5 Big Changes Are About to Hit Disney World Hotels in August

There are already plenty of new changes that guests visiting Disney World this August will encounter, including the new Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring the Muppets, Bluey’s Wild World, and the revamped Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin, just to name a few. However, changes aren’t limited to the resort’s theme parks, as plenty is happening at the hotels as well!

Yacht Club

From restaurant refurbishments to room replacements, changes are happening across all of Disney’s Resort Tiers, from Value to Moderate and even Deluxe.

Let’s begin at Saratoga Springs, where the hotel’s Turf Club is currently in the midst of a veritable carousel of changes. The Turf Club Lounge will be closed through late August, while the Turf Club Bar & Grill remains open with a modified menu. Then, the Turf Club Patio will be briefly closed from early through mid-August, and finally, the Turf Club Bar & Grill will be closed from late August to September, with the Turf Club Lounge remaining open.

Turf Club Bar & Grill

Making our way over to the Yacht Club Resort, Yachtsman Steakhouse, the hotel’s popular New England-themed eatery, is scheduled to reopen in August following a closure and refurbishment that began in May.

Beet tartare

The Grand Floridian Cafe — located at the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa (shocking, we know) — is closing for refurbishment in July and will remain shuttered through October, meaning it’ll be closed in all of August. During this period, the cafe’s popular brunch will instead be offered at Citricos.

Grand Floridian Cafe

Further rehab projects happening that will be ongoing through August include:

Saratoga Springs Treehouse Villas Refurbishment: Through September 2026.
Boardwalk Exterior Refurbishment: Through Late 2026.
Wilderness Lodge Exterior Refurbishment: Late 2026.
Yacht Club Exterior Maintenance: Late 2026.
All-Star Movies Refurbishment: May 2026 to January 2027.
Animal Kingdom Lodge Jambo House Refurbishment: May 2026 to January 2027.
Grand Floridian Resort-Wide Refurbishment: Through early 2027.
Port Orleans Resort – Riverside Room Refurbishment: Through August 2027.
Beach Club Exterior Refurbishment: Through Late 2027.
Contemporary Resort-Wide Refurbishment: Through Late 2027.

Bay Cove Pool construction sign

Given those dining closures, you may struggle to decide where to eat. Between the reviews, menus, and reservation strategies, it’s a lot to sort through. Luckily, our Guide to Disney World Dining pulls it all together so you can stop stressing and focus on the fun without feeling like you’re missing a thing!

Finally, August will be the final full month for 2026’s iteration of the Cool Kids Summer promotion, as it ends September 8th. The promotion offers several perks for Disney hotel guests. First up, there’s the water park perk, which offers each member of a guest’s party free admission to one of Disney World’s water parks on their check-in day.

Blizzard Beach

In addition, there are several Cool Kids Summer perks available to guests at the Caribbean Beach Resort, Port Orleans Resort – Riverside, Art of Animation, and Pop Century:

Scheduled Character Appearances: Meet some favorite Disney pals, like Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, during scheduled appearances
Special Libraries: Little ones can celebrate Disney stories in libraries provided by Disney Publishing, where the magic of their imaginations can come alive with tales of princesses, heroes, and more
Pajama Party: Wind down with your family during story time! Participate in a “create your own bedtime story” activity, where the magic of a good book comes to life with the arrival of a favorite Disney character
Pool Party: Make a splash at a high-energy poolside experience with games and music for the whole family
Campfire: Gather ‘round for a celebration filled with marshmallows and Disney-infused entertainment

Minnie Mouse at Pop Century

If you’re staying at a Disney World hotel this August, be prepared for a lot of perks… and a lot of work, depending on where you’re staying. Stay tuned to DFB for more coverage of Disney’s 2026 offerings.

I Found the Perfect Room at Disney’s Pop Century Hotel & Here’s How to Get It

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