Watch Out for These 4 Disney World Hotel Refurbishments

Disney World is always changing, which means even your hotel stay might not look exactly like you expect.

Resort refurbishments are a normal part of keeping Disney hotels fresh, but they can still affect your trip if you’re not prepared. Some updates are small and hardly noticeable, while others might change the vibe of your stay completely. To help you plan, here are four hotel refurbishments you’ll definitely want to keep on your radar.

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Disney’s Pop Century Resort

Pop Century has a lot going on right now, so if this is your go-to value resort, it’s worth knowing the details.

The lobby is currently under refurbishment through early October, and while it will stay open, guests should expect to see and hear construction during their visit. All amenities will still be available, but don’t be surprised if your check-in area looks a little different than usual.

That’s not the only work happening at Pop Century. Guest rooms started a big refurbishment back in March 2025, and that project will run all the way through March 2026. The Everything POP! Food Court and gift shop already got their updates, so the focus is now on the rooms. If you’re staying here over the next year, you may find yourself in an updated room—or near some that are still being worked on.

One more thing to keep in mind if you’re planning a stay in January 2026: the Disney Skyliner will be closed for its annual maintenance from January 25th through the 31st. Disney will run buses during that time, but since the Skyliner is a huge perk for guests at Pop Century (and the other Skyliner resorts), the closure could impact your transportation plans.

Disney’s Contemporary Resort

The Contemporary is one of Disney World’s most iconic hotels, but even the classics need a little TLC. Right now, the Grand Canyon Concourse—aka the main area where you’ll find the Monorail, gift shops, and restaurants—is under construction near the Contempo Café.

If you’re planning to grab a meal there, be prepared for some noise between 2 PM and 5 PM daily through mid-October. The Contempo Café is a favorite for its wide-ranging menu and, of course, the Cinderella Cupcake, so it’s still worth stopping by even with the construction happening nearby.

The good news is that this work won’t close the restaurant, but it could make your meal a little less peaceful. If you want to avoid the construction hours altogether, consider eating earlier in the day or waiting until dinner.

Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort

Coronado Springs is a resort that blends Spanish, Mexican, and Southwest American influences, and it’s one of the most scenic spots on Disney property. This summer, however, you might run into a pool closure if you’re visiting.

From August 17th through August 24th, 2025, the Cabanas leisure pool will be closed for routine maintenance. Disney has warned that guests may hear some construction noise during this time.

Thankfully, it’s just one of the leisure pools, so you’ll still have access to the Casitas and Ranchos pools, plus the popular Lost City of Cibola pool with its water slide and bar.

This closure is short and shouldn’t have a huge impact on your trip, especially since Coronado Springs offers multiple pools and tons of other activities. If you’re visiting in August, just plan to spend your pool time elsewhere on property.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

Animal Kingdom Lodge is one of the most unique resorts at Disney World, but it also has a packed refurbishment schedule over the next couple of years.

The first project kicked off July 7th and runs through mid-September 2025. The Zebra Trail terrace at Jambo House will be under refurbishment, so guests staying there might see and hear construction in the area.

Then, starting in October 2025, the big room updates begin. Kidani Village guest rooms will be refurbished from October through May 2026, followed by Jambo House rooms from May 2026 through January 2027. While all amenities will remain open, guests should expect construction noise and activity during this long-term project.

If Animal Kingdom Lodge is at the top of your list, you’ll want to check where the work is happening during your visit so you know what to expect.

Disney World hotels are destinations in their own right, so it’s always worth knowing if construction might change your stay. Whether it’s a pool closure, room update, or transportation downtime, being aware of these refurbishments can save you from a surprise when you arrive.

For more Disney news and updates, be sure to stay tuned to AllEars!

Disney World Just Announced 4 (!!!) Hotel Closures

Which of these hotel updates would affect your vacation the most? Let us know in the comments!

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