Walt Disney World has over a dozen resort refurbishments and room reimaginings that both completed this yr or will conclude in early 2026. Together with this, there are a number of extra initiatives underway from now by way of 2027. Selecting the place to remain could be troublesome given the sheer variety of WDW resorts, however one straightforward rule of thumb is avoiding ongoing development and selecting recently-renovated lodging.
New rooms and refreshed resorts are good, and Walt Disney World has actually hit its stride in balancing modernized facilities and lodging with themed design. In contrast to a decade or so in the past when followers typically prevented redone rooms and resorts as a result of they had been bland and boring, probably the most recently-redone rooms actually thread the needle on type and performance.
New rooms lately have seen extra pops of shade and thematic prospers that give them character (whereas not crossing the road into garishness), which issues loads to Walt Disney World diehards. Extra importantly for the informal visitor, there have truly been a lot of improvements in lodge room design and Disney has launched space-saving options and different considerate touches that enhance and elevate the visitor expertise. In consequence, newer visitor rooms typically really feel extra luxurious, immersive, and purposeful than older ones.
Then there’s the apparent: newer rooms are more energizing. This is applicable to each present design traits but in addition put on and tear. You’ll completely discover a distinction between a room that’s ~8 years previous and slated for an upcoming overhaul versus one which was just lately redone. The previous will appear and feel dated within the furnishings and fixtures, whereas the latter will really feel contemporary.
With all of this in thoughts, we’ve put collectively a listing of resort resorts which have been just lately redone or have ongoing initiatives that may wrap up, in full or partly, by 2026. Observe that a few of these refurbishments are accompanied by asterisks as a result of they’re multi-phase, which means development can be ongoing in different areas (or adjoining to) the respective resorts.
In the case of ongoing development, it’s straightforward to make room requests to keep away from it at all the resorts on this checklist. Making a room request on the tail finish of a refurbishment venture is a good way to get a contemporary room whereas not being impacted by ongoing work. Keep watch over our 2026-2027 Walt Disney World Resort Building Tracker for updates, together with last-minute additions to this checklist.
Should you’re not frightened about new rooms or reimagined resorts, and are merely on the lookout for how we rank the resorts at Walt Disney World as an entire, try our Rankings of ALL Walt Disney World Motels from Worst to Finest. Actually, that’s a greater beginning place than this checklist because it covers a greater variety of professionals & cons and is simply, usually, extra complete…
With that stated, let’s dig into this checklist of the highest resorts at Walt Disney World for 2026…
Pop Century Resort
Pop Century has been getting a variety of love during the last yr. Every part Pop Meals Court docket opened a brand new espresso store and seating space, which is kind of beautiful. The resort additionally acquired a foyer refresh, which is extra of a combined bag, however does really feel contemporary. Similar goes for the pool bar and different frequent areas.
Nevertheless, the true purpose Pop Century tops this checklist is the year-long room refresh. Over the previous yr by way of mid-February 2026, visitor rooms at Disney’s Pop Century Resort are present process refurbishment as a part of a mushy items cycle. We had been simply at Pop Century final month, and the venture is winding down (right here’s our newest replace). Should you keep in early 2026, you must have zero development influence and be assured a brand new room.
That is “solely” a mushy items venture, which suggests updating furnishings, together with however not restricted to wall coverings, flooring, linens, decor, and a few furnishings. We’ve already seen the brand new rooms, and so they look improbable–a beautiful little plussing! See First Look Picture Tour of New Rooms at Disney’s Pop Century Resort.
We extremely advocate Pop Century, going as far as to (spoiler alert) award it the #1 slot on our aforementioned rankings of all Walt Disney World resorts. Controversial to place a Worth Resort within the prime slot, we all know, nevertheless it prices a fraction of the worth of Deluxe Resorts.
We love Pop Century because of its mixture of bang-for-buck, meals courtroom selection, transportation, and total environment. On the Worth Resort tier, it’s very sturdy as in comparison with the All Stars, and provides considerably decrease costs than Artwork of Animation. Pop Century can also be a sentimental favourite that has solely gotten higher because of its new rooms and the Skyliner.
Pop Century’s rooms had been beforehand redone in 2017, after which the All Stars had been redone beginning in 2018. That is one other related consideration in case you’re debating which Worth Resort to e-book in 2026. Pop Century could have brand-new rooms, whereas the All Stars could have rooms with 4-8 years of damage and tear. Should you do decide in opposition to Pop Century for no matter purpose, it’s price noting that All Star Sports activities has significantly newer rooms than Music or Motion pictures.
Polynesian’s Island Tower
Island Tower on the Polynesian Village Resort is the latest lodge enlargement at Walt Disney World at one yr previous. It’s notable as certainly one of solely a pair entries on this checklist which can be brand-new versus newly-reimagined, and the one one utterly purpose-built for its location.
