Disney vacations are often built around magical resort stays as much as park visits, so the latest update has stunned guests. Two of the most well-loved resorts are currently in a state of transformation, and for anyone hoping for that peaceful Disney escape, the timing couldn’t be worse.
These properties aren’t just hotels—they’re experiences. Yet, those experiences are clouded by walls, noise, and interruptions that make relaxation hard to come by. Let’s take a closer look at what’s happening behind the scenes.
The Resorts Under Pressure
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge and the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa are the affected properties. Although they’re very different, both are staples in the Disney resort lineup.
Animal Kingdom Lodge is known for its immersive theming and those unforgettable views of animals roaming just beyond your balcony. It’s an adventure as much as a stay. Meanwhile, the Grand Floridian is Disney’s most iconic luxury resort, offering Victorian charm and direct access to Magic Kingdom via monorail.
Both are undergoing refurbishments, which creates a perfect storm of inconvenience for guests.
Animal Kingdom Lodge: Chaos in the Calm
Animal Kingdom Lodge has long been praised for its serene atmosphere, but that calm is hard to find. Major projects are underway across multiple areas.
Zebra Trail Terrace is getting a facelift, blocking some of the most scenic walking paths. Over at Kidani Village, the pool is closed for work, leaving guests without one of the most significant relaxation perks. Add in Jambo House room refurbishments and a complete overhaul of guest rooms in Kidani Village, and it feels like there’s construction in every direction.
The lodge’s usual escape-from-it-all vibe is buried under drills, noise, and closures, turning a stay here into a challenge.
Grand Floridian: Elegance Interrupted
The Grand Floridian is facing its own massive undertaking. This multi-year project is nearing its finish, but the middle stages are anything but glamorous.
Disney has closed off sections of the lobby—the resort’s crown jewel—as crews add a Victorian-style bar, a new mural along the grand staircase, and refreshed lounge spaces.
Crews are also redoing guest rooms, while construction reshapes the entrance with a reconfigured roadway and new roundabout. Even the beloved Wedding Pavilion is receiving changes with a redesigned entry.
While it all promises to be spectacular once complete, the resort currently feels more like a work site than a luxury escape.
Should Guests Stay Away?
Between the noise, the blocked-off areas, and the general disruption, these resorts are tough picks for the moment. Scaffolding and construction sounds now greet guests who expect sweeping savanna views at Animal Kingdom Lodge or a grand lobby welcome at the Floridian.
Still, there are upsides. Disney sometimes lowers rates during these periods, meaning a deluxe stay may cost less than usual. This could be a bargain for guests who plan to spend most of their time in the parks.
Looking Ahead
Both resorts will come out of the upgrades with modern amenities and refreshed beauty. For now, travelers who don’t mind some chaos—or want to snag a cheaper stay—will get the most out of booking there, while magic is still under wraps.
