Planning ahead has become more important than ever for Walt Disney World vacations, especially when it comes to choosing a Disney Resort hotel. While Disney continues investing in hotel upgrades across the property, those improvements can temporarily change the guest experience. If you're considering a 2027 trip, there are several dates and resorts worth paying attention to before making your reservation.
The first period to circle on your calendar is January 24 through January 30. That's when Disney's Skyliner will shut down for its routine annual maintenance. Guests staying at Art of Animation, Pop Century, Caribbean Beach, and Riviera Resort will still reach EPCOT and Disney's Hollywood Studios using complimentary buses, but the Skyliner itself won't be operating.
For many visitors, that transportation system is the biggest reason they book those hotels. It offers quick travel, beautiful views, and often shorter waits than traditional bus transportation. Losing that convenience for an entire week changes the value of those resorts, especially for guests planning multiple park days at EPCOT or Disney's Hollywood Studios.
Another hotel worth watching is Art of Animation. Disney plans to begin refurbishing guest rooms in late spring, updating both standard accommodations and family suites. The resort will stay open while work takes place, but guests should expect the typical signs of an active construction project, including temporary barriers, daytime noise, and crews working throughout different areas of the property.
Fort Wilderness also faces an interesting year. Construction connected to the upcoming Lakeshore Lodge continues nearby as Disney prepares for the new resort's expected summer opening. At the same time, Fort Wilderness guests won't receive the complimentary water park benefit that many other Disney Resort guests can take advantage of in 2027. Those changes don't take away what makes Fort Wilderness special, but they may influence some travelers who are comparing resort options.
Construction isn't limited to Disney's Value Resorts. Port Orleans Riverside continues receiving renovated rooms through August 2027. Guests staying during the project may notice closed pathways or construction activity during the daytime.
Beach Club Resort is also expected to remain under exterior refurbishment through late 2027. Disney says work may temporarily affect views around the property while requiring guests to use alternate walking routes in some locations.
The Contemporary joins that list as well. Maintenance across the Main Tower and Bay Lake Tower will continue through much of the year, with Disney warning that some views and travel paths around the resort could be affected while crews complete the project.
The good news is that none of these closures or refurbishments are permanent. They're all part of Disney's ongoing effort to maintain and improve its resort hotels. Even so, timing matters. If you're spending thousands of dollars on a Walt Disney World vacation, understanding which hotels face transportation changes or construction during your travel dates can help you avoid unnecessary surprises. A little extra planning now could lead to a much smoother and more enjoyable stay once you arrive.
