The Disney World Hotel People Are AVOIDING Until January 2027 (and Why)

Disney World has a lot of moving parts right now, and some of those moving parts are hammer drills and scaffolding.

With so much construction happening across the parks and resorts, one Disney hotel in particular is going through a lengthy refresh that might make you think twice before booking. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is currently in the middle of multiple refurbishment projects, and those plans stretch all the way into 2027. While the resort will remain open and all major amenities will still be available, there’s a good chance you’ll run into noise, closures, or less-than-magical views. Let’s break down what’s going on and why some guests are choosing to hold off until the dust settles.

Zebra Trail Terrace Refurbishment

Back in July 2025, Disney quietly kicked off the refurbishment of the Zebra Trail Terrace at Jambo House. This project has been ongoing since July 7th, and while it’s expected to wrap up around mid-September 2025, no official completion date has been announced. If you’ve stayed at the resort this summer, you may have already seen construction walls, scaffolding, or heard work being done during the day.

Now, this is the kind of refurbishment that doesn’t completely derail your stay—after all, the pools, restaurants, and savanna views are still there. But it can still be distracting, especially when you’re paying deluxe-level prices and expecting everything to feel polished. Unfortunately, that was only the beginning of what’s shaping up to be a multi-year refresh.

Kidani Village Guest Room Refurbishment

Starting in October 2025, Disney will shift focus to Kidani Village, the Disney Vacation Club side of the resort. Guest rooms here are scheduled for a full refurbishment that will run from October 2025 through May 2026.

This kind of update typically means new furniture, updated decor, and sometimes even reworked layouts to match the design trends across other resorts. It’s exciting for future stays, but for guests checking in during that window, it could mean construction noise, limited access to certain hallways, and workers on-site. All of that takes a little bit of the shine off the deluxe resort experience.

Jambo House Guest Room Refurbishment

Once Kidani wraps up, it’s Jambo House’s turn. Beginning in May 2026, the main hotel building will undergo a guest room refurbishment that’s scheduled to last through January 2027. That’s a big project with an extended timeline, and while Disney has said amenities will remain open, the same challenges apply: noise, work crews, and some areas feeling less “vacation ready.”

By the time this is done, both sides of Animal Kingdom Lodge will have refreshed rooms, which is fantastic in the long run. But for now, it means almost two straight years of overlapping construction projects at a resort that’s known for its immersive atmosphere and relaxing vibe.

Pool Work at Kidani Village

It’s not just the rooms either. Beginning September 8th, 2025, the Samawati Springs Pool Slide at Kidani Village will close for routine maintenance.

Thankfully, it’s a shorter project, and guests can still use the Uzima Springs Pool slide at Jambo House. Still, if you’re a family with kids who had their heart set on the slide right outside your building, it’s worth knowing ahead of time.

What Guests Can Expect During This Time

The good news is that all major amenities — including restaurants like Boma and Sanaa, as well as the pools themselves — will stay open throughout the refurbishments. You’ll still be able to enjoy the savanna views and the unique cultural touches that make this resort such a favorite. Disney also tends to be careful about scheduling noisy work during the middle of the day, rather than early mornings or late nights.

The tradeoff, though, is that you could run into active construction areas, hear work while you’re in your room, or notice that certain parts of the resort feel less inviting while crews are on-site. When you’re paying top-dollar for a deluxe stay, those little inconveniences can add up.

Why Some Guests Are Waiting Until 2027

Animal Kingdom Lodge is one of the most beloved resorts on property thanks to its incredible theming and savanna views. But when you factor in nearly nonstop construction from now through early 2027, some guests are choosing to book elsewhere until the updates are complete.

That said, if you’re someone who doesn’t mind a little noise or you plan to spend most of your time in the parks, staying at Animal Kingdom Lodge during these refurbishments can actually work in your favor. Sometimes demand dips slightly when big projects are happening, which can lead to better availability or even discounted rates.

Looking Ahead

By the time January 2027 rolls around, Animal Kingdom Lodge should be looking fresh, updated, and ready for another decade of magical stays. If you’re a frequent visitor, it might be worth holding off until then to experience the resort at its best. Until that point, just be prepared for construction to be part of your stay if you choose to book here.

We’ll keep an eye on progress and share updates as the projects move along. For more Disney news and updates, be sure to stay tuned to AllEars.

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Would you still book a stay at Animal Kingdom Lodge during the refurbishments, or would you wait until everything is finished? Let us know in the comments!

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