Booking a Disney Resort hotel is usually one of the first decisions guests make when planning a Walt Disney World vacation. Once reservations are locked in, most travelers don't expect much to change before they arrive.
That's why Disney's newest announcement involving Coronado Springs Resort has attracted so much attention.
A major refurbishment is about to begin at one of the property's central locations, and while Disney says the hotel will continue operating as normal, some guests are already wondering if another resort would be a better choice for the next year.
Construction Will Stretch Into 2027
Disney has scheduled a large refurbishment for the Convention Center at Coronado Springs Resort beginning August 10, 2026.
The project will also extend into the El Centro Corridor and nearby areas, with work expected to continue until late September 2027.
That timeline covers well over a year of vacations, conventions, and holiday travel.
Disney plans to complete the project in phases so the entire area won't be unavailable all at once. Construction is also expected to happen primarily overnight to reduce the impact on guests during the day.
Still, Disney has warned that visitors may notice construction or hear work taking place throughout the refurbishment.
Why Some Guests Are Looking Elsewhere
Every Disney guest vacations differently.
Some people view their resort as little more than a place to shower and sleep before heading back to the parks.
Others spend hours enjoying the hotel itself.
Coronado Springs has earned a reputation as one of Disney's most relaxing moderate resorts. Guests often book it specifically because they enjoy walking around Lago Dorado, dining at its restaurants, or spending time at the Dig Site pool.
When construction enters the picture, some travelers simply decide they'd rather avoid the uncertainty.
No one knows exactly how noticeable the refurbishment will be from every section of the resort, and that alone may convince some families to switch hotels.
The Hotel's Biggest Strengths Aren't Going Away
Even with the refurbishment, Coronado Springs continues to offer plenty that keeps guests coming back.
Its dining lineup remains one of the strongest among Disney's moderate resorts. Toledo, Dahlia Lounge, Three Bridges Bar & Grill, and Rix Sports Bar & Grill provide a variety of options that many guests intentionally seek out, even when they aren't staying there.
The pool complex also remains one of the hotel's biggest attractions, giving families another reason to spend time outside the parks.
Those experiences are expected to remain available throughout the project.
Planning Ahead Matters
Guests with reservations during the refurbishment window don't necessarily need to panic.
Disney routinely completes projects while keeping its hotels open, and many guests experience little disruption during those renovations.
However, knowing about the work ahead of time allows travelers to make an informed decision.
If having a completely construction-free resort is important, another Disney hotel may provide greater peace of mind.
If you're already a fan of Coronado Springs and don't mind the possibility of occasional construction activity, the resort still offers many of the features that have made it one of Walt Disney World's most popular moderate destinations.
Ultimately, the refurbishment doesn't mean guests should avoid Coronado Springs altogether. It simply gives travelers one more factor to consider before finalizing plans for a Disney vacation over the next year.
