Disney World didn’t roll out a big announcement, but something important just became official. Nine different hotel closures and refurbishments are now confirmed for 2026, and they’re not small updates. These changes touch pools, dining spots, lounges, and even some well-known areas across multiple resorts. If you usually stay onsite, this is one of those moments where you may want to rethink your plans before locking anything in.
At first glance, nothing feels dramatic. But once you connect the dots, it’s clear that resort stays in 2026 won’t look quite the same.
Changes Are Hitting Every Level of Resort
This isn’t limited to one hotel or even one category. Some of the most popular places to stay include the All-Star Resorts, the Grand Floridian, the Contemporary, and Animal Kingdom Lodge.
That range matters. It means these updates stretch across value, moderate, and deluxe options. No matter your budget, there’s a chance something at your resort will be under construction, closed, or temporarily adjusted.
Once you break it down, the list gets even more noticeable.
Bay Lake Tower Faces Early-Year Pool Closures
Guests at Bay Lake Tower will feel the impact right away. Starting January 26, 2026, and running into early May, several water features will be unavailable. That includes the Bay Cove Pool, splash area, and whirlpool spa.
Disney isn’t leaving guests without options, though. The main Bay Lake Pool will remain open, and guests can also use the pools over at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Still, for anyone planning resort-heavy downtime, this is worth considering.
Dining Changes Begin at Yacht Club
Over at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, the changes hit dining first. Crew’s Cup Lounge has already closed for refurbishment and is expected back in May.
Once it reopens, the spotlight shifts. Yachtsman Steakhouse will then close for its own updates. That creates a rotating situation where at least one major dining location is unavailable, depending on when you visit.
Beach Club Adds Pool Limitations
Next door, Disney’s Beach Club Resort is dealing with its own update. The Tidal leisure pool is closed through early May, and guests may notice construction activity during the day.
While the resort still offers other pool areas, losing one of the quieter spots alters the experience, especially for guests seeking a more relaxed environment.
BoardWalk Loses a Familiar Spot
The BoardWalk has already seen a noticeable change. The Promenade Fine Art Gallery closed in October 2025 and is set to reopen at a new location, though Disney hasn’t shared the location yet.
For now, that space sits empty, and guests walking through the area will feel that absence.
Grand Floridian Construction Continues
At Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort, construction isn’t wrapping up anytime soon. Work on the porte cochere will continue through at least early 2027.
That’s a long stretch for one of Disney’s top-tier resorts. Guests staying there in 2026 should expect ongoing work that could affect arrivals and the property’s overall feel.
Saratoga Springs Dining Rotates Through Closures
Dining changes at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort will unfold in phases. The Turf Club Lounge closes in mid-April and stays closed until early August.
During that time, a temporary bar with a limited menu will operate. Afterward, the Turf Club Patio closes briefly, followed by a full closure of the Turf Club Bar & Grill from mid-August through mid-September.
Yacht and Beach Club Exterior Work Impacts Pools
Exterior work at the Yacht and Beach Club Resorts adds another layer. The Admiral leisure pool at Yacht Club remains closed through early May.
Combined with the Beach Club pool closure, that leaves fewer options in an area known for its pool offerings.
Jellyrolls Leaves the Boardwalk
Jellyrolls has already made its exit. The dueling piano bar closed on April 19, 2025, after a final performance.
The venue plans to reopen somewhere else, but for now, it’s gone, and the BoardWalk nightlife feels a little quieter because of it.
All-Star Sports Pools Close Temporarily
At Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort, both the Surfboard Bay Pool and Kiddie Pool will be closed from January through April 2026.
Guests can still use the Grand Slam Leisure Pool or visit pools at the other All-Star Resorts, but it adds an extra step for something usually right outside your room.
What This Means for Your Trip
When you put all of this together, the message becomes clear. Disney isn’t cutting back—it’s updating. But those updates come with trade-offs.
If you’re planning a 2026 trip, the best move is simple. Check your resort, know what’s closed, and build your plans around it. The magic is still there, but the details around your stay may look a little different.
