We have a DVC resort refurbishment schedule here to help make your vacation dreams come true. Enjoying freshly refurbished pools, rooms and lobbies can be a real delight. It’s fun to explore new designs, finishes and amenities as interiors are upgraded or offerings are added. We also hope this can serve as a resource for current refurbishments to make potential guests aware of amenities that will be down or construction noise that may happen on their stay.
While this is an active post with current and scheduled refurbishments Disney has shared, we also want it to serve as somewhat of an archive. Here you’ll also find notes of particular aspects of resorts that have recently been redone and how standard operating procedures changed during construction. This can be helpful for those seeking to buy a Disney Vacation Club Membership, or add on points, who are curious about the state of a resort or when the look of a resort might be changing.
The ability to use DVC points at different resorts make each resort one Members can potentially enjoy. While you may know everything that’s going on at your home resort, seventeen resorts is a lot to keep up with. The addition of a new water play area or character themed rooms might make another resort more appealing to try. Let’s catch up and go over what’s going on around different Disney Vacation Club resort properties these days.
Plan Trips with the Help of Our DVC Resort Refurbishment Schedule
How Often Are DVC Resorts Refurbished?
There is a general DVC resort refurbishment schedule you can expect to see as a Member. Disney Vacation Club Resorts all have a regular refurbishment schedule they follow from the time they open.
Every seven years you can anticipate a soft goods refresh. That refers to soft items like fabrics so new curtains are installed and pieces like benches should be reupholstered.
Then, every fourteen years, DVC rooms should get a full refurbishment. This might include new furniture, floors, bathroom tile, basically anything inside. These kinds of refurbishments usually leave rooms looking completely different.
We’ve seen this get a little flexible over the last few years due to construction delays. So about every seven years, Disney Vacation Club Resorts get some kind of refurbishment whether it’s a small one or more major.
Under each resort below, the opening year is present so you can get an idea of where it may be in its update life cycle. There’s something else to consider. Some of the resorts opened as a Disney Vacation Club resort, like Disney’s Riviera Resort and Disney’s Old Key West Resort. Other resorts were built, then had a Disney Vacation Club wing or building added many years later. Some took regular rooms and refurbished them into villas.
So it’s possible that the resort existed before the date the Disney Vacation Club section was added and opened. This means there are varying degrees of how long things have been around. It’s possible that a resort is older but the Disney Vacation Club section is brand new. An example of this is the new tower under construction at the Polynesian which is one of Disney World’s original resorts.
Why the DVC Resort Refurbishment Schedule Matters
During times of refurbishment, there may be loud noise, disrupted paths or amenities out of use. It’s good to know the DVC resort refurbishment schedule for a few reasons. Disney often shares when there may be construction sounds during the day. It’s most common for work to take place during the day from 8:00 or 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 or 6:00 p.m. or sundown depending on the project. If you have a toddler that needs to nap during the day, you’ll want to know if you can expect endless back up beeps around 2:00 p.m.
You’ll also want to know what might be unavailable due to the DVC resort refurbishment schedule on your stay. If you’re visiting in July, you’ll want to make sure the pool is ready to shine. Fortunately, Disney is really good about scheduling refurbishments during the times of least use or most convenience. For example, you can expect most pools to have work done during the cooler months when they are in low demand.
Refurbishments sometimes mean lower occupancy at a resort which can be nice. When a whole building is out of commission, naturally there are less people staying on the property.
We want to keep you informed so you can plan your best trip possible. If construction at your home resort sounds unappealing, maybe this is the year you try to stay somewhere else for the first time. Or perhaps a scheduled refurbishment will encourage you to visit at a different time of year. Whatever the case, you don’t want to show up to a surprise of work taking place on your vacation. We hope the schedule helps you plan accordingly.
Refurbishments and Getting Disney Back to Normal
Disney has a reputation of surprising cleanliness. It’s said that Walt Disney’s wife Lilian was concerned with the idea of an amusement park because they were often associated with being unclean. Walt had a different idea in mind and it’s always been part of the culture of Disney destinations. Cleanliness, fresh paint, beautiful finishes, fresh landscaping and immaculate upkeep have surprised guests for decades. In a place with so many people, this is a major feat!
When Disney Parks closed during 2020, they had a hard time bouncing back. A little pressure wash and paint goes a long way. When something doesn’t receive regular maintenance, it shows. Especially in the Florida heat, sun and rain. It took some time but we’ve now seen quite a few major refurbishment projects since the 2020 reopening.
Below we have a roundup of the most recent DVC resort refurbishments we’ve witnessed or that Disney has noted for guests on the official website. We are based near Walt Disney World and will cover the Florida resorts the most in depth while also noting other DVC resort refurbishments.
Animal Kingdom Lodge DVC Refurbishment
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas opened in 2007.
