If you're starting to map out a 2027 Disney World trip, hotel choice matters more than usual this cycle. Several resorts are mid-refurbishment, a couple are adding genuinely exciting new amenities, and at least one longtime favorite is losing a perk that made it special. Here's a practical breakdown of where your vacation dollar is best spent.
At the top of the recommended list, BoardWalk Inn is set to bounce back in a big way. The closure of Jellyrolls dueling piano bar in April 2025 left a gap in the resort's evening entertainment, but a new venue called Hurly-Burly is expected to fill it before the end of 2026. The spot will operate as a family-friendly activity space during the day and shift to a 21-and-up live music lounge with coastal cocktails at night. A new Basin on the BoardWalk bath and body shop — featuring a custom soap-blending counter and make-your-own-soap station — is also on the way. Neighboring Yacht Club Resort rounds out the top picks thanks to completed dining refurbishments at Crew's Cup Lounge and Yachtsman Steakhouse, plus a freshened exterior. The Swan & Dolphin Hotels also earn a strong recommendation, partly because of their proximity to both BoardWalk and Yacht Club, and partly because they carry Deluxe-tier perks like 7-day Lightning Lane booking windows, Early Entry, and Extended Evening Hours.
On the skip list for 2027: Art of Animation Resort will be working through a phased room refurbishment starting in spring, touching both standard rooms and family suites. The resort stays open during construction, but the disruption may dampen the experience. Fort Wilderness Campground faces a different kind of turbulence — construction activity tied to the nearby Lakeshore Lodge Resort (opening summer 2027 on the old River Country site) will be ongoing, and Fort Wilderness guests won't receive the free water park day perk next year.
Other resorts with active refurbishment projects through various points in 2027 include Port Orleans Riverside (through August), Beach Club exterior (through late 2027), and the Contemporary (resort-wide, through late 2027). None of these are outright avoids, but they're worth factoring into your decision.
This overview is based on reporting from the Disney Food Blog.
