Planning a Walt Disney World stay this winter means doing a bit of extra homework. Several resorts are in the middle of construction projects that stretch well into 2027, and knowing what's affected at your hotel before you arrive can save you from an unwelcome surprise on check-in day.
Three resorts — Disney's Beach Club Resort, Disney's Contemporary Resort, and Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa — have exterior or structural work continuing through late 2026 into 2027, with possible daytime noise and adjusted walking routes. Room refurbishments are also ongoing at Disney's All-Star Movies Resort (through January 2027), Jambo House at Animal Kingdom Lodge (through January 2027), and Disney's Port Orleans Resort – Riverside (through August 2027). All affected hotels remain open throughout their respective projects.
A handful of other date-specific closures are worth flagging. At Disney's BoardWalk Inn, the Luna Park Pool, Luna Park Crazy Play Area, and Leaping Horse Libations will close January 11 through April 2027 for routine maintenance — though both the Villas Pool and Inn Pool will stay open. Separately, the Disney Skyliner will go offline for annual maintenance January 24–30, 2027, temporarily cutting gondola service for guests at Pop Century Resort, Art of Animation Resort, Caribbean Beach Resort, and Riviera Resort; buses will cover transportation to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios during that week.
The one truly permanent change centers on the Grand Floridian's life-size gingerbread house. The beloved lobby display debuted in 1999 and spent more than 25 holiday seasons as a centerpiece of the resort's Christmas celebration — complete with a spot to purchase seasonal treats. Construction kept it out of the lobby in 2025, and Disney has since confirmed it won't return in full-size form in 2026 or beyond. Smaller gingerbread displays created by Disney's culinary team will appear throughout the resort instead.
Planning Your Trip
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None of this means these resorts are off the table for a winter visit — much depends on your travel dates and what you value most in a hotel stay. A rerouted walkway is easy to overlook; a closed pool or missing Skyliner access may matter more. Checking Disney's official refurbishment calendar before finalizing a reservation is the best way to make sure your chosen resort lines up with your plans. This story was reported by DisneyFanatic.com.
