Disney World Guests Warned as Construction Walls Multiply Across Parks and Hotels
Construction has become part of the Walt Disney World experience, and that’s especially true right now. Nearly every corner of the resort is seeing some kind of work, from entirely new themed lands to attraction refurbishments, hotel renovations, restaurant closures, and transportation improvements.
Most of these projects are designed to make Disney World even better in the years ahead. Until they’re finished, however, they may also bring construction walls, detours, unavailable amenities, or temporary closures that could catch guests off guard.
If you have a trip planned in the coming weeks or months, these are 16 of the biggest projects currently shaping Walt Disney World.
Hollywood Studios Continues to Add New Experiences
Disney’s Hollywood Studios remains one of the busiest construction areas on the property, with two major additions moving forward.
The biggest near-term project is the Walt Disney Studios area. Disney has confirmed that The Magic of Disney Animation will debut there on September 14, 2026. Until the new experience opens, construction activity will continue in that part of the park.
The park is also preparing for Monstropolis, the long-awaited land inspired by Monsters, Inc. Disney has confirmed the expansion will feature a suspended-door coaster along with themed dining, shopping, and additional experiences, making it one of the park’s most ambitious projects.
Magic Kingdom Has the Largest Number of Active Projects
Magic Kingdom leads the resort with four major construction projects.
Villains Land remains one of Disney’s biggest long-term expansions. Disney has confirmed the area will include two attractions, shopping, dining, and an entirely new land devoted to Disney villains.
Just beyond Frontierland, work also continues on Piston Peak National Park. The Cars-inspired expansion is replacing Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island after both permanently closed to make way for construction.
Elsewhere, Big Top Souvenirs remains closed while refurbishment work continues. Disney expects the store to reopen later in 2026, although it has not shared an exact date.
Tomorrowland also has one of the park’s most noticeable closures. Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress closed on July 6, 2026, for a major refurbishment. Disney has confirmed the attraction is expected to return in 2027 with updated show scenes and a new pre-show.
EPCOT Still Has Work to Finish
Although EPCOT has completed many of its largest transformation projects, construction hasn’t disappeared entirely.
La Signature in the France Pavilion remains closed while refurbishment work continues. Disney has said the location is expected to reopen later this year.
The Germany Pavilion is also undergoing refurbishment. While guests can still explore the pavilion, they may notice construction walls and temporary changes as work progresses.
Animal Kingdom’s Future Is Taking Shape
Construction continues to move forward at Disney’s Animal Kingdom as Tropical Americas begins replacing DinoLand U.S.A.
The project advanced after DinoLand U.S.A. permanently closed on February 2, 2026. Disney has confirmed the new land will feature experiences inspired by Encanto and Indiana Jones, bringing an entirely new setting to the park.
Resort Construction Extends Beyond the Parks
Several Disney resorts are also experiencing noticeable construction.
At Disney’s BoardWalk, crews continue major work at the former Jellyrolls location following the venue’s closure in 2025.
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort also continues improvements around transportation areas, including work affecting the resort’s boat dock.
Meanwhile, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa remains in the middle of a lengthy refurbishment. Guests may notice ongoing work around the porte cochère during arrival and departure.
At Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort, the Turf Club Lounge remains closed for refurbishment and is expected to reopen in late August 2026, with additional work continuing in phases.
Guests staying at Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort may also encounter construction as refurbishment projects continue throughout the building.
Dining and Transportation Are Also Seeing Changes
Not every project involves attractions or hotel rooms.
Yachtsman Steakhouse at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort remains closed for refurbishment following its closure on May 11, 2026. Disney expects the restaurant to reopen sometime in August.
Transportation improvements are also underway at Disney’s Old Key West Resort, where work around the boat dock may temporarily affect service as construction continues.
Planning Ahead Can Help Avoid Surprises
These 16 projects represent some of the most visible work taking place across Walt Disney World, but they aren’t the only ones. Additional maintenance, refurbishments, and infrastructure upgrades continue throughout the resort as Disney prepares for future additions.
While construction can occasionally create minor inconveniences, it’s also laying the foundation for some of Disney World’s biggest upcoming experiences. New lands like Villains Land and Tropical Americas, along with The Magic of Disney Animation and the refreshed Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress, are expected to reshape the resort over the next several years.
Knowing what’s under construction before you arrive can help you plan around closures, adjust expectations, and focus on enjoying everything else Disney World still has to offer.
