Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas is set to undergo a significant refurbishment. Updates announced at the 2025 Condo Association Meeting have provided a clearer timeline and details about what members can expect from these enhancements. This refresh project will cover both Kidani Village and Jambo House, bringing updated furnishings and modern touches to the villas. For members planning a stay over the next couple of years, understanding the scope and schedule of this project is essential.
Refurbishment Timeline and Phasing
The refurbishment will be a “hard goods” update, meaning members can anticipate major changes to furniture, flooring, and lighting. The project will be completed in two main phases, starting with Kidani Village and then moving to Jambo House.
The timeline is as follows:
- Kidani Village: The refurbishment began in October 2025 and is scheduled to continue through May 2026. The very first refurbished rooms are expected to become available to guests starting Friday, December 12, 2025.
- Jambo House: Following the completion of Kidani Village, the focus will shift to the DVC villas at Jambo House. This phase is slated to run from May 2026 through January 2027.
This phased approach ensures that a portion of the resort’s inventory will remain available to members throughout the entire refurbishment period.
What Changes Are Coming to the Villas?
While specific design details and concept art have not yet been released, Disney Vacation Club has confirmed a few key updates. One of the most significant changes will be the introduction of Murphy-style pull-down beds where the room layout allows. This popular feature, already present in other refurbished DVC resorts, adds flexibility to the living space by tucking the bed away when not in use.
During the condo association meeting, DVC leadership also addressed member feedback, emphasizing that the refurbishment aims to preserve the unique theming and atmosphere that makes Animal Kingdom Lodge so special. The goal is to modernize the rooms while retaining the authentic, art-inspired African lodge feel that members appreciate.
Requesting a Refurbished Room
For members eager to experience the newly updated accommodations, it is possible to submit a room request for a refurbished unit. However, there are a few important things to keep in mind.
Initially, availability of refurbished rooms will be very limited as construction progresses on a rolling basis. As a result, room requests are not guaranteed. As more sections of the resort are completed throughout 2026, the chances of being assigned a refurbished room will naturally increase. Members with stays booked later in the refurbishment timeline will have a higher probability of staying in an updated villa.
Conclusion
The upcoming hard goods refurbishment at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas promises to bring modern conveniences and a fresh look to the beloved DVC property. While construction will be a factor for guests visiting over the next two years, the scheduled phasing is designed to minimize disruption. Members can look forward to refreshed villas that blend contemporary features, like Murphy beds, with the distinctive cultural theming that defines the resort. As the first rooms debut, more details about the new design will surely emerge.
Jambo House
Kidani Village
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.
