There have been a lot of changes already this year at Disney World, and there are still SO many to come. Construction is already in progress for new expansions like Pueblo Esperanza in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Piston Peak National Park, and the Villains Land in Magic Kingdom, and the new Monsters, Inc. Land in Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

There have also been a lot of changes at Disney World hotels, so we thought we would round up some of the biggest changes that have hit Disney World hotels in 2025!

First up, let’s start with some general changes that will impact most, if not all, Disney World hotels. These are great things to keep an eye out for and keep on your mind for your Disney World vacation!

Scheduled Character Appearances

We love this change! While you are at your Disney World hotel, make sure to keep an eye out for signs like the one below that will let you know when to expect character appearances at your hotel! You never know who might show up, but it is always such a fun time. You get unique interactions that you won’t get standing in line for a traditional meet and greet.

Usually, the characters roam around the hotel, interact with guests, and just enjoy their surroundings. It’s incredibly fun, and it really adds a touch of Disney magic to your day. We started spotting these signs in February 2025 and have seen them popping up at various Disney World hotels. This is a great guide to help you plan your resort day!

Water Park Perk

If you stay at a Disney World hotel during your 2025 Disney World trip, you can take advantage of the new water park perk. You’ll get FREE tickets to a Disney World water park to use on your day of arrival at the resort! You can visit either Typhoon Lagoon or Blizzard Beach by going to whichever water park is open at the time. Currently, Typhoon Lagoon is open, but be sure to double-check during your trip.

Note that this is ONLY good for your arrival day, but it might mean you’ll want to get to Disney World earlier in the day, so plan your travel accordingly. This perk is in addition to the Early Theme Park Entry perk and the Extended Evening Hours perk for deluxe hotel guests. This perk made its official debut on January 1st, 2025, and Disney has also announced it will continue in 2026. However, in 2026, the perk will only be available during the summer. Disney will be releasing more details about it in 2026.

Hotel Cancellation Policy

Disney has updated its cancellation rules in 2025. If you book a room-only Disney World hotel reservation, you now need to cancel at least EIGHT days before your arrival to get your deposit back. If you cancel seven days or fewer before check-in, your deposit (which is the cost of one night’s stay) is completely non-refundable. Prior to the change, guests could cancel up to five days in advance and still get their money back.

Vacation packages where you book a hotel with park tickets still have the same cancellation policy as before: cancel 30+ days in advance for a full refund, cancel 2-29 days in advance with a $200 fee, and if you cancel less than 48 hours before arrival, you won’t get any refund.

Luggage Assistance

A new perk has recently begun testing at the Disney World Value Resorts — luggage transfers with Southwest Airlines. For those flying home from Disney World with Southwest and staying at the All-Stars, Pop Century, or Art of Animation, you can visit luggage services at your hotel to drop off your bags…and then pick them up at baggage claim when you get home!

There are signs in the lobbies of these resorts with details, or you can visit the luggage services desk to get more information. The time of your flight will determine when your luggage needs to be dropped off at the desk, but they’ll make sure it gets to the airport and on your flight! And did we mention? This is completely FREE.

Now, let’s dive into some of the changes that happened at specific Disney World hotels. From refurbishments to new restaurants, let’s take a look at the changes that have happened in 2025. 

Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort

Earlier this year, the Fantasia Pool at All-Star Movies Resort was closed for refurbishment, but it is now back open and ready for some pool fun! Currently, the Fantasia kiddie pool is closed for maintenance as of September 8th.

The pool is expected to be closed through late October, but Disney hasn’t announced a specific reopening date yet. While the Fantasia kiddie pool is closed, the Fantasia Feature Pool and Duck Pond Pool will remain open, and guests staying at Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort are welcome to use the kiddie pools at Disney’s All-Star Music and Disney’s All-Star Sports.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

The Zebra Trail Terrace underwent some refurbishment in July that has now concluded. In addition to the maintenance of Zebra Trail Terrace, rooms at Kidani Village at Animal Kingdom Lodge will be undergoing refurbishment from October 2025 through May 2026, followed by refurbishment at Jambo House from May 2026 through January 2027.

