Booking a value resort at Disney World usually feels like a safe, straightforward choice. You get the perks of staying on property without stretching your budget. But right now, one of those go-to options is heading into a lengthy refurbishment that could change the experience for months.
Disney has already posted a notice on its website, warning guests that construction will continue for an extended period. This isn’t a short project either—it will run for close to eight months.
That doesn’t mean you should avoid it completely, but it does mean you’ll want to understand how it might affect your stay.
The Appeal of Disney’s Value Resorts
Value resorts are designed for guests who want to stay immersed in Disney without paying premium prices. They offer simple accommodations, strong theming, and transportation access that make getting to the parks easy.
The All-Star Resorts—Movies, Sports, and Music—have been staples for years. Their bold designs and budget-friendly rooms make them especially popular with families.
Pop Century stands out thanks to its Skyliner access, giving guests a quick route to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios. Art of Animation offers a similar location and larger suites for larger groups.
Because these resorts attract steady demand, even a temporary disruption can have a ripple effect.
What’s Happening at All-Star Movies
All-Star Movies Resort will undergo a refurbishment starting in May 2026, with work continuing through the end of January 2027. That timeline covers a significant portion of the year, including some of Disney’s busiest travel periods.
Disney has shared a standard but important advisory for guests. “During this time, Guests may see or hear construction work in the area, and alternate paths of travel may be in place.”
While Disney hasn’t shared every detail, refurbishments like this often involve updates to guest rooms and surrounding areas. Past projects have included refreshed interiors, new flooring, and updated layouts.
Even with construction contained, guests may notice closed sections or changes to how they move around the resort.
What Guests Should Expect
The biggest change will likely be room availability. Disney typically removes sections from inventory during refurbishments, which means fewer rooms to book.
That can lead to quicker sellouts, especially during high-demand seasons. Planning ahead becomes even more important if you want to stay here during the refurbishment.
Daily experience may shift slightly as well. Construction noise may occur during the day, and guests may need to follow alternate walking paths. Disney usually keeps things organized, but it’s still an adjustment.
Once the project finishes, the payoff is clear. Guests will return to a refreshed resort with updated rooms.
Should You Consider Other Options?
All-Star Movies can still work well if your focus is on the parks. Many guests spend very little time at their hotel, making construction less of a concern.
If you plan to relax at the resort or want a quieter environment, it might be worth exploring other value options like Pop Century or Art of Animation during this period.
You could also shift your travel dates. Visiting before May 2026 or after January 2027 helps you avoid the refurbishment entirely.
A Long-Term Upgrade With Short-Term Tradeoffs
Disney continues to invest in its resorts, and this project is part of that effort. Still, a refurbishment lasting most of the year is something guests should keep in mind.
The official warning makes it clear that construction will be noticeable at times. From limited room availability to occasional disruptions, the experience may feel different than usual.
With the right expectations, you can still enjoy your stay. It just comes down to planning ahead and knowing what you’re walking into.
