4 Disney World Hotels That Will Be MORE Crowded in 2026

Walt Disney World is in a state of flux in 2026, with construction, openings, closures, and refurbishments dotting the calendar across the resort’s theme parks and hotels.

Despite this, we think these hotels might actually get MORE crowded this year.

The Grand Floridian Resort and Spa

The crown jewel of Disney World’s on-property hotels has been undergoing a long-term renovation for a number of years now, including extensive work on the Victorian-themed hotel’s lobby. While that project is still ongoing, the hotel has seen two major openings that will bring back some lapsed guests.

In late 2025, a brand new lobby bar — The Perch — debuted. Paying homage in name and theme to the birdcage that once sat in the hotel’s lobby, the bar features gorgeous design work.

The Perch also features a refined menu of exclusive cocktails and wines that guests can enjoy on crafted stools or throughout the resort’s lush lobby.

Meanwhile, March of 2026 will mark the reopening of the resort’s Tea Room experience after nearly 6 years shuttered. According to Disney, the new experience will be “a proper British afternoon tea experience” featuring “premium Twinings tea selections paired with delightful scones, small bites and exquisite pastries” all themed to Alice in Wonderland.

Animal Kingdom Lodge

While construction is rampant across Walt Disney World in 2026, arguably, no Disney World park is being affected more than Animal Kingdom.  With DINOSAUR  –– and all of DinoLand U.S.A. – -shuttered for good, and Tropical Americas (including its Indiana Jones and Encanto attractions) still some time away, Disney World’s youngest theme park is in such a state of transition right now that many guests are considering it a half-day park.

However, the park’s loss may be the Animal Kingdom Lodge’s gain, as guests may choose to eschew the park altogether in its compromised state and instead experience the intricate theming — and close animal encounters — of its sister resort.

Pop Century

On the other side of the resort spectrum, let’s move away from the Deluxe Tier Grand Floridian and Animal Kingdom Lodge to the Value Tier Pop Century. Guests looking to stay within a budget, a goal many have in this time of economic uncertainty and inflation, may opt for the less expensive option and combine their stay with some of the unprecedented discounts Disney is offering, especially given Pop Century’s access to the Walt Disney World Skyliner.

Caribbean Beach Resort

Guests looking for the middle ground between the Deluxe and Value Tiers can opt for the Moderate Tier at the Caribbean Beach Resort. While the resort offers lower rates than the former, it also features more amenities and larger grounds than the latter.

Plus, it also has the Skyliner.

Despite Walt Disney World itself being in an overall state of transition in 2026, these four Disney hotels seem poised to be MORE crowded than last year! Stay tuned to AllEars for more thoughts on the current travel landscape.

Pop Century is a Wonderfully Weird Resort that Disney Would Never Build Today

What’s your go-to Disney hotel? Let us know in the comments below.

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