We’re already getting hyped about the idea of staying in NEW hotel rooms at Disney World this year!
Disney’s Pop Century Resort
Disney World hotels have to update with the times in order to entice visitors to stay in them, and that often means room refurbishments every once in a while. So if you’re looking for somewhere fresh and new to stay in 2026, we’re breaking down the hotel rooms that are changing!
Pop Century
Disney’s Pop Century Resort is undergoing some major changes all around. First, there were the updates to the Everything Pop Shopping & Dining area, then came a major lobby refurbishment that removed the old memorabilia shadow boxes and gave everything a brighter color scheme. But next on the docket? The hotel rooms.
Pop Century Resort
These room refurbishments are set to continue through February 2026. You may see and hear construction during the daytime hours, though it shouldn’t impact the availability of any amenities around the resort.
See the Lobby Changes Here!
Port Orleans — Riverside
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort — Riverside is beloved by many fans of moderate-level hotels, and right now, it’s doing a major update to hotel rooms across the property. The room refurbishments are happening in stages, working on a couple of buildings at a time.
Port Orleans Riverside Room
These room updates started in May 2025 and will continue through August 2027. We actually got the chance to stay at one of the new rooms in fall 2025! Like at Pop Century, you may see and hear construction during the daytime, but it shouldn’t disrupt amenities around the hotel.
See a Full Tour of the New Riverside Rooms Here!
Animal Kingdom Lodge — Kidani Village
The other hotel that’s getting some room updates in 2026 is Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge — Kidani Village. From October 2025 through May 2026, guest rooms at Kidani Village will undergo refurbishment. After that’s complete, construction will move to Jambo House.
Animal Kingdom Lodge
Disney has said that “most” amenities will remain available at this resort during the construction, so we’ll keep an eye on any closures that are announced. The savanna view rooms at this hotel are particularly coveted, and we’re glad they’re getting some love!
Learn More About the Room Changes Here!
Of course, if you’re heading to one of these hotels in 2026, you’re not guaranteed a new room until the refurbishments are complete. You can make the request with the resort, but keep in mind that it may not be granted. Above all, make sure to have patience and understanding if you’re staying at a hotel that’s under construction!
©Disney
If you choose one of these hotels with rooms under construction, just know that you may not be guaranteed an updated room until construction is complete. Take that into consideration when booking!
For more tips on how to choose the best hotel for 2026, stay tuned to our blog by subscribing to the DFB newsletter! And make sure to check out our YouTube channel for the latest Disney World updates.
7 Hotel Changes Hit Disney World in 2026
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What would be nice is if they discounted rooms during construction vs charging full price for the inconvenience.