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Credit: Mike Liu, FlickrIf you’re planning a Disney World trip in 2026, there’s some big news you’ll want to know before locking in those resort reservations.
Disney has officially confirmed 13 closures and refurbishments that will stretch across multiple properties next year — and they’re not small projects. From pool closures to room renovations to a major transportation downtime, these changes could absolutely shape where you stay and how you get around during your trip.
Let’s break down what’s happening.
Resort Construction Is About to Be Everywhere
Disney isn’t just tweaking a few rooms here and there. This is a resort-wide wave of closures that affects everything from Value Resorts to Deluxe Villas. Many of these closures are timed during slower travel periods — like early in the year — but some will last well into 2026 and even spill into 2027.
Among the biggest projects is the planned refurbishment at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, including both Kidani Village and Jambo House. Kidani’s room work runs through May, while Jambo’s stretches all the way to January 2027. Guests should expect daytime noise and limited availability throughout.
Major Pools and Transportation Shutting Down
One of the closures that will impact thousands of guests is the Skyliner shutdown. From January 25 through January 31, the gondola system will go offline for regular maintenance. This affects Disney’s Pop Century Resort, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, and Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, meaning bus transportation will be the only option during that time.
Pool lovers will also need to adjust their plans. The Surfboard Bay Pool and kiddie pool at Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort will be closed from January to late April, while Bay Cove Pool at Disney’s Contemporary Resort will be unavailable from late January through early May. Guests will be directed to alternate pools at nearby sister resorts during these periods.
Room Refurbishments Will Be Widespread
Guests who prefer peace and quiet might want to keep an eye on room renovation timelines. Pop Century rooms are scheduled for upgrades through mid-February, while Magnolia Bend at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort — Riverside will be under refurbishment through February as well.
Meanwhile, Bay Lake Tower is undergoing construction through July. That means limited room inventory and the chance of daytime noise — something to consider if you’re planning a more laid-back, resort-heavy vacation.
Deluxe Resorts Aren’t Exempt Either
Even Disney’s high-end resorts will see disruption. Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort will have some refurbishment work going on throughout the year. And at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, exterior maintenance is expected to last through late 2026, which means parts of the resort may be off-limits and visible construction will be unavoidable during the day.
What This Means for Your Trip
This many closures at once is unusual — even for Disney. But it also reflects how aggressively the company is updating its resorts in time for upcoming park expansions and major guest surges. If you’re booking for early or mid-2026, it’s a smart move to check Disney’s refurbishment calendar before finalizing your stay.
Choosing a resort that isn’t directly affected (or understanding how the closure impacts your trip) can make the difference between a peaceful vacation and a noisy, slightly chaotic one.
Bottom line: 13 resort closures and refurbishments are already confirmed, and more could still be added later. If your trip is on the calendar for next year, staying flexible — or even considering a different Disney resort — could pay off in a big way.