Across the property, Walt Disney World is balancing major expansion plans with routine refurbishments, creating a mix of construction walls, temporary closures, and renovation projects that stretch well beyond the theme parks.
Many of these updates will eventually deliver exciting new attractions, refreshed resorts, and improved experiences for guests. For now, though, they could change parts of your trip if you aren't expecting them.
Here's a closer look at 16 construction projects currently happening around Walt Disney World.
Hollywood Studios Is Building for the Future
Some of Disney World's biggest additions are taking shape at Disney's Hollywood Studios.
The Walt Disney Studios area is preparing to welcome The Magic of Disney Animation, which Disney has confirmed will open on September 14, 2026. Until then, construction continues as crews finish work on the new experience.
The park is also making room for Monstropolis. Disney has confirmed the land inspired by Monsters, Inc. will feature a suspended-door coaster along with themed dining, shopping, and additional experiences. It remains one of the resort's most anticipated expansion projects.
Magic Kingdom Has Four Major Projects in Progress
No Disney World park currently has more significant construction than Magic Kingdom.
Villains Land continues moving closer to reality, with Disney confirming plans for two attractions, shopping, dining, and an entirely new land celebrating Disney's famous villains.
Not far away, construction is also advancing on Piston Peak National Park. The Cars-inspired expansion is replacing Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island, both of which permanently closed to make way for the project.
Storybook Circus is temporarily closed as Big Top Souvenirs undergoes refurbishment. Disney expects the location to reopen later this year but has not announced a specific date.
Guests hoping to visit Walt Disney's Carousel of Progress will also have to wait. The classic Tomorrowland attraction closed on July 6, 2026, for a major refurbishment and is expected to reopen sometime in 2027 with updated show scenes and a new pre-show.
EPCOT Still Has Ongoing Refurbishments
Even after years of transformation, EPCOT continues to see construction in a few areas.
La Signature in the France Pavilion remains closed during refurbishment. Disney has said the shop is expected to reopen before the end of the year.
The Germany Pavilion is also undergoing work. Although the pavilion remains open, guests may notice construction walls or temporary changes while refurbishment continues.
Animal Kingdom's Largest Expansion Continues
Disney's Animal Kingdom is steadily making progress on Tropical Americas, one of the resort's biggest long-term projects.
The expansion officially moved forward after DinoLand U.S.A. permanently closed on February 2, 2026. Disney has confirmed the new land will include experiences inspired by Encanto and Indiana Jones, bringing an entirely new environment to the park.
Construction Reaches Several Disney Resorts
The work doesn't stop once guests leave the parks.
Disney's BoardWalk continues changing after Jellyrolls closed in 2025. Crews have been gutting the former entertainment venue as work continues inside.
Guests staying at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort may also encounter work around transportation areas, including the resort's boat dock.
At Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, the multi-year refurbishment remains underway. Construction around the porte cochère continues, making it one of the most visible hotel projects on Disney property.
Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort is temporarily without the Turf Club Lounge while refurbishment continues. Disney expects the lounge to reopen in late August 2026 before additional work shifts to other areas.
Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort is also undergoing refurbishment so that guests may notice construction during their stay.
Dining and Transportation Round Out the List
A pair of additional projects could also affect vacation plans.
Yachtsman Steakhouse at Disney's Yacht Club Resort remains closed after beginning its refurbishment on May 11, 2026. Disney expects the restaurant to welcome guests again sometime in August.
At Disney's Old Key West Resort, improvements around the boat dock could temporarily change transportation procedures while work is completed.
Disney's Future Comes With Temporary Inconveniences
These 16 projects represent some of the largest construction efforts currently underway across Walt Disney World, though they are far from the only ones. Additional maintenance work, refurbishments, and infrastructure improvements continue throughout the resort.
While construction can sometimes interrupt the guest experience, every completed project moves Disney World one step closer to its next chapter. From Villains Land and Tropical Americas to The Magic of Disney Animation and the refreshed Walt Disney's Carousel of Progress, plenty of new experiences are waiting on the other side of today's construction walls.
