Booking a Walt Disney World Resort hotel usually comes with plenty of advantages, from immersive theming to convenient transportation and early park access. But not every week of the year offers the same experience. If you’re already looking ahead to a 2027 vacation, it’s worth checking Disney’s refurbishment schedule before locking in your reservation.
Several popular hotels will be affected by transportation changes or construction projects throughout the year, and those temporary disruptions could influence where you decide to stay.
One of the biggest dates to watch is January 24 through January 30, 2027. During that week, Disney will temporarily close the Skyliner gondola system for its annual maintenance. Guests staying at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Disney’s Pop Century Resort, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, and Disney’s Riviera Resort won’t lose transportation to the parks, but they will lose one of the biggest reasons many travelers choose those hotels in the first place.
Disney buses will continue operating to EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, but bus lines often become longer when every guest is relying on the same transportation. For visitors who specifically booked a Skyliner resort because of its quick and scenic rides, that week may not deliver the experience they expected.
Art of Animation also has another issue arriving later in the year. Beginning in late spring, Disney plans to start a large refurbishment of both standard guest rooms and family suites. The hotel will remain open while work continues, but construction naturally brings daytime noise, temporary walkways, and work crews throughout different sections of the property.
If you’re spending premium vacation dollars, many guests would rather avoid construction altogether and wait until the project finishes before booking a stay.
Fort Wilderness presents a different situation. The campground remains one of Disney’s most unique resorts, but summer 2027 will likely feel busier than normal as nearby construction wraps up on Disney Lakeshore Lodge. Guests should also remember that Fort Wilderness won’t receive Disney’s complimentary water park admission benefit that many other Disney Resort hotel guests will enjoy next year. Those factors may encourage some visitors to consider other accommodations depending on their vacation priorities.
Two additional resorts will remain under refurbishment for much of the year.
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside continues its room modernization through August 2027. While the updates are expected to improve the guest experience long term, construction walls and daytime work may still be noticeable throughout portions of the resort.
Meanwhile, Disney’s Beach Club Resort will continue exterior refurbishment through late 2027. Disney has already advised that guests may encounter alternate walking routes, construction activity, and temporary impacts to some views around the hotel. Those staying for the relaxing atmosphere may want to keep those conditions in mind before booking.
Disney’s Contemporary Resort rounds out the list. Work across both the Main Tower and Bay Lake Tower is expected to continue through late 2027. Although the resort will remain open and fully operational, Disney says guests may experience alternate travel paths and occasional daytime construction.
None of these projects make the resorts bad choices. In many cases, Disney schedules renovations specifically to improve the guest experience for years to come. However, knowing what’s happening before you book can help you choose travel dates that match the type of vacation you’re hoping to have. Sometimes shifting your trip by just a few weeks can mean quieter surroundings, easier transportation, and a more relaxing stay from check-in through checkout.
