There’s a lot happening at Walt Disney World right now, and while most of the attention tends to go toward new attractions or park updates, the hotels are quietly going through a major transformation of their own.
This summer, multiple resorts are being refreshed at the same time. It’s not just one or two projects—it’s a wide mix of room upgrades, dining closures, and construction work that spans nearly every resort category.
Some of the most noticeable changes are happening at the Value and Moderate resorts. At All-Star Movies, rooms are being refurbished in phases, which means sections of the resort will be temporarily unavailable while work is completed. At Port Orleans Riverside, that same phased approach is happening on a much larger scale, since the property is so spread out.
Deluxe resorts are seeing even more extensive updates. The Contemporary is undergoing a long-term refurbishment that includes multiple buildings and amenities. Beach Club and BoardWalk Inn are also dealing with ongoing exterior work, which can impact views and the overall atmosphere.
Dining is another area where plans may need to shift. The Grand Floridian Café is closing for a seasonal refurbishment, while Yachtsman Steakhouse is also going offline for a portion of the summer. Saratoga Springs takes a slightly different approach by staggering closures across different dining locations, which helps keep options available—but can still make things feel inconsistent during your stay.
Then there are the smaller changes that can still make a big difference. At Wilderness Lodge, the temporary loss of boat transportation removes one of the easiest ways to get to Magic Kingdom. At the Polynesian, construction around the entrance area could impact how quickly you’re able to arrive or leave the resort.
None of these updates are deal-breakers on their own. But when you start stacking them together, it becomes clear that this isn’t a typical summer at Walt Disney World resorts.
At the same time, there’s a clear reason behind all of it. Disney is putting a lot of effort into refreshing its hotels, and once these projects wrap up, guests will benefit from updated rooms, improved layouts, and upgraded amenities.
For now, though, the key is going in prepared. A little awareness ahead of your trip can make a big difference in how you experience your stay—and help you focus on what matters most once you’re there.
