Planning a Walt Disney World vacation in 2025 or 2026? Your resort choice plays a major role in shaping the flow, comfort, and convenience of your entire trip. But with ongoing refurbishments, pool closures, and even temporary transportation outages on the horizon, certain resorts may not offer the ideal experience for your travel dates.
This updated guide covers all the confirmed resort refurbishments at Walt Disney World throughout 2025 and 2026. We’ll also suggest appropriate alternatives—comparable in theme, pricing, or convenience—so you can book with confidence.
2025 Resort Refurbishments and Closures
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
May 2025 through 2026
The front entrance and bus loop at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort will be reconfigured during this time, with construction noticeable during daytime hours. While all pools, dining, and monorail access remain available, guests may experience view disruptions or minor travel delays when entering or exiting the property.
Consider instead: Disney’s Wilderness Lodge offers similar access to Magic Kingdom, a peaceful atmosphere, and no entrance construction.
Disney’s Pop Century Resort
Late March 2025 to mid-February 2026
Guest rooms will be refurbished in phases. All resort amenities and transportation (including the Skyliner) will remain operational, but guests may notice construction activity during daytime hours.
Consider instead: Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort offers comparable theming, value pricing, and a lively atmosphere without any room refurbishments during this time.
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside (Magnolia Bend Section)
Early May 2025 through February 2026
Rooms in the Magnolia Bend section will undergo refurbishment. During the day, guests may see or hear construction, though all amenities across the resort will continue to operate.
Consider instead: Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter provides similar theming and riverfront charm, with no announced updates.
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge – Copper Creek Villas & Cabins
Mid-May 2025 to September 2025
Copper Creek guest rooms are being refurbished. Daytime construction is planned, though all amenities—including dining and pools—will remain available.
Consider instead: Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge – Kidani Village offers tranquil surroundings, deluxe accommodations, and no scheduled construction.
Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts
Early June to September 2025
Routine exterior maintenance is planned, primarily around the porte-cochere. While services like valet, luggage assistance, and transportation will remain available, daytime construction may be visible or audible.
Consider instead: Disney’s BoardWalk Inn offers a similarly elegant EPCOT-area experience, with no current renovations scheduled during this time.
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
April 2025 through late 2025
Phased lobby, convention center, and public area updates began in April 2025. Portions of the lobby will close intermittently, with modified guest pathways. All pools, restaurants, and amenities remain open, but the holiday gingerbread display will not be available in 2025.
Consider instead: Disney’s Riviera Resort offers refined luxury, easy access to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios via Skyliner, and no major disruptions.
2026 Resort Refurbishments and Closures
Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort
January to late April 2026
The Surfboard Bay Pool and kiddie pool will be closed for maintenance, while the Grand Slam Leisure Pool will remain open. Guests may also use the pools at nearby All-Star Music and All-Star Movies resorts.
Consider instead: Disney’s Art of Animation Resort offers expansive, highly themed pools (including the Big Blue Pool) and excellent family-friendly accommodations.
Disney’s Contemporary Resort & Bay Lake Tower
September 2024 through July 2026
Select areas of the Contemporary Resort and Bay Lake Tower will be refurbished. Guests may see or hear construction and should allow for extra travel time.
Additionally, from January 26 through early May 2026, the Bay Cove Pool, Cove Bar, water play area, and whirlpool spa at Bay Lake Tower will be closed. The Bay Lake Pool and main Contemporary Resort pool will remain open.
Consider instead: Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows remain largely unaffected by construction and offer comparable monorail access and amenities.
Temporary Disney Skyliner Closure – January 2026
The Disney Skyliner will be closed for routine maintenance from January 25 through January 31, 2026. During this period, guests will be provided complimentary bus transportation.
Resorts Affected:
- Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
- Disney’s Pop Century Resort
- Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
- Disney’s Riviera Resort
If staying at one of these properties during this timeframe, expect longer transportation times and less stroller-friendly travel to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios.
Consider instead: Resorts with monorail or boat transportation, like Disney’s Contemporary Resort or Port Orleans – French Quarter, if you prefer quick, direct access without relying on buses.
What This Means for Your Trip
With so many exciting enhancements underway, reviewing upcoming refurbishments before locking in your Walt Disney World Resort reservation is more important than ever. Knowing which resorts will have ongoing construction or service changes during your stay can help you avoid noise disruptions, closed amenities, or inconvenient transportation.
If you’re looking for peace and quiet, full pool access, or smooth park transit in early 2026, you may want to steer clear of certain resorts—or simply adjust your dates and expectations accordingly.
Disney’s continued investment in resort updates is great long-term news, but staying informed ensures your vacation lives up to the magic you dream of.
