Hold onto your Mickey ears—for true Disney fans, this might feel like a whisper through the treetops: something BIG is in the works at Animal Kingdom Lodge. You’ve heard about new towers, ride reimaginings, and entire lands getting swapped out.
But this project is happening in one of Disney’s most peaceful resorts—the kind of place you might not expect to be caught up in the construction whirlwind.
Let’s examine the magic (and scaffolding) taking shape across Walt Disney World.
From Muppets to Monsters
One of the most surprising transformations is the switch from the Muppets area to an entirely new Monsters, Inc. Land. This isn’t just a coat of paint—it’s a total retheme.
Imagine walking into Monstropolis, with colorful overhead doors, streets bustling with friendly monsters, and ride concepts possibly inspired by Monsters, Inc. (2001) and Monsters University (2013). While details are still limited, fans are hoping for a dark ride that captures the energy of the famous door chase scene. There’s even been concept art of a suspended rollercoaster.
If you’re already mourning the Muppets’ presence, don’t worry—they’re not disappearing entirely. They’ll be popping up again when Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster transforms, which could begin toward the end of this year. That means we could see a Muppet-themed coaster for the first time in Disney history.
Frontierland in the Construction Era
Frontierland is also undergoing changes, signaling a shift from its long-standing Old West aesthetic. Disney hasn’t confirmed the exact direction, but “refreshed details” often mean upgraded facades, improved guest flow, and possibly even new show elements.
With neighboring lands seeing massive changes, it wouldn’t be surprising if Frontierland introduced a new minor attraction or expanded interactive areas to keep guests engaged. This land has always relied heavily on atmosphere, so the construction could breathe new life into the wooden walkways and shop exteriors that make it feel so immersive.
Rivers of America & Tom Sawyer Island Reimagined
It’s hard to miss—Rivers of America has been completely drained. This isn’t just maintenance; it’s preparation for something big. Across the way, Tom Sawyer Island is under heavy construction, set to become Piston Peak, inspired by the Planes: Fire & Rescue (2014) film.
Picture roaring waterfalls, firefighting water effects, and possibly a boat ride or walk-through attraction themed around the fictional national park from the movie. The area could even introduce interactive elements where guests can “put out fires” or control small water features—perfect for cooling off in the Florida heat.
Big Thunder Mountain & Buzz Lightyear Refurbishments
Two Magic Kingdom staples are taking a break for much-needed updates.
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Big Thunder Mountain Railroad – Often called “the wildest ride in the wilderness,” this coaster could be getting more than just a fresh coat of paint. Rumors point toward track smoothing for a smoother (but still thrilling) ride, upgraded audio for a richer soundscape, and improved animatronics in certain show scenes. If Disney wants to wow guests, they might also integrate projection mapping effects, similar to what has been used on other coasters like Seven Dwarfs Mine Train.
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Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin – Over in Tomorrowland, Buzz’s ride is getting refreshed. That could mean updated laser blasters for better accuracy, brighter targets, and a more responsive scoring system.
Spaceship Earth Construction
EPCOT’s iconic Spaceship Earth geosphere is soon to be closed for its routine refurbishments August 25. This is part of an ongoing effort to modernize the ride experience.
Guests could see updated narration, smoother ride vehicles, improved lighting, and enhanced projections that make historical scenes more vivid. The ride’s ending—often criticized for being underwhelming—might finally receive the upgrade fans have requested for years.
DinoLand U.S.A. Changes
Over at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, DinoLand U.S.A. is slowly morphing into the Tropical Americas. This new theme is expected to focus on the culture, wildlife, and lush environments of Central and South America.
The closure of The Boneyard playground (September 1) is just the beginning—future updates could involve retheming DINOSAUR to a South American adventure or adding an entirely new attraction that ties in with the region’s wildlife and landscapes. The shift aims to give the area a more timeless appeal, moving away from the carnival-style games that once dominated the land.
Resorts Joining the Makeover Party
It’s not just the parks feeling the hammer-and-drill treatment—Disney resorts are also undergoing significant changes.
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Pop Century Resort—Expected room refreshes include updated furnishings, brighter color palettes, and possibly new themed artwork.
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Polynesian Village Resort – Polynesian’s expansion continues, with more DVC villas and updated guest amenities.
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Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort – Reports suggest upgrades to room layouts and technology integration for a more modern guest experience.
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Wilderness Lodge – Lobby touch-ups and room refurbishments could be on the horizon, keeping the rustic atmosphere fresh and inviting.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge—Why Guests Adore It
Before we get into what’s changing, remember why Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is so beloved.
Opened in 2001, the deluxe African-themed resort is divided into Jambo House and Kidani Village. Guests can choose standard rooms or splurge on a Savanna View, where giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, and other animals roam just outside the balcony. T
The resort is known for its serene atmosphere, intricate African art displays, and rich wood-toned architecture, which makes you feel worlds away from the bustle of the parks. Dining options like Boma—Flavors of Africa and Jiko—The Cooking Place are considered some of the best on the property.
What’s Changing
Disney has quietly launched a multi-phase hard goods refurbishment project that will transform the look and feel of Animal Kingdom Lodge by early 2027.
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July 7, 2025 – September 2025: Work began on Zebra Trail Terrace at Jambo House.
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October 2025 – May 2026: Full guest room overhaul at Kidani Village, replacing furniture, lighting, flooring, and fixtures.
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May 2026 – January 2027: Jambo House rooms will undergo the same upgrades.
These are the first major updates since the Villas opened between 2007 and 2009, meaning guests can expect a completely refreshed experience. Murphy beds, popular in other DVC refurbishments, could be added to maximize space.
The Disney of 2027 Will Look Very Different
When this construction wave settles, Walt Disney World will look dramatically different. New lands like Monsters, Inc. Land and Piston Peak will bring fresh stories to explore, refurbished rides will feel smoother and more immersive, and resorts will shine with updated rooms and amenities.
For Animal Kingdom Lodge, the changes promise to elevate an already stunning resort into something even more spectacular. Guests booking now can still enjoy its unique charm—just consider the possibility of daytime construction noise. For those who want the fully refreshed experience, 2027 might be the perfect year to plan that savanna-view getaway.
The post Alert: Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge To Be Overhauled by 2027 appeared first on Inside the Magic.
