Not every Disney World upgrade is guaranteed to make guests happy.
Sometimes, the features Disney decides to replace are exactly what families loved about a resort in the first place.
That could become an issue with an upcoming refurbishment at one of Walt Disney World’s most colorful hotels.
Disney is preparing to introduce a new look to several popular accommodations, replacing familiar designs with more modern interiors. While the changes promise improved comfort, some guests may question whether Disney is moving too far away from the resort’s original identity.
Art of Animation Is Getting a Major Makeover
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort has always stood out because of its commitment to animated storytelling.
From enormous character displays outside the buildings to colorful decorations inside the rooms, the resort offers families an experience that feels straight out of their favorite Disney movies.
However, that appearance is about to change.
WDW News Today reported that WDW Magazine had viewed concept art and toured a test room showcasing planned updates to The Lion King family suites and The Little Mermaid rooms.
Refurbishment work is currently expected to begin in June 2027 and continue through October 2028.
The Lion King suites will reportedly receive one of the most noticeable transformations.
Disney plans to introduce natural colors, lighter wood furniture, green accents, and more artistic interpretations of characters from The Lion King (1994).
The suites will still accommodate six guests, but their overall appearance will move away from some of the bold cartoon imagery that originally defined the rooms.
Disney Is Taking a Different Approach With The Little Mermaid
The Little Mermaid accommodations will also receive a substantial redesign, although their proposed appearance sounds more colorful.
The updated rooms will reportedly feature shades of blue, purple, and coral, along with a seashell-inspired headboard and character artwork.
Disney also plans to introduce a queen Murphy bed alongside a traditional queen bed, allowing the rooms to accommodate four guests.
For families, these practical changes could make a meaningful difference.
After spending hours walking through the theme parks, comfortable beds, convenient furniture, and enough room for everyone’s belongings become especially important.
Still, convenience isn’t the only reason families book Disney hotels.
Is Disney Making Its Resorts Too Modern?
One concern surrounding Disney’s hotel renovations is the possibility that properties could begin looking increasingly similar.
Art of Animation was never intended to feel like a traditional luxury hotel.
Its appeal comes from the oversized characters, bright colors, and playful details that make children feel immersed in Disney movies.
Replacing those features with muted colors and contemporary furniture could disappoint guests who prefer the original designs.
Of course, the proposed renovations may successfully combine modern comfort with recognizable Disney storytelling.
The Little Mermaid concept, in particular, appears to preserve more of the resort’s colorful personality.
What Families Should Know Before Booking
With construction expected to continue through October 2028, guests planning future vacations should pay attention to refurbishment schedules and potential disruptions.
Disney has not announced any specific price increases associated with the renovations.
Ultimately, the real question isn’t whether the redesigned rooms will look nicer.
It’s whether Disney can modernize Art of Animation without sacrificing the imaginative atmosphere that made families fall in love with the resort in the first place.
