Guests staying at Kidani Village, the Disney Vacation Club wing of Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge, will notice some changes in the main lobby area this fall. Parts of the lobby are currently closed off with construction signage, and black curtains have been installed to screen ongoing work from the main check-in area.
One immediate impact: Johari Treasures, the resort's gift shop, has temporarily relocated to the Palace Library, which is also serving as the check-in location during this period. The shop is expected to return to its original location on August 29, 2026.
The refurbishment is being carried out in phases between August and November 2026. The north lobby corridor — along with the second-floor lobby elevators and outdoor terrace observation deck — is scheduled to close from September 28 through October 9. A second phase follows from October 26 to November 6, when the south lobby closes along with Community Hall, the laundry room, lobby restrooms, the outdoor terrace observation deck, the Palace Library, and the Safari So Good Arcade.
Disney has not announced what specific updates or improvements are planned as part of the work. Guests with upcoming stays at Kidani Village during these windows should plan for limited access to several common amenities. Planning a Walt Disney World trip during the refurbishment period is still very doable — the guest rooms and savanna views remain unaffected.
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This story was first reported by WDW News Today.