There are two different DVC areas, with different names, located at this resort property. Jambo House is in the resort’s main lobby. Kidani Village is a Disney Vacation Club building with its own pool and amenities. Both Jambo House and Kidani Village villas fall into the one home resort of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas.
Aside from fabulous restaurants like the flavorful buffet Boma and savanna view Sanaa, Animal Kingdom has fantastic amenities. Each area of the resort has its own pool and the Kidani Village has an exciting kids splash and play area called Uwanja Camp. This splashy zone has three areas for play based on age. The Kidani Village pool area was most recently closed and refurbished from January to April 2022.
One year later, Disney shared that other parts of Kidani Village would be under refurbishment. From Disney: “From February 1, 2023 through September 2023, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge – Kidani Village will be undergoing refurbishment. During this time, you may be able to see and hear construction during the daytime hours.” This long refurbishment resulted in a roof replacement.
When was Animal Kingdom DVC last refurbished?
According to planDisney, the villas at Animal Kingdom had a soft goods refurb in 2016. The DVC rooms were painted, linens and other soft goods were refreshed, new carpeting was put in and updated televisions and charging stations were installed. Based on this, the Animal Kingdom DVC rooms are due for a complete refurbishment.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas, both Kidani Village and Jambo House, are scheduled for a refurbishment in 2025.
Based on the timing, this should be a full room refurbishment.
Aulani, Disney Vacation Club Villas Refurbishments
Aulani, Disney Vacation Club Villas opened in 2012. Far across the world from Disney World, Aulani is a Hawaiian jewel of nature magic. There is a large and lavishly landscaped outdoor water play complex that guests love at this property. The open air Tubestone Curl tube slide was closed from February 20th through March 10th, 2023. The enclosed Volcanic Vertical body slide was closed from January 16th through February 3rd, 2023.
Aulani villas received a soft goods refresh in 2021.
Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort Refurbishments
Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort opened in 2010.
Since Bay Lake Tower is part of and shares amenities with the Contemporary, we cover all of those recent refurbishments here as well. The Contemporary got a complete lobby makeover in 2021, incorporating more vintage inspired finishes, colorful Mary Blair visuals and historic photos of Walt Disney and others. After this remodel, The Wave is now the new Steakhouse 71 restaurant.
The main pool at the Contemporary was closed for refurbishment in the early part of 2023. From Disney: From January 9, 2023 through early April 2023, the feature pool and whirlpool spas will be closed for refurbishment. The water play area and Bay Lake Pool will remain open for your enjoyment. You may see and hear construction noise while this refurbishment is underway, but you should not hear noise from Guest rooms between dusk and 9:00 AM. We apologize for any inconvenience.
A Bay Lake Tower full room refurbishment, or hard goods refurbishment, is now expected in 2025.
Disney’s Beach Club Villas Refurbishment
Disney’s Beach Club Villas opened in 2002.
Beach Club and Disney’s Yacht Club Resort are adjacent and share some amenities. The boat launch between the two has a fantastic lighthouse that was refurbished in 2022.
DVC rooms at Beach Club received a soft goods refurbishment in 2023.
The lobby was refurbished at this time as well. Lobby artwork behind the front desk featuring beach scenes with characters was added. New under water inspired carpeting with shades of blue can be spotted around the halls. The solarium was also refurbished in 2023.
Beach Club’s Stormalong Bay Closing for Refurbishment in 2025
The main pool at Disney’s Beach Club Resort is a big draw for many Members of Disney’s Beach Club Villas. This area will close for an extended period but Disney is giving guests plenty of notice. If you’re a Member at Beach Club, this might be an ideal time to stay somewhere else. If you’re interested in staying close to Epcot and Hollywood Studios and the pool isn’t as big of a deal to you, this could be a good time to look for availability at Beach Club.
From Disney:
“From January 2025 through June 2025, Stormalong Bay and Shipwreck Pool at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts will be closed for routine maintenance. Guests may see or hear construction work during daytime hours. During this time, Guests are welcome to swim at the Tidal, Admiral and Dunes Cove leisure pools.”
Disney’s BoardWalk Villas Refurbishments
Disney’s BoardWalk Villas opened in 1996.
A major resort refurbishment that included BoardWalk restaurants and the lobby began in 2022. What used to be the sundries shop in the lobby was turned into Carousel Coffee in December of 2022. Disney’s BoardWalk main lobby was refurbished in early 2023.
Disney’s actual BoardWalk outside had a few changes around this time and more are underway. The BoardWalk Bakery was turned into the BoardWalk Deli in 2022 and introduced a new menu at this time. The EPSN restaurant on Disney’s BoardWalk never reopened after the pandemic. The space was nearly demolished to make way for a new dining venue. The Cake Bake Shop restaurant and bakery will open on that piece of real estate. This addition will have a full service restaurant and offer brunch and to go items.
