.
On August 11, 2025, Walt Disney Imagineering filed a “Notice of Commencement” for construction work at 2901 Osceola Parkway, Bay Lake, Florida–the address of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. The document lists JCQ Services, Inc., as the contractor for a “general construction” project at the Deluxe Disney Resort hotel. The business previously worked on an overhaul at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campgrounds.
Walt Disney World Resort recently announced a lengthy room refurbishment project for the Kidani Village and Jambo House sections of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. Crews also began refurbishing the Zebra Trail Terrace area at Jambo House on July 7, 2025. Work is expected to wrap up in September.
The Kidani Village room refresh will begin in October 2025 and last until May 2026. It will include repainting and installing new furniture, lighting, flooring, and other fixtures. The Jambo House rooms will undergo the same upgrades from May 2026 through January 2027.
Walt Disney World Resort hasn’t confirmed whether the Notice of Commencement filed on Monday is related to the previously announced Zebra Trail Terrace, Kidani Village, and Jambo House refurbishment projects. However, given the permit’s timing and expiration date: August 11, 2026, it’s likely.
Construction crews try their best to minimize disruption to Disney Resort hotel guests, but visitors will likely notice some minor changes at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge as the work continues through early 2027.
On the official booking page for Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, Walt Disney World Resort warns prospective guests that they may “see or hear construction work taking place in the area” during the Zebra Trail Terrace refurbishment, which will conclude sometime in mid-September 2025.
During the Kidani Village and Jambo House room upgrades, Walt Disney World Resort states that “all amenities will remain available during these times, but guests may see or hear construction work.”
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