Disney dropped news of another refurbishment coming to Disney World!
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge has been going through lots of refurbishment plans, and they’re adding another to that list. Let’s take a look at the details!
As we mentioned, Animal Kingdom Lodge has been undergoing a lot of construction lately. Earlier this year, on July 7th, Disney started refurbishing the Zebra Trail Terrace at the Lodge’s Jambo House. The refurbishment of Zebra Trail Terrace is expected to continue through mid-September 2025.
Animal Kingdom Lodge
Then, Disney announced ANOTHER refurb hitting the Lodge, with plans for the resort that are going to start in October of 2025. Guest rooms at Kidani Village at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge will be undergoing refurbishment. This refurb is expected to last through May 2026.
Animal Kingdom Lodge — Kidani Village
Then, after that, refurbishment at Jambo House will begin in May 2026 and go through January 2027. That’s right, refurbishment plans for the Lodge that will last until 2027! We’re excited to see the updated rooms, but it’s just going to be a very long time. These were all the plans announced a little while back, but now more refurbishment plans have been added to the popular resort.
Animal Kingdom Lodge
Before the massive room refurbishments begin in October, Disney will be closing the Samawati Springs Pool Slide. Starting on September 8th, the Samawati Springs Pool Slide will be closing at Animal Kingdom Lodge’s Kidani Village for routine maintenance. There is currently no timetable for when this refurbishment will be complete.
Samawati Springs Pool
If you’re staying at the resort, there will still be another fun water slide option for you to enjoy. It’s located at the Uzima Springs Pool! Also note, outside of the slide pool for a bit, all the resort’s amenities will remain available during construction. You just may see or hear construction at work.
Samawati Springs routine closure sign
Refurbishment periods are tough, but they are necessary to keep everything at the Walt Disney World Resort up to date. We’re looking forward to all the updates coming, especially with a deluxe resort like this one. For more Disney news and updates, be sure to stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog.
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Yes, maintenance of course is always required. But they’re doing it and construction all at the same time….in nearly every corner of wdw! Imo….very bad planning! People will stay away….and find other great places to enjoy over the next two years. Some if us will never go back to wdw. It will have changed too much. Disney thinks people will put up with all these changes plus their high prices but I think they will be surprised at how many just won’t care anymore. The outside world is changing along with the economy and generational thinking….Kids (now parents) who did not grow up before computers and the internet…. Who don’t have the tv and movie memories of Walt and Eisner….Who have entirely different expectations of wdw. I’m worried we’re seeing the end of wdw….
Totally agree with Cate. I know I, for one, will never return. It’s not Walt Disney World anymore; it’s Igorland.
We all know what AKL really needs: a special entrance into Animal Kingdom! Seriously, if you could ride a safari truck into the park (or just anything besides taking the bus), I would love staying there. If they had a better way into Animal Kingdom, combined with the bread service, AKL would be my favorite.