Disney World Quietly Unveils Hotel Overhauls That Could Wreck 2026 Vacations

If it feels like Disney World is reinventing itself overnight, that’s not your imagination. From major ride updates to entire lands being built from the ground up, the resort is in the middle of a massive transformation. And while those new attractions are exciting, the other side of all this progress is a little messier.

The changes don’t stop at the parks. Disney has quietly shifted its focus to its resort hotels, and guests with 2026 vacations booked may find themselves navigating construction zones they never anticipated.

Why Hotels Matter So Much to Guests

For many, a Disney trip isn’t just about rope dropping or catching fireworks at night. The hotel is part of the experience. Whether it’s walking distance to a park, themed pools, or early entry perks, these resorts are designed to feel magical.

But construction can shatter that illusion fast. No one books a vacation expecting a drained pool, jackhammer noise, or covered-up building facades. With so much park work already happening, these hotel refurbishments could make 2026 a tricky year for travelers.

What’s Happening Inside the Parks

The hotel projects aren’t happening in a vacuum. Disney’s pushing major park changes, too. At Hollywood Studios, a long-anticipated Monsters Inc. Land is moving forward. Magic Kingdom is adding both Piston Peak and Villains Land, two of its most significant expansions in years.

Animal Kingdom is slowly transforming DinoLand into Tropical Americas, while EPCOT is fresh off its own construction marathon. Spaceship Earth is back open with upgraded systems, and Test Track now sports a fresh look inspired by World of Motion. It’s a lot to keep up with — and that’s before factoring in where you’ll sleep at night.

Disney Resorts Facing Construction

Guests arriving in 2026 can expect a handful of hotels to be under active refurbishment. Disney’s Contemporary Resort will continue its work through July 2026, which includes updates to Bay Lake Tower and a temporary pool closure in early spring.

Polynesian Village Resort and its DVC bungalows will undergo long-term renovations, while Pop Century will continue to complete its room refresh in early 2026. Over at Port Orleans Riverside, Magnolia Bend should be finishing construction by January — but early-year guests could still see workers onsite.

Animal Kingdom Lodge has the most ambitious schedule, with Kidani Village receiving updates until May and Jambo House starting immediately after, with work continuing well into 2027.

Value Resorts and Transportation Complications

Even the value resorts aren’t spared. All-Star Sports will close its main pool from January through late April 2026. Disney will keep other pools open, including Grand Slam Leisure Pool and neighboring All-Star Resort pools, but expect heavy crowds during peak months.

To make things even trickier, the Disney Skyliner — a key transportation option for several resorts — will close for maintenance in late January 2027, just after the holiday rush. That may result in more guests being pushed onto buses, creating longer wait times.

Ride Refurbishments Add Another Layer

If hotel construction isn’t enough, park rides will also be in flux. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin don’t have reopening dates yet, but are expected to return sometime in 2026. Over at Hollywood Studios, Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster will reemerge with a brand-new Muppets overlay.

Smart Planning Is Key

Disney World’s 2026 season is shaping up to be a mix of new magic and messy construction. Travelers who do their homework — checking resort updates, planning around closures, and considering transportation backups — will fare better than those who wing it.

The magic isn’t going anywhere. But if you want to avoid the chaos, it’s best to know precisely where those construction walls will be before you arrive.