Two of Disney World’s Deluxe resorts begin closures today, August 17 — one a quick five-day fix, the other a months-long lobby overhaul. If you’re staying at either between now and November, here’s exactly what’s affected and how to get around it.
Yacht & Beach Club — the FriendShip Boat Dock (Aug 17–21)
The shared FriendShip Boat dock at Disney’s Yacht Club and Beach Club is closed for maintenance from August 17 through August 21. That’s the boat that normally runs guests straight to EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios — one of the best perks of staying on Crescent Lake — so for five days that option is gone.
Getting around while it’s down:
- Hollywood Studios: Disney is running direct buses from both resorts.
- EPCOT: walk the path to the International Gateway — it’s a short, pleasant stroll.
- Prefer the Skyliner? Walk to the International Gateway, board the Skyliner, and transfer at Caribbean Beach for Hollywood Studios.
Everything else at the resorts — Yachtsman Steakhouse, Beaches & Cream, and the Stormalong Bay pool — stays open. Boat service is expected back on August 22.
Animal Kingdom Lodge – Kidani Village — the Lobby Refurbishment (through Nov 6)
This is the bigger one. Kidani Village’s lobby and surrounding areas are being refurbished in phases through early November, and the impact shifts depending on when you visit:
- Aug 17 – Oct 9: The main lobby and primary entrance close — the longest stretch. Check-in moves to the Palace Library during this window.
- Aug 17 – 28: The gift shop, Johari Treasures, is closed.
- Sept 28 – Oct 9: The north-side lobby corridor closes, taking the second-floor lobby elevators and the outdoor terrace observation deck with it.
- Oct 26 – Nov 6: The south-side lobby corridor closes, which temporarily shutters Community Hall, the Safari So Good Arcade, the laundry room, the Palace Library, the lobby restrooms, and the observation deck.
Expect to see and hear construction during the day. If you want to steer clear of it entirely, the Jambo House side of Animal Kingdom Lodge isn’t affected.
What it means for your trip
Neither closure is a dealbreaker, but both are worth planning around if your dates line up. The Yacht/Beach Club dock is a minor five-day inconvenience with easy alternatives. The Kidani lobby work is longer and touches check-in, shopping, and a few amenities — so if you’re arriving between mid-August and early November, know that you’ll check in at the Palace Library and may route around some closed corridors. Disney has a habit of extending resort closures, so confirm the current status in the My Disney Experience app before you travel.