Golfers planning a Walt Disney World trip have a date to circle. Disney’s Lake Buena Vista Golf Course reopens on October 23, 2026, after a months-long refurbishment that touched nearly every part of the layout. If you have been waiting to book a round, reservations for tee times on and after that date are open now. Here is what changed, what stayed open in the meantime, and how the course fits into Disney’s wider golf lineup.
When the Course Reopens and How to Book
Closed
May 4, 2026
Reopens
October 23, 2026
Lake Buena Vista Golf Course closed in May 2026 for its refurbishment and will welcome players again on October 23, 2026. Tee time reservations for that opening date and beyond are already available, so you can lock in a slot before your trip.
If you are building a golf day into a broader Disney vacation, booking early gives you more flexibility around park days and dining plans. Opening weekends tend to fill quickly, especially for a course returning from a long closure.
What the Refurbishment Included
The project went well beyond simple upkeep. Disney reworked the greens with new contouring and elevations, which changes how putts break and how approach shots settle. Those adjustments alone can shift the way regular players read the course.
The work also addressed playability around the greens. Green-side bunkers and chipping areas received updates aimed at improving the short game experience. Behind the scenes, the course got upgraded irrigation systems and new bunker drainage systems, both of which help with turf health and course conditions after Florida rain. Finally, the teeing grounds were enhanced to round out the refresh.
Here is a quick summary of the improvements:
- New greens with updated contouring and elevations
- Playability updates to green-side bunkers and chipping areas
- Upgraded irrigation systems across the course
- New bunker drainage systems
- Enhancements to the teeing grounds
In short, the refurbishment focused on both playability and long-term course conditioning.
Which Courses Stayed Open During the Closure
You did not have to skip Disney golf while Lake Buena Vista was closed. The Magnolia, Palm, and Oak Trail courses all remained open throughout the refurbishment period.
Disney’s Magnolia Golf Course
- Location? 1950 West Magnolia Palm Drive, Lake Buena Vista, Florida 32830.
- What’s Nearby? Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, and Magic Kingdom Park.
- Required Attire? Golfers may wear shoes with metal spike alternatives, or tennis shoes. Proper golf attire is also required; denim is not permitted.
- Carts? Available at this location.
- Pro Shop and Rentals? Available at this location for both right- and left-handed golfers.
Disney’s Palm Golf Course
- Location? 1950 West Magnolia Palm Drive, Lake Buena Vista, Florida 32830.
- What’s Nearby? Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, and Magic Kingdom Park.
- Required Attire? Golfers may wear shoes with metal spike alternatives, or tennis shoes. Proper golf attire is also required; denim is not permitted.
- Carts? Available at this location.
- Pro Shop and Rentals? Available at this location for both right- and left-handed golfers.
Disney’s Oak Trail Golf Course
- Location? 1950 West Magnolia Palm Drive, Lake Buena Vista, Florida 32830.
- What’s Nearby? Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, and Magic Kingdom Park.
- Required Attire? Golfers may wear shoes with metal spike alternatives, or tennis shoes. Proper golf attire is also required; denim is not permitted.
- Carts? Not available at this location. Pull carts can be rented as an alternative.
- Pro Shop and Rentals? Available at this location for both right- and left-handed golfers.
If you have a trip planned before October 23, these three courses give you plenty to work with. Once Lake Buena Vista returns, you will have the complete set to choose from again.
Final Thoughts
The reopening gives Disney golfers a refreshed course with reworked greens and better conditioning heading into the cooler months. If a round at Lake Buena Vista is part of your plans, the practical next step is simple: book your tee time for October 23 or later while dates are still flexible, then fit it around your park and dining schedule. With the full lineup of courses available again, Walt Disney World Golf offers a solid option for any trip that mixes fairways with theme park days.
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.
