When most people picture Walt Disney World, they think of laughter, music, and endless crowds—not silence. Yet, guests say one resort feels more like an abandoned movie set than “The Most Magical Place on Earth.” The once-bustling hotel has been described as “creepy” and “quiet,” a sight that’s throwing regular visitors completely off guard.
Why Disney Hotels Feel So Special
Part of Disney’s charm is that staying on property feels like an attraction itself. From sunrise to sunset, guests are surrounded by theming that tells a story. Each resort has its own personality—its own music, colors, and scents. Disney builds these environments to keep the magic alive long after you’ve left the parks.
There’s also the convenience. Guests staying at Disney hotels enjoy perks such as early park entry, complimentary transportation, and a sense of security that off-property options can’t replicate. It’s why many families choose to stay within the Disney bubble instead of venturing elsewhere in Orlando.
A Look at Disney’s Most Beloved Resorts
Over the years, certain resorts have become landmarks in their own right. The Contemporary Resort stands tall beside Magic Kingdom, with the Monorail gliding straight through its heart. Guests adore its modern feel and unbeatable views of the nightly fireworks.
A short ride away, the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa offers timeless luxury with a Victorian touch. It’s elegant, peaceful, and one of the most photographed resorts on the property. Meanwhile, families love the vibrancy of Art of Animation, where oversized statues of Disney and Pixar favorites make every stay feel like stepping into a film.
Even the nearby Swan and Dolphin hotels—though not Disney-owned—hold their own appeal with modern design and a location steps away from EPCOT.
The Strange Shift
The resort getting the most attention right now is Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside. Known for its Southern charm and riverside serenity, it usually draws visitors who love a slower, more relaxed atmosphere. However, during its current refurbishment, that calm has taken on a slightly eerie quality.
Construction zones, closed paths, and limited dining have left some guests feeling uneasy. While the updates are necessary, they’ve made parts of the resort unusually empty. Visitors walking along the river at night describe the area as too quiet, and one Reddit user’s photos of fog rolling across the water only deepened the spooky vibe.
Those misty shots quickly went viral, with fans calling the resort “haunted” and comparing it to a scene straight out of a horror movie or thriller. Whether the feeling comes from construction or simply the natural stillness of the bayou, Riverside has never felt quite like this before.
Disney’s Larger Refurbishment Plan
To be fair, Port Orleans isn’t alone. Disney is in the middle of widespread resort upgrades that stretch from the Grand Floridian to Animal Kingdom Lodge. The Grand Floridian’s transformation has modernized its guest rooms and lobby, but also temporarily muted its famous energy.
At Animal Kingdom Lodge, crews are updating rooms while guests watch giraffes graze nearby. The improvements will elevate Disney’s resort lineup—but right now, they’ve created isolated pockets of stillness across the property.
A Temporary Calm Before the Comeback
Disney confirmed that renovations will extend into 2026 and possibly 2027. The payoff will be refreshed rooms, new tech, and more immersive details than ever. But until then, some parts of the resort will continue to feel unusually quiet.
Even so, longtime Disney fans know this lull is temporary. Before long, the fog over the river will lift, the crowds will return, and the laughter will echo once again. Until then, there’s something hauntingly beautiful about seeing Disney’s softer, quieter side—where magic hides beneath the mist.