Disney’s BoardWalk Inn

Disney’s BoardWalk has been undergoing quite a few changes. Earlier this year, the merchandise stores located on the BoardWalk underwent refurbishment. Thimbles & Threads, Disney’s Character Carnival, and the Screen Door General Store all got a refresh. 

Jellyrolls had its final performance on April 19th, and it is now closed. Nothing has replaced the dueling piano bar yet, but we are hopeful something might take its place. Jellyrolls will be reopening somewhere not on Disney property, but they haven’t announced where yet. The Promenade Art Gallery will also be moving in October. The final day to visit the gallery at its current location will be October 19th.

Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort

Early this year, the Fuentes del Morro pool and aquatic play area were closed for maintenance. It closed on January 13th and reopened at the end of January. So, it is currently open and able to be enjoyed!

Sebastian’s Bistro also closed for a very brief refurbishment. The restaurant closed back on March 24th and reopened at the end of March. The good news is that you can enjoy your favorite dishes at

Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Room refurbishments are still ongoing at Bay Lake Tower, but a good chunk of the rooms have already been completed! However, construction is expected to last through July 2026, so you might still hear and see construction going on, but you also might be able to score a refurbished room for your stay!

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

There have been A LOT of changes happening at the Grand Floridian. Earlier this year, The Courtyard Pool, spa, and Courtyard Pool Bar at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa closed for refurbishment from January 27th through late February 2025. This area has now reopened, but there is still a lot of construction happening in the lobby.

A brand-new lobby bar is being built, and workers are also refurbishing parts of the lobby, including the staircase and front desk. Recently, a brand-new mural was also unveiled on the staircase off of the lobby! However, there are still lots of construction walls, curtains, and noise happening in the lobby.

Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin

A brand-new restaurant opened at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin (on the Dolphin side) on July 26th. Bourbon Steak by Michael Mina replaced Shula’s Steak House and offers a reimagined modern take on the quintessential American steakhouse with premium cuts of beef and seafood infused with global flavors, along with decadent signature desserts, and world-class beverage offerings.

You can dine at Bourbon Steak nightly from 5 PM until 11PM. The restaurant is owned by Chef Mina, who owns more than 40 restaurants worldwide and has been awarded multiple Michelin stars.

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

The BouTiki store at the Polynesian underwent refurbishment earlier this year. The refurbishment happened back in June, and the whole store has since reopened. We have also spotted exterior maintenance and refurbishment happening at the Polynesian.

Disney’s Pop Century Resort

We have seen quite a few changes at Disney’s Pop Century Resort. The Everything Pop Shopping and Dining received a huge makeover. The refurbishment took more than eight months, but this store and food court area is now reopened and looking bright and fresh!

Additionally, Pop Century’s lobby has also been receiving a makeover — including the removal of the iconic shadowboxes! The shadowboxes have been replaced with bright murals, but we are so sad we can’t peruse the shadowboxes anymore.

Disney’s Port Orleans Resorts

The lobby of Disney’s Port Orleans – French Quarter has been undergoing refurbishment and is expected to fully reopen at the end of September. As well, Disney’s Port Orleans – Riverside has been renovating rooms throughout the resort. Rooms in the Magnolia Bend area of the resort are being worked on through February 2026. 

Disney’s Riviera Resort

Back in January, Topolino’s Terrace was closed briefly for refurbishment. It was closed from January 12th through January 25th, 2025.

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

Over at Wilderness Lodge, we have seen work being done on the exterior of the building. As well, Copper Creek Villas have been undergoing refurbishment. Currently, the refurbishment of the guest rooms at Copper Creek Villas is expected to conclude in September 2025.

Whispering Canyon also closed for a brief refurbishment from May 12th through May 21st.

Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts

The Stormalong Bay pool underwent refurbishment earlier this year. The pool closed in January 2025 for maintenance and reopened in June 2025. This is one of our favorite pools in Disney World, and while we are glad it got a bit of TLC, we are also glad it is back open!

As well, the port cochere is under construction at both resorts. The port cochere at Yacht Club is expected to reopen in October 2025, and the port cochere at Beach Club is expected to reopen in September 2025. 

These are some of the biggest changes that have happened at Disney World hotels in 2025. Stay tuned to DFB for all your Disney World news!

A Definitive Ranking of EVERY Disney World Hotel!

What is your favorite Disney World hotel? Let us know in the comments!