Credit: DisneyPlanning a Disney World vacation always comes with dozens of choices, and one of the biggest is deciding where to stay. Disney’s hotels aren’t just a place to sleep—they’re a big part of the experience.
From themed décor to resort-exclusive perks, guests often pick their accommodations as carefully as they pick which park to visit first. And now, Disney has confirmed that hotel rooms will be changing starting in 2026, with new categories and major refurbishments on the horizon.
New Room Categories at Moderate Resorts
For guests who prefer the Moderate Resorts—like Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, Coronado Springs, and the two Port Orleans Resorts—things are about to get a little easier. Disney is simplifying the room categories at these hotels, rolling them into three main types: Standard Room, Preferred Room, and King Bed Room. That’s a big shift away from the more complicated naming system guests have had to sift through before.
Certain resorts will still keep their unique offerings—like the Royal Guest Rooms at Port Orleans Riverside—but overall, the move seems designed to take some of the stress out of booking. If you’ve ever found yourself confused by a long list of categories, this update will probably feel like a breath of fresh air.
Refurbishments Across Popular Resorts
Along with the new categories, guests can expect some serious refurbishments in 2025 and 2026. Here’s a breakdown of what’s coming:
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Port Orleans Riverside – Magnolia Bend rooms will be refurbished from May 2025 through February 2026.
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Pop Century Resort – Guest rooms will see upgrades from March 2025 through mid-February 2026.
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Animal Kingdom Lodge – Kidani Village will undergo refurbishments from October 2025 through May 2026, followed by Jambo House from May 2026 through January 2027.
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Copper Creek Villas & Cabins – Work began in May 2025 and is expected to wrap up in September 2025, meaning fresh new rooms will be waiting for 2026 visitors.
Disney has noted that while construction is ongoing, guests may occasionally see or hear it. However, because these resorts are spread out, the work shouldn’t cause major disruptions for most stays.
What This Means for Your Trip
If you’re planning to visit Disney World in 2026, these updates could impact your decision on where to stay. The good news? By the time many travelers arrive, the refurbishments will be finished, giving them a chance to enjoy upgraded rooms and streamlined booking options.
It’s also worth noting that Disney continues to focus on simplifying the vacation experience. Between clearer room categories and fresher accommodations, the goal seems to be making hotel stays more convenient and enjoyable for families.
Things You Didn’t Know About Staying at a Disney Resort
Staying on property comes with some surprising perks and little extras that many guests don’t realize until they’re already there. These can make your trip smoother, more affordable, and a lot more fun.
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Free Water Park Access on Check-In Day
A hidden perk that many first-timers miss: when you check in to your Disney Resort, you can use your arrival day to head straight to Blizzard Beach or Typhoon Lagoon — assuming they’re open — without buying a separate ticket. It’s a perfect way to kick off your vacation if you’re arriving midday and don’t want to waste a park ticket. -
Transportation is Built Into the Experience
Whether it’s the Skyliner gliding over EPCOT, the monorail zipping toward Magic Kingdom, or buses running nonstop to every corner of the resort, transportation is a huge benefit of staying at Disney. You don’t have to worry about parking fees at the parks, and you get dropped off closer than most off-site guests ever will.
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Hidden Gem Restaurants Are Steps Away
You don’t have to be in the parks to find incredible food. Disney hotels have some of the best “hidden gem” restaurants on property. Think boatwright-style comfort food at Port Orleans Riverside, family-style BBQ at Whispering Canyon Café, or even the fan-favorite Tonga Toast at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. Many resort restaurants are less crowded than park dining, which makes them a great alternative. -
Recreation Beyond the Parks
From campfire sing-alongs at Fort Wilderness to movies under the stars at Pop Century, there are plenty of activities that don’t require a park ticket. Some Deluxe Resorts even offer guided tours, fitness classes, or wildlife viewing. -
Extra Park Perks
Guests staying at Disney resorts get early entry to the parks every day, and those at Deluxe Resorts or Villas often get extended evening hours on select nights. These time slots can make a massive difference in how much you’re able to ride.
Looking Ahead
Disney hotel changes don’t happen overnight, and the company usually spaces out projects to minimize guest disruption. Still, 2026 is shaping up to be a big year for Disney hotels, especially if you’re eyeing a Moderate Resort or one of the refurbished Deluxe Villas. Whether you’re a returning guest or visiting for the first time, these updates could make your stay feel brand new.
So, as you start planning your Disney trip for 2026, keep these changes in mind. A little research ahead of time could mean staying in one of the first refreshed rooms—or simply avoiding construction altogether. Either way, Disney is making sure its resorts continue to be as magical as the parks themselves.