Disney World Hotels Are Changing in 2026

2026 is shaping up to be a big year full of changes for Disney World across the property.

From newly introduced room categories to full-scale lobby renovations and the anticipated opening of a brand-new resort, Disney is investing heavily in guest experience. Whether you’re a returning fan or planning your first stay, these changes could impact everything from how you book your room to how you enjoy your vacation. Here’s a look at what’s on the horizon for Disney World hotels in 2026.

New Room Categories Debuting Across Disney Resorts

Disney has announced changes coming to hotel categories that will begin in 2026. This change aims to “simplify room categories and to improve Guests’ check-in experience.” I have covered Disney World for years, and I know that choosing a room can be confusing — so hopefully this will change that! As a result, this change will be adjusting the names of some room categories at Disney Moderate Resorts, which include Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, Disney’s Port Orleans Resort—French Quarter, and Disney’s Port Orleans Resort—Riverside.

So what’s changing? From now on, the main room categories will be Standard Room, Preferred Room, or a room with a king bed. Some Disney Moderate Resorts will continue to offer additional categories like the “Royal Guest Room” category at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort—Riverside.

Grand Floridian Lobby Renovation: A Fresh Look for a Classic Resort

The iconic Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is undergoing a dramatic transformation as it completes its multi-phase refurbishment. In 2026, the resort’s elegant lobby will emerge with a fresh new look that blends timeless Victorian charm with modern luxury.

The new lobby will feature its very own bar inspired by the lobby’s birdcage. The new bar “will pay tribute to the resort’s Victorian roots with intricate woodwork, stained glass, and brass accents. The Victorian cage-style elevator will still sit opposite the bar. Speaking of the birdcage, it’s missing in the concept art, so it seems the bar may replace it.

Lakeshore Lodge: The Newest Disney Vacation Club Resort

At the end of 2024, it was announced that a new Disney Vacation Club hotel would replace the previously announced Reflections — A Disney Lakeside Lodge Resort. The new hotel will be called Disney’s Lakeshore Lodge, and it is targeting an opening date of 2027. While it will be a Disney Vacation Club resort, even those who aren’t DVC members will be able to stay at this new hotel located next to Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground.

While the resort won’t take on guests in 2026, we do anticipate that guests will be able to book vacations next year for 2027 when it is open. We might also see the opportunity to purchase into DVC in 2026. There is nothing official, but we will bring you any news on Lakeshore Lodge!

Refurbishments

There are a few hotels that will be undergoing refurbishment in 2026. Disney shares that “The Bay Cove Pool, the Cove Bar, the water play area, and the whirlpool spa at Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort will temporarily be closed for maintenance.” That’s not the only resort that will see refurbishment.

From early May 2025 through the end of February 2026, guest rooms in the Magnolia Bend at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside will undergo refurbishment. From late March 2025 to mid-February 2026, guest rooms at Disney’s Pop Century Resort will undergo refurbishment. While all resort amenities will remain available, Guests may notice construction during daytime hours.

Whether you’re planning your next Disney World vacation or simply dreaming of your return, the hotel changes coming in 2026 signal an exciting future for resort guests. For more Disney news, be sure to follow AllEars.net.

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What is something you are looking forward to at Disney World in 2026? Please tell us your thoughts in the comments. 

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