We keep track of ALL the updates and changes at the Disney World theme parks and hotels. If you’re looking for the most recent updates from Disney World’s hotels, check out our “What’s New at Disney World Hotels” page, which we update every single day! For all the updates from August 2023, keep reading.

Before we get to our complete list of changes, we want to make sure you know about our FREE DFB list of the BEST Disney World hotels (and where to avoid). Just enter your email, and we’ll send the list to your inbox!

Now, let’s dive into the updates.

August 31st

Disney’s Beach Club Resort

Construction Updates

The check-in desks are blocked off by construction walls.

Disney’s BoardWalk Inn

Construction

We stopped by the Cake Bake Shop (which is set to open in 2023) and it looks like construction is coming along nicely!

The bathrooms are still closed in the lobby.

August 30th

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

Construction Updates

It’s still scaffolding as far as the eye can see around the Gasparilla Island Grill area of the Grand Floridian.

Plus, a majority of the lobby of this hotel is still blocked off to guests, though you can get a good peek at what’s behind the wall on the second floor.

We’ll keep an eye out for more updates and will let you know if we find any!

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

Construction Updates

The new DVC villas are finally taking shape at the Polynesian, and we can really see how massive this new addition will be for this resort.

Disney has shared that the new towers will feature new dining options, shopping, and more.

Merchandise Updates — BouTiki

• 6 piece hospitality set — $99.99

• Trader Sam’s chips and dip set — $79.99

• Enchanted Tiki Room mug — $34.99

• Polynesian Village Resort coconut bowl — $99.99

• Enchanted Tiki Rook Straw Bag — $74.99

• Polynesian Village Resort Dole Whip magnet — $14.99

• Polynesian Village Resort tiki magnet — $14.99

• Moana Maui Find Your Way Polynesian Village Resort magnet — $14.99

• Paradise Waits For You Polynesian Village Resort magnet — $14.99

• Polynesian Village Resort Tiki round ornament — $19.99

• Polynesian Village Resort Tiki full body ornament — $19.99

• Dole Whip Jar — $29.99

August 22nd

Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort

Miscellaneous Updates

Saratoga Springs held a Cast Member Canoe Decorating Contest that guests were able to vote on!

There were so many fun designs including this Olaf Presents Moana one!

When we checked out the golf course, golf shop, and Chip ‘n’ Dale’s Cafe, we saw that they were closed. A Cast Member said they closed til Friday, August 25th.

Disney’s Old Key West Resort

Construction Updates

The deck and stage near the Family Tree got an upgrade. It looks like the boards have been touched up/replaced.

Miscellaneous Updates

If you’re in need of a laugh, Christmas music was playing despite it being August and the store full of Halloween merch at Old Key West!

We also met a new Cast Member friend named Donnashella the turtle. Say hello everybody!

August 20th

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

Construction Updates

If you were hoping for a picturesque view of the grounds of this resort, you might be out of luck. The scaffolding is still everywhere you look over near Gasparilla Island Grill. And if you ask us, it looks like they just keep adding more and more!

Lobby construction is still going strong, and unfortunately, that means there’s still a large area being blocked off as crews work to complete the refurbishments.

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

Construction Updates

The new DVC Villas tower at the Poly is starting to take shape, and we can see just how big the structure is. It does block the view of some other rooms at this hotel, so you might want to keep that in mind when checking in and request a different location. But, we’re excited to see what else this new building will bring.

Disney has promised new dining, shopping, and more. Stay tuned for the latest updates.

Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground

Merchandise Updates — Meadow Trading Post

• Smokey the Bear Prevent Wildfires Shirt — $39.99

• Smokey the Bear Yellow Shirt — $34.99

• Smokey the Bear Prevent Wildfires Hat — $29.99

• Smokey the Bear Pink Hat — $29.99

• Smokey the Bear Cream Zip-up Hoodie — $59.99

• Smokey the Bear Grey Zip-up Hoodie — $54.99

• Smokey the Bear Tall Tumbler — $29.99

• Smokey the Bear Coffee Tumbler Cup — $24.99

August 18th

Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground

Construction Updates

The construction fences between the boat dock and Trail’s End have finally come down, and it looks like this area got some refreshed landscaping.

But, there’s still camouflaged fencing over near the ticket windows for Pioneer Hall. We spoke with a Cast Member who shared there’s a new office back there for chefs and team leaders.

