Credit: DisneyChange is practically part of Disney’s DNA, and fans know that the company is constantly tweaking, polishing, and reimagining its offerings. Still, now and then, Disney drops a wave of news that feels bigger than the usual adjustments. That’s the case now, as Disney World has confirmed three major shutdowns happening in 2026—part of a much broader, resort-wide refresh that’s already starting to take shape.
Stay Inside the Disney Magic
These closures aren’t attractions or entertainment offerings. Instead, they tie directly into the core experience that comes with staying on Disney property. And in many ways, that makes the update even more critical for anyone planning a vacation.
Disney World has long encouraged guests to stay “inside the magic,” and for millions of travelers, choosing an onsite hotel is part of the tradition. Whether it’s the convenience, the themes, or the transportation perks, each hotel offers its own environment and energy.
But when major work kicks off, that can shift a stay in ways guests don’t always expect. With 2026 shaping up to be another massive year of refurbishment across the resort, Disney is giving guests an early heads-up about what to expect.
Below, we’ll break down each confirmed shutdown—plus one that hasn’t been officially dated but is practically guaranteed—so you can plan your trip with as few surprises as possible.
Big Changes Ahead
Let’s start at Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort, where guests will see the first confirmed 2026 closure. Disney has announced that the Surfboard Bay Pool and its companion kiddie pool will be closed from January through late April 2026 as the resort undergoes scheduled maintenance.
It’s a significant closure for one of the most recognizable pool areas in the Value category, but Disney has already outlined alternative options for guests staying there.
The resort notes that visitors can still cool off at the Grand Slam Leisure Pool during the refurbishment period. If guests want more variety, Disney also allows them to use pool areas at the neighboring All-Star properties. That includes the Calypso Pool, Piano Pool, and kiddie pool at Disney’s All-Star Music Resort, as well as the Fantasia Pool, Duck Pond Pool, and kiddie pool at Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort.
This makes the All-Star Resorts feel more connected than ever, giving guests the chance to hop between themed pool areas while the main Surfboard Bay Pool gets its upgrade. It may require a bit more walking, but it ensures that families still have plenty of places to splash, relax, and unwind.
A Multi-Month Closure
Next up, we’re heading over to Disney’s Contemporary Resort and Bay Lake Tower, where another major pool area will be unavailable in early 2026. Disney has confirmed that the Bay Cove Pool at Bay Lake Tower will be closed from January 26 through early May 2026. Along with the pool itself, the Cove Bar, the nearby water play zone, and the whirlpool spa will all go offline during the refurbishment window.
This is one of the more impactful closures simply because of how popular and convenient Bay Cove is for Disney Vacation Club Members. Fortunately, guests won’t be without options. Disney notes that the Bay Lake Pool, the resort’s feature pool, the main water play area, and the whirlpool spa at the Contemporary will all remain open throughout the project.
Bay Lake Tower and the Contemporary share a lot of their amenities, and this is one of those moments where that connection truly matters. While guests lose access to one pool area for a few months, they gain full access to the larger, more lively water spaces just steps away. It’s not a perfect tradeoff, but it does give the resort flexibility during the refurb period.
Another 2026 Shutdown?
Now let’s talk about the third closure—one that Disney hasn’t officially scheduled yet but is almost certainly on the horizon. Disney previously announced that the Meadow Swimmin’ Pool area at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground will undergo a significant expansion. The project will introduce a brand-new zero-entry pool and deck area, plus a tennis court and two pickleball courts.
Those are major additions, and with a project of this scale, a shutdown is inevitable. Disney hasn’t released exact dates yet, but given the scope and the timelines of other simultaneous projects, many fans expect work to begin at some point in 2026. Whether that’s early in the year or closer to summer remains to be seen, but guests who stay at Fort Wilderness should pay attention as Disney updates its refurbishment calendar.
Even without firm dates, it’s safe to say that this beloved pool area won’t remain untouched for long.
Disney World Is Undergoing a Huge Evolution
These closures align with a much larger wave of change currently sweeping across Disney World. Disney has been extremely busy preparing several new expansions and refurbishments across all four theme parks—work that will continue well into 2026.
Magic Kingdom is deep into construction on two of its most anticipated projects: Piston Peak, inspired by Planes: Fire & Rescue (2014), and the long-awaited Villains Land. Both areas represent enormous investments and will transform a vast portion of the park’s layout and guest flow once complete.
Over at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Tropical Americas is steadily taking shape, bringing new environments and storytelling to the land that once housed DinoLand. Hollywood Studios, meanwhile, is making headway on its own expansion as Imagineering continues developing Monstropolis.
Major Favorites Set for a 2026 Comeback
Several fan-favorite attractions are also set to reopen in 2026 after extended refurbishments. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin are both expected to return next year, refreshed and ready for a new era of guests. And at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster is on track to reopen in summer 2026 following its long-awaited Muppets-themed retheme.
It doesn’t stop there—Disney has resort refurbishments happening all across the property. From room updates to large-scale facility improvements, there’s a constant rotation of enhancements taking place behind the scenes.
A Magical Transformation
Disney World is gearing up for a massive year in 2026, and while the confirmed closures may feel like a setback for some vacationers, they’re ultimately part of a long-term plan to keep the resort fresh and competitive. From Value resorts to Deluxe villas to wilderness retreats, each project plays a role in the overall transformation.
If you’re planning a trip, the biggest takeaway is simple: check Disney’s refurbishment schedule before you book. With so many changes underway, it’s always better to know what’s open—and what isn’t—before you commit to a resort.
Disney is building toward something big, and these three shutdowns are just the beginning of a much larger story unfolding across the Most Magical Place on Earth.