Booking a Walt Disney World hotel for 2027 might come with a few surprises, especially for families hoping to enjoy a relaxing stay at one of Disney’s most expensive resorts.
While some properties are finally emerging from lengthy refurbishment projects, others still have months of construction ahead.
That means guests could find themselves paying premium prices while dealing with construction equipment, obstructed views, or unexpected changes to their usual walking routes.
The situation is particularly interesting at two neighboring Deluxe Resorts, where one hotel has finished a major project while the other faces work extending through late 2027.
Before making a reservation, here are seven things Disney World guests should know.
1. Disney’s Yacht Club Resort Has Finished Its Exterior Refurbishment
After more than 18 months of construction, Disney’s Yacht Club Resort has completed its extensive exterior refurbishment.
The project began in spring 2025, bringing scaffolding, construction walls, and temporary changes to guest pathways.
However, Disney recently removed its exterior maintenance warning from the hotel’s official website, signaling that the major project has ended.
As Disney Dining previously reported, the lengthy Yacht Club refurbishment has finally wrapped up.
For guests considering a 2027 vacation, that could make the waterfront property considerably more appealing.
The hotel still offers its familiar nautical atmosphere, convenient transportation, and access to some of Disney World’s most popular resort amenities.
2. Beach Club Construction Will Continue Through Late 2027
Unfortunately, guests staying next door won’t necessarily have the same experience.
Disney’s Beach Club Resort remains under an extended exterior refurbishment schedule, with work expected to continue through late 2027.
Disney warns that construction could affect views from certain locations, require alternate walking routes, and create daytime noise.
That doesn’t mean the entire resort is closing. Guests can still book rooms and enjoy its available amenities.
However, Disney Dining previously detailed the construction concerns facing Beach Club guests, including the potential impact on visitors paying Deluxe Resort prices.
For families hoping to enjoy peaceful afternoons at their hotel, those disruptions could become frustrating.
3. Both Hotels Offer Access to the Same Popular Pool
One of the biggest reasons families book Yacht Club or Beach Club is Stormalong Bay.
The sprawling pool complex features a sand-bottom swimming area, lazy river, and a shipwreck-themed waterslide.
Eligible registered guests at both hotels can enjoy the facility.
That means families choosing Yacht Club to avoid Beach Club’s exterior construction won’t automatically sacrifice the pool experience.
However, Disney’s recreational facilities occasionally undergo separate maintenance projects.
As Disney Dining has reported in its coverage of resort refurbishments, pool closures can affect even the most popular hotels.
Guests should always confirm pool availability before booking, especially if swimming is a major part of their vacation plans.
4. EPCOT Is Within Walking Distance
Location remains one of the strongest selling points for both resorts.
Yacht Club and Beach Club sit near EPCOT’s International Gateway, allowing guests to walk directly into World Showcase.
That convenience can be especially valuable during EPCOT festivals or when families want to return to their rooms for afternoon breaks.
Beach Club generally offers a slightly shorter walk, although the difference depends on individual room locations.
Both hotels also provide access to nearby dining and entertainment around Crescent Lake.
For guests who plan to spend considerable time at EPCOT, either resort offers a major transportation advantage over hotels requiring bus service.
5. Hollywood Studios Is Also Accessible Without a Bus
Guests staying at Yacht Club or Beach Club can reach Disney’s Hollywood Studios using the pedestrian pathway connecting the EPCOT Resort Area to the park.
Friendship Boats offer another transportation option when operating.
However, the walk to Hollywood Studios is considerably longer than the walk to EPCOT.
Families traveling with toddlers, strollers, or guests with mobility concerns may prefer the boats.
Transportation maintenance can also complicate those plans, making it important to check which services are operating during a visit.
The convenience of staying near two theme parks remains a major advantage, but guests should understand the available transportation options before arriving.
6. Disney Skyliner Will Close for Seven Days in January
Another important transportation change is already scheduled for early 2027.
Disney has confirmed that the Skyliner will close for refurbishment from January 24 through January 30, 2027.
Complimentary bus transportation will operate during the shutdown.
Yacht Club and Beach Club aren’t directly served by the gondola system, meaning guests can still rely on their usual walking routes and operating Friendship Boats.
However, the closure matters for families comparing these Deluxe Resorts with Skyliner-connected properties such as Pop Century, Art of Animation, Caribbean Beach, and Riviera Resort.
7. Other Disney World Hotels Face Construction, Too
Yacht Club and Beach Club aren’t the only properties experiencing changes.
In fact, Disney Dining previously identified 10 Disney World hotels facing potential disruptions during 2027.
Projects include guest room refurbishments, exterior maintenance, and temporary amenity closures.
Disney’s BoardWalk Inn, another EPCOT-area hotel, has a scheduled feature pool closure beginning January 11 and continuing into April 2027.
That makes comparing nearby resorts more complicated than simply choosing the cheapest available room.
Families should consider which amenities matter most, whether construction could affect their stay, and how much time they actually plan to spend at the hotel.
Which Disney World Hotel Is the Better Choice for 2027?
For guests deciding between Yacht Club and Beach Club, Yacht Club currently has a noticeable advantage when it comes to exterior construction.
Its major refurbishment is finished, while Beach Club’s published maintenance schedule extends through late 2027.
Both properties still offer convenient access to EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Stormalong Bay.
However, Beach Club could remain an appealing option for guests who find a better rate or aren’t particularly concerned about daytime construction.
Disney’s hotel construction schedule also extends beyond these two properties. Additional resort projects and construction permits have raised questions about future guest disruptions.
Before finalizing a 2027 reservation, families should review Disney’s latest refurbishment notices, compare room prices, and consider how much construction they’re comfortable encountering.
A little extra research could make a significant difference when spending thousands of dollars on a Disney World vacation.
