Guests heading to Walt Disney World this August should do a little homework before they pack their bags. Several resort hotels are entering new phases of construction and refurbishment, while at least one beloved dining spot is finally coming back online.
The biggest disruption begins August 10, when Disney's Coronado Springs Resort launches a 13-month refurbishment of its Convention Center and connecting El Centro Corridor. Everyday guests can expect rerouted walkways and temporary closures of corridor spaces, though Disney says the noisiest work will be scheduled overnight. Also kicking off August 3, the Kidani Village lobby at Animal Kingdom Lodge will undergo a refresh lasting through early October, meaning check-in guests will navigate around temporary walls and barriers.
On the brighter side, the Yachtsman Steakhouse at Disney's Yacht Club Resort — closed since May for a refurbishment — is set to reopen August 28. The signature steakhouse is a perennial favorite, so dining reservations will likely fill fast. Over at Saratoga Springs Resort, the porte cochere and covered walkway enter a phased maintenance period starting August 10, and The Turf Club Bar and Grill will temporarily close in late August as part of that resort's ongoing dining-area revamp.
Longer-term projects are also humming along across the property. Disney's Contemporary Resort is in a multi-year refurbishment of its Main Tower and Atrium running through 2027, the Grand Floridian Cafe is closed through October, and Port Orleans Riverside guest rooms are being refreshed all the way through August 2027. Scaffolding is visible at the Beach Club, Yacht Club, Wilderness Lodge, and BoardWalk Inn, among others.
The takeaway for summer visitors: check the status of your specific resort before arrival, build extra time into your plans, and snag dining reservations early. This reporting is courtesy of Inside the Magic.
