“Worrisome” Disney Hotel Statement Has 2025 Vacations in Jeopardy

When you think of Disney World hotels, you probably imagine grand lobbies, immersive themes, and service that wraps you up in magic before you even set foot inside the parks. That’s the dream, and for the most part, it’s the reality. But Disney’s latest updates about two of its most popular resorts are raising eyebrows—and not in the way executives probably hoped.

Disney recently confirmed that guests booking rooms at the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa or Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground should brace for some noticeable changes. The statement wasn’t exactly sugar-coated, and it’s fair to say that many fans see it as “worrisome” for anyone expecting the usual postcard-perfect experience.

The Grand Floridian’s Ongoing Turmoil

The Grand Floridian is supposed to be Disney’s crown jewel—the hotel where luxury meets fairy tale. Guests pay premium prices here, not just for the rooms, but for the atmosphere. The lobby, with its sweeping ceilings and nightly music, is often considered the beating heart of the resort.

But right now? That heart is hidden behind construction walls. Disney is in the middle of a massive lobby refurbishment that will stretch all the way into at least November 2025.

During the day, the noise of construction and the rerouted walkways are hard to ignore. And perhaps the biggest blow for returning guests is the announcement that the Grand Floridian Gingerbread House, a beloved holiday tradition, will not be returning this year. For families who book this resort specifically for those Christmas memories, this is a huge disappointment.

Disney did try to soften the blow by reminding guests that most construction halts in the evening hours, meaning dinner reservations and evening cocktails should still feel serene. Still, it’s tough to ignore that the very thing that makes this resort “grand” is currently a work zone.

Fort Wilderness and the Battle for Peace

Over at Fort Wilderness, the concerns aren’t about interior ambiance—it’s about the view. For decades, this campground has been the antidote to Disney World’s hustle and bustle. Guests come here to hear crickets instead of crowds and to trade neon lights for campfires.

But across the lake, construction on Disney’s Lakeshore Lodge has roared back to life. Cranes and scaffolding are now part of the once-tranquil skyline. For a resort that sells itself on peace and quiet, that’s a tough image shift.

To make matters trickier, the large-scale project has brought occasional detours and rerouted walkways inside Fort Wilderness. Guests might still enjoy horseback riding, fishing, and the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue, but the overall escape-from-it-all vibe feels compromised.

Why This Statement Feels Different

Disney is no stranger to renovations. Fans are used to seeing attractions and resorts undergo periodic facelifts. But the way this statement landed felt different because of timing and tone. Instead of quietly making changes, Disney acknowledged that experiences at these resorts will be impacted—and in some cases, traditions are temporarily canceled.

That transparency is good, but it also highlights just how disruptive these refurbishments might be. For guests spending thousands on a once-in-a-lifetime trip, it’s not exactly comforting to hear “expect walls, cranes, and missing holiday favorites.”

Should You Still Book?

The truth is, these hotels aren’t unlivable. Rooms, pools, and dining remain open at the Grand Floridian. Fort Wilderness still offers its rustic charm and beloved activities. But whether you should book depends on what you value most.

• If holiday ambiance and a serene lobby are on your must-have list, you may want to skip the Grand Floridian until 2026.

• If the natural, quiet vibe of Fort Wilderness is what draws you in, consider waiting until the Lakeshore Lodge project is further along.

Disney has dozens of other resort options, from the colorful Art of Animation Resort to the immersive Animal Kingdom Lodge, where the most intrusive sights are giraffes walking past your balcony.

The Bigger Picture

Disney’s hotel refurbishments reflect a wider trend: the company is juggling progress with preservation. New projects like Lakeshore Lodge are meant to expand offerings and attract future guests, while refurbishments keep aging resorts fresh. But the short-term guest experience often pays the price.

This latest statement is worrisome because it shows the reality that, for the next year or more, some of Disney’s most iconic hotels won’t look—or feel—like the glossy brochures.

Every Closure Inside of Disney World

Here’s a look at what else is currently closed or under refurbishment across Disney World, according to the 2025–2026 refurbishment calendar:

Magic Kingdom

• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad – Closed until 2026

• Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin – Closed until 2026

• Liberty Square Riverboat – Permanently closed

• Tom Sawyer Island – Permanently closed

• Walt Disney World Railroad – Operating in shuttle mode

EPCOT

• Spaceship Earth – Closed August 25, 2025, reopening TBD

• ¡Celebración Encanto! – Extended indefinitely

Animal Kingdom

• DINOSAUR – Closure coming in 2026, potentially in January

• It’s Tough to Be a Bug – Permanently closed

• The Boneyard – Permanently closing September 2, 2025

• TriceraTop Spin – Permanently closed

• Zootopia: Better Zoogether – Opening November 7, 2025

Hollywood Studios

• Disney Jr. Play and Dance! – Permanently closing in September 

• Star Wars Launch Bay – Permanently closing September 25, 2025

• Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith – Closing in 2026 for Muppets re-theme

• MuppetVision 3D, PizzeRizzo, Mama Melrose’s – Permanently closed

Outside the Parks

• Disney Skyliner – Closed January 25–31, 2026 for refurbishment

• Blizzard Beach – Closing September 8, 2025 (will likely reopen when Typhoon Lagoon closes in November)