food IS a theme park
There are SO many changes going on around Disney World these days.
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A new land is opening even MORE attractions in September, Magic Kingdom is expanding, and there’s a new hotel on the horizon. Over in Hollywood Studios, Monstropolis is slowly coming to life, and now 2 major changes show we are one step closer to experiencing the land!
If you’ve visited Disney’s Hollywood Studios recently, you’ve probably noticed quite a bit of construction happening in the park. First, Animation Courtyard is being reimagined into The Walt Disney Studios, although part of that project has already opened to the public. Then, the old Muppets Courtyard is being reimagined into Monstropolis, a Monsters, Inc.-themed land.
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Well, if you’ve been getting excited about Monstropolis, it’s time to get even more excited. We’ve got a construction update from the construction site itself!
If you’ve ever been to Magic Kingdom, then you know how amazing staying at a Monorail resort is. Not only are they gorgeous hotels, but you can get free transportation directly to The Most Magical Place on Earth!
We love the Monorail!
One of our favorite perks of the Monorail resorts isn’t actually the monorail – it’s the boat ride across the Seven Seas Lagoon directly to Magic Kingdom that takes the cake. One of these boat docks has been closed since mid-May, but it just reopened today!
A lot is happening behind the scenes at Walt Disney World right now, and your resort stay could look a little different depending on when you visit.
Beach Club
From pool closures to full-scale refurbishments, Disney has quietly confirmed a wave of updates affecting nearly a dozen properties across the resort. If you’ve got a trip on the books, this is exactly the kind of information you want in your back pocket before you arrive. Here’s a full breakdown of what’s new, what’s ongoing, and what to expect at each location.
There is so much change going on in Disney World right now! Magic Kingdom has two major expansions in the works, Cool Kid Summer is starting very soon, and a new hotel is underway.
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
Over at one of Disney’s most popular hotels, a major resort perk is now closed! Don’t be caught unaware during your next stay.
This might surprise you, but there is about to be MORE construction in Disney World.
Aloha, Polynesian Village Resort!
2026 is the year of growth around the Disney Resort! In the theme parks, they’re busy working away at new lands like the Walt Disney Studios, Pueblo Esperanza, Piston Peak, and more. Over at the hotels, there’s quite a bit of refurbishment going on, and Disney’s Polynesian Village is now putting on its hard hat to get in on the fun.
I’ve been going to Disney World for decades, and I LOVE Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, but there are a few reasons to avoid it in 2026.
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
This resort seems to have been plagued by years of construction. When the Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows opened in December 2024, we thought that might have been the last we saw of construction. However, that has not been the case. In 2025, construction continued here, and as of 2026, guests can still be affected by work.
There are several reasons to book a Disney World hotel, but there’s one you might want to avoid this year.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
From larger-than-life theming to next-level dining and exclusive perks like Early Theme Park Entry, Disney’s resort hotels are often just as magical as the parks themselves. But here’s the thing, even Disney hotels aren’t immune to refurbishments, and if you’re planning a trip soon, there’s one popular resort you may want to think twice about booking.
Planning a 2026 trip to Disney World is different. Between new attractions opening, lands being re-imagined, and entire areas under refurbishment, the resort is going to feel more like a construction zone than a polished theme park vacation at times.
Bay Lake Tower
That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t go, but it just means where you stay matters more than usual. In a year full of closures, refurbishments, and noise disruptions, some hotels are becoming less popular with repeat visitors. Here are three Disney World hotels fans are hesitating to book in 2026, and whether they might still make sense for you.
SO much is happening right now in Disney World that it’s easy to lose track of all the construction projects. Three of Disney World’s four parks are getting new lands and expansions, while Disney World hotels are busy getting updated lobbies, rooms, and more.
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So if you’ve forgotten that Disney World is also building a brand new hotel, it’s understandable. However, we didn’t forget, and we’ve been keeping an eye out for updates. Well, now, thanks to some new photos, we can see all the progress that’s been made on this new hotel, Disney’s Lakeshore Lodge.
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