Disney World Resort Construction Guide 2026: Know before you go

When you are looking for places to stay at Disney World for your 2026 getaway, your choice may be heavily influenced by the Disney World construction currently reshaping the various resorts.

The resort is currently in a major “transition year,” leaning into a massive property-wide glow-up. For travelers, this means picking a home base requires a quick look at the refurbishment calendar, as several iconic hotels are undergoing everything from lobby overhauls to extensive exterior maintenance that could impact your morning views or daily commute.

The “Monorail Loop” resorts, long considered the crown jewels of Disney lodging, are seeing some of the heaviest activity. Over at Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, the multi-year transformation of the lobby and convention center continues, with phased updates that may redirect your foot traffic through at least mid-year. Meanwhile, neighbors at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort will be navigating a reconfiguration of the front entrance and bus areas. 

If your heart is set on a specific view of the Magic Kingdom, keep in mind that exterior work at these spots, as well as at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, could mean your balcony time comes with a side of construction noise or obstructed vistas during the day. 

Beyond the noise, timing your trip around recreation and transportation is the real trick for 2026. Pool lovers should note that the Bay Cove Pool at Bay Lake Tower and the Surfboard Bay Pool at All-Star Sports are both slated for maintenance breaks during the Disney World resort construction scheduled for the first half of 2026.

Your commute might also require a backup plan: the Disney Skyliner is scheduled for its annual hiatus in late January, and the boat docks at Wilderness Lodge will see a temporary closure during that same window. While Disney ensures that dining and most amenities remain open, a quick double-check of these dates can be the difference between a relaxing afternoon by the water and an unexpected bus ride to a neighbor’s pool.

To help you narrow down your stay, here is a detailed breakdown of the Disney World Resort construction taking place in 2026:

The Monorail Resorts

• Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort: Expect a major reconfiguration of the front entrance roadway and bus area throughout the year. While the brand-new Island Tower is open, construction at the main entrance may impact your arrival and bus travel times.
• Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa: This flagship resort is continuing its multi-year “glow-up” 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.
• Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort: A major interior refurbishment project will continue in phases through 2026. Most notably, the Bay Cove Pool, water play area, and whirlpool will be closed from late January through early May 2026.

Animal Kingdom & Wilderness Areas

• Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge: Room refurbishments are moving in two phases. Kidani Village (DVC side) will see work through May 2026, while Jambo House (the main building) will begin its room updates in May 2026, lasting through early 2027.
• Disney’s Wilderness Lodge (including Copper Creek & Boulder Ridge): The entire resort is undergoing exterior maintenance through late 2026, which may involve scaffolding and obstructed views. Additionally, the boat dock will be closed from January 12–30, 2026, meaning no water transportation to Magic Kingdom during those weeks.
• Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort: Construction continues near the Meadow Swimmin’ Pool through mid-2026. While the pool stays open, seating will be limited, and the atmosphere may be a bit noisy during the day.

Epcot Area & The Skyliner Resorts

• Disney’s BoardWalk Inn & Villas: This area is seeing heavy activity throughout 2026 as select areas of the Inn are refreshed. The Skyliner will also be closed for its annual maintenance from Jan.  25–31, 2026, affecting guests here as well as at Riviera, Caribbean Beach, Pop Century, and Art of Animation.
• Disney’s Beach & Yacht Club Resorts: Both resorts are undergoing routine exterior maintenance through 2026 and even into 2027. This includes work on the building facades and the porte cochere (main entrance) areas.

Moderate & Value Resorts

• Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside: A massive room refurbishment project is underway in the Magnolia Bend section. Specifically, the Royal Guest Rooms in building 95 are expected to be closed from January through April 2026.
• Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort: If you’re planning a spring break trip, be aware that the Surfboard Bay Pool (the main feature pool) and the kiddie pool will be closed from January through late April 2026.

Off-Site Disney Vacation Club Resorts

• Disney’s Vero Beach Resort: The Florida coast resort will see exterior refurbishment from January through November 2026.
• Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort: Exterior maintenance is scheduled to wrap up in March 2026, which may impact views during the first quarter of the year.