Credit: DisneyDisney World has confirmed that several iconic pools across the resort will be shut down in 2026. The news arrived quietly, without a big announcement or flashy press release, but it’s enough to make longtime fans pause. Pools are a big deal at Walt Disney World, and when multiple locations are impacted at once, it raises questions about how future vacations might feel.
At this point, details are still unfolding, which only adds to the uncertainty. Guests planning trips next year may want to take a closer look at where they’re staying and what might be unavailable during their visit. For many families, these pools aren’t just amenities—they’re a core part of the experience.
Why Guests Choose Disney World Resort Hotels in the First Place
Staying at a Disney World resort hotel isn’t just about proximity to the parks. It’s about being fully wrapped in the Disney bubble. Transportation is easier. Early theme park entry is a significant perk. Even the most minor details, like themed lobbies and playful landscaping, help extend the magic beyond the park gates.
Pools play a massive role in that feeling. After a long day walking miles through the parks, many guests plan their evenings around a swim. Some pools feel like mini attractions all on their own, with oversized icons, themed slides, splash zones, and even music playing underwater. For kids, mainly, pool time can rival the parks as the best part of the trip.
That’s why any disruption to pool access hits differently. When guests choose a resort, they often choose it specifically because of the pool. And that makes the next part of this story especially important.
Your Disney Pool Day Plans May Be in Trouble
A Disney vacation usually balances thrill rides with downtime. Rope drop in the morning. Pool break in the afternoon. Dinner and fireworks at night. Pools aren’t optional for many families—they’re part of the rhythm of the trip.
With several pool areas scheduled to shut down in 2026, that rhythm may change. While Disney typically provides alternatives, nothing fully replaces having your resort’s main pool just steps from your room. The closures won’t stop vacations from happening, but they may force guests to adjust expectations.
And now, we’re starting to see precisely which resorts will be affected.
Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort Pool Closures Begin Early 2026
At Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort, the Surfboard Bay Pool and the nearby kiddie pool are scheduled to close from January through late April 2026. This is one of the resort’s most recognizable features, especially for families who choose All-Star Sports for its fun, energetic atmosphere.
Disney has shared that while those pools will be unavailable, guests won’t be left without options. The Grand Slam Leisure Pool at All-Star Sports will stay open throughout the closure. Additionally, guests may visit the pools at the neighboring All-Star resorts. That includes the Calypso Pool, Piano Pool, and kiddie pool at All-Star Music, as well as the Fantasia Pool, Duck Pond Pool, and kiddie pool at All-Star Movies.
Disney’s message has been clear: alternatives will be available. Still, relying on transportation or longer walks to reach another pool changes the experience, especially for families with young kids or guests who prefer quick breaks back at their resort.
Changes Coming to Disney’s Contemporary Resort and Bay Lake Tower
Over at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, guests staying at Bay Lake Tower will also see notable pool disruptions. The Bay Cove Pool at Bay Lake Tower is scheduled to close from January 26 through early May 2026.
Along with the pool itself, several connected amenities will also be unavailable. Disney has announced that the Cove Bar, the water play area, and the whirlpool spa at Bay Lake Tower will be closed during this time. That’s a significant portion of the tower’s recreational offerings.
However, Disney has emphasized that guests will still have access to other nearby facilities. The Bay Lake Pool at the Contemporary Resort will remain open, along with the resort’s main feature pool, water play area, and whirlpool spa. While that does soften the impact, Bay Lake Tower guests may experience busier pool areas and less convenience during peak travel seasons.
Fort Wilderness Faces Pool Uncertainty as Construction Moves Forward
Changes are underway at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, though the situation remains less defined than at other resorts. Disney has confirmed that construction will take place around the Meadow area through mid-2026 as part of a larger expansion project. As of now, the Meadow Swimmin’ Pool and Wilderness Swimmin’ Pool will remain open during the work, though guests should expect nearby construction activity and possible impacts to seating or walkways.
At the same time, the scale of the project has raised questions about whether pool access will change as construction progresses. Disney has not announced any plans to close the Meadow Swimmin’ Pool area, but adjustments could become necessary if work intensifies. The finished project is expected to include a new zero-entry pool and deck area, along with a tennis court and two pickleball courts, which could eventually reshape how this part of Fort Wilderness is used.
What This Means for 2026 Disney World Trips
Taken individually, none of these pool closures would be especially alarming. Disney manages maintenance all the time. But seeing multiple resorts impacted within the same year paints a bigger picture.
Guests planning trips for 2026 may want to pay closer attention to resort selection. If pool time is a top priority, checking closure schedules could be just as important as booking dining reservations. Families who plan midday breaks or resort-focused days may need backup plans.
The good news is that Disney typically communicates changes clearly and provides alternatives whenever possible. The less convenient truth is that other options don’t always feel the same as having your favorite pool right outside your door.
Looking Ahead to a Different Disney Resort Experience
Disney World continues to evolve, and that includes its resort hotels. Pool closures, while inconvenient, often signal larger changes behind the scenes. Expanded recreation areas, refreshed designs, and updated features usually follow.
Still, for guests visiting in 2026, patience may be required. Pool days might involve extra walking, shared spaces, or adjusted schedules. That doesn’t erase the magic, but it does reshape it.
As more details emerge, guests will have a clearer picture of how these changes fit into the bigger Disney World story. For now, one thing is certain: pool time at Disney World in 2026 won’t look quite the way longtime fans are used to—and planning ahead will matter more than ever.