Disney World is constantly changing. From new restaurants, construction on new lands, to refurbishing rides and hotels, a lot is happening in 2026 at Disney World, and the AllEars team is here for it all.

One major project is the continued construction of Disney’s Lakeside Lodge Resort. This is a new DVC resort being built near Magic Kingdom. We’ve been keeping our eye on the construction process by visiting Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground. While this is an entirely new resort being built, there are 13 other Disney World hotels that are going under construction in 2026 and we’re breaking down what they are and how it could affect your vacation.
Disney’s Contemporary Resort and Bay Lake Tower
Currently, construction work is underway throughout Contemporary Resort, including the atrium and Bay Lake Tower, which will last through 2027. The Bay Cove Pool, Cove Bar, water play area, and whirlpool spa at Bay Lake Tower are also closed for refurbishment through May 2026. Bay Lake Tower has also received an upgrade to its rooms. Guests staying in Bay Lake Tower may not have pool access there, but they can still visit the Contemporary’s Feature Pool, water play area, and whirlpool spa.

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge are undergoing exterior refurbishment through late 2026. These enhancements may impact views from various locations throughout the resort. While most amenities will remain available, guests may see and hear construction work during daytime hours. From Jan. 12, 2026, through early April 2026, the boat dock at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge will undergo routine maintenance.

Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort
From January 2026 until late April 2026, the Surfboard Bay Pool and the kiddie pool at Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort will be closed for maintenance. During this time, the Grand Slam Leisure Pool at Disney’s All-Star Sports will continue to be available. Additionally, Guests are welcome to use the other pools throughout Disney’s All-Star Resorts, including the Calypso Pool, Piano Pool, and kiddie pool at Disney’s All-Star Music Resort; and the Fantasia Pool, Duck Pond Pool, and kiddie pool at Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Resort
From October 2025 through May 2026, guest rooms at Kidani Village at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge will undergo refurbishment, followed by refurbishment work at Jambo House from May 2026 through January 2027. During these times, Guests may see or hear construction work in the area. Most amenities will remain available throughout the refurbishment.

Disney’s Beach Club Resort
Disney’s Beach Club Resort will be undergoing visible exterior maintenance through the end of the year, which will impact views from various locations throughout the resort, and at times, require alternate paths of travel. As part of this work, from mid-January 2026 through early May, the Tidal leisure pool will be closed for routine maintenance. Guests may see or hear refurbishment work in the area until the work is complete. Most dining and resort amenities will remain available.

Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
Disney’s Yacht Club Resort is undergoing exterior maintenance through late 2026, which will affect views throughout the Resort and, at times, require alternate paths of travel. In addition, Yachtsman Steakhouse will close in May 2026 for a refresh, with reopening expected by August 2026, and Crew’s Cup Lounge will close on February 23, 2026, with reopening expected in May 2026. Guests may see or hear daytime work until the refurbishment is complete.

Disney’s Boardwalk Inn Resort
Starting in late November last year, select areas of Disney’s BoardWalk Inn underwent refurbishment, and the work will continue throughout 2026. While guests may see or hear work during daytime hours, most resort amenities, including dining, recreation, and merchandise locations, will remain available.

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Renovations at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa will continue in select areas through mid-2026. Guests may see or hear refurbishment work during daytime hours. Efforts will be made to minimize disruptions, and most pools, dining, and other amenities will remain available for guests to enjoy. The Garden Tea Room is finally reopening after years of closure on March 19th.

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

Disney’s Pop Century Resort
Starting in March 2025 through February 2026, refurbishment work will take place in select areas of Disney’s Pop Century Resort. While Guests may see or hear work in the area during daytime hours, most resort amenities, including dining, recreation, and merchandise locations, will be available.

Disney’s Port Orleans — Riverside Resort
From May 2025 to August 2027, guest rooms at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside will undergo refurbishment throughout different parts of the Resort hotel. During this time, guests may see or hear construction work in the area.

Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground
From early May 2025 through mid-2026, construction will take place near the Meadow Swimmin’ Pool area. The Meadow Swimmin’ Pool and Wilderness Swimmin’ Pool will remain open for Guests to enjoy. During this time, seating availability around the Meadow Swimmin’ Pool may be limited, and guests may see or hear construction in the area. Guests using bus transportation should follow posted signage to reach the pool area.

Disney’s Old Key West Resort
From early January through early Feb. 2026, the Turtle Pond Pool, Turtle Pond Pool Spa, the BBQ area, and the playground at Disney’s Old Key West Resort will be closed for routine maintenance. During this time, guests are encouraged to use the Sandcastle Pool or one of the resort’s other two leisure pools – the South Point Pool and Miller’s Road Pool. Guests may see or hear maintenance activity in the area during daytime hours.

A lot is changing at Disney World this year, and we’re here to bring you the updates on what could impact your trip. For more Disney news, be sure to follow us at AllEars.net.
Why Disney World Could Be MORE Crowded in 2026
Does construction at a Disney hotel keep you from staying at a resort? Tell us in the comments below.

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