12 Hotel CLOSURES Hitting Disney World This Summer

Disney World is never really “finished,” and this summer is proof of that.

Between ongoing refurbishments that started earlier this year and a fresh wave of closures kicking off in May and beyond, a solid chunk of the resort’s hotels are in some stage of construction, renovation, or temporary closure. If you’re heading to Disney World this summer, you need to know what’s going on before you arrive. Here’s a full breakdown of every hotel impacted, split into new closures starting this season and refurbs that are already underway.

NEW CLOSURES STARTING THIS SUMMER

These are the updates kicking off in May 2026 or later, meaning they could hit right in the middle of peak summer travel.

All-Star Movies Resort Rooms Refurbishment

Starting in late May 2026, rooms at Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort will undergo a major refurbishment that will run through January 2027.

This doesn’t mean the resort is closing entirely, but it does mean you may deal with construction noise, blocked-off sections, and rerouted walking paths. For a Value Resort, where convenience and simplicity are key, that can make a noticeable difference in your stay.

Animal Kingdom Lodge Transition Between Buildings

Refurbishments at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge are shifting locations this summer. Work at Kidani Village is wrapping up in May 2026, but then construction immediately moves over to Jambo House through January 2027.

So while one section improves, another takes its place. If you’re staying here for the atmosphere and those savanna views, just know that construction could be part of your daily backdrop.

Grand Floridian Café Closure

One of the biggest dining disruptions hits Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa from mid-July through October 2026, when the Grand Floridian Café temporarily closes for a refresh.

Dining won’t disappear entirely, though. Brunch service will shift over to Cítricos during the closure, while other restaurants remain open. Still, if this café was on your must-do list, you’ll need to adjust those plans.

Saratoga Springs Dining Shuffle

Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa is getting a complicated series of dining closures this summer, especially around The Turf Club.

The Turf Club Lounge will close from mid-April through early August 2026, followed by the patio closing in early August. Then, from mid-August through early September, The Turf Club Bar & Grill itself will shut down temporarily. Disney is rotating what stays open to keep some options available, but it will definitely feel like a moving target if you’re staying there.

Yacht Club Restaurant Closure

Yachtsman Steakhouse at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort is closing for refurbishment in May 2026 and is expected to reopen by August 2026.

That’s a long stretch for one of the more popular signature dining locations in the EPCOT area. If you were planning a special dinner here, you’ll need a backup.

ONGOING CLOSURES AND REFURBISHMENTS

These projects are already underway and will continue through the summer, meaning they’re just as important to factor into your plans.

Beach Club Resort Exterior Work and Pool Closure

Disney’s Beach Club Resort is in the middle of a long-term exterior refurbishment that will continue through late 2027.

On top of that, the Tidal leisure pool is closed through early May for maintenance. While that reopens before peak summer, the ongoing construction could still impact views and overall atmosphere.

BoardWalk Inn Refurbishment

At Disney’s BoardWalk Inn, refurbishment work is happening now and will continue through late 2026.

This area is already one of the most lively spots on property, so construction could feel a bit more noticeable here. Expect some disruptions in select areas, even if most amenities remain available.

Contemporary Resort Construction and Pool Closure

Disney’s Contemporary Resort has a LOT going on right now, and it’s not slowing down anytime soon.

Refurbishments are happening across the resort through late 2027, including work at Bay Lake Tower and the iconic A-frame tower. Through early May 2026, the Bay Cove Pool, water play area, and whirlpool spa at Bay Lake Tower are closed.

There’s also exterior elevator work happening through late May, which affects the Skyway Bridge between Bay Lake Tower and the main tower. That bridge is closed during daytime hours on weekdays, which can seriously change how you move around the resort.

Fort Wilderness Campground Construction

At Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, construction near the Meadow Swimmin’ Pool has been ongoing since May 2025 and will continue through mid-2026.

The pools themselves remain open, but seating is limited, and you’ll likely notice construction activity nearby. For a resort known for its relaxed, outdoorsy vibe, that’s a noticeable shift.

Grand Floridian Resort Ongoing Work

Even beyond the café closure, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is undergoing broader refurbishments through early 2027.

Work is happening in select areas, including the covered entrance, which could impact arrival and transportation routes. You might need to take alternate paths, and daytime construction noise is part of the experience right now.

Port Orleans Riverside Room Refurbishment

At Disney’s Port Orleans Resort Riverside, room refurbishments are happening across different sections of the resort through August 2027.

This is a sprawling property, so Disney can work in phases, but that also means construction is almost always happening somewhere on-site. Depending on your room location, you could be closer to the action than you’d like.

Saratoga Springs Resort Extended Refurbishment

Beyond the dining closures, Saratoga Springs as a whole is undergoing refurbishment through mid-September 2026, including work on the Treehouse Villas.

Guests may encounter construction noise and temporary closures in certain areas. It’s another example of a resort staying open while still being very much under construction.

Wilderness Lodge Exterior Work and Dock Closure

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and Copper Creek Villas & Cabins are in the middle of exterior refurbishment through late 2026.

The entrance is also being updated, which could lead to occasional lane closures. On top of that, the boat dock is undergoing maintenance and is closed through May 1st, with transportation temporarily suspended.

Boat access is a big perk at this resort, so losing it, even temporarily, can change how you plan your park days.

Yacht Club Ongoing Maintenance

In addition to the restaurant closure, Disney’s Yacht Club Resort is dealing with exterior maintenance through late 2026.

The Admiral leisure pool is closed through early May, and the Crew’s Cup Lounge is also currently closed, with a planned reopening in May 2026. Like its neighbor, Beach Club, this area is seeing a lot of visible work.

Polynesian Village Resort Construction

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort and the Polynesian Villas & Bungalows are undergoing construction projects throughout 2026.

The biggest change is the reconfiguration of the front entrance roadway and bus area. This could impact arrival times and transportation flow, so giving yourself extra time is key. The good news is that dining, pools, and amenities remain open, but views and overall ambiance might not feel quite as peaceful as usual.

What This Means for Your Summer Trip

Here’s the bottom line. Disney World isn’t shutting down hotels, but it is actively upgrading a huge portion of them all at once. That means you might hear construction during the day, take longer routes to get around, or miss out on specific restaurants and amenities. For some travelers, that’s no big deal. For others, especially those planning a once-in-a-lifetime trip, it can be frustrating if you’re not prepared.

The key is knowing what’s happening before you book. Look at which amenities matter most to you, whether that’s a quiet pool, easy transportation, or specific dining options, and double-check that they’ll actually be available during your stay.

The Bottom Line

It’s a busy summer for construction at Disney World, and while most of these refurbishments won’t derail your trip, it’s always better to know what you’re walking into before you arrive. A little prep goes a long way, whether that means confirming your pool is open, adjusting your dining reservations, or just mentally accounting for some noise during the day. The upside is that all of this work is setting the resort up to look and feel even better on the other side.

If you’re looking for a travel agent to help with your vacation, we recommend our friends at Mouse Fan Travel. They’re experts in the field with over 20 years of vacation planning experience, and they can help take a bunch of the stress out of the entire booking process for you!

Be sure to stay tuned to AllEars for all the latest Disney World news!

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Are any of these refurbishments affecting a trip you have planned this summer? Tell us in the comments!

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