Disney’s resorts are rarely static, but the scale of updates currently underway means your next stay could feel very different — for better or worse.

From lobby overhauls to full-room refurbishments, here’s what’s happening (or coming) at five Disney hotels. If your go-to resort is on this list, these changes may meaningfully affect your vibe, your photo ops, or even your reservation planning.

Disney’s Pop Century Resort

Pop Century is getting a retro-inspired lobby refresh, with updates rolling out gradually while the space remains open to guests. We’ve already seen a new mural featuring some of our favorite characters! There are also room refurbishments underway, with the work expected to stretch into mid-February 2026. For now, expect potential noise or visible construction in parts of the resort, and be prepared for some rooms to feel brand-new, even if others are still in transition.

Disney’s Bay Lake Tower at the Contemporary Resort

One of the more ambitious overhauls is Bay Lake Tower’s refurbishment. With guest rooms getting a major rehaul, we recently got to experience these new rooms! So far, the renovated rooms are turning heads. Highlights include Murphy-style pull-down beds replacing traditional sofa sleepers, fresh Mary Blair–inspired artwork, stylized color palettes, and updated kitchens with frosted-glass cabinet details.

View the Full Tour of the New Rooms Here

Public notices also warn guests to allow extra travel time during this period, as alternate paths or access adjustments may be needed. From January to May of 2026, the Bay Cove Pool, the Cove Bar, the water play area, and the whirlpool spa at Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort will temporarily be closed for maintenance.

Disney’s Port Orleans — Riverside

Port Orleans — Riverside upgrades are entering their stage now: Magnolia Bend buildings at Riverside are scheduled for full guest room refurbishments from May 2025 through February 2026.  Disney notes that noise and visible work may be noticeable during stays in that section.

These renovations follow the earlier French Quarter refurbishments in 2024, with an updated style with refreshed bathrooms, color palettes, and decorative touches. If you’re planning to stay in Riverside around then, it’s worth asking at booking whether your building is under construction or arranging to stay in Alligator Bayou side, if available.

Copper Creek Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

From mid-May 2025 to September 2025, Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Wilderness Lodge will undergo guest room refurbishments. While we have not seen exactly what these refurbishments entailed, we are excited to see what is new!

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort

Arguably the most iconic of the bunch, Disney’s Grand Floridian is getting serious attention in the lobby.  The lobby is being reworked with new finishes, rearranged seating, and even a new birdcage-inspired lobby bar in the works. On our recent trip over to the lobby, we got to see them making progress on the bar.

Read More About The Progress of the Lobby Here

The lobby also recently revealed a brand new mural above the grand staircase. We have to say, it is stunning!

What This Means for You:

• Ask before you book — when making your reservation, it’s worth checking with Disney or your travel planner whether your specific building or floor is under refurbishment.

• Expect some trade-offs — noise, temporary closures of walkways, or limited access in some public areas are normal during major hotel overhauls.

• Better rooms might be waiting — if you’re flexible, staying after the projects are complete may grant you cleaner, fresher rooms with upgraded features at the same price.

With so much happening around Disney World right now, it can feel hard to keep up with it all, but that’s what we’re here for. For more Disney World news and updates, follow us at DFB!

I Can’t Believe People Are STILL Doing This at Disney World Hotels

Which resort are you looking forward to finishing its refurbishment? Tell us in the comments below.