Credit: DisneyNot every Disney World stay feels magical. While most resorts offer beautifully themed spaces, convenient amenities, and that special Disney touch, one resort is in the middle of a dramatic makeover that guests are being urged to stay far, far away—for now. Construction walls, scaffolding, and the constant hum of work crews are becoming part of the daily backdrop.
For travelers dreaming of a peaceful getaway, this is not the setting they imagined. And unfortunately, the situation won’t be fully resolved until early 2027.
The resort in question? Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is a fan favorite for its breathtaking savanna views and African-inspired design. It’s usually one of the crown jewels of Walt Disney World resorts. But as this multi-year refresh plays out, guests may want to think twice before booking.
What Makes Animal Kingdom Lodge Special
Animal Kingdom Lodge is one of Disney’s deluxe resorts, unlike anywhere else on property. Themed as a safari-style lodge, guests can look out their windows and see giraffes, zebras, and exotic birds wandering just beyond the balcony. Add in restaurants like Boma and Sanaa, along with intricately designed lobbies and cultural details, and it feels like a destination of its own.
But with all that theming comes the challenge of upkeep. After years of heavy use, Disney has now given the resort a sweeping refurbishment. And while the end result promises modernized rooms and refreshed amenities, the process itself means a lot of construction, detours, and occasional disappointments for anyone staying there.
Zebra Trail Terrace Refurbishment
The first sign of change arrived in July 2025, when Disney quietly began working on the Zebra Trail Terrace at Jambo House. Construction walls and scaffolding quickly went up, and guests reported daytime work that disrupted the otherwise tranquil setting. While this project is expected to wrap around mid-September 2025, no firm end date has been provided.
The resort’s savanna views and dining remain open for anyone staying during this time. Still, paying deluxe prices while listening to drills and spotting construction barriers is less than ideal.
Pool Work at Kidani Village
In addition to room updates, Disney has also scheduled pool maintenance. Beginning September 8, 2025, the Samawati Springs Pool Slide at Kidani Village closed for refurbishment. Families staying on that side of the resort must trek to Jambo House to enjoy the Uzima Springs Pool Slide instead.
It’s not the most significant inconvenience, but it’s a letdown for kids who were excited to dash down the slide right outside their building.
Kidani Village Guest Room Overhaul
The next phase kicks off in October 2025. Kidani Village, the Disney Vacation Club portion of the resort, will undergo a complete guest room refurbishment lasting through May 2026. This means new furniture, fresh décor, and potentially redesigned layouts to match current Disney resort trends.
Future visitors can look forward to beautifully updated rooms. But in the meantime, guests checking in may find themselves sharing hallways with work crews, dealing with limited access to certain sections, and hearing construction during the day.
Jambo House Guest Room Refurbishment
As soon as Kidani Village’s refresh is complete, Disney will focus on Jambo House in May 2026. The refurbishment of the main hotel building is scheduled to continue through January 2027. This ambitious timeline spans months of ongoing work.
While amenities will technically remain open, the reality is less magical: guests may face daytime noise, temporary closures, and hallways that don’t feel quite vacation-ready. This overlap of projects means nearly two years of disruption across Kidani Village and Jambo House.
How Guests Can Make the Most of Their Stay
For those who already have a stay booked at Animal Kingdom Lodge during this construction-heavy period, there are still ways to make the most of the experience.
Request a Savanna View Room: Even if work is happening outside, waking up to see giraffes wandering below your balcony can soften the blow.
Spend Time in the Parks: If you plan to be in the theme parks from morning until night, construction noise during the day will not affect you as much.
Enjoy Resort Dining: Boma and Sanaa remain fully open, offering some of Disney’s most beloved meals. Lean into the food experiences to elevate your stay.
Use the Other Pool: If Kidani’s slide is closed, head to Jambo House for a change of scenery. Disney always makes sure at least one central pool is available.
Ask About Discounts: Sometimes, when resorts are under heavy refurbishment, Disney quietly offers lower rates or better availability. It never hurts to ask.
Why Waiting Might Be Worth It
For many Disney fans, Animal Kingdom Lodge is worth experiencing at its best. With multiple projects overlapping through January 2027, some guests postpone their stay until the resort is fully refreshed. By then, the lobbies, rooms, and amenities will be ready to shine for another decade.
Holding off may be the right choice if you want the calm, immersive vibe the resort is known for. But if you’re flexible and don’t mind a little dust and noise, you might score better prices while everyone else avoids the property.