Disney World’s Resort Hit With Surprise Construction Delay

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Disney's Beach Club Villas

Credit: Disney

If you’ve been following the latest updates from Walt Disney World, you’ll know that construction is a constant part of the resort experience. From reimagined attractions to resort overhauls, there’s always something under refurbishment. For some guests, these changes are exciting glimpses into the future; for others, they’re frustrating interruptions to the “Disney bubble” they hoped to enjoy.

Cars drive toward the colorful Disney World entrance arch, featuring images of Mickey and Minnie Mouse.
Credit: Joe Schlabotnik, Flickr

The latest project drawing attention is happening at Disney’s Beach Club Resort, one of the most beloved hotels on property. Known for its charming seaside theme, proximity to EPCOT, and iconic Stormalong Bay pool, this deluxe resort is currently in the middle of a major, multi-year refurbishment.

A Project That Was Supposed to Move Faster

Originally, part of the work at Beach Club—specifically the port cochere area—was scheduled to wrap up by September 2025. That reopening has now been delayed, with Disney quietly updating its timeline to extend through late November 2025.

The Beach Club resort at Disney World
Credit: Disney

Cast Members at the resort have confirmed that while progress has been steady, guests won’t see the finished product for a little while longer. The good news? The new projection only pushes the reopening a matter of weeks, not months. Still, anyone checking into the resort this fall will continue to encounter construction walls and alternate walkways.

What Guests Can Expect During Their Stay

The scale of the refurbishment means that guests will notice construction activity during daytime hours. Disney usually does a decent job of keeping disruptions as minimal as possible, but when entire building exteriors are being worked on, it’s hard to hide scaffolding and equipment.

Guests may face limited views from certain rooms and changes in pathways throughout the property. The tradeoff is that all essential services remain fully operational—valet, luggage assistance, and transportation are still available, and key amenities like the pools and restaurants continue to welcome visitors.

Progress Behind the Walls

Anyone walking past the resort lately has likely seen evidence of progress. Reports mention that new windows have already been added to the roof structure, suggesting that construction teams are steadily working their way through major phases of the project. It’s a sign that while timelines may shift, the refurbishment is still moving forward.

The ultimate goal is to refresh the exterior and maintain Beach Club’s standing as one of Disney’s top-tier resorts. When the work is finally complete in 2027, the property should feel rejuvenated without losing the charm that makes it a fan favorite.

Beach Club Isn’t the Only One Undergoing Work

While this particular update focuses on Beach Club, it’s just one piece of a much bigger puzzle. Disney World has been pushing through a wave of resort and attraction construction across property.

Disney's BoardWalk Inn Resort at dusk
Credit: Disney
  • Over at Animal Kingdom Lodge, long-term exterior painting and balcony repairs are ongoing, adding to the list of resort maintenance projects happening now.

Each of these projects means that guests could run into construction walls at nearly any hotel they book, particularly deluxe resorts that see heavier upkeep.

The Balancing Act of Magic and Maintenance

This situation brings up a reality of Disney vacations that isn’t often highlighted in glossy brochures: the parks and resorts are never finished. Part of what keeps Disney World feeling fresh and immersive is this commitment to regular updates and renovations. At the same time, that commitment can cause headaches for travelers who planned their stay years in advance, expecting postcard-perfect backdrops.

Beach Club’s current state illustrates the balance. On one hand, the resort is still operational, with pools, restaurants, and services ready for guests. On the other, there’s no way to completely avoid the impact of cranes, scaffolding, and workers during the day.

Should You Still Book Beach Club?

That’s the big question many families are asking right now. If you love the convenience of being a short walk from EPCOT or hopping on a boat to Hollywood Studios, Beach Club still offers some of the best location perks on property. Stormalong Bay, widely considered the best pool at Disney World, is open and as popular as ever.

Disney's Beach & Yacht Club
Credit: Disney

However, if your dream vacation includes relaxing resort views and uninterrupted atmospheres, you might want to look at alternatives. Yacht Club, which shares amenities with Beach Club, may offer a slightly calmer experience depending on the room location. Other EPCOT-area resorts like the Swan and Dolphin are also worth considering.

Looking Ahead

By 2027, Disney’s Beach Club Resort should be fully refreshed and ready to welcome guests without the distraction of construction walls. Until then, it remains in the middle of transformation. Guests booking for the next couple of years should expect some level of impact, though Disney will continue doing what it can to soften the experience.

The takeaway? If you’re heading to Disney World soon, pay attention to refurbishment schedules. Construction is everywhere right now—from resorts to park attractions—and it could affect the way you plan your trip. But once these projects wrap up, the payoff is often worth the temporary inconvenience.

Final Thoughts

Delays like the one at Beach Club serve as a reminder that even “The Most Magical Place on Earth” needs routine upkeep. While it can be frustrating to deal with walls and rerouted walkways, these updates are crucial to keeping Disney World’s resorts beautiful for decades to come.

Visitors walking toward the main entrance to EPCOT, from the parking lot.
Credit: Rick Wagner, Flickr

Guests arriving this fall may have to wait a little longer to enjoy the fully reopened entrance at Beach Club, but the end goal is clear: a resort experience that feels polished, modern, and true to Disney’s reputation. For now, patience is key—because when the construction walls finally come down, the magic will feel brand new again.

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