Credit: DisneyDisney World is officially planning a major refurbishment, but it’s probably not what you expect.
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While rides like Pirates of the Caribbean and Haunted Mansion are the “bread and butter” of a trip to Walt Disney World, one of the most important elements is choosing where guests will lay their heads at night. Hotels can often make or break a vacation, as they are the first thing guests see when they wake up and are the last thing they see before going to sleep.
Walt Disney World has dozens of hotels for travelers to choose from, ranging from luxurious suites to wallet-friendly studio rooms. Some of Disney World’s most popular and famous hotels include the Polynesian and Contemporary Resorts, as well as Disney’s All-Star and Pop Century Resorts.
However, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is one of the most unique hotels offered on property, or really anywhere in the country, allowing guests to explore nature and observe wildlife right from their room.
Over the years, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge has received various refreshes and updates, with a new large scale refurbishment now on the horizon.
Disney World Confirms Animal Kingdom Lodge Refurbishment
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Starting in October 2025, Disney will begin a months-long renovation project for Kidani Village at Animal Kingdom Lodge. This work will continue through May 2026.
After the completion of the Kidani Village side, work will pick up at Jambo House. This portion of the renovation will last through January 2027. Disney has confirmed that no hotel amenities, such as the pool, dining options, or recreational activities, will be affected during the refurbishment.
Animal Kingdom Lodge opened in 2001, just a few years after Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park.
It’s unclear what guests can expect from this renovation, as Disney has shared few details. Disney does state that guests staying at Animal Kingdom Lodge during this time may hear or see construction work during daytime hours.
Other refurbishments are continuing across various other Disney World Resort hotels, including at Pop Century, which is set to get a lobby refresh. Work also continues on the ongoing renovation of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, one of three hotels connected to Walt Disney World’s Monorail system.
Have you stayed at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Resort? What is your favorite Disney World hotel?