Disney World might be the Most Magical Place on Earth, but sometimes booking a hotel there can feel like stepping into a maze.

There is so much happening at the resorts right now that even seasoned Disney fans can get caught off guard. Construction, refurbishments, transportation closures, and even pool downtime can seriously affect your trip if you do not know what to expect. If you are in the process of booking a hotel, here is everything you need to look out for before you hit confirm on that reservation.

Watch for New Discounts and Double Check for Closures

Disney updates its offers often, so new discounts can pop up while you are finalizing your plans.

This is always worth watching, but the bigger issue right now is the sheer amount of refurbishment happening across the entire property. Hotel refurbishments, resort construction, and character-inspired makeovers are scheduled from now through 2027. These projects can take entire buildings or wings out of commission for weeks at a time.

Before you book, you’ll want to check the resort’s construction schedule. Staying at a hotel with a closed pool or cranes right outside your window feels very different from staying somewhere that just wrapped up a refurbishment and has that fresh, updated energy. These things genuinely matter for the quality of your stay.

Keep in mind that some projects do not affect the hotel side of a resort. Disney has separate construction timelines for the DVC villas that do not always impact regular guests. If you are comparing resorts, make sure you know which updates will actually affect you.

There is a lot happening, so here are the major current and upcoming projects you need to know about.

Transportation Refurbishments

Boat transportation to and from Disney’s Wilderness Lodge is getting routine maintenance from January 12th through April 2026. The dock will be closed for part of January, but the project itself spans three months. Disney plans to increase bus service during this time, so expect changes to your normal transportation pattern if you stay there.

The Disney Skyliner will undergo full closures from January 25th through January 31st, 2026, and again in January 2027. These closures affect all Skyliner resorts. That includes Art of Animation, Pop Century, Caribbean Beach, Riviera, Yacht Club, Beach Club, BoardWalk Inn, and BoardWalk Villas.

We recommend avoiding Skyliner hotels during these windows since the buses can feel crowded and less efficient.

Pool Closures and Major Resort Refurbishments

Pools are a huge deal when you are staying at a Disney hotel, so you’ll want to pay close attention here. All Star Sports will have its Surfboard Bay Pool and kiddie pool closed from January through late April 2026. The smaller Grand Slam Leisure Pool will remain open, but it might feel crowded, especially during spring break season. Guests can use pools at the other All Star hotels, which is a helpful option if you need more space.

Next, Animal Kingdom Lodge has an extended room refurbishment happening from now through early 2027. Kidani Village is first, followed by Jambo House. Amenities will stay open, but you might hear or see construction during daytime hours. The Samawati Springs Pool Slide is also currently closed for maintenance, so you will need to head to the Uzima Springs Pool if that is important to your family.

Beach Club Resort is undergoing exterior maintenance through 2027. This work can affect views and create some noise during the day. The good news is that Stormalong Bay has fully reopened after its own refurbishment and is looking better than ever.

BoardWalk Inn began a large project in late 2025 that will continue throughout 2026. Also, the Luna Park Pool will also close in early 2027 for routine maintenance.

The Contemporary Resort and Bay Lake Tower are deep into a refurbishment that now runs through late 2027. This includes updates to select areas and temporary closures at the Bay Cove Pool from January through early May 2026.

Pop Century, Port Orleans Riverside, Wilderness Lodge, Grand Floridian, and Polynesian Village Resort all have ongoing room or exterior refurbishment projects, some running into 2027. In each case, most amenities remain open, but you will want to know exactly what part of the resort is affected during your travel dates.

What You Should Do Before Booking

Again, you’ll want to check for any new discounts, review the construction calendar for your resort, and look at pool and transportation closures. Also, make sure that the hotel you choose will still provide the specific experience you want, especially if relaxation and downtime are part of your Disney plan.

There is a lot happening across Disney World hotels right now, so taking a few extra minutes to double-check everything can make your entire trip feel smoother and more magical.

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Be sure to stay tuned to DFB for all the latest Disney World news to make sure you’re ready for your next vacation!

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What hotel snag or surprise caught you off guard during a previous Disney World stay? Share your story in the comments below!