Nothing ruins a peaceful resort view faster than a bunch of scaffolding.

If you’ve been to Disney’s Wilderness Lodge lately, you know it hasn’t exactly been looking its most photogenic. Construction walls, blocked pathways, and crews working on guest room refurbishments have been part of the landscape for months. But here’s the exciting part: in just a few weeks, that’s all about to change — and the Lodge will finally get its big “after” reveal.

A Long Time Coming

Back in August 2024, Disney announced that both the Wilderness Lodge and Copper Creek Villas would be getting some exterior refurbishment work. Then in May 2025, Copper Creek Villas & Cabins kicked off a round of guest room updates. Translation: the resort has been in “pardon our pixie dust” mode for a while now.

While all the amenities have stayed open (pool, dining, and all the cozy lobby seating areas), the truth is, the vibe hasn’t been quite as serene as usual. Depending on where your room is located, you might have caught some mid-day hammering or spotted workers scaling the exterior. And if you’ve strolled near Artist Point, you’ve probably noticed the pathway detour thanks to construction.

What’s Been Going On Behind the Walls

During our most recent visit, we spotted scaffolding across the backside of the hotel, with work happening on multiple floors. The good news? Roofwork is officially done. Crews are now focusing on the first three floors of the main building, meaning the end is finally in sight.

A Cast Member even told us that the project “shouldn’t be too much longer,” which is Disney-speak for “start getting excited.” Once those last few floors are complete, the scaffolding comes down, the construction walls disappear, and Wilderness Lodge will be back to its picture-perfect self.

Why This Matters for Your Trip

If you’ve got a reservation for late September or beyond, you’re in luck. You’ll likely be among the first guests to enjoy the refreshed exterior without all the visual clutter. That means sweeping views of Bay Lake, photo ops by the geyser, and quiet moments in the rocking chairs without the buzz of a saw in the background.

And yes, while the resort has still been beautiful through all this (we’ll never get tired of that Pacific Northwest theme), there’s no denying the difference a clear, construction-free backdrop makes.

What We’re Most Excited to See Again

Once the work wraps, here’s what you can look forward to:

• Unobstructed Views: That gorgeous timber façade will be fully visible again, especially from the dock and pool area.
• Easier Walkways: No more detours or blocked paths around Artist Point.
• Relaxed Atmosphere: Even though noise wasn’t terrible during construction, nothing beats pure wilderness-inspired peace.
• Fresh Updates: Refurbishments usually mean things look cleaner, brighter, and better maintained — which is always a win for your vacation photos.

Planning a Stay Soon?

If your trip is coming up in the next few weeks before construction officially ends, here are a few tips to make the most of your stay:

• Request a Quieter Room: Ask for a location away from the active construction zones (Cast Members can help note this on your reservation).
• Spend Time by the Water: The dock area and lakeside pathways tend to be more peaceful, even during the day.
• Embrace the Amenities: Wilderness Lodge’s lobby, restaurants, and pool areas are still some of the best on property — and all fully open.

The Bottom Line

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge is about to get its glow-up, and it’s been a long time coming. In just a month, the scaffolding will come down, the pathways will reopen, and the entire resort will be back to its full, rustic, Instagram-worthy glory.

So whether you’re a longtime Wilderness Lodge fan or you’ve been waiting for the right time to book your first stay, late September could be your moment. Imagine sipping your morning coffee on a balcony overlooking Bay Lake, with nothing but nature — and not a single construction tarp — in sight.

We’ll keep checking in on the progress and let you know the second the last of the construction gear rolls out.

Don’t want to go through all of the stress of booking your Disney World trip alone? Reach out to our friends at Small World Vacations! Their experienced agents monitor your reservation for possible future savings, compare discounts and figure out which one works best for your travel party, dates, resort, and touring plans. And, they share expert tips and first-hand advice with you about your magical vacation.

In the meantime, we’re always on the lookout for the latest Disney news, so stay tuned for more.

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What do you think about this construction? Let us know in the comments!