Disney Tips Your Guide To A Great Disney Vacation
While most eyes are on the thrilling rides and massive park expansions coming to Walt Disney World, an entirely different multi-million-dollar transformation is quietly underway outside the park gates. The Disney resort hotels are a core part of the Central Florida vacation experience, and the company is making sure its accommodations remain as magical as ever.
According to new records from the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District, Disney is pouring a cool $30 million into overhauling and upgrading two of its most iconic resorts: Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge and Disney’s BoardWalk.
With renovations already in progress, here is a breakdown of how that $30 million is being spent—and what these exciting projects mean for your next vacation, as reported by the Orlando Business Journal.
A $24.4 Million Glow-Up for Animal Kingdom Lodge
The vast majority of this newly allocated budget is going directly toward an ambitious interior renovation project at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. Known for its incredible savannas where giraffes and zebras roam, this deluxe resort is receiving at least $24.4 million in room overhauls.
Permit filings indicate that both Jambo House (the primary hotel) and the Disney Vacation Club’s Kidani Village are part of the massive undertaking. The work is extensive, with documents detailing the “removal and replacement of finishes and fixtures” across the guest rooms.
This investment will ensure that the rooms match the awe-inspiring views outside their windows. Guests can expect a much more contemporary feel, likely featuring upgraded flooring, refreshed lighting, and new bathroom fixtures, all while retaining the rich, African-inspired design that makes the resort so beloved.
Because these renovations have already begun, visitors may notice localized construction around the resort, particularly at Jambo House, where work is slated to continue through early 2027. However, the spectacular savanna views and world-class dining locations remain fully open for guests to enjoy.
The BoardWalk Gets a New $6.2 Million Lounge
While Animal Kingdom Lodge is undergoing a room refresh, the remaining $6.2 million is being used to build an entirely new venue at Disney’s BoardWalk.
Set to open in late 2026, Hurly-Burly is an exciting dual-concept waterfront music lounge. Located along Crescent Lake, this new addition aims to offer something for everyone:
- By Day: The venue will serve as a lively, family-friendly space where a host will lead interactive activities and trivia games.
- By Night: As the sun sets, Hurly-Burly will transform into an exclusive, 21-and-older lounge featuring live musical entertainment, coastal-inspired cocktails, and gourmet light bites.
The $6.2 million budget will cover a total transformation of the space. Filings show that the project involves full demolition, the construction of new walls and floors, and the installation of state-of-the-art kitchen and bar equipment. The space will also feature modified doors and windows to make the most of its prime waterfront location.
Why Disney is Spending Outside the Parks
With fierce competition in the Central Florida tourism market, Disney knows that the hotel experience is just as important as the theme parks. Investing heavily in these out-of-park experiences ensures that guests never want to leave the “Disney Bubble.”
When speaking to the Orlando Business Journal about the dual projects, a Walt Disney World spokesperson summarized the strategy behind the $30 million investment:
“This is part of the significant investments across Walt Disney World that we are making to ensure we continue to be the number one reason people visit Central Florida. These efforts reflect our commitment to creating new reasons to visit now and for years to come.”
By committing $30 million to these two beloved resorts, Disney is guaranteeing that its hotels will continue to offer unparalleled magic and luxury for years to come.
