Things are stirring at one of Walt Disney World’s most iconic and budget-friendly resorts—and no, it’s not another Skyliner delay or pool party gone wild. Disney’s Pop Century Resort is officially getting a major lobby glow-up, and if you’ve ever checked in under those neon lights and bold blue walls, you know this is no small touch-up.Credit: DisneyConstruction kicked off on July 21 and is expected to run through early October. But before you panic: yes, the lobby will stay open. Yes, you can still check in, get your MagicBand+ sorted, and grab your refillable mug. But don’t be surprised if your grand entrance comes with a bit of hammering in the background.What’s Changing, and Why Now?Disney is calling it a “retro-inspired refresh”—which basically means the aesthetic is getting a facelift that leans even harder into the resort’s signature vibe: oversized pop culture, mid-century nods, and bold colors straight out of your grandmother’s den (in the best way possible).While official details about the new design are still under wraps, the timing makes sense. Pop Century’s gift shop and food court—Everything POP Shopping & Dining—already got a big refresh recently, complete with modern counters, sleek shelving, and a brand-new coffee bar that has fans buzzing. So this lobby update might just be Disney tying the visual bow on a fully upgraded common area.Why Pop Century Still Reigns Among Value ResortsPop Century isn’t just a throwback paradise—it’s one of the most strategic resorts you can book if you’re budget-conscious but refuse to stay off-property. The Skyliner access is a huge win: you can float to EPCOT or Hollywood Studios without ever stepping foot on a bus. And with room refurbishments already underway across the property (expected to last through February 2026), it’s clear Disney isn’t letting this resort fall behind.Each section of the resort is themed after a different decade—from sock hops and roller skates to Walkmans and dial-up modems. It’s bold, it’s kitschy, and somehow it works. Families, solo travelers, and even diehard park-hoppers keep coming back because the price is right, the transportation is seamless, and the atmosphere is undeniably fun.What Else Is Being Upgraded?Credit: DisneyOh, it doesn’t stop at the lobby. Just last month, we spotted some work being done on the entrance gate to the Hippy Dippy Pool, which is the main pool area for the resort’s ‘60s section. It’s shaped like a giant flower and screams tie-dye summer vibes—so maintenance there was definitely needed to keep things safe and photo-op ready.Meanwhile, inside the resort buildings, the room updates are quietly rolling along. If you’re booked at Pop Century in the next few months, don’t be surprised if your building is surrounded by construction scrim or painters. That said, Disney has gotten pretty good at minimizing disruption while updating rooms one block at a time.Should You Avoid Booking During the Renovation?Honestly? No. If you’re planning a trip and Pop Century is on your radar, this refurb shouldn’t be a dealbreaker. Disney says all amenities will remain available, and while the lobby may have some visual clutter, you’re not going to lose sleep over it. It’s still one of the best bang-for-your-buck picks on Disney property, especially if you’re a Skyliner devotee.In fact, if you’re the type who loves a “before-and-after” photo, this might be your moment. Who doesn’t love a little vacation construction gossip to spice up their Insta stories?More Disney ClosuresWalt Disney World Resort in Orlando is constantly evolving. With four theme parks, two water parks, and over 25 resort hotels spread across 27,000 acres, it’s no surprise that closures and refurbishments are a regular part of the magic. As exciting as the future looks—with massive expansions and new lands on the horizon—many fan-favorite attractions and resort amenities will be temporarily or permanently unavailable as Disney gears up for a major transformation in 2025 and 2026.Here’s a park-by-park, land-by-land breakdown of what’s closing, what’s being reimagined, and what to look forward to in the years ahead.Magic Kingdom: The Most Impacted ParkMagic Kingdom is ground zero for major changes, with multiple refurbishments and new attractions reshaping the guest experience.Current Closures:Big Thunder Mountain Railroad – Closed through 2026 for a massive refurbishment.Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin – Closing August 2025, reopening in 2026 with new scenes, vehicles, and improved gameplay.Tom Sawyer Island & Liberty Square Riverboat – Closed as of July 7, 2025, to make way for the upcoming Cars Land expansion.Frontierland Train Station – Closed July 2025; the Railroad will run shuttle-style between Main Street and Fantasyland only.Astro Orbiter – Closed January 13, 2025 through Summer 2025.New Additions:Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away – A new nighttime parade premiering July 20, 2025.Pirates of the Caribbean Tavern – Opening late 2025.Cars Land and Disney Villains Land – Construction begins in 2025; opening dates to be announced.Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Major Overhaul in ProgressBig changes are also coming to Hollywood Studios, with entire lands under transformation.Closures & Construction:Monsters, Inc. Land – Construction begins 2025; opening date TBA.Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster – Will be rethemed to The Muppets, closing in late 2025 or 2026.Animation Courtyard – Closing September 25, 2025 for reimagining (except for The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure).Disney Jr. Play and Dance! – Closing September 25, 2025.Animal Kingdom: Dinoland Fades OutDisney’s Animal Kingdom is going through one of its boldest transformations to date.Closures:It’s Tough to Be a Bug – Closed permanently to make way for Zootopia: Better Zoogether (opening Winter 2025).TriceraTop Spin, Dino-Rama, and Fossil Fun Games – Closed permanently.The Boneyard – Closing permanently September 2, 2025.DINOSAUR – Scheduled to close in 2026 for an Indiana Jones replacement, opening in 2027.What’s Coming:Tropical Americas Land – Opens in 2027, replacing Dinoland.EPCOT: A Few Select UpdatesWhile EPCOT’s transformation is nearing its final phase, there are still some closures and debuts in progress.Test Track – Closed June 17, 2024 for a reimagining; reopening July 22, 2025.¡Celebración Encanto! – Extended through Winter 2025.GEO-82 Lounge – Opened June 4, 2025 inside Spaceship Earth for adults only.Disney Water Parks: Alternating AccessTyphoon Lagoon – Reopened May 1, 2025.Blizzard Beach – Reopened May 21, 2025.For the summer season, both water parks are open concurrently—an uncommon but welcome bonus for guests.Disney Resort Hotel RefurbishmentsBeach Club Resort & Villas – Stormalong Bay closed January–June 2025.Disney’s BoardWalk Inn – Lobby and rooms under refurbishment.Disney’s Contemporary Resort – Bay Lake Tower rooms under refurbishment from Sept 2024–Sept 2025.Grand Floridian Resort – Major lobby overhaul and room refurbishments ongoing. Gingerbread house not returning for 2025.Grand Floridian Convention Center – Closed Summer–Fall 2025.Transportation ClosuresDisney Skyliner – Temporarily closed January 25–31, 2026 for routine maintenance across all lines.Planning AdviceIf you’re planning a Disney World vacation for 2025 or 2026, be sure to check the refurbishment calendar regularly. Some closures are long-term, while others may reopen mid-year. These changes reflect Disney’s ongoing commitment to storytelling and innovation—even if they’re inconvenient in the short term.The post Major Disney World Closures Announced Through 2026: Here’s What’s Going Dark appeared first on Inside the Magic.