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A Whole New Look: Disney World Finishes Extensive Renovations Across 6 Resort Hotels

Construction projects are nothing new at Walt Disney World, especially when it comes to resort hotels. Disney regularly updates rooms, pools, restaurants, and transportation areas to keep its properties operating smoothly.

Over the past several months, a number of those projects have been taking place across the resort. Now, many of the most noticeable upgrades are finished, giving guests access to refreshed spaces and restored amenities just in time for the busy summer travel season.

Royal Guest Rooms Are Back at Port Orleans Riverside

Disney recently completed work on the Royal Guest Rooms at Port Orleans Riverside.

The themed accommodations remain one of the resort's most popular room categories thanks to their princess-inspired design and Disney storytelling details. While broader room refurbishments continue elsewhere at the resort, guests can once again reserve the Royal Guest Rooms and enjoy the updated spaces.

Their return marks one of the most visible resort improvements completed this year.

royal guest room at disney world's port orleans resort hotel
Credit: Disney

Bay Lake Tower Completes Pool Area Work

Guests staying at Bay Lake Tower now have full access to the resort's recreation offerings again.

Recent refurbishment work included the Bay Cove Pool, Cove Bar, water play area, and whirlpool spa. These locations are especially popular during Florida's warm weather, making their reopening welcome news for summer travelers.

With construction complete, the entire area has returned to normal operations.

Animal Kingdom Lodge Refreshes Kidani Village

Another completed project can be found at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge.

Kidani Village recently finished a guest room refurbishment that began in late 2025. Disney updated accommodations throughout the area while maintaining the atmosphere that makes the resort so distinctive.

The finished project allows guests to enjoy refreshed rooms without the construction activity that accompanied the work.

The pool at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge
Credit: Disney

Old Key West Finishes Hospitality House Project

Disney has also wrapped up exterior improvements at Hospitality House at Old Key West Resort.

As the central hub of the resort, Hospitality House plays an important role for guests seeking dining, shopping, recreation information, and other services.

Now that construction has concluded, visitors can move through the area without encountering temporary pathways or work zones.

Polynesian Dock Returns to Service

Transportation improvements were also completed at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort.

Boat service has resumed following refurbishment work at the resort's dock. The route remains one of the most convenient transportation options for guests traveling across Seven Seas Lagoon.

Although some resort-area projects continue, the dock itself has returned to normal operation, restoring a transportation option many guests rely on during their stay.

Guests wave to Goofy and Pluto at Polynesian Village
Credit: Disney

Yacht Club Reopens Popular Lounge

At Disney's Yacht Club Resort, Crew's Cup Lounge has officially reopened.

The dining location temporarily closed for improvements earlier this year. Following the refurbishment, guests once again have access to one of the resort's most popular places to relax and grab a meal.

Its location near EPCOT and Disney's Hollywood Studios continues to make it a convenient stop for many visitors.

Why These Completions Matter

Refurbishments are an important part of maintaining Disney's resorts, but they can sometimes affect the guest experience while work is underway.

With these projects now finished, visitors can enjoy more amenities, updated accommodations, and restored transportation options. For many guests, that means fewer disruptions and a smoother vacation experience overall.

Stormalong Bay Beach and Yacht Club
Credit: Disney

More Resort Updates Are Still Ahead

While Disney continues to work on additional projects across Walt Disney World, six notable resort refurbishments have officially been completed.

Whether you're staying at Port Orleans Riverside, Animal Kingdom Lodge, Bay Lake Tower, Old Key West, the Polynesian, or Yacht Club, you'll find several recently completed improvements waiting for you. As Disney continues investing in its resorts, guests are beginning to see the results throughout the property.

Sarah Larson

Sarah is a theme park enthusiast who loves visiting Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort. She enjoys covering the latest attractions, park updates, hotel changes, and industry developments for theme park fans. A dedicated Marvel fan, she never passes up an opportunity to ride her favorite Disney attraction, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind. When it comes to Disney classics, Pirates of the Caribbean still holds the top spot on her list. At Universal, she’s a big fan of the thrills of VelociCoaster, but Men in Black: Alien Attack remains a personal favorite, where she proudly considers herself a professional "Galactic Defender."

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