If you’re thinking about booking a Disney World vacation in 2026, now’s the time to pull out your calendar and pay close attention. The company just confirmed a wave of closures and construction projects set to hit resorts across property — and this isn’t just a quick touch-up here and there. We’re talking about 13 different projects that could affect everything from your morning transportation to your pool day plans.
A Year of Major Resort Disruptions
The scale of what’s coming is big. Disney has mapped out construction and refurbishment work at Value, Moderate, and Deluxe resorts. Much of this will begin in early 2026, with several projects extending well into the year and even creeping into 2027. Among the most notable is the refurbishment at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, affecting both Kidani Village and Jambo House. Kidani’s work is expected to run through May, while Jambo will be under construction until at least January 2027. That means daytime noise and limited availability for anyone staying there during those months.
Transportation and Pool Closures Add to the Challenge
Transportation isn’t immune to the shake-up either. The Disney Skyliner will be offline for maintenance from January 25 through January 31, impacting Disney’s Pop Century Resort, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, and Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort. Guests relying on that gondola system will need to switch over to buses for the week.
On the pool front, the Surfboard Bay Pool at Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort will be closed from January through late April. Bay Cove Pool at Disney’s Contemporary Resort will also shut down for work in late January, reopening in early May. Guests will have access to alternative pools, but it won’t be quite the same.
Room Refurbishments and High-End Resorts Affected
Pop Century will be getting some interior upgrades through mid-February, and Magnolia Bend at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside is also on the list. Over at Bay Lake Tower, construction will stretch into July, bringing reduced room inventory and plenty of hammering in the background.
Even the luxury spots aren’t exempt. Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort will see ongoing work throughout the year, and exterior maintenance at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort will last through late 2026.
How This Impacts Your Vacation
Disney typically schedules this kind of work during slower seasons to minimize disruption. But with so many projects happening at once, it’s almost unavoidable. If you’re planning a stay next year, checking the refurbishment calendar before booking could make or break your trip. Choosing a resort without major construction — or at least understanding the scope — can help you dodge some headaches.
Bottom line: 13 resort closures and refurbishments are already locked in for 2026, and there’s always the chance more will be added. Planning ahead will be the smartest move you can make.
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