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Credit: DisneyDisney is no stranger to change. The company has built its reputation on innovation, but with that innovation often comes the loss of something familiar. Fans know it happens in the parks—rides are replaced, parades vanish, and even entire lands are reimagined.
Lately, however, the winds of change seem to blow through another corner of Walt Disney World: the resorts. Soon, some of the Disney resort favorites guests have come to love may not look the same or be around at all.
Why Disney Resorts Matter
For many visitors, staying at a Disney World resort is as essential as riding Space Mountain or meeting Mickey Mouse. These hotels extend the magic beyond park hours. Guests get perks like early park entry, easy transportation, and immersive theming, making the entire trip memorable.
Whether it’s waking up surrounded by Lion King characters at Art of Animation or embracing the rustic charm of Wilderness Lodge, these hotels are part of the vacation memory. That’s why any whispers of change stir up such strong reactions among fans.
Art of Animation and the Push for Newer IPs
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort opened to fanfare thanks to its colorful theming based on beloved films like Finding Nemo (2003), Cars (2006), The Little Mermaid (1989), and The Lion King (1994). It quickly became one of the most popular value resorts, especially for families with young kids.
But the landscape is shifting. Disney has been leaning into its newer franchises, and some of the resort’s sections feel like a time capsule of the early 2000s.
Could Disney swap out Finding Nemo for something fresher, like Encanto (2021) or Moana (2016)? It’s not hard to imagine. Updating these areas would keep the resort relevant to today’s younger audience while appealing to families who want the latest Disney storytelling woven into their stay.
Pop Century Losing Its Retro Charm
Pop Century Resort was once the go-to hotel for a dose of nostalgia. Each section celebrated a different decade, with oversized theming that screamed “retro Disney.” But renovations and updates have chipped away at that vibe over the years.
Once loud and unique, the rooms now feature sleek furniture and minimalist designs. The change is practical—modern travelers expect comfort and clean lines—but it’s also left Pop Century feeling less like a celebration of the past and more like a generic hotel with Disney touches.
If this trend continues, Pop Century could entirely lose its retro identity. Disney might keep the name, but the theme could fade into something more subtle, leaving longtime fans missing the quirky décor that once defined it.
Wilderness Lodge Campgrounds and the Rise of Glamping
Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground has always been a special corner of Walt Disney World. Families who wanted something different from the standard hotel room could camp under the stars, rent a cabin, or park an RV.
But the demand for luxury accommodations has skyrocketed, and glamping—the upscale, hotel-like version of camping—has started to creep into the experience. Fort Wilderness could transform into a full-fledged resort where the “outdoors” is more about atmosphere than actual camping.
Cabins with air conditioning, sleek interiors, and hotel-like amenities could dominate, while tents and RVs quietly disappear from the property. For some, it’s an exciting modernization. For others, it’s the loss of one of Disney’s most unique offerings.
The All-Star Resorts and an Uncertain Future
The trio of All-Star Resorts—Movies, Music, and Sports—has long been Disney’s cheapest on-property options. Their giant icons and bold theming made them a hit with families on a budget. But in recent years, they’ve struggled to compete with other value resorts like Art of Animation and Pop Century, which feel fresher and more appealing.
With Disney leaning toward “modern minimalism,” the All-Stars may face the axe. A new value resort with generic but stylish rooms could replace them, giving guests a clean, contemporary stay at a higher nightly rate.
Alternatively, Disney could give them a heavy retheme, ditching the dated giant icons in favor of sleeker branding tied to current movies or franchises. Either way, it’s hard to imagine the All-Stars surviving unchanged in the years ahead.
Fans Push Back
The thought of losing or transforming these resorts sparks strong reactions. Fans already feel like the Disney World they once knew is slipping away. Attractions like Splash Mountain have been reimagined, and entire lands like Frontierland are undergoing massive shifts.
If the resorts follow the same path, some fear Disney World will become unrecognizable—not just in its parks but also where guests rest their heads at night.
For many, these hotels are more than just rooms. They’re tradition. Families return year after year to the same resort, building memories that span generations. Erasing or drastically changing them feels like erasing a piece of personal history.
The Cost of Progress
Disney has always been about moving forward, but the cost of progress is often nostalgia. The changes are undeniable, from Art of Animation possibly swapping out its older films for newer hits to Pop Century losing its retro soul and Fort Wilderness drifting closer to glamping than camping. The All-Star Resorts, once staples of affordable Disney stays, may not survive the push for modern upgrades.
Disney World will still dazzle guests with magic and innovation if these shifts pass. But it will also look very different—perhaps so different that longtime fans struggle to recognize the resort they grew up with. The parks may be the heart of Disney World, but the hotels are its soul. And that soul may be on the edge of transformation.