Planning a Disney World Trip This Fall? 12 Hotel Refurbishments Could Disrupt Your Stay
Choosing a Walt Disney World hotel isn’t just about location, transportation, or themed pools anymore. If you’re planning a vacation between August and early November 2026, it’s also worth checking whether your resort is undergoing refurbishment. Disney has several construction projects happening across its hotels this fall. While none of the resorts are closing, some guests may encounter temporary inconveniences, including room renovations, restaurant closures, and pool work.
The projects span nearly every resort category, including Value, Moderate, Deluxe, and Disney Vacation Club properties. Depending on where you stay, you may barely notice the work or walk past construction walls every day. Here’s what to know before booking.
One Value Resort Remains Under Construction
Disney’s Value Resorts have relatively little construction this fall, but one hotel continues to receive major updates.
Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort remains in the middle of a guest room refurbishment expected to continue through late January 2027. Rooms are being renovated in phases, limiting construction to certain sections while the rest of the resort remains open.
Pools, restaurants, transportation, and recreation are expected to remain available, although daytime work may be noticeable near active construction.
Moderate Resorts Have Two Ongoing Projects
Two Moderate Resorts have also confirmed work is underway.
Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort begins work on its Convention Center on August 10, 2026. Since the project focuses on meeting spaces, convention attendees will likely notice the biggest impact, while most vacationers may experience little disruption.
At Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside, guest room renovations in Magnolia Bend continue through August 2027. Buildings are being updated in phases, leaving some areas behind construction walls.
Guests seeking a quieter stay may want to request rooms away from active work.
Deluxe Resorts Account for Most of the Work
Disney’s Deluxe Resorts have the most refurbishment projects this fall.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge – Jambo House continues guest room renovations through January 2027, with construction rotating through different sections of the resort.
Disney’s BoardWalk Inn also remains under refurbishment in select areas through 2026, bringing occasional construction walls and daytime noise.
At Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Bay Lake Tower’s Bay Cove Pool, whirlpool, splash area, and nearby recreation spaces remain under refurbishment through late 2027. Guests will need to use alternate recreation options during the project.
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort also continues select-area refurbishment throughout 2026. While the resort’s major expansion has finished, guests may still encounter temporary construction zones.
Grand Floridian Has Construction and Dining Changes
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa has multiple projects underway.
Work around the covered entrance continues into early 2027, creating temporary walkways and modified arrival areas.
The Grand Floridian Café remains closed from mid-July through October 2026 while Disney completes its refurbishment. During the closure, brunch service has temporarily moved to Citricos.
Checking restaurant availability before your trip could help avoid surprises.
Disney Vacation Club Resorts Continue Improvements
Several Disney Vacation Club resorts also remain under refurbishment.
Disney’s Old Key West Resort continues renovating guest rooms throughout 2026, with rotating room closures and construction across parts of the property.
At Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa, Turf Club Bar & Grill remains under refurbishment through mid-September 2026 while operating with temporary modifications. Nearby, the Treehouse Villas continue receiving exterior improvements through September, leaving some villas unavailable.
These projects are generally less disruptive than larger resort renovations, but guests should still expect work in certain areas.
Several Resorts Have Few Major Concerns
Not every Disney Resort hotel has significant construction planned this fall.
Disney has not announced major guest-impacting refurbishment projects at Disney’s All-Star Music Resort, Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Disney’s Beach Club Resort, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, Disney’s Pop Century Resort, Disney’s Riviera Resort, or Disney’s Yacht Club Resort.
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge continues exterior refurbishment work, but the project has remained relatively low-impact, with the resort’s primary amenities staying open.
Routine maintenance can happen at any Disney hotel, but these resorts currently don’t have large-scale projects expected to affect most guests this fall.
Planning Can Help Avoid Surprises
Construction is a normal part of keeping Walt Disney World resorts updated, but it can temporarily affect vacations, especially when restaurants, pools, or nearby guest rooms are involved.
Before booking your trip, review your resort’s refurbishment schedule. A little planning could help you avoid unexpected construction and enjoy a more relaxing Walt Disney World vacation.
