Credit: DisneyWalt Disney World is heading into one of its busiest construction seasons in recent memory—and if you’re staying on property this summer, it’s something you’ll want to understand before you arrive.
The resorts are still open. Guests are still checking in every day. But behind the scenes—and in some cases, right out in the open—there’s a massive wave of refurbishment work happening across nearly every category of hotel. From Value Resorts to Deluxe stays, Disney is updating rooms, reworking dining locations, and tackling long-term construction projects all at once.
For some guests, it won’t change much. For others, it could completely shift how their stay feels.
Here’s what’s happening across Walt Disney World hotels right now—and why it matters.
A New Round of Hotel Updates Is Just Beginning
One of the biggest takeaways right now is that new projects are starting just as older ones wrap up. It’s not a pause-and-reset situation. It’s more like a continuous cycle, where construction simply moves from one area to the next.
Take Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort, for example. Beginning in late May 2026, guest rooms will begin a refurbishment that’s expected to last into early 2027. That doesn’t mean the entire resort is shutting down, but it does mean certain buildings or sections may be unavailable at different times. Guests could run into construction noise during the day or have to take alternate walking paths to get around.
At a Value Resort, where simplicity and convenience are a big part of the appeal, those small changes can feel a lot more noticeable.
A similar situation is unfolding at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. Work at Kidani Village is wrapping up, but instead of ending entirely, the refurbishment is shifting over to Jambo House and continuing through early 2027. So while one side improves, the other becomes the active construction zone. If you’re staying for the savanna views and immersive atmosphere, it’s worth knowing that construction could be part of your daily backdrop.
Dining Locations Are Taking a Hit Too
It’s not just rooms and buildings getting attention. Several resort dining locations are also temporarily closing, and in some cases, those closures last for months.
At Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, the Grand Floridian Café is scheduled to close from mid-July through October 2026 for a refresh. Disney is shifting brunch service over to Cítricos during that time, but if you had your heart set on that specific dining experience, you’ll need to adjust your plans.
Over at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, Yachtsman Steakhouse is also closing for refurbishment starting in May and is expected to reopen later in the summer. That’s a significant window for one of the more popular signature dining locations near EPCOT, especially for guests planning special dinners.
Then there’s Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa, where things get a little more complicated. Instead of one simple closure, dining locations are rotating availability. The Turf Club Lounge, patio, and main restaurant all close at different times between spring and early fall. Disney is trying to keep some options open throughout the process, but for guests, it can feel like a moving target depending on when you visit.
Ongoing Construction Isn’t Slowing Down
While new closures are getting attention, a lot of the bigger, long-term projects have already been underway for months—and they’re continuing right through the summer.
Disney’s Beach Club Resort is in the middle of a major exterior refurbishment that’s expected to continue into 2027. Even when pools reopen or certain areas become available again, the overall atmosphere can still feel different with construction happening nearby.
At Disney’s BoardWalk Inn, refurbishment work is also ongoing through late 2026. This is already one of the busiest resort areas at Walt Disney World, so any added construction can feel more noticeable simply because of how active the area is.
Disney’s Contemporary Resort might be the most affected of all. Work is happening across multiple sections, including Bay Lake Tower and the main A-frame tower, and it’s expected to continue well into 2027. Some amenities, like pools and walkways, have already been temporarily closed or adjusted. Even something like a key walkway or connection being unavailable during parts of the day can change how guests move around the resort.
Moderate Resorts and Campgrounds Aren’t Exempt
It’s not just Deluxe properties seeing updates. Moderate resorts and even Fort Wilderness are dealing with construction right now.
At Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside, room refurbishments are happening in phases across the property through 2027. Because the resort is so large, Disney can keep most of it open while working on different sections—but that also means construction is almost always happening somewhere nearby.
Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground has ongoing work near the Meadow Swimmin’ Pool that started back in 2025 and continues into this year. The pool itself remains open, but seating is more limited, and construction activity is still visible. For a resort known for its laid-back, nature-focused atmosphere, that shift can stand out.
Transportation and Access Are Changing in Some Areas
Some of the biggest impacts aren’t just visual—they affect how you get around.
At Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, exterior work is happening alongside updates to the entrance, which can occasionally affect traffic flow. The boat dock has also been temporarily closed for maintenance, which removes one of the most convenient transportation options for guests staying there.
Meanwhile, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is going through changes to its entrance and bus loop. That might not sound like a big deal at first, but it can impact arrival times, transportation efficiency, and the overall flow of your stay—especially during busy summer days.
Even at Disney’s Grand Floridian, construction is affecting the covered entrance area, which may require guests to take alternate routes when arriving or leaving the resort.
What This Means for Your Trip
The biggest thing to understand is this: Disney World isn’t closing its hotels—but it is actively updating a huge number of them at the same time.
That means your experience might look a little different than expected.
You could hear construction during the day. You might need to walk a little farther to get somewhere. A restaurant you planned to visit might not be open. None of these things will necessarily ruin a trip, but they can add up if you’re not prepared.
For guests visiting for a once-in-a-lifetime vacation, that’s where it becomes more important. Knowing what’s happening ahead of time allows you to plan around it instead of being caught off guard.
The Long-Term Payoff
There is a clear upside to all of this.
Disney doesn’t take on this level of refurbishment unless it’s investing in long-term improvements. Updated rooms, refreshed dining spaces, and upgraded infrastructure all point to a better experience down the road.
It just means that right now, guests are visiting during that transition period.
If you’re heading to Walt Disney World this summer, the best move is simple: double-check your resort, look at what amenities matter most to you, and go in with realistic expectations.
Because while the experience is still there, it’s sharing space with construction walls for the time being.
