Walt Disney World has announced another extension for the ongoing refurbishment at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, with the project now scheduled to conclude in late 2027. This multi-year undertaking, which follows the recent room renovations themed to The Incredibles, has seen its timeline stretch significantly since it was first announced. For guests with upcoming stays or those planning future visits, this new timeline provides an updated look at what to expect at the iconic Magic Kingdom area hotel.
This article will break down the evolving timeline of the refurbishment, discuss the known scope of the work, and detail the potential impact on guests staying at or visiting the resort over the next few years.
An Evolving Refurbishment Timeline
The refurbishment at Disney’s Contemporary Resort has become a long-term project with a timeline that has been extended multiple times. The work officially began following the completion of the guest room updates that introduced The Incredibles theming.
The initial refurbishment schedule was announced to run from September 2024 through Summer 2025. This was already a considerable timeframe, suggesting that the work involved more than minor cosmetic updates for the aging A-frame tower and its adjacent buildings.
September 2024 Through Summer 2025
Refurbishments will occur in select areas of Disney’s Contemporary Resort—including Bay Lake Tower and the Convention Center. Please allow for extra travel time. Guests may also see and hear construction during their stay.
In June 2025, it became clear that the original timeline was insufficient. Disney officially extended the project by a full year, moving the projected end date from Summer 2025 to July 2026. This first extension added significant length to the construction period.
September 2024 Through July 2026
Refurbishments will occur in select areas of Disney’s Contemporary Resort—including Bay Lake Tower. Please allow for extra travel time. Guests may also see and hear construction during their stay.
Most recently, Disney has updated the timeline once again. A new notice posted for guests now indicates that the refurbishment will continue through late 2027. This latest update extends the project by an additional 30 months from its original end date, turning it into a more than three-year-long effort.
September 2024 Through Late 2027
Refurbishments will occur in phases throughout select areas of Disney’s Contemporary Resort, including the atrium and Bay Lake Tower. Guests may also see and hear construction during their stay.
Scope of Work and Guest Impact
According to the official notices from Disney, the refurbishment will occur in phases and affect select areas throughout Disney’s Contemporary Resort. The work is not confined to one area and will include the main A-frame tower atrium, Bay Lake Tower, and the convention center.
So far, the guest-facing impact has been relatively contained. The most visible work has been on the massive skylights in the roof of the main tower’s Grand Canyon Concourse. Scaffolding and construction equipment have been present in this area, but major guest thoroughfares and amenities have remained largely accessible.
The updated notice specifically mentions that refurbishments will occur in the atrium and Bay Lake Tower. This suggests that future phases of the project will focus on these key areas. Guests staying at the resort during this period are advised to allow for extra travel time. The notice also states that guests “may also see and hear construction” during their stay.
While Disney has provided a broad overview of the areas to be refurbished, specific details about the scope of the work remain limited. It is expected that the work will involve necessary structural maintenance, system upgrades, and cosmetic enhancements to the public spaces. Given the resort first opened in 1971, this extensive refurbishment is likely intended to address long-term maintenance needs and update the property for future generations of guests.
It is reasonable to anticipate that the intensity of the work may increase after the busy holiday season concludes. However, Disney has not yet released a detailed, phased schedule for the upcoming construction.
Conclusion
The extension of the Contemporary Resort’s refurbishment through late 2027 confirms that this is a significant and comprehensive project. While the long timeline may be a concern for some travelers, the phased approach aims to minimize disruption to the guest experience. For now, the impact remains manageable, with most of the resort’s dining, shopping, and transportation options, including the monorail, operating normally.
As the project progresses into new phases, guests planning to stay at the Contemporary or Bay Lake Tower should remain aware of the potential for construction noise and visual intrusions. It will be important to monitor official updates from Walt Disney World for more specific information about which areas will be affected and when.
Written by
Rachel Van Norman
Contributing Writer
Rachel fell deeply in love with all things Disney as a little girl. Now as a wife and a mother herself, she shares this Disney obsession with her son and everyone around her. From her love of princesses to eating all the Disney food, Rachel spends her time radiating Disney magic and keeping everyone up to date on Disney news.
