Credit: jared422_80, FlickrA crane has arrived onsite, signaling that Walt Disney World Resort has entered a new phase of the ongoing exterior refurbishment of Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Here’s what to know before your next visit to the Deluxe hotel in the Magic Kingdom Resort Area.
Disney’s Contemporary Resort Refurbishment
The refurbishment effort at Disney’s Contemporary Resort began in September 2024, with Bay Lake Tower as the first phase. Over the last few years, construction has migrated from Bay Lake Tower to the main Contemporary Tower building, with scrim and scaffolding stretching across the side of the iconic A-Frame building.
In early August, the refurbishment project reached the Bay Lake side of Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Walt Disney World Resort installed scaffolding and dark green construction walls in the area.
Crane Arrives in the Magic Kingdom Resort Area
On August 26, WDWNT reported that a crane had arrived on the North side of Disney’s Contemporary Resort as the exterior refurbishment on the iconic A-Frame building continues. The outlet shared a photo of the current state of the building on social media:
The majority of the observation deck on the fourth floor of the Contemporary Tower is blocked off with rolling planters. The area sits directly below the arm of the large crane, so Walt Disney World Resort has likely closed the observation deck to protect guests. The crane is parked in a service area on the Northern side of the building, surrounded by orange traffic cones.
Beige scrim and scaffolding remain on the front of Disney’s Contemporary Resort as construction continues, though some of the scrim fabric has shifted over time.
Walt Disney World Resort initially said the refurbishment project at Disney’s Contemporary Resort would be completed in September 2025, but later pushed the deadline to July 2026. Disney later updated the official webpage for the Magic Kingdom Resort Area hotel to reflect that construction would continue through “late 2027.”
Monorail and bus transportation, pools, restaurants, and most other hotel amenities remain available to guests at Disney’s Contemporary Resort throughout the refurbishment project. However, families may hear or see construction activity during the day.
Which hotel should Walt Disney World Resort refurbish next? Share your ideas with Inside the Magic in the comments!
