Picking a Walt Disney World hotel for a winter vacation may require a little more homework this year.
Construction remains active at several resorts, with many projects rolling into 2027. Guests could encounter room renovations, daytime work, closed amenities, or temporary transportation changes.
Most affected Disney hotels will remain open. Still, knowing what's happening before arriving could prevent an unwelcome surprise.
One change also goes beyond temporary construction. A holiday favorite that welcomed guests for more than 25 years has reached its final chapter.
Three Resorts Face Construction Well Into 2027
Some of the longest projects involve Disney's Beach Club Resort, Disney's Contemporary Resort, and Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.
Exterior maintenance at Beach Club will continue through late 2027. Guests could hear daytime work, use different walking routes, or find certain views affected.
The Contemporary has a similar timeline. Disney will handle the project in phases through late 2027, including Bay Lake Tower and the Main Tower atrium.
At Grand Floridian, work in select areas, including the covered entrance, will continue into early 2027. Daytime noise and adjusted walking routes are possible.
All three resorts remain open during the work.
More Disney Hotel Rooms Are Getting Refurbished
Several other projects focus on guest rooms.
Disney's All-Star Movies Resort will continue its room refurbishment through January 2027. Construction noise and temporary changes to routes around the hotel are possible.
The Kidani Village room project at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge finished in May 2026. Work at Jambo House, however, will continue through January 2027.
Disney's Port Orleans Resort – Riverside has a longer timeline, with room renovations expected to continue through August 2027.
Guests planning to spend plenty of time at their hotel may want to keep these projects in mind.
A Popular Boardwalk Area Will Close for Months
One early 2027 project will remove several amenities from Disney's Boardwalk Inn.
On January 11, Luna Park Pool, Luna Park Crazy Play Area, and Leaping Horse Libations will close for routine maintenance through April 2027.
Both the Villas Pool and Inn Pool will remain available.
Still, the Luna Park Pool closure could matter to families who specifically choose Boardwalk for its pool area.
Four Resorts Will Temporarily Lose Skyliner Service
Another January closure could affect how guests reach the theme parks.
Disney will shut down the Disney Skyliner for annual maintenance from January 24 through January 30, 2027.
Pop Century Resort, Art of Animation Resort, Caribbean Beach Resort, and Riviera Resort will all be affected.
The Skyliner normally provides transportation between these resort areas and EPCOT and Disney's Hollywood Studios. Disney will provide bus transportation during the closure.
The shutdown lasts only one week, but guests who chose these hotels for Skyliner access could notice the difference.
Coronado Springs Has a Long Project of Its Own
Construction will also continue at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort.
The Convention Center refurbishment, including the El Centro Corridor and nearby locations, will continue through late September 2027.
Disney is completing the project in phases, so different spaces could temporarily become unavailable.
Most construction will take place overnight to minimize disruption, though guests may still encounter affected areas.
Grand Floridian Says Goodbye to a Christmas Favorite
Not everything on Disney's refurbishment calendar will eventually return.
The life-size gingerbread house at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa has reached the end of its run.
Disney introduced the display in 1999, and it became a major part of the hotel's Christmas season. The enormous creation filled the lobby and gave visitors a place to buy holiday treats.
Construction kept the house out of the Grand Floridian lobby in 2025. Fans hoping for a comeback were disappointed when Disney confirmed the full-size display wouldn't return in 2026.
Instead, Disney's culinary team will create smaller gingerbread displays throughout the resort.
After more than 25 years, the familiar life-size house is finished.
Winter Guests Should Check Before They Book
Construction doesn't necessarily make a Disney hotel a bad choice. The effect depends on when guests visit and what they value most about their resort.
A changed walkway may mean little, while a closed pool or unavailable Skyliner could have a greater impact.
That's why checking refurbishment plans before booking matters this winter.
For Grand Floridian visitors, one change is permanent. Christmas decorations will remain, but a holiday tradition generations of guests encountered in the lobby is now part of Disney World history.
