Credit: DisneyIf it feels like Disney World is changing by the minute, that’s because it is. From massive attraction overhauls to brand-new themed lands, the resort is entering a full-blown transformation phase. These updates are exciting… but they can also catch guests off guard. And if you’re not careful, they can wreck your entire trip.
The parks aren’t the only places under construction anymore. Disney is quietly turning its attention to something a little more personal: its hotels. And for guests with 2026 trips planned, that means you could find yourself in the middle of a construction zone without even realizing it.
Why Disney Guests Care About Where They Stay
For many Disney fans, the hotel isn’t just a place to sleep — it’s a big part of the vacation itself. Guests choose Disney resorts because of their themed atmospheres, immersive storytelling, transportation perks, and proximity to the parks.
Staying “in the bubble” comes with certain expectations: a little magic, a lot of convenience, and ideally, no unexpected disruptions. But if your favorite pool is drained, pathways are rerouted, or your building is wrapped in scaffolding, that bubble starts to pop fast.
And since hotel renovations are now being added to the existing park construction, 2026 is shaping up to be a challenging year to plan.
Parks Are Transforming Fast
Before we dive into the hotel list, it’s worth remembering what’s happening in the parks themselves. Disney is preparing for a new era of attractions and entertainment.
Over at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, significant changes are underway. Construction is moving forward on the long-rumored Monsters Inc. Land. It’s expected to draw huge crowds and reshape the park’s flow.
Magic Kingdom isn’t sitting still either. The park will soon feature two brand-new lands: Piston Peak, inspired by Planes: Fire & Rescue (2014), and a long-anticipated Villains Land, which fans have been eagerly awaiting for years.
Animal Kingdom is slowly dissolving its DinoLand area, which is being transformed into Tropical Americas — a lush new land expected to breathe fresh life into the park.
And EPCOT, after years of heavy construction, is finally coming out the other side. Spaceship Earth reopened recently with upgraded systems, including new fire detection tech. At the same time, Test Track has returned with a bold reimagining that pays tribute to its original World of Motion roots.
It’s clear Disney is setting the stage for a massive new chapter. However, the changes don’t stop at park gates — they’re also spreading across the resort hotels.
Disney Turns Its Focus to Hotels
With construction cranes already dotting the skyline, Disney has started moving its chess pieces around its resort hotels. And while some projects are well-publicized, others are much more subtle — and can easily surprise guests who don’t plan ahead.
Here’s a look at the major hotel renovation projects confirmed or expected to impact vacations in 2026.
Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Disney’s Contemporary Resort — one of the original hotels that opened with Magic Kingdom — has been undergoing refurbishment for some time. Initially planned to wrap in 2025, the work has now been extended through July 2026.
This includes updates to Bay Lake Tower and convention areas, as well as a scheduled closure of the pool and water play area from late January to early May 2026. While the main pool at the Contemporary will remain open, guests can expect to encounter construction walls, noise, and some areas will be roped off.
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort & Polynesian Villas and Bungalows
The Polynesian is a fan favorite — and is currently undergoing long-term refurbishment. Disney is continuing its updates here through 2026, with work affecting both the main resort and the Disney Vacation Club bungalows.
While Disney hasn’t specified an exact end date, expect ongoing construction, occasional closures of specific pathways or amenities, and periodic noise disturbances. The upside? Once complete, this resort is set to shine again.
Disney’s Pop Century Resort
Pop Century is a go-to for families who want fun theming without deluxe pricing. But in early 2026, you might encounter a few hiccups.
Room refurbishments commenced in March 2025 and are anticipated to continue through February 2026. Although this is toward the tail end of the timeline, construction crews and sections of buildings may still be closed during your stay.
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside
Port Orleans has a devoted fan base thanks to its laid-back, Southern charm. Refurbishments in the Magnolia Bend section commenced in spring 2025 and are scheduled for completion in January 2026.
That’s good news for guests arriving later in the year — but if your trip falls in early 2026, you might still run into minor disruptions or finishing work.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
Animal Kingdom Lodge is scheduled for two phases of work. Kidani Village refurbishments will run from October 2025 through May 2026, followed by Jambo House from May 2026 through early 2027.
Guests staying at either location should prepare for noise during the day and potential rerouting around common areas. This is a big project, so it’s worth watching closely if you’re planning a stay here in the second half of 2026.
Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort
Even the value resorts are getting their turn. From January through late April 2026, the Surfboard Bay Pool and kiddie pool at All-Star Sports will be closed for maintenance.
The Grand Slam Leisure Pool will stay open, and guests will also have access to pools at All-Star Music and All-Star Movies. But Disney expects these pools to be very crowded, especially during spring break season in March and April.
If you’re booking All-Star Sports during that period, prepare for heavier pool traffic and longer walks to alternate areas.
Disney Skyliner Closures Will Add to the Chaos
It’s not just hotels under construction. The Disney Skyliner — a major transportation option for several resorts, including Pop Century, Caribbean Beach, and Art of Animation — will be shut down for refurbishment from January 24 to 30, 2027.
That’s just after the holiday season, but it’s close enough to cause planning headaches for guests booking early 2027 vacations. Expect heavier reliance on bus transportation during that period.
Ride Refurbishments Pile On
Park guests will also need to be aware of several major ride closures that overlap with these hotel projects. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin are both closed with reopening dates still unannounced, but expected sometime in 2026.
And over at Hollywood Studios, Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster will close for its transformation into a brand-new Muppets-themed attraction, also expected to debut in 2026.
Plan Ahead or Pay the Price
Disney World is moving full steam ahead into a massive overhaul of its parks and resorts. That means 2026 travelers are walking into a season packed with new experiences — but also construction zones, rerouted pathways, crowded pools, and transportation hiccups.
If you’re planning a Disney trip next year, research your hotel carefully, pay attention to construction timelines, and don’t assume everything will look the same as your last visit. A little planning could mean the difference between a smooth, magical vacation and one thrown off course by a jackhammer or a closed pool.
Because at Disney World in 2026, the magic will be there — but so will the construction walls.