For guests planning a stay at the “Most Magical Place on Earth,” choosing a resort is often the most significant decision of the trip. Among the top-tier options, Disney’s Yacht Club Resort stands as a beacon of New England-style elegance. As a “Deluxe” category hotel, it is one of the most expensive properties on Disney World property, with room rates often soaring well above $600 per night.Credit: DisneyHowever, travelers booking a stay in early-to-mid 2026 might find that their premium price tag comes with a side of scaffolding and shuttered doors. The resort is entering a period of significant transition, marked by the simultaneous closure of two of its most beloved dining institutions and a sprawling list of exterior maintenance projects.The Culinary Hit: Yachtsman Steakhouse and Crew’s Cup Lounge Announce ClosuresThe most significant blow to the Yacht Club’s current offerings is the upcoming closure of its signature dining anchors. For many, a trip to the Yacht Club isn’t complete without a meal at the Yachtsman Steakhouse, a premier destination known for its grain-fed beef, open-view butchery shop, and sophisticated nautical atmosphere.Credit: DisneyThe resort is preparing for a staggered refurbishment of its central dining hub:Crew’s Cup Lounge: This cozy, wood-paneled retreat—famed for its prime rib sliders and craft cocktails—is scheduled to close on February 23, 2026. Fans of this hidden gem will have to wait until May 2026 for its anticipated reopening.Yachtsman Steakhouse: Shortly after the Crew’s Cup returns, the main event goes dark. The Yachtsman Steakhouse is slated for a major “refresh” beginning in May 2026, with a projected reopening in August 2026.For guests paying Deluxe prices, the loss of these locations is a significant hurdle. While Ale & Compass remains open nearby, the absence of the resort’s premier steakhouse removes one of the primary reasons many foodies choose to stay at the Yacht Club over other Epcot-area hotels.A Multi-Year Facelift: Scaffolding at the Yacht and BeachThe kitchen closures are only one part of the puzzle. If you walk the promenade along Crescent Lake in early 2026, you won’t just see the Friendship Boats; you’ll see cranes and construction crews.Credit: DisneyDisney is currently in the middle of a massive, multi-year exterior maintenance project for both the Yacht Club and its sister resort, the Beach Club. This project involves deep cleaning, repainting the iconic “Yacht Club Grey” and “Beach Club Blue” facades, and performing essential balcony and roof repairs.The Visual ImpactFor guests who booked a “Water View” room at these premium rates, the reality may include scaffolding outside their window or “shrink-wrap” over sections of the building’s exterior. While Disney makes every effort to limit noise to daytime hours (typically 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.), the aesthetic of a high-end seaside resort is undeniably altered by the presence of heavy machinery. This project is expected to continue through late 2026 for the Yacht Club and likely well into 2027 for the Beach Club.The Leisure Pool “Squeeze”Even the recreational areas aren’t exempt from the 2026 refurbishment wave. While the resort’s crown jewel—the three-acre Stormalong Bay pool complex—is currently open and bustling, the “quiet” areas of the resort are undergoing a rotation of closures.Credit: DisneyThe Admiral Pool (Yacht Club): This leisure pool is currently undergoing a total refresh and is expected to remain closed through May 2026.The Tidal Pool (Beach Club): Following the same timeline, this leisure pool is also walled off for maintenance until May 2026.For guests who prefer the tranquility of a quiet swim away from the sand-bottom chaos of Stormalong Bay, the options are currently limited. During this window, the Dunes Cove Pool at the Beach Club Villas remains the only “quiet” alternative for the entire resort complex.The Transportation Hurdle: Skyliner Maintenance 2026Adding to the complexity of a January 2026 stay is the scheduled maintenance of the Disney Skyliner. One of the main perks of staying at the Yacht or Beach Club is the proximity to the International Gateway at EPCOT, which serves as a significant hub for the “gondolas in the sky.”Credit: DisneyFrom January 25 through January 31, 2026, the Skyliner will be down for its annual routine safety inspections. While this doesn’t affect the walk to EPCOT, it does remove the easiest way for guests to travel to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This week, Disney will provide complimentary bus service, but for guests who pay for the convenience of the EPCOT resort area, the loss of the Skyliner is a notable service reduction.Is a Deluxe Stay Still Worth the Price in 2026?With the “Most Magical Place on Earth” constantly evolving, construction is an inevitable part of the experience. However, when the construction occurs at one of the park’s most expensive hotels, guests are forced to weigh the cost against the convenience.Credit: How to DisneyWhy stay at the Yacht Club right now?Stormalong Bay: The main pool is fully operational and remains the best pool in all of Walt Disney World.Proximity: You can still walk into the World Showcase at EPCOT in under 10 minutes.Refreshed Rooms: Most guest rooms at the Yacht Club recently completed their “soft goods” refresh, meaning the interiors are in excellent condition.Why you might wait:Dining Limitations: If you are a fan of high-end steaks or the cozy atmosphere of Crew’s Cup, the 2026 closure window may be a dealbreaker.Exterior Work: If a pristine balcony view is essential to your vacation, the ongoing facade work may be a distraction.Conclusion: A Legend in TransitionThe Yacht Club is a resort defined by its heritage and its high standards. While the current 2026 projects represent a “slowing down” of specific amenities, they are part of a broader effort to ensure this Deluxe icon remains at the top of its game for decades to come.Credit: DisneyAs the Yachtsman Steakhouse and Crew’s Cup Lounge prepare to go dark for their respective “glow-ups,” the message to guests is clear: the Yacht Club is preparing for a new era of luxury. Until then, those visiting the “Most Magical Place on Earth” should pack a little extra patience—and perhaps a dining reservation at a nearby EPCOT restaurant—as this coastal classic undergoes its 2026 transformation.Are you planning a stay at the Yacht Club during these restaurant closures?The post Construction Walls and Closed Kitchens: Why One of Disney World’s Most Expensive Hotels is Facing a Massive 2026 Overhaul appeared first on Inside the Magic.