Despite the emergence of Spooky Season in the parks, it’s still summer, and many families are trying to squeeze in one last trip before school starts. Others are planning ahead for future vacations. If you find yourself in that camp, there are some things you’ll need to consider when choosing your Resort hotel.
Swimming is a time-honored family vacation activity, and in Florida, swimming season almost never ends (I’ve swum outside on New Year’s Day). Every Disney Resort hotel has at least one pool for families to enjoy some fun in the sun. However, part of what makes Disney so great is that it never gets any of its features to fall into disrepair which unfortunately means sometimes the pools will be closed for refurbishment. Don’t let these closures take you by surprise. Knowing In advance helps you plan which hotels to avoid (and maybe try out a new one).
2023-
Disney’s Contemporary Resort:
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- The Feature Pool and whirlpool spas will be unavailable Jan. 9, 2023, through early April 2023.
Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground:
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- The Meadow Swimmin’ Pool and whirlpool spa will be unavailable Jan. 9, 2023, through early April 2023.
Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa:
- The High Rock Spring pool and On the Rocks pool bar will be unavailable from early January 2023 through late March 2023
2024-
Port Orleans French Quarter:
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- Doubloon Lagoon Pool from January 2024 to April 2024
Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort:
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- Fuentes del Morro Pool will be closed due to refurbishment from January 2024 to April 2024.
Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort:
- The Fantasia Pool will be closed to guests for routine maintenance from January 2024-April 2024.
If you’re booked at one of these resorts during this time, and the pool closures bother you, you do have the option to change resorts without penalty (you will, however, be responsible for any difference in rate). Additionally, you can use one of the resort’s other pools. Most resorts (with the exception of Port Orleans French Quarter) have a main feature pool and other (usually quiet) pools.
Other closures to keep in mind:
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa:
- Narcoossee’s, one of the resort’s signature dining experiences, is closed from July 14, 2022, and is expected to return at some point in 2023, but a reopening date has not been announced.
Disney’s Polynesian Resort
- Kona Cafe will close for what seems likely to be a lengthy refurbishment this month (August 2022). The walk-up to dow will still be available for mobile orders.
- The resort is undergoing a lot of construction to make room for brand new Disney Vacation Club Villas. This, however, could cause noise, though Disney is usually good about keeping construction work to times guests wouldn’t typically be sleeping.
There are 32 hotels on property, each with its own unique theming and food options. With a little savvy planning these closures can be avoided and don’t have to throw a monkey wrench in your vacation plans.
