Disney World has quietly confirmed that several resort pools will be unavailable in 2026, and while the news didn’t arrive with much fanfare, it’s already catching the attention of longtime fans. Pools are more than just a place to cool off at Walt Disney World. They’re part of how guests unwind, reset, and pace their vacation. When multiple pool areas are affected simultaneously, it naturally raises concerns about what a stay on Disney property will be like next year.
Currently, not every detail is finalized, which adds another layer of uncertainty. Guests planning ahead for 2026 may want to take a closer look at their resort choice and how pool availability could impact their stay. For many families, pool access isn’t optional—it’s essential.
Why Staying Onsite Still Feels Special
Disney World resort hotels offer built-in advantages that extend far beyond their location. Guests stay immersed in the experience from the moment they arrive. Transportation is easier. Early theme park entry gives resort guests a head start. Even the design of the hotels plays into the story Disney is trying to tell.
Pools are a huge part of that equation. After hours in the parks, families often head straight for the water. Some Disney pools feel like attractions in their own right, complete with slides, splash areas, bold theming, and playful details that keep kids entertained long after the parks close. For many guests, pool time becomes the highlight of the day.
That’s why any change to pool access carries more weight than it might at a standard hotel.
When Pool Time Gets Complicated
A typical Disney day follows a familiar rhythm. Early mornings in the parks. A break during the hottest part of the day. A swim before heading back out for dinner and nighttime entertainment. Pools help make those long park days manageable.
With several pool areas scheduled to be unavailable in 2026, that rhythm may shift. Disney usually offers alternatives, but convenience is a key factor. Walking or traveling to another resort to swim isn’t the same as stepping outside your room and jumping in the water.
All-Star Sports Kicks Off Pool Closures
Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort will see its Surfboard Bay Pool and kiddie pool close from January through late April 2026. These pools are central to the resort’s identity, especially for families who choose All-Star Sports for its energetic, playful vibe.
Disney has noted that guests won’t be left without swimming options. The Grand Slam Leisure Pool at All-Star Sports will remain open. Guests can also visit pools at All-Star Music and All-Star Movies, including the Calypso Pool, Piano Pool, Fantasia Pool, Duck Pond Pool, and multiple kiddie pools. While options exist, accessing them may require more planning.
Bay Lake Tower Guests Will Feel the Impact
At Disney’s Contemporary Resort, guests staying at Bay Lake Tower will face a similar situation. The Bay Cove Pool is scheduled to close from January 26 through early May 2026. Additionally, the Cove Bar, whirlpool spa, and water play area at Bay Lake Tower will also be unavailable.
Disney has emphasized that nearby alternatives remain open. Guests can use the Bay Lake Pool and the Contemporary’s main feature pool, along with its water play area and spa. Still, shared spaces could feel busier, especially during peak travel periods.
Fort Wilderness Brings Uncertainty, Not Closure—Yet
Construction is also underway at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, with work expected to continue through mid-2026. For now, both the Meadow Swimmin’ Pool and Wilderness Swimmin’ Pool remain open, though guests should expect nearby construction activity.
While Disney hasn’t announced any pool closures at Fort Wilderness, the size of the project has led to questions about whether access could change later. The finished expansion is expected to include a new zero-entry pool, a redesigned deck, and additional recreational courts.
What This Means for 2026 Trips
Individually, these changes aren’t unusual. Disney performs maintenance regularly. Taken together, though, they suggest that guests planning 2026 trips should pay closer attention to resort details than usual.
Pool access may require flexibility, backup plans, and adjusted expectations. The magic isn’t disappearing, but how guests experience downtime at their resorts may look different next year.
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