Whereas refurbishments to maintain issues contemporary are good, there’s additionally an apparent distinction between a brand new construct and a retrofit. We skilled this firsthand with latest back-to-back stays throughout the Halloween and Christmas seasons. For all the complaints I’ve in regards to the Island Tower’s exterior, the lodging are unmatched and among the many best possible at Walt Disney World.
The dangerous information is that work on the Polynesian isn’t completed. By means of 2026, work is being finished on the resort that features the reconfiguration of the entrance entrance roadway and bus space as a part of the re-routing and enlargement of Floridian Means. Happily, all resort eating, swimming pools and facilities will stay out there. We’ve stayed on the Poly since this work began, and located it to be minimally impactful–and that was with a “highway view” room at Island Tower. Until one thing adjustments and the scope of labor expands in an enormous manner, we wouldn’t fear about this.
Island Tower is certainly one of our prime suggestions for the place to remain at Walt Disney World in 2026. On prime of being new, it’s additionally the best it’ll ever be to e-book as a result of this DVC resort remains to be in energetic gross sales. That means there’s extra room stock than factors at any given second. (That’s a bit within the weeds, nevertheless it’s a great factor whether or not you’re a DVC member, paying out of pocket, or renting factors.)
Modern’s Bay Lake Tower
For an additional different alongside the monorail loop, Bay Lake Tower simply wrapped up a top-to-bottom refurbishment this fall. This venture started over one yr in the past and the room refurbishment simply completed. The outcomes of the BLT room reimagining are marvelous. In truth, I’d argue that that is the most effective and largest ‘glow-up’ for a Walt Disney World resort shortly–in all probability for the reason that new rooms at Grand Floridian.
Bay Lake Tower was manner overdue for a refurbishment, because the rooms had been worse for put on for nearly a decade (we stayed in a room again in 2017 that was wanting tough–I can’t think about how a lot worse that regarded ~7 years later). The rooms at Bay Lake Tower had been poorly constructed within the first place and constructed simply earlier than the present ‘wave’ of progressive lodging that marry space-saving kinds with well-themed ones. On prime of that, the studios are additionally small, particularly when contrasted with the Polynesian.
Clearly, the room refurbishment didn’t “repair” the dimensions problem, nevertheless it did mitigate it. Area-saving options had been launched like pull-down couch beds and different intelligent options, opening up extra ground area and rising the quantity of storage. Beforehand claustrophobic rooms now really feel spacious by advantage of using the identical sq. footage significantly better. After which there’s the fashion, which seems to be improbable, contemporary, and on-theme (excellent for old fashioned Walt Disney World followers).
Attributable to being the closest resort to Magic Kingdom and at last having new rooms, Bay Lake Tower goes to be extremely aggressive in 2026. You’ll seemingly have extra problem reserving BLT than the newer Island Tower. Accordingly, we’re going to present an honorable point out to the Backyard Wing at Disney’s Modern Resort (lodge facet). See Our Favourite Resort at Walt Disney World as Dad and mom with a Toddler for extra on the promoting factors of the Modern.
There’s a minor to probably main asterisk with this advice, which is the Modern’s Thriller Building Mission By means of 2027. Walt Disney World nonetheless hasn’t revealed what this allegedly-ongoing venture is, nevertheless it was simply prolonged for one more yr. If that is the lengthy overdue reimagining of the Grand Canyon Concourse–the place many of the lodge’s buying and eating are positioned, together with the monorail station–that might be impactful. However a lot much less so to BLT and Backyard Wing company than these within the A-frame.
Fort Wilderness Campground (Large Asterisk)
Exterior of Island Tower, the New DVC Cabins at Fort Wilderness Campground are the opposite latest (not reimagined) resort rooms at Walt Disney World. These 350 new cabins changed the previous cabins on the resort, turning the resort facet of the campground right into a Disney Trip Membership property.
These cabins are controversial amongst Walt Disney World followers and DVC Members, however we love them. They’re positively circumstances-specific, which is to say that they won’t be a great match for each get together. However they work rather well for our younger household, and allow us to share a single unit with the grandparents. Which means lodging near the dimensions of a 1-bedroom suite (albeit with a worse structure), however on the worth of a typical room or studio (with rather more area).
Whereas the brand new cabins are accomplished, one factor to notice is {that a} “assortment of enchancment initiatives” is underway at Fort Wilderness geared toward enhancing the visitor expertise, together with proposed pool and strolling path upgrades. Building is now happening close to the Meadow Swimmin’ Pool space to increase this space, which has resulted within the non permanent closure of a pool, playground, and leisure amenities. That is anticipated to wrap up someday in mid-2026, however the date is to be decided. None of that is actually a dealbreaker, although.
