When you think of Walt Disney World, “creepy” probably isn’t the first word that comes to mind. The resort is famously known as “The Most Magical Place on Earth”—a destination overflowing with energy, laughter, and music that never seems to stop. But lately, something strange has caught the attention of visitors. One of Disney’s most beloved hotels has guests using a very different phrase: “ghost town.”Rumors started swirling online as vacationers described an unsettling quietness settling over one of Disney’s typically bustling resorts. The walkways, once filled with families, strollers, and music, now feel eerily empty. While this isn’t the kind of Disney story fans expect to hear, it’s definitely got people talking.Credit: DisneyWhy Guests Choose Disney World HotelsFor many travelers, staying at a Disney resort is part of the magic itself. Guests aren’t just paying for a place to sleep—they’re buying into an immersive experience that keeps the vacation spirit alive from sunrise to bedtime. Each resort has its own theme, its own sound, and even its own scent, which makes it feel like part of the story.Disney resort guests also get early park entry, transportation perks, and that extra touch of customer service that makes the stay seamless. Whether it’s hopping on the Monorail right outside your hotel or watching fireworks from your balcony, the perks of staying on Disney property are undeniable. It’s why many visitors refuse to stay anywhere else when they plan a trip to Orlando.Credit: DisneyDisney’s Most Popular ResortsAmong the numerous Disney World hotels, a select few have established reputations as icons. The Contemporary Resort is one of them—known for its sleek architecture and the Monorail that glides directly through its lobby. It’s as “Disney” as it gets, giving guests a front-row seat to Magic Kingdom fireworks every night.Then there’s the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Disney’s crown jewel. With its Victorian design, luxurious dining, and constant piano melodies floating through the lobby, it’s the picture of elegance. Fans consider it the ultimate Disney splurge, ideal for honeymoons, anniversaries, or simply treating yourself to a few nights of royalty.Credit: Frank Phillips, FlickrMeanwhile, families often gravitate toward Art of Animation. It’s colorful, animated, and bursting with giant characters from beloved Disney and Pixar films. Each themed suite feels like stepping into a movie, whether you’re surrounded by Ariel’s seashells or Lightning McQueen’s pit stop gear.For travelers seeking something slightly different, the Swan and Dolphin hotels—technically not Disney-operated but located directly on property—offer luxury at a more affordable price point. They’re steps away from EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, making them ideal for guests who prefer convenience with a more modern hotel vibe.Credit: DisneyPort Orleans Resort: RiversideBut lately, all eyes have turned toward Disney’s Port Orleans Resort, particularly the Riverside section. Known for its Southern charm, lush greenery, and peaceful river views, Riverside is usually a guest favorite for those who prefer a slower pace. The resort captures the beauty of the Louisiana bayou with winding paths, bridges, and paddlewheel-style buildings.Credit: DisneyRiverside’s Unsettling ChangesA recent refurbishment has temporarily disrupted the charm. Construction walls, blocked-off walkways, and limited amenities have caused some guests to look elsewhere when booking. While the updates are necessary, the reduced activity has left sections of the resort feeling strangely quiet—so much so that guests have begun describing it as abandoned.At night, the feeling becomes even more pronounced. The resort’s river, usually a peaceful highlight, now carries an unexpected eeriness when wrapped in fog. One Reddit user even shared photos of thick mist rolling over the water near the Riverside dock. The images, described by others as “ominous,” capture a side of Disney World rarely seen by the public.The photos spread quickly online, with comments ranging from fascination to unease. Some joked about the resort looking haunted, while others admitted they’d be too nervous to take an evening stroll there. Whether it’s the construction quieting the area or just the natural atmosphere of the bayou at night, there’s no denying the resort currently feels a little different.More spooky foggy Riverside! byu/Venomous_Ferret inWaltDisneyWorldRefurbishments Across Disney PropertyTo be fair, Port Orleans isn’t the only resort getting a facelift. Disney is in the middle of a massive, property-wide refurbishment effort designed to modernize guest experiences ahead of its 2026 and 2027 milestones. The Grand Floridian has been under construction for much of the past year, updating everything from guest rooms to the main lobby. While the improvements are beautiful, they’ve also created a bit of disruption.Credit: DisneyOver at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, renovations are in full swing as well. Known for its breathtaking savanna views and African-inspired décor, the lodge is undergoing an update to refresh guest rooms and enhance select amenities. For now, though, scaffolding and temporary barriers remind visitors that even paradise needs maintenance.These projects are part of Disney’s long-term strategy to ensure every resort feels up to date with the company’s evolving standards. Still, the trade-off is that some areas of the property temporarily lose their signature energy. In places like Port Orleans Riverside, that lull has created an unexpected vibe—one that guests can only describe as “quietly haunting.”Credit: DisneyWhat’s Next for Disney’s ResortsDisney has confirmed that refurbishment schedules will extend well into 2026, with some projects possibly stretching into 2027. Each update is designed to improve comfort, technology, and theming—so the current quiet might just be the calm before the storm of excitement that comes once everything reopens.For now, however, visitors are left to navigate a park-and-resort system in transition. Some areas are sparkling and refreshed, while others seem to be frozen in time. Guests exploring Disney’s sprawling property might notice an occasional imbalance between the two—one area bursting with new life, another resting in near silence.Still, for many Disney fans, there’s a certain charm even in the eeriness. The idea that the most cheerful place on earth can fall so still feels almost cinematic. A quiet walkway, a foggy river, and the faint glow of a distant lamppost remind guests that Disney World has layers—some bright, some unexpectedly mysterious.The post Disney World Hotel Turns Into Ominous Abandoned “Ghost Town” appeared first on Inside the Magic.