Dodge the Dust: Disney Confirms Nearly a Dozen Construction Projects at Disney World Resort Hotels in 2027

If you are planning a trip to Walt Disney World in 2027, choosing where to stay is one of the most critical decisions you will make. While most vacationers spend months researching park tickets, Lightning Lane reservations, and dining options, many overlook one crucial factor that can affect a resort stay: hotel refurbishments and closures.

Walt Disney World is constantly evolving, and keeping more than two dozen resort hotels operating requires ongoing maintenance, room overhauls, and structural updates. Throughout 2027, several Disney Resort hotels across the Value, Moderate, Deluxe, and Disney Vacation Club (DVC) categories will undergo significant refurbishments. From multi-month pool closures to phased guest room overhauls and exterior maintenance, staying informed in advance is the best way to safeguard your vacation plans.

Here is a detailed breakdown of the major resort refurbishment projects, amenity closures, and transportation maintenance currently scheduled or announced across Walt Disney World in 2027, along with expert advice on how to navigate them smoothly.

Deluxe & Disney Vacation Club (DVC) Resort Refurbishments

Disney’s flagship luxury resorts offer high-end amenities, prime proximity to the theme parks, and top-tier dining. However, when construction impacts a Deluxe or DVC property, the elevated price tag can make construction noise and closed amenities particularly frustrating for guests.

1. Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Following phased refurbishment work at Disney’s Contemporary Resort and Bay Lake Tower, select areas will continue to see work into 2027.

• Impact on Guests: While the resort remains operational, guests staying during active construction periods may experience construction noise and daytime noise. Alternate paths of travel may be required in some areas as maintenance work continues.

2. Disney’s BoardWalk Inn & Villas

As part of ongoing refurbishment work at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn & Villas, select areas of the resort will continue to see maintenance through 2027.

• Impact on Guests: Guests may see or hear construction activity during the day, and alternate routes may be required in some areas.

Luna Park Pool, the Luna Park Crazy Play Area, and Leaping Horse Libations are scheduled to be closed beginning January 11, 2027, through April 2027 for routine maintenance. The Inn and Villas leisure pools will remain available for guests during the closure.

3. Disney’s Beach Club Resort

Exterior maintenance is scheduled to continue at Disney’s Beach Club Resort through late 2027.

• Impact on Guests: Guests may see or hear construction activity and could encounter changes to views or alternate paths of travel in affected areas.

Additional Deluxe Resort Refurbishments

4. Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

Refurbishment work at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is scheduled to continue into early 2027 in select areas of the resort.

• Impact on Guests: Guests may see or hear construction activity and may encounter alternate routes around affected areas, including work near the resort’s covered entrance.

5. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

Guest-room refurbishment at Jambo House is scheduled to continue into January 2027, following work that began in 2026.

• Impact on Guests: Refurbishment will take place in phases, with most resort amenities remaining available to guests.

Moderate Resort Closures & Updates

Disney’s Moderate Resorts balance immersive themes with spacious grounds. Because these properties cover large acreage, refurbishments are typically managed in phases to minimize disruption.

1. Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside

Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside is undergoing a guest-room refurbishment that is scheduled to continue through August 2027.

• Impact on Guests: Guest-room refurbishment will take place in phases, and guests may encounter changes to travel routes around active work areas.

2. Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter

Port Orleans French Quarter has a separate refurbishment affecting Scat Cat’s Club – Lounge.

• Impact on Guests: Scat Cat’s Club – Lounge is scheduled to remain closed into January 2027, with a temporary bar operating nearby during the refurbishment.

3. Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort

Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort is undergoing refurbishment work affecting its Convention Center, the El Centro Corridor, and surrounding areas through late September 2027.

• Impact on Guests: Disney says work will be scheduled overnight when possible to minimize operational impacts, although guests may still see or hear construction activity and could encounter changes to paths of travel.

Value Resort Refurbishments

Offering budget-friendly accommodations with larger-than-life Disney iconography, Value Resorts accommodate thousands of families daily. To maintain these properties, Disney routinely cycles through room updates and other maintenance projects.

1. Disney’s Pop Century Resort & Art of Animation Resort

Connected by the Disney Skyliner, these sister resorts will undergo refurbishment in 2027, with Art of Animation entering a larger guest-room refurbishment program.

• Impact on Guests: Disney’s Art of Animation Resort is scheduled to begin a major guest-room refurbishment in mid-June 2027, while nearby Disney’s Pop Century Resort will also be affected by the temporary closure of the Disney Skyliner in January.

2. Disney’s All-Star Movies, Music, and Sports Resorts

Guest-room refurbishment at Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort is scheduled to continue through January 2027.

• Impact on Guests: Refurbishment work will be phased to minimize disruption to occupied guest areas, although guests may encounter maintenance activity and changes to paths of travel in affected sections.

Resort Pool and Transportation Maintenance Windows

In addition to guest-room overhauls, 2027 brings essential infrastructure and amenity maintenance that every traveler should keep in mind:

1. Winter Feature Pool Maintenance: Disney schedules pool refurbishments at individual resorts throughout the year, and specific closures can vary by property and date. Always verify pool operating schedules on the Walt Disney World website or in the My Disney Experience app before travel if pool time is central to your vacation plans.
2. Disney Skyliner Annual Maintenance: The Disney Skyliner is scheduled to be closed for routine maintenance from January 24 through January 30, 2027. During the closure, complimentary bus transportation will be provided between the affected Disney Skyliner resorts, EPCOT, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

How to Prepare and Safeguard Your 2027 Disney Vacation

Navigating hotel refurbishments doesn’t mean you have to change your travel dates. By taking a proactive approach during the booking process, you can ensure a peaceful stay:

• Check the Official Refurbishment Notices: Before placing a deposit, check the official Walt Disney World website for current refurbishment and closure notices covering your target dates. Because schedules can change, revisit the information as your trip approaches.
• Submit Room Location Requests: If your chosen resort is undergoing active room refurbishments, use Disney’s online check-in and room-request options to request a location farther from known construction areas. Requests are not guaranteed.
• Leverage DVC and Partner Options: DVC members and cash guests affected by major pool or amenity closures can explore whether reservation changes are available based on their booking type, resort availability, and applicable reservation terms.

While construction work at Walt Disney World can be a temporary inconvenience, these ongoing refurbishment projects help maintain and update Disney Resort hotels for future guests. With a little planning, you can minimize the impact of construction and enjoy an unforgettable, magical getaway in 2027!