Settle in y’all! It’s time for a LOT of UPDATES!!

It feels like every time we blink, there’s another new restaurant or ride popping up at the parks. And maybe you’re in the planning mood, so we wanted to let you know about the hotel changes that are happening soon! (And some that aren’t happening soon…blergh!)

Disney’s BoardWalk Inn

One of the hotels that’s currently getting some major updates is Disney’s BoardWalk Inn. For starters, Disney is in the process of updating all the hotel rooms with new furniture and decor. We’ve gotten a sneak peek at these rooms already.

Now some of these rooms are already being given to guests, so you might get the chance to stay in one on your next trip! Here’s a closer look at what the rooms are gonna be like! 

On top of that, the lobby of the hotel is expected to get a refresh. We already saw some construction at the check-in desk, we peeked at the new carpeting and lighting in the hallways, we showed you when the Bellevue Lounge got that huge (and much maligned) “glow up” last year, and the former Dundy’s Sundries shut down last year to make way for Carousel Coffee. 

Outside on the BoardWalk itself, there’s a new restaurant in progress! The Cake Bake Shop by Gwendolyn Rogers is under construction and is set to open sometime in 2023.

OOOOH, and don’t forget that the Boardwalk will be the NEW HOME for Disney World’s outpost for CORN DOGS! This will open later this year! We’re excited to see what other updates come in the future!

The BoardWalk is going to be a whole new place by the time this transformation is complete!

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

Several months ago, Disney announced that there would be changes coming to the lobby at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. The lobby is meant to retain its classic theming with “fresh new enhancements.” When we stopped by the Grand Floridian recently, we saw that construction walls had officially been put up in the lobby space.

We spoke to a Cast Member who said that the construction setup is related to the room renovations and not for work on the lobby.

Speaking of those room renovations, those are ongoing here as well! The rooms are being transformed, slowly but surely, into the new Mary Poppins theme (which, honestly, I kind of love). Note that all rooms are being transformed, not just the DVC villas! Yay!

If you get to stay in one of these rooms, don’t forget to check out our favorite detail!

But what’s NOT coming back to Grand Floridian anytime soon…as far as we know? We’ve been JUST as eager to head back to 1900 Park Fare and the Grand Floridian Tea Room as you have. But so far, no sign of them returning. Here’s what we know about the current status of 1900 Park Fare, and here’s what we have on Grand Floridian Tea Room so far.

The good news? Narcoossee’s is back open! We dined there on it’s first evening open — you can see our full review here!

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

Next door at the Polynesian Village Resort, you’ll spot some of the most noticeable changes. In 2022, Disney tore down part of the resort (including the Spirit of Aloha dinner show) to make way for a NEW Disney Vacation Club tower.

The tower is currently under construction and it looks like it’s going to be HUGE!

So far, we’ve only seen a little bit of concept art, but the area will be home to new recreation and dining options. The project is set to be completed in 2024.

Something to note though — if you’re staying at the Polynesian anytime soon, there will be some serious construction noise, and definitely some “view pollution” that could put a crimp in your style when you’re spending SO MUCH MOOLAH on a hotel.

Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort

Heading over the value resorts, All-Star Sports is the last of the All-Star resorts to get a room upgrade. The refurbishments are in progress currently but should be completed sometime this year.

So far, a few sections of the resort have been completed, and the updated rooms look very similar to the new ones at All-Star Movies and All-Star Music, with two queen beds (one of which is a Murphy bed).

Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground

Trail’s End Restaurant at Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground closed in mid-April and is currently undergoing a MAJOR refurbishment.

It will reopen this summer as “a marketplace concept with expanded quick service options.” The table service option will no longer be offered.

The cabins at Fort Wilderness are also under construction. Disney announced earlier this year that new, modernized cabins would be built at the resort, and they will become part of the Disney Vacation Club. The new cabins are expected to open in 2024 — check out the concept art for them below! 

Disney’s Port Orleans Resort — French Quarter

Over at Disney’s Port Orleans, the Doubloon Lagoon Pool will be closed from January 2024 to April 2024 for maintenance and renovations.

Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort

Speaking of pools, the Fuentes del Morro Pool at Caribbean Beach Resort will be closed for maintenance from January 2024 to April 2024.

BUT, let’s not forget that we’re gonna see some brand new rooms at Caribbean Beach this year! The Pirate Rooms are being transformed into Little Mermaid rooms AS WE SPEAK!

Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort

And one more pool closure has been announced — the Fantasia Pool at All-Star Movies Resort will undergo maintenance (and be closed) from January 2025 to April 2025.

Across All Resorts

And last but not least, we need to talk about a new piece of Disney tech — Hey Disney! This service works with Amazon Echo and Alexa devices and offers “custom voice assistance” to guests staying at Disney World resorts. Through Hey Disney, you can get assistance with room amenities, guest services, planning, weather info, and much more.

During a recent visit to Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort, we noticed that Hey, Disney! has officially arrived at the hotel! As you can see, we were listening to some soothing Frozen soundscapes; it was pretty relaxing. You can also learn a little Disney trivia, hear a joke or two, and experience some “magical interactions” with Disney characters. It’s a fun, free little addition to Disney hotel rooms! We love free stuff!

We’ll make sure to keep you updated when Hey Disney spreads to the other resorts. This will be a great new perk for hotel guests!

Click Here to Learn More About Hey Disney!

Those are all the hotel changes that you can expect coming up soon! We’ll make sure to keep you in the loop as more news is announced, so stay tuned to DFB!

Click Here for Our 35 Best 2023 Disney World Tips!

Will you be staying at a Disney World hotel soon? Tell us in the comments!