Walt Disney World is in the middle of one of its busiest construction periods in recent memory, with 16 significant projects underway across parks, resorts, and dining venues. While most of this work is building toward genuinely exciting new experiences, guests visiting in the near term may encounter temporary closures, construction walls, rerouted paths, or changes to resort amenities.
Magic Kingdom carries the heaviest load with four major efforts. Villains Land is taking shape behind the scenes with two confirmed attractions, themed dining, and shopping. Piston Peak National Park — a Cars-inspired expansion — is replacing the now-permanently closed Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island. Big Top Souvenirs remains shuttered and is expected back later in 2026, and the Carousel of Progress closed July 6, 2026, for a significant overhaul that includes updated show scenes and a new pre-show, with a 2027 reopening expected.
Hollywood Studios has two headline projects: the Walt Disney Studios area, where The Magic of Disney Animation is confirmed to open September 14, 2026, and Monstropolis, a new Monsters, Inc.-themed land featuring a suspended-door coaster along with dining and shopping. Over at Animal Kingdom, DinoLand U.S.A. permanently closed February 2, 2026, to make way for Tropical Americas (officially Pueblo Esperanza), a new land drawing on Encanto and Indiana Jones. EPCOT, meanwhile, has active refurbishments at the France Pavilion's La Signature shop and the Germany Pavilion, both of which remain at least partially accessible.
Resort guests will find construction at several properties as well. Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is in a multi-year refurbishment with visible work at its porte cochère. Bay Lake Tower at the Contemporary Resort has ongoing work throughout the building. Saratoga Springs' Turf Club Lounge is expected to reopen in late August 2026. The Polynesian Village Resort and Old Key West Resort each have boat dock improvements affecting transportation. And at the BoardWalk, the former Jellyrolls space is being gutted, with a future use yet to be announced. On the dining front, Yachtsman Steakhouse at the Yacht Club Resort closed May 11, 2026, and is expected to reopen in August 2026.
Knowing what's underway before your trip is the best way to set realistic expectations and plan around any disruptions — the payoff, once these projects complete, promises some of the most substantial additions to Walt Disney World in years. This summary is based on reporting from Inside the Magic.