Merchandise Updates — Settlement Trading Post

• Chip ‘n’ Dale Figure — $49.99

August 16th

Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Food Updates — Contempo Cafe

Various NEW menu items have arrived at Contempo Cafe. During our visit, we tried the Spicy Chicken Sandwich ($11.79; topped with pepper jack cheese, chipotle remoulade, arugula, seasoned tomato, and dill pickle chips, all on a brioche bun)…

…Signature Rice Bowl with Grilled Chicken ($12.99; ours had cilantro-lime rice, black beans, street corn, avocado, pico de Gallo, carrot, and pickled red onion)…

…Kitchen Sink Cookie ($4.29; with chocolate chunks, toffee, peanut butter chips, salted caramel, and flaky salt)…

…Jack-Jack Cookie Num Nums Cupcake ($6.49; chocolate cupcake topped with chocolate chip cookie dough mousse)…

…Chocolate Peanut Butter Bar ($5.99; chocolate crust, peanut butter cream filling, and plant-based strawberry cream)…

…and Monorail S’mores Brownie ($5.79; fudge brownie with a graham cracker crust, topped with marshmallow cream and a white chocolate monorail).

We’ll be sharing our full review of these new eats soon, so stay tuned!

Click here to see our full page all about Contempo Cafe

August 15th

Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort

Construction Updates

We spoke to a Cast Member who indicated that the refurbishment of the rooms in the Trinidad area — where the rooms have been transformed into ones themed to The Little Mermaid — has reportedly been completed. Of course, check to see what the situation is like when you visit.

The Cast Member also indicated that other areas are going through some refurbishment. Of course, this is all just according to one Cast Member we spoke with but it’s something to keep in mind and be on the lookout for during your next visit.

Disney’s Riviera Resort

Food Updates — Vivoli il Gelato stand by the pool

• The POG gelato flavor is now available on the regular menu for this stand at Disney’s Riviera Resort

Merchandise Updates — La Boutique

• Riviera beach towel — $29.99

• Tinker Bell and Peter Pan keychain — $14.99

• SALE ALERT! Tommy Hilfiger items 30% off

• Riviera Tervis — $29.99

• Riviera teacup — $29.99

• Riviera ornament — $24.99

• Riviera coloring book — $14.99

August 14th

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge — Kidani Village

Merchandise Updates — Johari Treasures

• Welcome to Halloween Disney Vacation Club shirt — $29.99

• Halloween Mickey Disney Vacation Club hoodie — $64.99

• Welcome to Halloween Disney Vacation Club pin — $11.99

• Halloween Disney Vacation Club Minnie Ears — $34.99

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge — Jambo House

Merchandise Updates — Zawadi Marketplace

• Pandora Disney parks Castle shooting star bracelet — $110

August 9th

Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort

Food Updates — The Artist’s Palette

We tried out some new eats at The Artist’s Palette!

• Beef On Weck — $11.29

• Derby Day Pie — $5.99

• Artist’s Palette Cookie — $5.49

Click here for our FULL review of the new items.

August 3rd, 2023

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

Food Updates — Kona Island

• Moana Mini Cake — $7.29 (returning from previous years as part of the Princess Week celebrations)

Construction Updates

Work continues on the NEW Disney Vacation Club area being built at the Polynesian.

The buildings here are really starting to take shape!

We’ve seen crew actively working to make this new spot a reality.

The new area is set to open in 2024.

Merchandise Updates — BouTiki

• Walt Disney World Pants — $39.99

• Walt Disney World Blue Zip-Up Hoodie — $64.99

• Walt Disney World Green Zip-Up Hoodie — $64.99

• Trader Sam’s Tiki Dress — $69.99

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

Construction Updates

Within the lobby, it looked like the construction crew was doing some painting on the ceiling.

There is also a LOT of scaffolding up all around the main building here.

While restaurants, etc. at the hotel remain accessible, this construction is just something you’ll want to keep in mind if you plan to stay at the Grand Floridian soon.

Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Food Updates — Contempo Cafe

• Cinderella Cupcake — $5.99 (returning from previous years as part of the Princess Week celebrations)

Merchandise Updates — Bayview Gifts

• Joey Chou Pirates of the Caribbean Jail Dog Vinyl Figure — $24.99

• Mickey Hat — $29.99

• Incredible Journey Contemporary Youth Shirt — $21.99

Merchandise Updates — Fantasia

• Minnie Stretch Vinyl Figure/Toy — 14.99

• Mickey Stretch Vinyl Figure/Toy — 14.99

August 2nd, 2023

Disney’s Beach Club Resort

Food Updates — Beach Club Marketplace

• Part of Your World Mousse — $6.99 (available as part of the Princess Week celebrations)

Food Updates — Beaches and Cream To-Go

• Ariel Milkshake — $15 (available as part of the Princess Week celebrations)

Construction Updates

Within the lobby, we saw that the front desk/check-in area and concierge desks were behind some construction walls.

Disney’s BoardWalk Inn

Construction Updates

Within the lobby of Disney’s BoardWalk Inn, the bathrooms were closed…again!

We also spotted what appeared to be a new roof in progress at the upcoming Cake Bake Shop.

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