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Disney World Confirms Overhaul of Original Contemporary Resort Structure

The refurbishment reshaping Disney's Contemporary Resort has reached a new milestone, with a crane now positioned at the hotel's iconic A-Frame building as work continues on one of Walt Disney World Resort‘s most recognizable structures.

Tracing the Refurbishment's Progress

Disney's Contemporary Resort pool and water slide
Credit: Disney

The project got underway in September 2024, beginning with Bay Lake Tower before eventually expanding to the main Contemporary Tower. Since then, scaffolding and scrim have steadily made their way across the A-Frame building's exterior as construction has advanced through different sections of the property.

Just this month, the work reached the Bay Lake-facing side of the resort, where crews put up scaffolding and dark green construction walls.

A Crane Arrives on the North Side

Contemporary Resort outside water view
Credit: Disney

According to a WDWNT report from August 26, a crane has now shown up on the North side of Disney's Contemporary Resort as the exterior overhaul progresses.

Photos from the outlet show a large portion of the Contemporary Tower's fourth-floor observation deck currently blocked off by rolling planters — a change that appears to be connected to the crane's arm extending directly above that space. The crane itself sits in a Northern-side service area, marked off with orange traffic cones.

The Monorail passes through the inside of Disney's Contemporary Resort.
Credit: Disney Fanatic

Meanwhile, beige scrim and scaffolding continue to cover much of the front of the Deluxe Disney Resort hotel, with the fabric shifting slightly as construction has progressed.

Timeline Keeps Getting Pushed Back

Walt Disney World Resort initially targeted a September 2025 completion date for the refurbishment. That deadline later moved to July 2026, and the resort's official webpage has since been updated again, now stating construction will run through “late 2027.”

Monorail at Disney's Contemporary Resort at Walt Disney World Resort
Credit: Disney

Guests booking a stay at Disney's Contemporary Resort shouldn't expect major disruptions in the meantime. Monorail and bus service, pools, dining locations, and most hotel amenities remain fully operational throughout the project — though visitors may notice or hear construction activity during the day.

Have you ever stayed at Disney's Contemporary Resort? Share your favorite memories with Disney Fanatic in the comments! 

Jess Colopy

Jess Colopy is a Disney College Program alum and kid-at-heart. When she’s not furiously typing in a coffee shop, you can find her on the hunt for the newest Stitch pin.

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