Guest rooms will also be part of BoardWalks big refurb. From Disney: Disney’s BoardWalk Inn & Villas is being refurbished, with new offerings, plus updates coming to our Guest rooms, lobby and more. Please note that while most hotel amenities will remain available, you may be able to see and hear construction during daytime hours. Additionally, please allow for additional travel time.
BoardWalk Villas rooms are in the middle of a 2023/2024 hard goods complete refurbishment.
Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Refurbishments
Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge opened in 2000.
We experienced some major delays in the refurbishment schedules the last few years. Construction in general was wonky and taking longer than expected in all areas. Disney hasn’t been able to overcome that.
A much needed full room refurbishment was finally completed in early 2023 at Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge.
Murphy beds were added in most rooms, replacing the pull out couches.
Copper Creek Villas and Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Refurbishment
Copper Creek Villas and Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge opened in 2017.
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge has one of the most enchanting lobbies you’ll find. Copper Creek Villas are attached to the main lobby building and accessed using the main elevator near the check in desk. Even though they are not in the same building, Boulder Ridge Villas are very close. I mention this because the Boulder Ridge building has an absolutely splendid lobby as well. The first floor of the Boulder Ridge Villas building has a beautiful interior, cozy nooks to sit in and the Carolwood Pacific Room that Copper Creek Members can enjoy too.
There is a Copper Creek DVC refurbishment, soft goods, scheduled for 2025.
The Villas at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel Refurbishments
The Villas at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel opened in 2010. Dues were raised in the last few years citing the need for upcoming refurbishments, potentially like painting the exterior. There were soft goods refurbishments at the Grand Californian that started debuting around 2017. The lobby and pool also received some updates at this time.
The Grand Californian DVC villas are scheduled for a hard goods refurbishment in 2025.
The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort Refurbishments
The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa opened in 2014.
This resort originally opened in 1988. An entire resort refurbishment has been going on the last few years.
From Disney: Starting March 1, 2022, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa will undergo refurbishment. Guests will be able to see and hear construction during daytime hours. Most Resort hotel amenities will remain available. Please allow for additional travel time.
The spa at the resort was refurbished and reopened in early 2022. Formerly known as Senses Spa, it is now called the Grand Floridian Spa.
From what we’ve seen, the construction on the Grand Floridian is being done one building at a time. Scaffolding has surrounded buildings as they’ve seen major improvements, complete room remodels and basic upkeep. Entire roofs seem to have been replaced which was desperately needed and really freshened up the look of the resort. It all started with the complete refurbishment and transformation of the Big Pine Key building behind the main lobby. This building was dedicated to Disney Vacation Club at that time in 2022 and expanded the capacity for Members at this resort as it opened to be actively sold by Disney again. This Big Pine Key building is where the Grand DVC Resort Studios are. You can compare room types in our Grand Floridian DVC Deluxe Studio vs Resort Studio comparison piece.
The most recent Grand Floridian DVC villas refurbishment was a soft goods refresh that was completed in 2022.
Big Pine Key DVC villas, the Resort Studios, debuted in 2022.
Grand Floridian Lobby Refurbishment 2024
There was speculation that the lobby at the Grand would be getting a major refurbishment along with the rest of the resort. Late 2022, Disney confirmed that to be true, sharing this on the Disney Parks Blog: The resort has been receiving some grand touches that weave familiar storybook charm into the Victorian elegance of this flagship resort. Guest rooms are currently being updated as we speak with more to come as the beloved Grand Floridian ushers in its third decade of magic. The ongoing renovation will also include an upcoming refurbishment of the lobby, which will maintain the classic theming you know and love with some fresh new enhancements.
The lobby restaurant 1900 Park Fare reopens April 2024. We still have no word on the tea room.
Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort Refurbishments
Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort opened in 1996. Rooms are undergoing a full refurbishment in 2024.
Disney’s Old Key West Resort Refurbishments
Disney’s Old Key West Resort opened under the name the Disney Vacation Club Resort in 1991. This was the original Disney Vacation Club home resort. The most recent Disney’s Old Key West Resort lobby refurbishment was in 2021. This was a full on change with very little left from the old look. See the bright photos of the Old Key West Lobby Refurbishment.
The last room refurbishment happened around 2019 at Old Key West.
Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows Refurbishments
Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows opened in 2016.
An entire new tower building is currently under construction in between the Polynesian and Grand Floridian resorts. This will increase the capacity of DVC rooms at the Polynesian and add varying room styles. Disney says this of that construction: “As we prepare for the proposed expansion at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, you will see and hear construction at certain times of the day. To minimize disruptions during your stay, activities that may create noise will not start earlier than 9:00 AM.”
