Summer Construction Season is Here
If you’re planning a trip to Walt Disney World this summer, you’re likely already dreaming about Mickey ice cream bars and your first ride on Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. But before you pack those suitcases, there is something important you need to check: your hotel status. Disney is currently in the middle of a massive property-wide refresh, and while these updates are great for the long term, they can cause some serious headaches for guests visiting right now.
Between major room overhauls, pool maintenance, and some of the most popular dining spots temporarily shutting their doors, the landscape of the Disney resorts is shifting. We’ve tracked 12 specific hotels that will be impacted by construction or closures during the 2026 summer season. Here is everything you need to know to keep your vacation magic on track.
The Deluxe Resorts: Dining and Exterior Shifts
Some of Disney’s most iconic flagship resorts are seeing the heaviest activity this season. At Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, the multi-year lobby transformation continues, but the biggest news is the temporary closure of the Grand Floridian Cafe. Starting in mid-July and running through October 2026, the cafe will be closed for a refresh. Don’t worry about missing your favorite breakfast, though; Disney is shifting brunch service over to Cítricos during the closure.
Over at the Contemporary Resort and Bay Lake Tower, things are equally busy. Maintenance on the Bay Cove Pool and the water play area is expected to wrap up in early May, but guest room refurbishments throughout the tower will continue in phases. You might also encounter daytime closures on the Skyway Bridge connecting the two buildings due to elevator work through late May.
At the Yacht and Beach Club, exterior maintenance is the name of the game. While the legendary Stormalong Bay remains a favorite, the smaller leisure pools—the Admiral at Yacht Club and the Tidal pool at Beach Club—have been undergoing maintenance through early May. Most significantly, the Yachtsman Steakhouse is scheduled to close for refurbishment starting May 11, with a planned reopening in August 2026. If you had your heart set on a ribeye, you’ll want to look toward Shula’s Steak House at the nearby Dolphin Hotel as a great alternative.
Value and Moderate Updates
The construction isn’t just limited to the high-end resorts. Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort is kicking off a major guest room refurbishment in late May 2026. This project is expected to last until January 2027. While the resort isn’t closing, guests should expect construction noise during the day and potential rerouting of walking paths. Similarly, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is seeing a shift in focus. While work at Kidani Village is finishing up in May, the crews are moving directly over to Jambo House to begin room updates that will also run through early 2027.
For those staying at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside, the Magnolia Bend section is currently undergoing a rolling room refurbishment. This is part of a larger project intended to modernize the guest rooms while keeping that classic southern charm. If you’re booking here, keep in mind that certain buildings might be entirely behind construction scrims.
Why This Matters for Your Planning
Construction walls and closed pools are more than just an eyesore; they can change how you navigate your day. For example, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge is dealing with exterior maintenance and boat dock refurbishment through late July 2026. This means water transportation to Magic Kingdom could be limited or redirected, potentially adding time to your morning commute. Meanwhile, at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, reconfiguration of the front entrance and bus areas could make your arrival and departure a bit more chaotic than usual.
If you’re staying at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort, the dining situation is particularly tricky. The Turf Club Lounge closes in mid-April and won’t return until August. Then, the Turf Club Bar & Grill itself will close for a few weeks in late summer. Disney is great about providing pop-up options, but it’s always better to know before you show up hungry.
Pro-Tips for a Smooth Stay
- Check the App Frequently: The My Disney Experience app will have the most updated hours for pools and restaurants.
- Request a Quiet Room: If you’re staying at a resort under refurbishment, like All-Star Movies or Animal Kingdom Lodge, use the chat feature in the app to request a room located away from the active construction zones.
- Adjust Your Dining Strategy: With spots like Yachtsman Steakhouse and Grand Floridian Cafe closed, those nearby reservations at Cítricos or Flying Fish will become even harder to get. Book these the moment your 60-day window opens.
- Allow Extra Travel Time: If you’re staying at the Polynesian or Wilderness Lodge, give yourself an extra 15 to 20 minutes to account for transportation redirects.
While construction is never the highlight of a trip, it’s a sign that Disney is constantly investing in the guest experience. By staying informed and staying flexible, you can ensure that these 2026 updates are just a minor footnote in an otherwise magical summer vacation.
Disclaimer: This information is gathered from various online sources and news outlets. While we strive for accuracy, Disney plans and policies can change rapidly. We recommend double-checking official Disney sources for the most up-to-date information before making final travel plans.