Beyond roller coasters and fireworks, golf has quietly remained part of the experience at Walt Disney World Resort for more than five decades.
When the resort opened in 1971, Disney introduced two golf courses alongside the parks — Palm and Magnolia — helping establish the property as a full-scale vacation destination rather than a single theme park.
That approach continued as the resort expanded. Magic Kingdom was soon joined by EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom, transforming the property into a sprawling complex that offered far more than rides and attractions.
Disney added another course shortly after the resort opened. Lake Buena Vista Golf Course debuted in 1972, winding through lakes, landscaping, and nearby resort hotels.
The course became popular with visiting golfers thanks to its scenic layout and relatively accessible design compared to championship-style courses.
Over the decades, Disney continued developing its golf offerings. Today, the resort operates four courses — Magnolia, Palm, Lake Buena Vista, and Oak Trail — all managed by Disney Golf and periodically updated to maintain playing conditions.
Resort Golf Courses Receive Regular Upgrades
Like many large golf resorts, Disney periodically closes courses for maintenance and refurbishment projects.
These updates typically focus on improving greens, bunkers, drainage, and irrigation systems. Work is often scheduled during quieter travel periods to limit disruption for visiting golfers.
In recent years, Disney has carried out similar projects across several of its courses.
Disney’s Magnolia Golf Course recently underwent upgrades designed to modernize the course and improve durability.
Last summer, Disney’s Palm Golf Course temporarily closed for nearly two weeks while crews completed maintenance and improvement work.
Those updates are part of ongoing efforts to keep the courses in line with modern turf standards and playing expectations.
Now, another course at Walt Disney World is preparing for a more extensive refurbishment.
Lake Buena Vista Golf Course Temporarily Closing
Disney has confirmed that Lake Buena Vista Golf Course will temporarily close later this year for refurbishment.
The closure is expected to last through much of summer 2026 as crews complete upgrades across several parts of the course.
The project will focus primarily on the greens. They will be rebuilt with new shaping, contours, and elevation adjustments intended to improve drainage and playability.
The surrounding areas will also see changes. Bunkers and nearby chipping zones are being redesigned to create smoother transitions and more consistent playing conditions.
Disney is also installing updated irrigation infrastructure around the greens to help maintain turf quality in high-traffic areas.
Across the course, bunker drainage systems will be upgraded to reduce water buildup and allow quicker recovery following storms.
Several tee boxes will also receive improvements designed to increase durability and maintain turf conditions during busy periods.
Guests who already have tee times booked during the closure period are encouraged to check with Disney Golf regarding their reservations.
During the refurbishment, Disney’s Magnolia Golf Course, Disney’s Palm Golf Course, and Disney’s Oak Trail Golf Course will remain open to guests.
The Lake Buena Vista course is currently expected to reopen in early fall.
Have you ever played golf at Disney World?
