Golf has been part of the guest experience at Walt Disney World Resort since the property first opened in 1971.
That year, the resort launched with two courses — Palm and Magnolia — designed to position Disney as a full vacation destination rather than just a theme park. Golf, recreation, and resort amenities were always intended to complement the parks.
Over the decades, the property expanded far beyond those early offerings. Magic Kingdom was eventually joined by EPCOT, Disney's Hollywood Studios, and Disney's Animal Kingdom, transforming Walt Disney World into one of the largest vacation resorts in the world.
Golf remained part of that broader strategy.
Disney opened Lake Buena Vista Golf Course in 1972, just one year after the resort debuted. The course winds through lakes, trees, and nearby Disney resort hotels, making it one of the most scenic layouts on the property.
Its design also made it accessible to a wide range of players. Compared with some championship-level courses in Central Florida, Lake Buena Vista became known as a course that casual golfers could comfortably enjoy during a Disney vacation.
Today, Walt Disney World operates four golf courses. Magnolia, Palm, Lake Buena Vista, and Oak Trail are all managed by Disney Golf and maintained year-round as part of the resort’s recreation offerings.
Disney Golf Course Set for Major Upgrade
Disney has confirmed that Lake Buena Vista Golf Course will temporarily close later this year for refurbishment.
The closure is expected to last through much of summer 2026 while crews carry out upgrades across several areas of the course.
Much of the work will focus on rebuilding the greens. The project will introduce new shaping, contours, and elevation adjustments intended to improve drainage and playability.
Disney says the changes will update the course while maintaining the character of the original layout.
Bunkers and nearby chipping areas will also be redesigned as part of the project. The updates are intended to create smoother transitions and more consistent playing conditions for golfers approaching the greens.
Infrastructure and Turf Improvements Planned
Additional upgrades will focus on infrastructure around the course.
Disney plans to install updated irrigation systems around the greens to help maintain turf quality in areas that see the most use.
Bunker drainage systems will also be upgraded across much of the course. These improvements are designed to reduce water buildup and help the course recover faster after storms, which are common during Florida summers.
Several tee boxes will receive improvements as well, aimed at increasing durability and maintaining turf conditions during peak visitation periods.
Guests who already have tee times scheduled during the refurbishment period are encouraged to check with Disney Golf regarding their reservations.
During the closure, Disney's Magnolia Golf Course, Disney's Palm Golf Course, and Disney's Oak Trail Golf Course will remain open to guests.
The Lake Buena Vista course is currently expected to reopen in early fall.
The refurbishment comes during a broader period of change across Walt Disney World. Disney is currently working on a Tropical Americas land to replace DinoLand U.S.A. at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, planning a Cars-themed expansion at Magic Kingdom – plus a Disney Villains land further down the line – and building a Monsters, Inc.-inspired area at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
