Credit: DisneyDisney is no stranger to big changes, but this latest update has made many fans do a double-take. Two resorts are now considered off-limits for anyone looking for the classic Disney escape.
While the parks remain the centerpiece of a vacation, many guests book their stays based on resort experiences just as much as rides and parades. So, when the news broke that these two properties were being transformed simultaneously, it sent ripples through the Disney community.
Instead of the usual serene stay filled with resort dining, poolside relaxation, and themed amenities, guests with their hearts set on these hotels may want to think twice.
The scale of updates is enormous, and while the long-term benefits are exciting, the short-term reality is much more challenging. Let’s break down what’s happening at the two affected resorts and why they’ll be tricky options for a while.
The Resorts at the Center of It All
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge and Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa are the two resorts undergoing major updates. Both are fan favorites for entirely different reasons.
Animal Kingdom Lodge is known for its exotic theming, African-inspired architecture, and the ability to see zebras and giraffes right outside your balcony. For many families, it’s not just a hotel—it’s an adventure all on its own.
The Grand Floridian, on the other hand, is the crown jewel of Walt Disney World resorts. Its Victorian design, monorail access to Magic Kingdom, and elegant atmosphere make it the go-to spot for luxury travelers. Many weddings, anniversaries, and “bucket list” vacations take place here, making its current state of change all the more impactful.
Both resorts being disrupted simultaneously feels like a double hit, and here’s why.
Animal Kingdom Lodge: A Resort in Transformation
Guests who stay at Animal Kingdom Lodge are used to peace, quiet, and a sense of escape from the chaos of the parks. Right now, though, the story is very different. Multiple projects are in full swing, touching nearly every part of the resort experience.
First, Zebra Trail Terrace is being refurbished, meaning some of the most scenic walkways and gathering areas are temporarily closed off or occupied with construction activity. In addition to that, the pool work is happening at Kidani Village, and guests lose one of the main ways to relax after a long day at the parks.
The changes don’t stop there. Jambo House, the larger of the two buildings at Animal Kingdom Lodge, is undergoing guest room refurbishments. That means entire hallways of rooms are closed at a time, and noise from renovations spills into the open spaces.
At the same time, Kidani Village is in the middle of its own major guest room overhaul, bringing updates to design, amenities, and comfort.
Individually, each of these projects would be a minor inconvenience. All at once? It turns a stay at Animal Kingdom Lodge into something far from the tranquil escape fans love.
The Grand Floridian: A Final Makeover in Progress
While Animal Kingdom Lodge is seeing multiple minor updates across different areas, the Grand Floridian is in the middle of a massive, multi-year project nearing its conclusion. The scope is impressive, but for guests arriving in the middle of the process, the atmosphere is anything but relaxing.
The lobby is the centerpiece of this refurbishment, and it’s being given new life with a Victorian-inspired bar, a reimagined staircase featuring a detailed mural, and refreshed lounge areas. While the result will undoubtedly be beautiful, the construction walls, blocked-off areas, and constant work make it difficult to enjoy the space right now.
The project is expected to wrap up in November 2025, which sounds great—if you plan a trip afterward. Until then, the Grand Floridian will continue to feel like a construction zone rather than the luxury escape it’s famous for.
Why Guests May Want to Avoid These Resorts for Now
Taken separately, either of these refurbishments would be frustrating but manageable. Together, they create a situation where two of Disney’s most beloved resorts are less than ideal for vacationers. Noise from drills and hammers, blocked walkways, and closed-off amenities remove much of the magic.
Imagine checking into Animal Kingdom Lodge expecting sweeping savanna views only to find scaffolding nearby, or arriving at the Grand Floridian only to see its famous lobby hidden behind barriers. These updates make both properties feel less like dream resorts and more like work-in-progress projects.
It’s a tough pill to swallow for travelers who prize peace, comfort, and the signature Disney experience.
Making the Best of the Situation
But here’s the flip side—there are a few silver linings for guests willing to endure the chaos. Disney often adjusts pricing during significant construction periods, meaning you could snag a room at one of these high-end resorts for less than usual. For travelers who don’t plan to spend much time in the room, this could be an opportunity to enjoy a deluxe property at a semi-discount.
Another way to spin it: Spend more time in the parks. With both resorts offering diminished experiences at the moment, guests might consider maximizing park hours and enjoying attractions, entertainment, and dining across Disney World instead of focusing on their hotel.
And if you’re a traveler who enjoys seeing Disney history unfold in real-time, staying during a refurbishment lets you witness the before-and-after transformation firsthand.
Long-Term Gain, Short-Term Pain
Disney’s decision to overhaul Animal Kingdom Lodge and the Grand Floridian simultaneously is bold, but the result will be worth it. Once the dust settles, both properties will shine with fresh designs, updated amenities, and reimagined spaces that elevate the guest experience.
In the meantime, however, they’re not exactly the ideal choice. The noise, closures, and constant work make it difficult to enjoy a magical stay. For many guests, that means looking elsewhere until the projects wrap up.
So, while two of Disney’s crown jewels are currently off-limits for anyone seeking a seamless, peaceful stay, the endgame is clear: when these resorts reopen in full glory, they’ll set a new standard for what Disney luxury can be. Until then, it’s best to admire the progress from afar—and maybe score a stay somewhere quieter.