Disney Resorts in Danger: Iconic Hotels Could Face the Axe or Change Forever
Change is nothing new at Disney. Guests have seen attractions close, parades vanish, and entire lands rebuilt. But now it’s not just the parks where transformation is looming.
Disney’s resorts are also under the microscope, and some of the most familiar hotels may look very different—or even disappear altogether—in the not-so-distant future.
Why Resorts Matter to Guests
For many visitors, staying at a Disney resort is more than just a place to sleep. Themed hotels extend the magic long after the park gates close, offering perks like early entry and easy transportation.
Just as importantly, they provide that extra layer of immersion—whether waking up surrounded by characters from The Lion King or enjoying the rustic charm of Fort Wilderness. When changes come to these spaces, fans feel them deeply.
Art of Animation Could Get an Update
The Art of Animation Resort is one of Disney’s most colorful properties, featuring larger-than-life nods to Finding Nemo (2003), Cars (2006), The Little Mermaid (1989), and The Lion King (1994).
But with Disney pushing newer hits, the resort feels dated in some areas. It’s easy to imagine Encanto (2021) or Moana (2016) taking over, giving families a fresher experience that mirrors the movies kids love today.
Pop Century Shifts Away from Nostalgia
Pop Century was once all about retro fun. Oversized icons and themed areas gave each decade its moment in the spotlight. Recent renovations, though, have stripped away much of that vibe.
Sleek, modern rooms make sense for today’s travelers, but they’ve left the resort feeling less like a throwback and more like another standard hotel. If Disney keeps this trend going, Pop Century could lose its identity altogether.
Fort Wilderness and the Rise of Glamping
Fort Wilderness Campground has offered a unique way to do Disney for decades—camping under the stars, RV stays, and cozy cabins. But as demand for luxury rises, glamping has edged out traditional camping.
Disney could lean even further into this shift, phasing out tents and RVs in favor of hotel-like cabins with modern amenities. While some see this as an upgrade, others view it as the end of one of Disney’s most distinctive options.
Are the All-Stars Running Out of Time
The All-Star Resorts—Movies, Music, and Sports—have long been the budget-friendly corner of Disney property. But they’re starting to feel tired compared to Art of Animation and Pop Century.
Their bold icons once felt fun, but now they seem dated. Disney could either retheme them with newer franchises or replace them with a sleeker, more expensive “value” resort.
Fans Fear an Unrecognizable Disney World
The possibility of losing or altering these resorts has left many fans uneasy. Attractions like Splash Mountain have already been rethemed, and now hotels might follow. For families who have made traditions at these properties, the idea of Disney erasing them feels like losing part of their history.
Moving Forward Comes at a Price
Progress is inevitable at Disney, but it often costs nostalgia. From the Art of Animation possibly embracing new IPs to the All-Stars potentially disappearing, change is already on the horizon.
Disney World will keep its magic, but longtime fans may soon find themselves looking at an unfamiliar resort—proof that even Disney hotels aren’t safe from transformation.