What’s a possible dealbreaker is the resumption of labor on Disney Lakeshore Lodge (previously Reflections), which is already vertical and 10 tales tall at its highest level! Building is already transferring inside Lakeshore Lodge, nevertheless it’s nonetheless disruptive to the Settlement space. There’s no influence from cabins or campsites, nevertheless it’s very noticeable nearer to the waterfront the place cranes tower over the Settlement to construct a tower that may even tower over the campground.
Kidani Village at Animal Kingdom Lodge
By means of Might 2026, visitor rooms at Kidani Village at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge are present process a complete onerous items refurbishment. That’ll adopted by an identical venture at Jambo Home from Might 2026 by way of January 2027.
We coated what to anticipate from this development at size in Room Reimagining at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge to 2027. What’s nonetheless unclear about this venture includes the lodge facet of Animal Kingdom Lodge, or simply the Animal Kingdom Villas. The latter is the DVC facet of the resort, and what’s overdue for a refurbishment. It’s our expectation that this is applicable simply to the villas, because the resort rooms had been redone not that way back, and shouldn’t be due for one more replace till 2028 or 2029.
This would be the first onerous items refurbishment for the reason that Animal Kingdom Villas opened between 2007 and 2009. Mix that with the pretty gentle nature of previous mushy items refreshes, and neither Kidani Village nor Jambo Home have seen any main room renovations in over 15 years. Nearer to twenty years by the point this venture is completed. In consequence, this needs to be a large overhaul that breathes new life into rooms which have been exhibiting their age for some time.
It’s additionally notable that Kidani Village and Jambo Home are separate buildings. Should you keep at Kidani Village in June 2026 or later, you’re not going to have any development influence. You would possibly in case you wander over to close by Jambo Home, however our expectation is that venture can be confined to visitor rooms and gained’t be noticeable from frequent areas.
We don’t have sufficient area to incorporate all the DVC resorts which have wonderful, recently-redone rooms and likewise don’t wish to overrepresent DVC rooms on this checklist, however the Copper Creek Villas, Treehouse Villas, and Outdated Key West are additionally at present within the midst of room redos–or can be in 2026. As at all times, you possibly can rating vital financial savings when renting Disney Trip Membership factors. Should you’re going to do DVC level rental, we extremely advocate reserving earlier versus last-minute. You’ll save far extra money that manner, as confirmed reservations as often all that’s out there inside ~5 months.
Port Orleans Riverside
Walt Disney World is within the house stretch of room reimaginings at Port Orleans Riverside, the primary part of which final till late February 2026. This impacts the Magnolia Bend rooms, that are principally the Royal Rooms. Most of those are being transformed to common rooms, whereas others can be refreshed Royal Rooms.
The Royal Rooms had been lengthy overdue for a refurbishment (one was imagined to occur in Spring 2020 however obtained cancelled as a result of COVID), though we worry the replacements gained’t be as thematically formidable. However, the modernization needs to be very welcome–and French Quarter (see beneath) provides a preview of how the brand new rooms might be laid out.
As soon as Magnolia Bend is finished in Winter 2026, it’ll be time for Alligator Bayou to obtain its subsequent spherical of room redos by way of 2027. If the traditional venture cadence is adopted, the traditional rooms in Alligator Bayou may even obtain a tough items refurbishment.
There’s no must keep away from Port Orleans Riverside throughout this time. We’d not hesitate to remain right here whereas Alligator Bayou is being redone. Simply make sure to request a room in Magnolia Bend!
Port Orleans French Quarter
Port Orleans French Quarter wrapped up a room refurbishment this yr, shortly earlier than the continuing venture at Riverside began. We stayed within the new rooms at Port Orleans French Quarter final Christmas and beloved the outcomes.
In truth, it wasn’t simply the brand new rooms. We had been pleasantly stunned by the improved eating scene, transportation, and pool space. And POFQ at all times scores factors for its compact structure. We’ve a newfound appreciation for this now that we’re dad and mom, nevertheless it’s one thing French Quarter followers have praised for years. The smaller footprint and single bus cease makes POFQ considerably extra walkable and approachable than its sister lodge, Port Orleans Riverside…or any Average Resort, for that matter.
If you’d like the Average Resort that will get probably the most optimistic reader evaluations, Port Orleans French Quarter is it. Actually, we in all probability don’t discuss French Quarter sufficient on DTB, nevertheless it’s a fan-favorite for superb purpose!
Grand Floridian
Walt Disney World’s flagship resort has debuted new rooms over the course of the final couple of years as a part of a multi-phased resort reimagining–see Grand New Rooms at Walt Disney World’s Flagship Resort for a glance inside. These reimagined rooms are an evening and day enchancment over their predecessors, and make the Grand Floridian really feel luxurious versus a mid-tier Marriott.
