Walt Disney World Resort has confirmed plans for a major project at one of its most popular Deluxe Resort hotels. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, which is known for its immersive African-inspired design and unforgettable animal experiences, will undergo a significant transformation over the next two years, including a partial closure of certain areas.
First time staying at Animal Kingdom Lodge, right when we get in our room. 🦒🦓
On August 11, 2025, Walt Disney Imagineering filed a “Notice of Commencement” for construction work at 2901 Osceola Parkway, Bay Lake, Florida — the official address of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. The document lists JCQ Services, Inc., as the contractor responsible for “general construction” at the resort. The company has worked on various projects across the resort, including an overhaul of Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campgrounds.
The most notable changes will take place in the Kidani Village and Jambo House sections of the Deluxe Resort hotel. The project includes room updates such as new furniture, lighting, flooring, and fixtures. A refurbishment project on the Zebra Trail Terrace area of Jambo House already began in July and is expected to wrap up in mid-September.
The room upgrades will be carried out in phases, starting in October 2025. The first phase will focus on Kidani Village rooms, with the enhancements scheduled to run through May 2026. The Jambo House rooms will follow, undergoing similar upgrades from May 2026 until January 2027.
While much of the Deluxe Resort hotel will remain open during these upgrades, Walt Disney World Resort has cautioned guests that they may notice construction-related disruptions. The resort’s official booking page warns that some noise and construction activities may be audible in areas around the work sites. However, the amenities and services at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge will remain operational throughout the duration of the project.
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