Disney World is undergoing a massive transformation, and it's not just the parks that are affected. With construction walls going up, restaurants closing, and entire hotel sections being refreshed, guests need to be aware of the changes that will impact their entire vacation experience. From budget-friendly resorts to luxurious Deluxe Hotels, Disney is investing heavily in refurbishments to future-proof its properties for the next decade of competition.
One of the most notable changes is at the All-Star Movies Resort, which will be undergoing a long refurbishment period from late May 2026 to January 2027. This popular budget-friendly resort for families will likely see visible construction activity throughout portions of the resort, impacting guests' experiences. Meanwhile, the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is preparing for a major refresh, with the Grand Floridian Cafe temporarily closing from mid-July to October 2026, and construction work continuing around the resort.
Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort is also facing some complicated situations, with ongoing refurbishment work across multiple areas, including the Treehouse Villas, and dining closures affecting the dining experience. The Animal Kingdom Lodge, Disney's Beach Club Resort, BoardWalk Inn, and Disney's Contemporary Resort are also dealing with long-term construction projects, with some of the biggest changes occurring at the Deluxe Resorts.
The Polynesian Village Resort is facing some of the most visible disruptions, with the boat dock closed for maintenance and construction continuing throughout the resort. Guests may also experience view disruptions from locations like 'Ohana, which could impact their fireworks views. Despite these changes, Disney is not doing all of this randomly, and the refurbishments are likely an attempt to future-proof its resorts for the next decade of competition.
For guests visiting in 2026, these projects will affect vacations in very real ways, from losing favorite restaurants to unavailable pools and walking past construction walls every morning. However, none of these changes necessarily ruin a Disney vacation, but they do change expectations. Disney fans booking trips for 2026 should pay closer attention to resort construction calendars than they have in years.
