Disney’s rolling into 2026 with a pretty aggressive construction schedule, and it’s going to be hard to miss. Thirteen different resort closures and refurbishments are already confirmed, covering everything from pools and transportation to some of the most popular hotel rooms on property.
For guests who love quiet resort days, long pool afternoons, or quick Skyliner rides, this is one of those updates you really want to know before you hit “book now.”
Closures Stretch Across All Resort Tiers
This isn’t a situation where only a couple of hotels are affected. Disney has projects lined up at Value, Moderate, and Deluxe resorts. One of the biggest undertakings is at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, where Kidani Village will be under construction until May 2026, and Jambo House won’t wrap up until January 2027. That’s nearly a full year of work at one of the most popular Deluxe Resorts.
Transportation Downtime Will Affect Thousands
The Disney Skyliner is going down for routine maintenance from January 25 through January 31. That may sound short, but it impacts three resorts — Disney’s Pop Century Resort, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, and Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort. Since the Skyliner is the main way guests at those properties get to EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, this is one closure that will be felt quickly.
Big Pool Closures Are Coming Too
The Surfboard Bay Pool at Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort and the Bay Cove Pool at Disney’s Contemporary Resort will be closed for major refurbishments in the first part of the year. Disney will offer alternative pool options at nearby resorts, but if splashing at your own hotel pool is part of your vacation tradition, this might be a deal-breaker.
Renovations at Fan-Favorite Resorts
Pop Century’s rooms will be upgraded through mid-February, while Magnolia Bend at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside will also see work during that time. Construction at Bay Lake Tower will run through July, and over at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, guests can expect renovation activity all year. Exterior work at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort is expected to continue through late 2026.
A Trip That Might Take More Planning Than Usual
With so many closures overlapping, 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most construction-heavy years Disney World has had in a while. For some guests, it’ll just mean a little extra noise or taking a bus instead of the Skyliner. But for others — especially those who build their trip around specific resort experiences — these closures could be a major factor in where they decide to stay.
It’s simple: double-check your resort’s refurbishment schedule before you book. A little research now could save you a lot of frustration later.
