There's a particular kind of disappointment that comes from planning the perfect lazy morning at a Disney resort, only to be woken up by the sound of a drill. Walt Disney World guests have been running into that scenario more often lately, and a set of newly updated notices suggests the noise isn't clearing out as soon as people hoped.
Disney has extended the refurbishment schedules at two resorts, and a short Skyliner closure is coming in early 2027. If you're booking a stay in the next several months, this is the rundown you'll want before you click confirm.
Nearly Half the Resorts Are in the Middle of Something
Out of Walt Disney World's 22 hotels, ten are currently going through refurbishment work. The projects range from room renovations to exterior maintenance and structural updates. That's a big share of the resort collection, and it explains why so many guests have mentioned construction in their trip reports. With that many projects overlapping, it pays to look at your specific hotel instead of assuming it's untouched.
Just when the end of some of these projects seemed to be in view, Disney updated two of the schedules and gave them more runway.
Old Key West: Work Around the Resort's Hub Continues
The project at Disney's Old Key West Resort centers on Hospitality House, the resort's central gathering spot. That building holds the lobby, concierge, Olivia's Cafe, and more amenities. It's receiving exterior maintenance, and guests may see or hear work during the day. They may also be directed to alternate walkways at times.
The original plan was for the work to last through mid-September 2026. Disney has now revised the notice to say it will last “through fall” of 2026. There's no specific end date attached, so guests visiting this autumn should simply expect some activity near the main hub.
BoardWalk Inn: The Finish Line Moves to 2027
Disney's BoardWalk Inn is being refurbished gradually, and the lobby portion is already done. The original word was that work would finish in late 2026, but the timeline has quietly been pushed to 2027. That means anyone visiting in the coming year could still see and hear construction.
On top of that, there's routine maintenance scheduled on the Luna Park Pool, the Luna Park Crazy Play Area, and Leaping Horse Libations. That work runs from January 11, 2027, through April 2027, and it's separate from the larger inn refurbishment. If a pool day or a poolside drink figures into your plans, those dates matter.
A Week Without the Skyliner
The Disney Skyliner will close for refurbishment from January 24 to January 30, 2027. During that week, Disney will run buses from the EPCOT area hotels to Hollywood Studios. Guests can also take a boat from the resort to Hollywood Studios or EPCOT, or walk from the BoardWalk to the parks.
The alternatives will get you where you're going, but they aren't as quick or as easy as the gondolas, so it's worth building in extra travel time that week.
Picking Your Resort With Open Eyes
None of this is a reason to give up on a Disney trip. Resorts under refurbishment typically stay open, and many guests have perfectly pleasant stays. But the noise and detours are real, and knowing about them ahead of time lets you decide how much they'll bother you.
Before booking, check Disney's refurbishment notices for the resort you're considering, and look again before you travel since dates can change. When you reserve a room, you can request one away from the active work area, though Disney may not be able to promise it. Pack earplugs for a bit of insurance, especially if sleeping in is a big part of your vacation.
Mornings Are the Tricky Part
Daytime construction is usually the loudest right when you'd want to be resting. If you'd rather not fight it, plan a late start at the parks and an early return, or lean into early mornings so you're out the door before the noise begins. Matching your schedule to the work can make a refurbished resort feel a lot more peaceful.
Quick Reminders Before You Go
Double check whether your hotel is on the refurbishment list, think about how much time you'll actually spend in your room, and if you depend on the Skyliner, plan alternatives for the last week of January 2027. Leave a little extra time for buses and boats, since they're usually slower than gondolas when everyone's heading the same way.
Staying at Old Key West or the BoardWalk soon? Tell us in the comments how loud the work has been and whether it changed your plans. Honest guest stories help everyone make better choices, and we'll keep this updated as new notices appear.
