Disney World Hotel Refurbishments

Disney World hotel refurbishments: the best and worst things that Disney does to their resorts.

Great when you stay in a room at a resort that has just been refurbished (well, unless it’s one of The Incredibles rooms at the Contemporary 😂).

However, if you’re staying at a resort that is currently going through a refurb it’s often less ideal.

So, should you bother booking a stay at a resort whilst it’s undergoing renovations?

This post is all about helping you decide if you should stay at resorts at Disney World during their Disney World hotel refurbishments.

What Do Disney World Hotel Renovations Typically Involve?

Refurbishments at Disney World hotels can range from small cosmetic upgrades to major overhauls, and it’s important to know what you’re walking into. Here’s a breakdown of common elements in these upgrades:

- Room Updates: These are the most frequent and often include updated furnishings, fresh paint, and improved technology like USB outlets or better lighting. Sometimes, even the theming gets an overhaul (i.e. the Pirate Rooms at Caribbean Beach being re-themed to The Little Mermaid). Also, many rooms have recently switched to hard flooring instead of carpets, which can feel more modern and cleaner.
- Pool Closures: Whether it’s a full rebuild or basic maintenance, pool refurbishments can temporarily remove one of the resort’s most exciting features.
- Food Court Modernization: Renovations might mean limited dining options or temporary constructions like tented quick-service setups, which can be frustrating.

Refresh of the Hotel Lobby: The Grand Floridian, Wilderness Lodge, Animal Kingdom Lodge – what do they all have in common? Their grand lobbies! Well, they won’t be quite so impressive if they’re being refurbished at the time of your visit.

disney world hotel refurbishment schedule 2025 — The Grand Floridian lobby being refurbished in 2023

Exterior Enhancements: From fresh coats of paint to large-scale structural updates, these projects improve the overall aesthetic but can look less than magical mid-project.

Being aware of these typical updates helps set your expectations—especially if you’ve stayed at a resort before and expect it to look and function as it did in the past.

Which Disney Resorts Are Affected Recently?

Room Refurbishments at Walt Disney World:

Disney’s Port Orleans – French Quarter: Until Spring 2025 (some rooms being refurbished).
Disney’s Port Orleans – Riverside: April 2025 – January 2026 (“reimaginings” of the Magnolia Bend rooms AKA “Royal Rooms” – PLEASE don’t get rid of these rooms, Disney!).
Copper Creek Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge: May 2025 – September 2025 (hopefully this means Murphy beds!).
Disney’s Yacht Club Resort: January 2025 – May 2025 (some rooms being refurbished).
Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort: September 2024 – September 2025

Pool Refurbishments at Walt Disney World:

Disney’s All-Star Movies: January 2025 – April 2025 (Fantasia Pool – the feature pool. Hotel guests can use Duck Pond Pool at Disney’s All-Star Sports Resorts during this time).
Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts: January 2025 – June 2025 (Stormalong Bay – the feature pool).

Dining Location Refurbishments at Walt Disney World:

Disney’s Pop Century Resort: until April 2025 (full menu and seating remain available during refurb).

Merchandise Location Refurbishments at Walt Disney World:

Disney’s BoardWalk Resort: January 2025 – May 2025 (two locations will be open during this time).

Other Construction at Walt Disney World:

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort & Villas – construction and refurbishment, expected to finish in 2026.

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge – Exterior refurbishment (potentially until 2027 if permits are correct).

For more details on the Disney World hotel refurbishment schedule 2025 and beyond, check out this detailed post.

Potential Benefits of Staying During Refurbishments

Discounted Rates and Special Offers

One of the biggest advantages of booking a stay during refurbishments is the potential savings.

Disney may offer cheaper rates and better discounts on resorts that are undergoing refurbishments.

Let’s face it, a Disney vacation can get pricey, so these incentives can really make a difference.

For guests who don’t mind a construction crane or two and the added inconvenience, it’s a great way to save money.

Plus, since refurbishments are announced well ahead of time, you have the opportunity to weigh whether those savings are worth it.