The lobby of Disney’s Polynesian Resort was fully refurbished in the last few years with big changes. This included taking away the classic fountain in the center of the space. If you have any older pictures from the Polynesian lobby, they probably included this iconic visual. The refurbishment modernized the lobby a bit to reflect more simple Hawaiian vibes. There is now a small tiki statue in the middle of the Polynesian that was added in lieu of the fountain.
This is the time when the netted, colorful, oversized lights that hang on the second floor of the lobby and in the porte cochere were added as well. The area just behind the lobby was also redone to include a gathering space with faux grass. The porte cochere and ornate lobby roof were also redone. A follow up furniture update and light refurbishment of the lobby took place in early 2023.
There was a refurbishment happening on the main pool at the Polynesian around January of 2023 but the pool remained open during it.
The last Polynesian room refurbishment was in 2021. It was a soft goods refurb and Murphy beds were added.
Disney’s Riviera Resort Refurbishments
Disney’s Riviera Resort opened in early 2020.
At just a few years old, we would not expect any resort to need major fixes resulting in a refurbishment. We can expect this resort to follow the regular resort refurbishment schedule unless any issues arise at the property.
Something to note is the Disney Skyliner refurbishment schedule. We talk about this in depth below. The Disney Skyliner is a major highlight of any stay at Disney’s Riviera Resort. If it’s a transportation method you will use, try to book when it’s operating.
Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort Refurbishments
Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort opened in 2004.
Saratoga Springs DVC rooms last had a full refurbishment in 2021 along with other elements of the resort.
There was also a Saratoga Springs lobby refurbishment in 2021. This makeover included new, life sized portraits of famous Disney horses. It’s kind of fun to guess all of their names and what movies they’re from when you check in. Some are tricky to guess but the cast members here like to have fun and give hints.
There are many pools at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa which makes refurbishments less of an inconvenience. The Saratoga Springs remodel also included pool work. In early 2023, the High Rock Spring Pool, On the Rocks Pool Bar and the leisure pool at Treehouse Villas got a refurbishment. Guests also have the The Grandstand Pool, The Paddock Pool, and Congress Park Pool to enjoy.
Sadly the spa at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa never reopened after the pandemic. There are no updates on this from Disney. This is a spacious spa with beautiful amenities. We hope to see it back soon.
Disney’s Vero Beach Resort Refurbishments
Disney’s Vero Beach Resort opened in 1995.
This resort’s most recent lobby refurbishment was in 2022.
Even the beach needs upkeep with some work done in early 2023. Here’s what that looked like for guests in case you’re curious.
From Disney: The beach at Disney’s Vero Beach Resort will be temporarily closed from February 13 to February 23, 2023 while our sand dunes undergo stabilization work. During this time, Guests can enjoy complimentary transportation to and from a nearby beach—offered continuously from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
In 2024 there were some major pool refurbishments at Disney’s Vero Beach Resort. The Vero Beach Feature Pool, Pirate’s Plunge Water Slide, Tiger Lily Wet Play Area, whirlpool spa and Port Holes Miniature Golf were part of this refurbishment
Disney’s Vero Beach DVC villas had a soft goods refurb 2023 into early 2024.
Pull out couches have been replaced with pull down murphy beds where possible.
Disney World Refurbishment Schedule
The DVC resort refurbishment schedule is one thing but what about the parks? It’s helpful to know, for planning purposes, what attractions will be available or unavailable at certain times throughout the year. You might even want to plan your trips around your favorites being down.
To see refurbishments in the theme parks at the time of your visit, see Disney World calendars, look at the bottom of each park and click on the Closed for Refurbishment section. This is an excellent way to keep up with additional Walt Disney World news updates, closures and openings.
For more Walt Disney World news and updates that might impact your trip, you’re in the right place. Each month here on the DVC Resale Experts blog we cover Walt Disney World news and updates. When is that new attraction opening? Has my favorite show come back yet? What are the dates of that upcoming festival? It’s all in our monthly Disney news round up!
DVC Resort Refurbishment Schedule: Disney Skyliner Refurbishment
It’s also good to note, the Disney Skyliner closes for maintenance each year. In 2023, the transportation gondola had a scheduled close from January 22nd through the 29th. This certainly changes stays at Disney’s Riviera Resort, Disney’s BoardWalk Villas and Disney’s Beach Club Villas. This is a trend as the Skyliner was also down for a week in January the year prior. We’ll follow this and continue to cover it here on our DVC resort refurbishment schedule. If using the Disney Skyliner is a priority for your trip, maybe consider avoiding the last half of January or watch for the annual announced closure date before booking.
When will the Disney Skyliner be closed?
Disney says: From January 16, 2024 through January 21, 2024, Disney Skyliner will be closed for routine maintenance. Disney Skyliner service to and from Disney’s Riviera Resort and International Gateway at EPCOT will remain closed through January 27, 2024. During this time, complimentary bus service will be available.
DVC Resale Experts Makes Magic
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