Disney World’s Wilderness Lodge Has a 2028 Surprise: The Main Pool Is Next in a Long Refurbishment Timeline
Disney World says Wilderness Lodge work will continue into 2028, with room updates in 2027 and the main pool closing in early 2028.
Guests eyeing Disney’s Wilderness Lodge now have a much longer refurbishment calendar to factor into their plans. Disney has confirmed work at the resort stretches from ongoing exterior construction into 2027 room updates and a 2028 closure for the main feature pool.
What’s changing at Wilderness Lodge, and when
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge is not closing in full, but several projects are lined up across the next few years that could affect a stay, depending on travel dates.
Exterior refurbishment has been underway since August 2024 at both the main hotel and Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. That phase is scheduled to continue through late 2026. Disney’s website says guests may notice blocked views in some areas, along with construction that can be seen or heard during daytime hours.
After that, Disney has another project on the calendar for the resort’s guest rooms. Room refurbishment is scheduled from July through September 2027. Disney has not detailed the full scope of those room updates, and there is no indication that every room will be taken out of service at once or that reservations will be canceled.
The biggest guest-facing change comes in 2028. Disney says Copper Creek Springs Pool, the resort’s main feature pool, is set for refurbishment beginning in January 2028 and continuing through spring 2028. No more specific reopening date has been announced.
Who it affects, and what will still be available
The timeline matters most for travelers picking Wilderness Lodge for its resort atmosphere and recreation, not only for its location in Disney World’s Magic Kingdom Resort Area. The hotel is known for a design inspired by historic national park lodges of the American Northwest, with heavy timber, stonework, and wooded surroundings, so visible work may matter more to some guests than to others.
The 2028 pool closure is likely to stand out for families. Copper Creek Springs Pool includes a 67-foot waterslide built into rockwork, whirlpool spas, and an aquatic play area, making it one of the resort’s signature amenities.
Disney has also made clear that the pool closure is temporary, not permanent, and it does not mean every swimming option at Wilderness Lodge will be unavailable. Boulder Ridge Cove Pool is expected to remain open during the work. Disney describes that pool as a quieter alternative with zero-depth entry, a whirlpool spa, and six shaded seating areas offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
For guests deciding whether to book, the practical takeaway is simple: exterior work continues through late 2026, guest rooms are due for updates in mid-2027, and the main pool is expected to be offline from January into spring 2028.
