Planning a 2026 trip to Disney World is different. Between new attractions opening, lands being re-imagined, and entire areas under refurbishment, the resort is going to feel more like a construction zone than a polished theme park vacation at times.
Bay Lake Tower
That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t go, but it just means where you stay matters more than usual. In a year full of closures, refurbishments, and noise disruptions, some hotels are becoming less popular with repeat visitors. Here are three Disney World hotels fans are hesitating to book in 2026, and whether they might still make sense for you.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Resort
Animal Kingdom Lodge is usually one of the most beloved resorts at Disney World. Savanna views, incredible dining, and a peaceful atmosphere make it a bucket-list stay. But 2026 is a complicated year here due to construction. From October 2025 through May 2026, guest rooms at Kidani Village will undergo refurbishment, followed immediately by Jambo House refurbishments from May 2026 through January 2027. Disney has warned guests they may see or hear construction during their stay, though most amenities will remain open. But it’s not only construction that is causing guests to pause.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
Animal Kingdom Lodge is already the most isolated deluxe resort. It only has bus transportation and sits far from Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, and Hollywood Studios. That distance becomes more noticeable when the nearby park, Animal Kingdom, is itself undergoing a major transformation period this year, as construction for Pueblo Esperanza is underway. Guests staying here will likely spend extra time commuting to the other parks and return to a resort with active refurbishment.
The Savanna at Animal Kingdom Lodge
Who Should Still Consider Booking
Animal lovers and resort-focused travelers may still love it. If you plan to schedule rest days, prioritize dining at the resort (Boma, Sanaa, Jiko), or simply want a calm atmosphere at night, this can still be magical, especially if you score a discounted rate during refurbishment.
Animal Kingdom Lodge
Disney’s Contemporary Resort
The Contemporary normally sells itself with it being walkable to Magic Kingdom, the monorail inside the building, and the iconic views. But from September 2024 through late 2027, the resort is undergoing phased refurbishment across major areas including the atrium and Bay Lake Tower. Guests can expect visible construction and noise. On top of that, January 26 through early May 2026 brings temporary closures to the Bay Cove Pool, Cove Bar, water play area, and whirlpool spa at Bay Lake Tower. The main feature pool remains open, but part of the deluxe experience is reduced. That matters because the Contemporary is one of the most expensive resorts at Disney World. Paying top-tier pricing while navigating walls, equipment, and partial amenities is making many regulars hesitate.
Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Who Should Still Consider Booking?
Families with little ones or guests prioritizing walking to Magic Kingdom may still find this unbeatable. If fireworks views and convenience matter more than ambiance, the location alone can outweigh the downsides.
Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground
The new cabins at Fort Wilderness have actually become popular. They’re classified as deluxe accommodations, meaning guests get Extended Evening Hours. On paper, that sounds like a secret hack, but in reality, transportation is the challenge. Fort Wilderness is sprawling, but that also means you are taking transportation to do anything. Many guests report needing a bus just to reach another bus or boat, with internal travel sometimes taking 20 minutes just to get food. Now add construction: from early May 2025 through mid-2026, work will occur near the Meadow Swimmin’ Pool area. Other pools remain open, but seating may be limited, and guests may see or hear construction. The cabins themselves are great, but the logistics are what’s giving travelers pause.
New Fort Wilderness Cabins
Who Should Still Consider Booking?
Large families and guests who want space will still love it. You get a full cabin, outdoor atmosphere, and deluxe perks at a lower price than traditional deluxe resorts. If you drive your own car or plan resort days, it can actually be fantastic.
Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground
Construction doesn’t automatically ruin a vacation, yet choosing the wrong resort during a heavy refurbishment year can dramatically change your experience. The good news: with the right expectations, each of these hotels can still be the perfect fit for certain travelers. For more 2026 planning tips, food guides, and real experiences, keep following us at DisneyFoodBlog.
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I mean the Incredibles theming at Contemporary has me always looking anywhere but there. Not sure who’s blunder that was.
WARNING: The Boardwalk will close its Luna Park pool from Jan. through April 2027. 2027! That is a real bummer.