Disney World has been full of changes lately, and they aren’t slowing down anytime soon, especially when it comes to their hotels, and this winter is no different.

If you’re traveling to Disney World this winter, keep these 10 changes in mind, so you aren’t met with any surprises and can have a smooth and worry-free vacation!

The Grand Floridian’s Famous Gingerbread House Is No Longer

Earlier this year, Disney announced that the Grand Floridian’s famous gingerbread house (like, literally the size of a house) would not return this year. This tradition began in 1999, so we were devastated to hear that this holiday decoration would not be available for the first time in over 25 years (with the exception of it not being available last year due to construction in the lobby).

Instead, the resort will feature a few small ones scattered throughout the hotel, and they will still be made by Disney’s culinary team. Disney has yet to announce what they are doing with the gingerbread displays in other resorts, but we expect displays like the gingerbread carousel…

…and the gingerbread castle to return. We’ll keep you updated with any information released about these holiday displays.

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Renovations Continue At Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

Speaking of the Grand Floridian, work will continue in select areas of the resort through early 2027, including the resort’s covered entrance. Guests may notice construction activity or noise during daytime hours, and some areas may require guests to use alternate routes while the work is in progress.

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The Skyliner Is Closed For Maintenance A Week In January

Each year, the Skyliner goes under maintenance, and it tends to happen toward the end of January. Disney is sticking with that timeline, as the Skyliner will be closed from January 24th through January 30th. During this time, buses at the Skyliner resorts will be available to bring guests to and from Hollywood Studios and EPCOT. The Skyliner resorts include Art of Animation, Pop Century, Caribbean Beach, and Riviera.

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The All-Star Movies Rooms Are Getting A Refresh

Guest rooms at Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort will be undergoing refurbishment through January 2027. During this time, guests may notice construction activity, including noise, in the area. Some walking paths may also be temporarily closed, with alternate routes available.

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Animal Kingdom Lodge Rooms Are Under Refurbishment

Like the other resorts on this list, the guest rooms at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge are also undergoing refurbishment. Room refurbishments at Kidani Village were completed in May 2026, but work at Jambo House is still ongoing and is expected to continue through January 2027.

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Disney’s Beach Club Resort Is Doing Exterior Maintenance

Disney’s Beach Club Resort is currently undergoing visible exterior maintenance through late 2027. During this time, guests may notice construction work and hear noise in the area during daytime hours. The work may also impact views from various areas of the resort, and some walking paths may be temporarily closed with alternate routes available.

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The BoardWalk Inn Pool Will Be Closed For A Portion

Several amenities at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn will be closed for routine maintenance from January 11th, 2027, through April 2027. This includes the Luna Park Pool, Luna Park Crazy Play Area, and Leaping Horse Libations. Guests can still enjoy the Villas Pool and Inn Pool, which will remain open.

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You May Hear Construction At Coronado Springs

Refurbishment work at Disney’s Coronado Springs Convention Center is expected to continue through late September 2027. The project will also include the El Centro Corridor and nearby areas of the resort. Since the work will be completed in phases, certain spaces may be temporarily unavailable throughout the refurbishment. To limit disruptions for guests, construction will primarily take place overnight.

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Construction At The Contemporary Will Occur In Phases

Disney’s Contemporary Resort will undergo refurbishment work in phases across select areas through late 2027. The project includes both Bay Lake Tower and the Main Tower atrium. Exterior maintenance on the Main Tower may affect views from certain areas of the resort, and guests may need to use alternate walking paths during this time.

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Renovations Continue at Port Orleans Resort – Riverside

Guest room renovations at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside are expected to continue through August 2027. The resort has been undergoing refurbishment for more than a year, and guests may continue to notice construction activity during this time.

Disney World hotels are seeing A LOT of change this winter, so be sure to keep this in mind when booking your vacation! Stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for more Disney World news, updates, tips, and tricks!

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Are you traveling to Disney World this winter? Let us know in the comments below!