That isn’t new-news, although. The rationale Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa makes this checklist is as a result of it simply wrapped up its essential constructing and foyer reimagining! The primary fruit of this venture is the brand new “Birdcage Bar,” however there are a variety of how the Grand Floridian seems to be and feels contemporary, and is as soon as once more worthy of its distinction. See our Assessment: Walt Disney World’s Flagship Resort Lastly Matches Its Standing & Sky-Excessive Costs.
The Grand Floridian Tea Room will reopen in Spring 2026 after the reimagining is completed. Furthermore, we count on the Grand Floridian Cafe to obtain a reimagining in some unspecified time in the future within the first half of 2026, however that has but to be introduced.
Yacht Membership
Disney’s Yacht Membership Resort overhauled its visitor rooms earlier this yr, which is our essential foundation for recommending it in 2026. This was “solely” a mushy items refurbishment, nevertheless it took the subtle fashion of the Yacht Membership rooms (which had been nice to start with!) and refreshed the furnishings, fixtures, and furnishings whereas additionally including carpet and pops of shade. The top result’s very nice–see for your self in our Assessment: Refined Redone Rooms at Walt Disney World’s Most Refined Resort
Along with that, Yacht and Seashore Membership have been receiving phased refurbishments to the resort complicated as an entire over the previous couple of years. Most notably, Stormalong Bay acquired a serious, multi-month refresh and is now wanting nice. The port cochere additionally was redone, and the resort is present process routine exterior upkeep by way of late 2026.
This final level is unquestionably price contemplating earlier than reserving Yacht Membership in 2026. As mentioned at size in Yacht & Seashore Membership Refurbishments Prolonged to 2027, it’s straightforward sufficient to request a room away from the development, because it’s occurring in very remoted areas. Though solely about ~10% of the resort can be impacted at any given second, we’d nonetheless strongly advocate making a room request.
On our most up-to-date keep at Yacht Membership, we by no means even seen any development. Now a number of hearth alarms going off in the course of the night time…that is a distinct story fully.
BoardWalk Inn
Talking of Crescent Lake, the multi-year reimagining venture at BoardWalk has refreshed the beloved turn-of-the-century promenade and inside, added new eating choices, refreshed visitor rooms, and extra. This venture is seemingly over, with The Cake Bake Store and Blue Ribbon Corn Canines now open.
The restaurant roster on the BoardWalk nonetheless leaves one thing to be desired, particularly with three vacancies on the opposite facet of the promenade. Should you plan on eating at your resort, that alone may be purpose to keep away from staying at BoardWalk. There’s not a powerful counter service possibility, and one half of the promenade being closed does give off useless mall vibes.
We’re hoping this can be addressed quickly, as Disney’s BoardWalk Inn is one other resort with a thriller venture in 2026. Don’t fear an excessive amount of in regards to the visitor influence of development. Be extra involved in regards to the visitor influence of inadequate restaurant choices.
So far as rooms go within the Crescent Lake Resort Space, the new rooms at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn are principally nicely finished. They aren’t excellent, as they prioritize a classy fashion over attraction and whimsy, however they’re nonetheless superb.
Finally, there are a variety of nice lodging choices for 2026 Walt Disney World holidays. Many room refurbishment and reimagining initiatives wrapped up this yr, and extra will conclude in some unspecified time in the future within the subsequent yr or so.
The excellent news is that after years of half-hearted and bland designs that supposedly “modernized” (however actually simply genericized) Walt Disney World resorts, Imagineering has had hit-after-hit on the room redesign and reimagining entrance. Much more excellent news is that, regardless of worth will increase, the efficient prices of most resorts and journey dates are down year-over-year as a result of considerably elevated reductions!
As at all times, we’d advocate requesting a FREE no obligation quote from Be Our Visitor Holidays, an Licensed Disney Trip Planner and having them e-book for you. They will give you personalised suggestions based mostly in your priorities and circumstances, in addition to help with the planning course of, and monitoring reservations to retroactively apply new reductions if a deal is launched to avoid wasting you extra money.
Planning a Walt Disney World journey? Find out about resorts on our Walt Disney World Motels Evaluations web page. For the place to eat, learn our Walt Disney World Restaurant Evaluations. To economize on tickets or decide which sort to purchase, learn our Suggestions for Saving Cash on Walt Disney World Tickets put up. Our What to Pack for Disney Journeys put up takes a singular take a look at intelligent gadgets to take. For what to do and when to do it, our Walt Disney World Trip Guides will assist. For complete recommendation, the most effective place to start out is our Walt Disney World Journey Planning Information for all the things you might want to know!
Your Ideas
Which resorts are your prime picks for 2026 at Walt Disney World? Any resorts on our checklist that you’d or would not advocate? Some other resorts we snubbed? Do you agree or disagree with our decisions? Any questions we can assist you reply? Listening to your suggestions–even once you disagree with us–is each attention-grabbing to us and useful to different readers, so please share your ideas beneath within the feedback!
