Staying at a Walt Disney World Resort Hotel is one of my favorite things about a Disney vacation. I like to call it my “Disney bubble”. We leave the real world when we walk through the gates to Disney Property, and we don’t re-enter the real world until our vacation is over. There’s nothing better than being immersed in the Disney Magic 24/7. However, if things don’t go according to plan, it can be very frustrating. There are several Disney World hotels that you should know about.
Sometimes things happen that are out of Disney’s control, and these things cannot be helped. Sometimes, however, Disney makes up for it. Multiple closures around Disney Resorts right now are affecting the guest experience, and knowing ahead of time and adjusting expectations is essential to keep the magic going! Although it’s easy to get angry about being shut down, it’s important to remember that this happens to all visitors. Maintenance and upkeep is what keeps Parks and Resorts looking new year after year. If you’re traveling soon, check out the Disney World hotel closures that may affect your stay:
Port Orleans French Quarter
Credit: Disney
One of our favorite things to do in the Port Orleans French Quarter is the Doubloon Lagoon Pool! The Serpent slide is one of the best slides at any Disney Resort. Sadly no one will be swimming in Port Orleans this summer. The amusement park is closed for inspection until April 2024. In the meantime, visitors are welcome to Port Orleans Riverside to enjoy Ol’ Man Island, a themed swimming pool.
Port Orleans River
Credit: Disney Dining
Speaking of Ol’ Man Island, the bridge between Magnolia Manor and Ol’ Man Island will be closed intermittently until July 28. From July 24- July 26, the bridge will be off limits to visitors. On July 27 and 28, the bridge will be closed between the hours of 8:00 am-5:30 pm. Guests staying in the Magnolia Manor area of the property will be able to access the pool, but will have a longer time to get there.
Animal Kingdom Lodge Kidani Village
Credit: Disney Dining
The guest room sections of the resort are undergoing a complete makeover. That’s scary news for future visitors! Visitors here are expected to experience less activity than usual as the noise of construction and occluded views replaces the usually quiet African Savanna. All areas of the hotel may be closed to unsuspecting guests. However, note that construction work here is for guest rooms only. Common areas such as the lobby, pool, and restaurant remain untouched.
Grand Floridian
Credit: Disney Dining
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa is one of the best places to stay at Walt Disney World (and it comes with a price tag to match). This is why the construction work here can be very difficult because work is going on in the reception area. When you stay at one of the best hotels in the world, construction is not the first thing you want to see. The construction of the lobby also involves parking on site.
Additionally, The Grand Floridian Spa will have slightly adjusted operating hours from August 14th through September. Due to the roof, Soa will be open at 12:30 pm Monday-Friday instead of 9:00 am. This means that fewer guests can be accommodated, making reservations more difficult.
Disney’s Boardwalk Inn
Credit: DVC Rental
This century-old beach resort is one of the most exciting attractions in Walt Disney World. Other bars, restaurants, and shops, this place has it all! Unfortunately, most of them are currently under repair. Construction walls line the Resorts exterior entrance while the Cake Shop is under construction. Although this does not directly affect visitors, the walls may be unsightly to many. Inside the resort, you’ll find a temporary renovation as the lobby, lounge, and guest rooms are renovated.
All in all, there is no closure that will not disturb many tourists because, even if they are disappointed, the Resorts will remain in operation. However, they can reduce the magic if you have not been informed beforehand. If you have an upcoming season and any Disney World hotel closures are difficult for you, the good news is as long as there is availability, Disney makes it easy to change resorts. Keep in mind, however, that according to Disney’s policy, you are responsible for the price difference between your original reservation and your new reservation.
