Lots of Disney World visitors like staying at Disney-owned hotels because of the fun theming and added perks (like free transportation to and from the theme parks). But right now, there are a few hotels that you might want to AVOID.

A few hotels on Disney World property are currently getting some updates and changes, which means if you’re staying there, you’ll probably see and hear some construction. It’s not the end of the world if this happens to you (usually the construction only happens during the day, so you might be away at the theme parks anyways), but if you’d prefer to stay away from the noise, these are the hotels you should skip for now.

Construction at Disney World Hotels

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. There may be some noise coming from this construction zone on your visit, so keep that in mind if you’re looking to book here. For a different option with similar vibes (but a pricier tag) check out the Wilderness Lodge.

Learn more about the change coming to Trail’s End here.

Disney’s BordWalk Inn

There are lots of changes coming to Disney’s BoardWalk Inn, including updated rooms and a refurbished lobby. In addition, there’s a new restaurant coming to the BoardWalk called The Cake Bake Shop. This restaurant is expected to open in 2023.

Disney warns that “you may be able to see and hear construction during daytime hours” as these changes are being made. But, in the meantime, you can get ready for another new dining spot to come to the BoardWalk — Blue Ribbon Corn Dogs will be replacing what once was the Funnel Cake Stand!

Click here to learn more about the changes happening at BoardWalk Inn.

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

There’s a new DVC tower being built at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, so you will likely see and hear construction if you’re staying at this hotel.

Disney has promised that “activities that may create noise will not start earlier than 9AM.” Depending on what building you’re in, you might hear more construction than most. You can always request to be put further away from the construction site at check-in as well.

Click here to learn about the new DVC tower.

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

There are several updates coming to this hotel, including refurbished rooms. In addition, Disney previously hinted at plans for a lobby makeover.

For now, you can just expect to see and hear some construction throughout the hotel during your stay.

If you’ve already got a stay booked at any of these hotels — don’t panic. You can still enjoy your visit even if there’s construction going on. Disney does a pretty good job of trying to hide things (when they can) and it’s likely that most of the construction will take place when you’re in the parks or by the pool during the day (instead of hanging out in your hotel room.)

Click here to tour one of the new rooms at Grand Floridian.

The hotels aren’t the only places where you’ll see construction in Disney World, however — here are a few rides, attractions, and restaurants that are currently CLOSED.

Magic Kingdom

Tiana’s Bayou Adventure

Splash Mountain closed on January 23rd for a long refurbishment. The ride is being re-themed to become Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, with a Princess and the Frog theme.

The new ride will reopen sometime in late 2024. We’ll be watching for more updates on the reopening timeline. The tree at the top of this ride has been removed as Disney continues construction, and several new rock structures have been built at the bottom of the drop. There’s a new water tower as well, which says “Tiana’s Foods” on the front and “Never, ever lose sight of what’s really important” on the back. It’s topped with Tiana’s crown, which has two stars on it to represent Ray and Evangeline.

We noticed that part of the ride track has recently been covered up as well.

If you miss Splash Mountain or want to celebrate the new ride, you should check out our DFB t-shirts! We have a Splash Mountain Farwell Tour shirt…

…and a Tiana tee as well!

You can shop both tees (and lots of other Disney merch) at our online store.

Click here to shop our DFB merchandise store.

Barrel Bridge on Tom Sawyer Island

Over on Tom Sawyer Island, the Barrel Bridge is currently missing.

A Cast Member told us that it has been removed for maintenance, and they didn’t know when it might return. The rest of the island is still open to explore, though!

New permits could signal changes at a closed Magic Kingdom attraction!

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Voyage of the Little Mermaid

This Little Mermaid-themed stage show has been closed in Disney’s Hollywood Studios for a long time now.

Disney hasn’t announced when or if the Voyage of the Little Mermaid will reopen.

This Hollywood Studios lounge is one of the best-kept foodie secrets in Disney World.

EPCOT

In the Japan Pavilion, Tokyo Dining is currently undergoing a major refurbishment, and will not reopen until summer 2023. 

However, a brand new restaurant is coming to EPCOT this summer: Shiki-Sai: Sushi Izakaya will be a table-service restaurant featuring a “festive dining experience in a sharable Izakaya-style.”

The restaurant will be located in the Japan Pavilion, on the second floor (above the Mitsukoshi Department Store), and will offer “stunning views of EPCOT, the World Showcase Lagoon, and, of course, fireworks.” That location sure sounds a LOT like the current location of Tokyo Dining — and according to signs that have gone up at this spot, we think we may be right!

Click here to learn more about the NEW restaurant coming to EPCOT.

Disney World Water Parks

Blizzard Beach

Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon water park has officially reopened, but now the other water park, Blizzard Beach, has closed for refurbishment.

Be sure to check the My Disney Experience app for updates!

The BEST Rides at Blizzard Beach, Ranked

Looking for more resources to help you get ready for your upcoming trip? Check out these posts to learn all about Disney World’s rides:

• 10 Rides to AVOID in Disney World if You Struggle with Motion Sickness
• What It Takes to CHANGE a Disney World Ride
• 9 of the SCARIEST Rides in Disney World, According to YOU!
• A FULL LIST of the Thrill Rides in Disney World!
• The Ultimate Guide to the BEST and WORST Seats On EVERY Magic Kingdom Ride

We’ll keep you updated with all the latest news, so stay tuned to DFB.

Click here to check out more upcoming closures and current construction projects at Disney World.

 

Are you visiting Disney World this week? Let us know in the comments!