New Future for Disney’s Contemporary Resort Revealed on Disney World’s 55th Anniversary
Marking 55 years since Walt Disney World Resort first welcomed guests on October 1, 1971, Disney’s Contemporary Resort continues its gradual transformation, with construction steadily working its way across the Deluxe Disney Resort hotel‘s landmark A-frame building.
A Long-Running Refurbishment Project
Work at Disney’s Contemporary Resort actually began back in September 2024, though crews didn’t start on the iconic Contemporary Tower itself until this past summer. That’s when scaffolding, scrim, and other construction equipment first appeared on the Magic Kingdom-facing side of the building.
Despite the scope of the project, the facade is expected to look largely unchanged once finished. Walt Disney World Resort is primarily restoring existing walls, windows, and balconies rather than redesigning the structure.
By last month, construction had expanded to the Bay Lake-facing side of the tower as well.
The Latest Construction Milestone
WDWNT reported on October 1 that scaffolding had spread into two additional architectural bays, moving closer toward the center of the building. While the existing scaffolding on the left side of the structure remains unchanged, beige scrim fabric now covers several balconies in that section.
Green plastic barriers continue to keep guests at a safe distance from the active construction zone near the Convention Center, and hundreds of scaffolding pieces currently sitting on the ground suggest the Bay Lake side refurbishment still has considerable work ahead.
A Shifting Completion Timeline
This project has already had its timeline pushed back once. Originally expected to wrap up in July 2026, Walt Disney World Resort now anticipates construction at Disney’s Contemporary Resort won’t be finished until “late 2027.” The resort’s official webpage currently warns guests:
“Through late 2027, refurbishment work will occur in phases throughout select areas of Disney’s Contemporary Resort—including Bay Lake Tower and the Main Tower atrium. Additionally, Main Tower exterior maintenance may impact views from various locations throughout the Resort hotel and, at times, require alternate paths of travel. Guests may see or hear construction during daytime hours.”
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