Credit: DisneyPlanning a Walt Disney World vacation this fall takes more than deciding which parks to visit or which Lightning Lanes to book. Your resort choice could play just as big a role in your trip, especially if construction crews are working just outside your room or one of your favorite amenities is temporarily unavailable.
Guests hoping to visit between August and early November 2026 may want to take a closer look before booking. Disney has confirmed a dozen refurbishment projects across Value, Moderate, Deluxe, and Disney Vacation Club resorts. While every hotel remains open, some projects include guest room renovations, restaurant closures, pool work, and construction in popular resort areas.
Before you lock in your reservation, here’s a look at the Disney hotels where ongoing work could become part of your vacation.
Value Resort Guests Have One Major Refurbishment to Watch
Disney’s Value Resorts largely avoid major construction this fall, but one exception stands out.
Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort continues its guest room refurbishment through late January 2027. Disney is updating accommodations in phases, so guests may notice construction activity around certain lodging buildings while other sections remain fully operational.
Fortunately, the resort’s primary amenities are expected to stay open throughout the project. Pools, dining locations, transportation, and recreational offerings should continue as usual, although daytime construction may occur near active work areas.
Moderate Resorts Aren’t Entirely in the Clear
Moving up to Disney’s Moderate Resorts, two properties have confirmed projects underway this fall.
Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort begins work on its Convention Center on August 10, 2026. Since the project focuses on meeting spaces, convention attendees will likely notice the biggest impact. Vacationers staying at the resort may experience very little disruption, depending on where they’re staying.
At Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside, work continues on the Magnolia Bend guest rooms through August 2027. Disney is renovating buildings in phases, meaning portions of that section of the resort remain behind construction walls while rooms receive updated interiors.
Guests booking Riverside may want to request buildings farther from active work if minimizing construction noise is a priority.
Deluxe Resorts Have the Longest List of Projects
Several of Walt Disney World’s Deluxe Resorts also remain busy with refurbishment work.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge – Jambo House continues updating guest rooms through January 2027. As Disney rotates construction throughout the resort, some accommodations remain unavailable, while guests in nearby areas could occasionally hear daytime work.
Disney’s BoardWalk Inn also continues select-area refurbishments throughout 2026. Most of the resort remains fully accessible, but construction walls and intermittent daytime noise may appear depending on where guests are staying.
At Disney’s Contemporary Resort, the largest project is taking place at Bay Lake Tower. The Bay Cove Pool, whirlpool, splash area, and nearby recreation spaces remain under refurbishment through late 2027. During construction, guests will need to use alternate recreation options while portions of the pool complex stay closed.
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is also undergoing select-area refurbishment during 2026. The resort’s major expansion work has already wrapped up, but Disney continues work in select areas of the property. Most guests should still enjoy a typical stay, although temporary construction zones may be visible throughout the resort.
Grand Floridian Visitors Will Encounter Multiple Changes
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa has more than one project taking place this fall.
Construction continues around the resort’s covered entrance, with renovations expected to last into early 2027. Guests may find temporary walkways, modified arrival areas, and daytime construction while entering and leaving the resort.
Dining has also been changing over the past several months.
The Grand Floridian Café remains closed from mid-July through October 2026 while Disney completes its refurbishment. During the closure, brunch service has temporarily moved to Citricos, giving guests another option until the café reopens.
Anyone planning a stay specifically for the Grand Floridian’s dining options should check operating schedules before arriving.
Disney Vacation Club Resorts Continue Receiving Updates
Disney Vacation Club guests aren’t completely avoiding construction, either.
Disney’s Old Key West Resort is undergoing an extensive guest room refurbishment throughout 2026. Disney continues to renovate buildings in phases, resulting in rotating room closures and construction activity throughout portions of the resort.
At Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa, Turf Club Bar & Grill remains under refurbishment through mid-September 2026. The restaurant will continue to operate with temporary modifications before returning to normal service once the project concludes.
The nearby Treehouse Villas at Saratoga Springs are also receiving exterior improvements through September 2026. As work continues, some villas remain unavailable while crews complete the project.
These refurbishments are generally less disruptive than full resort overhauls, but guests should still expect to encounter work in certain areas.
Several Disney Resorts Currently Have No Major Fall Projects
Not every Disney hotel has major construction on the calendar this fall.
As of now, Disney has not announced major guest-impacting refurbishment projects for Disney’s All-Star Music Resort, Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Disney’s Beach Club Resort, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, Disney’s Pop Century Resort, Disney’s Riviera Resort, or Disney’s Yacht Club Resort.
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge is continuing exterior refurbishment work, but the project has remained relatively low-impact, with the resort’s primary amenities remaining open to guests.
Routine maintenance can occur year-round, but none of these resorts currently have large-scale refurbishment projects expected to affect most guests during the fall.
Choosing the Right Resort Could Make Your Vacation Smoother
Refurbishment projects have become a normal part of maintaining Walt Disney World’s hotels, and they’re ultimately designed to improve the guest experience. Still, that doesn’t make construction any less noticeable when it happens during your vacation.
With confirmed projects ranging from Value Resorts to Deluxe and Disney Vacation Club properties, taking a few extra minutes to review your hotel’s refurbishment schedule could help you avoid surprises. If having every pool, restaurant, and pathway available matters to you, choosing one of the resorts without major planned work may make for a more relaxing fall getaway.
