Walt Disney World vacations usually come with a certain level of predictability—you book your resort, plan your park days, and expect everything to run pretty smoothly. This summer, though, that expectation might need a slight adjustment.
Across Disney’s resort hotels, construction and refurbishment projects are happening at a scale that’s hard to ignore. The good news is that nothing major is shutting down entirely. The reality, though, is that a lot of these hotels are operating while updates are actively taking place.
At Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort, for example, a room refurbishment is kicking off in late May and stretching into early 2027. Guests can still stay there, but parts of the resort may be blocked off as work moves from building to building. That could mean a bit more walking or hearing construction during the day.
Over at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, the transition between construction areas is also worth noting. Work is wrapping up at Kidani Village, but it’s immediately shifting to Jambo House. So,
depending on where your room is located, you might still be right in the middle of it.
Dining is another area where guests could feel the impact. The Grand Floridian Café is temporarily closing for several months, and Yachtsman Steakhouse at Yacht Club will also be unavailable for part of the summer. Saratoga Springs is taking a different approach, rotating closures between different dining locations, which can make it harder to plan meals ahead of time.
Some of the longer-term construction projects are happening at Disney’s Deluxe Resorts. The Contemporary, Beach Club, and BoardWalk Inn all have ongoing work that extends well beyond summer. In most cases, the main offerings stay open, but smaller details—like a closed pool or a rerouted walkway—can affect how convenient your stay feels.
Even transportation isn’t completely untouched. At Wilderness Lodge, the boat dock is temporarily closed, while Polynesian Village Resort is adjusting its entrance and bus areas. These changes don’t stop you from getting around, but they can slow things down if you’re not expecting them.
The biggest takeaway here isn’t to avoid staying on property—it’s to be aware. Disney is clearly investing in its hotels, which is a positive thing long term. But right now, that investment comes with some trade-offs.
If you’re planning a trip this summer, take a few extra minutes to look at your resort’s current status. Knowing what’s under refurbishment ahead of time can help you avoid surprises and set better expectations for your stay.