Smaller Crowds & Easier Booking

If you’re someone who values peace and quiet, staying at a resort undergoing construction can sometimes be a blessing in disguise.

If there are fewer guests booking these locations, you’re likely to experience smaller crowds.

However, if sections of the resort are closed off, it may make the areas open to guests feel even more crowded.

But if a refurbishment succeeds in convincing visitors not to stay at the resort, availability becomes less limited.

Possible Drawbacks of Refurbishments

Noise and Construction Disruptions

Let’s talk about the elephant in the room—or maybe the crane outside your window.

(Yes, this really happened when I stayed in a Lake View villa at The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa).

Construction noise is one of the biggest challenges during resort refurbishments, and it can interfere with everything from your morning coffee on the balcony to your mid-afternoon nap.

And it’s not just the noise. Construction zones can limit your access to popular resort amenities.

Pools, dining areas, and even walking paths might be closed or rerouted, which can be quite disruptive.

Impact on Overall Disney Experience

Let’s not sugarcoat it—when your hotel experience feels incomplete, the rest of your trip can take a hit too.

Who doesn’t love starting and ending their day in a charming Disney-themed resort?

If construction crews and tarp-covered exteriors dominate your surroundings, it kind of takes you out the Disney bubble a little.

There’s also the issue of unpredictability. Refurbishments don’t always stick to the planned timeline (we know what Disney can be like 😂).

It’s not just about the resort itself either.

After all, Disney days are long—having a comfortable, convenient “home base” can make or break your vacation flow.

Tips to Make the Most of Your Stay During Refurbishments

Utilizing Other Resort Amenities

Just because one area is under construction doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the rest of the resort—or even explore nearby ones.

If the pool is shut down or certain dining options are limited, check out the alternative amenities that remain open. Disney resorts are packed with perks, from arcade games to beautiful walking trails, so take full advantage of what’s still accessible.

Additionally, this could be the perfect excuse to resort hop to another Disney resort to enjoy their restaurants, lounges, or gift shops.

Plan Around Disruptions

Construction noise tends to be loudest during the day, so use this time to be anywhere but near the loudest areas of resort.

Think about spending those hours at the parks, Disney Springs or even other resorts rather than trying to relax at your hotel (if the refurb is causing a lot of noise and disruptions).

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Disney World Hotel Refurbishments

Are Disney resorts upfront about ongoing renovations?

Yes, Disney typically includes warnings on their official hotel pages when renovations are underway.

Look for red caution symbols or notes about construction, which usually detail the scope and expected impacts.

Will my stay be noisy due to construction?

Construction noise is possible during the day, especially in areas near active work zones.

Work typically doesn’t occur during early mornings or evenings.

Are amenities like pools or restaurants affected?

Some amenities, like pools or restaurants, may be temporarily closed during renovations.

Disney usually provides alternatives, such as nearby pools or dining options at other resort locations.

Are refurbished rooms available while renovations are ongoing?

At some resorts, refurbished rooms are released in phases while renovation work continues in other areas. G

Guests can request updated rooms when booking, subject to availability.

Is it better to delay my stay until renovations are complete?

This depends on your priorities. If you prefer newly updated rooms and amenities, waiting may be a better option.

However, ongoing work usually doesn’t completely disrupt a stay, as Disney manages construction to minimize guest inconvenience.

Will transportation or resort access be affected?

In most cases, transportation, such as buses and monorails, continues to operate as usual. However, some walkways or resort access points may be rerouted temporarily.

Where can I find the most up-to-date information on resort renovations?

Check Disney’s official website or call their reservation line.

Ta Ta For Now

Deciding whether to stay at Disney World hotels during their renovations can be a big decision.

Anecdotally, I have stayed at Disney resorts during refurbishment many times, and Disney are usually pretty good at making the guest’s experience as unaffected as possible.

Of course, this can never be guaranteed, and depends on the types and locations of renovations, so make sure to keep that in mind.

If you have any positive or negative experiences of staying at a Disney resort during refurbishments, please share your thoughts in the comments 🙂

Disney World Hotel Refurbishments – Should You Stay at a Disney Resort During a Renovation?