Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Refurbishment Schedule Announced Through 2028

If you have a stay booked at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge in the next couple of years, there’s a new schedule to know. Disney has announced a Wilderness Lodge refurbishment plan that runs through spring 2028, covering both Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge.

The work comes in three phases: exterior work that’s already underway, a guest room refurbishment in summer 2027, and a pool refurbishment in early 2028. Each one could affect your stay in a different way.

We first covered the exterior refurbishment at Wilderness Lodge back in March. Now Disney has filled in the rest of the timeline. Here’s the full schedule and what it means for your trip.

Quick Summary

• Disney’s Wilderness Lodge refurbishment runs in phases through spring 2028
• Exterior work at Wilderness Lodge and Copper Creek Villas & Cabins runs now through late 2026
• Wilderness Lodge guest rooms will be refurbished from July through September 2027
• Copper Creek Villas & Cabins are not part of the 2027 room work
• Copper Creek Springs Pool will be refurbished from January 2028 through spring 2028
• Disney hasn’t shared what will change in the rooms or an exact pool reopening date

The Wilderness Lodge Refurbishment Schedule

Here’s the full timeline Disney has announced:

• Now through late 2026: Exterior refurbishment at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and Copper Creek Villas & Cabins
• July 2027 through September 2027: Guest room refurbishment at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
• January 2028 through spring 2028: Copper Creek Springs Pool refurbishment

Let’s break down each phase.

Phase 1: Exterior Work Happening Now

The first phase is already underway. If your stay is in the next few weeks, you may see construction work around the outside of the resort buildings.

This phase covers both Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and Copper Creek Villas & Cabins, and it’s scheduled to wrap up by late 2026.

This is the same exterior project we reported on in March. At the time, Disney said the work would bring construction activity and some temporary disruptions to the resort, including an expansion of the security kiosk at the resort entrance. With the end of 2026 approaching, this phase should be in its final stretch.

Phase 2: Guest Rooms in Summer 2027

Guest rooms at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge will be refurbished from July through September 2027.

A few things to know:

• Disney hasn’t shared what will change in the rooms. There’s no word yet on new furniture, decor, or layouts.
• Only Wilderness Lodge rooms are included. Copper Creek Villas & Cabins aren’t part of the 2027 room work.

If you’re booking a summer 2027 stay at the Lodge, expect some construction activity in the building during that window. Disney hasn’t said how the room work will be staged.

Phase 3: Copper Creek Springs Pool in 2028

The final phase is the Copper Creek Springs Pool, which will be refurbished from January 2028 through spring 2028. Disney hasn’t given an exact reopening date.

Copper Creek Springs is the resort’s main pool, so this is the phase most likely to change how you spend your downtime. If you’re visiting in early 2028, plan for the main pool to be closed.

Wilderness Lodge also has a second pool, Boulder Ridge Cove Pool, though Disney hasn’t said anything about it in this announcement. Check with the resort closer to your trip for current pool availability.

What This Means for Your Stay

If you have a Wilderness Lodge stay booked during any of these windows, here’s what to plan for:

• Expect construction and possible noise near affected areas
• Plan for the main pool closure if you’re visiting in early 2028
• Check back for updates, since Disney may adjust these dates

Tips for Booking Around the Refurbishment

• Watch your dates. If a quiet, construction-free stay matters to you, look at windows outside these phases.
• Summer 2027 travelers: If you’re set on the Lodge for July through September 2027, consider asking for a room away from active work when you check in. Disney can’t always guarantee requests, but it doesn’t hurt to ask.
• Early 2028 travelers: If pool time is a big part of your plans, factor in the Copper Creek Springs Pool closure before you book.
• Keep an eye on updates. Refurbishment schedules can shift. We’ll share new details as Disney releases them.

What It Means for Disney Vacation Club Members

Copper Creek Villas & Cabins is a Disney Vacation Club resort, so DVC members should pay attention to two phases:

• The exterior work covers Copper Creek Villas & Cabins and runs through late 2026.
• The pool refurbishment in early 2028 affects Copper Creek Springs Pool, which Copper Creek guests share with the Lodge.

The good news for members: the 2027 guest room refurbishment does not include Copper Creek Villas & Cabins, so villa and cabin stays in summer 2027 shouldn’t be affected by in-room work.

Why Wilderness Lodge Is Still Worth It

Even with the work ahead, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge remains one of the most beloved resorts at Walt Disney World. Its grand lobby, Pacific Northwest theming, and lakeside setting on Bay Lake make it a favorite for families and Disney fans alike.

A refurbishment is usually good news in the long run. Once the work is done, guests can look forward to refreshed exteriors, updated rooms, and a renewed main pool.

The Bottom Line

The Wilderness Lodge refurbishment runs in three phases through spring 2028: exterior work now through late 2026, Wilderness Lodge guest rooms from July through September 2027, and the Copper Creek Springs Pool from January through spring 2028. Copper Creek Villas & Cabins aren’t part of the 2027 room work.

If your trip lands in one of these windows, expect some construction and plan around the pool closure in early 2028. Disney may adjust these dates, so check back before you travel.

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Meet the Author: Nate Bishop

I’m a die-hard Disney fan with 38 years of visits under my belt, having stepped into Disney World 120+ times. Proud to be a Disney Annual Passholder, a Vacation Club member since ’92, a Castaway Club Member, and a runDisney enthusiast. Oh, and I’ve graduated from the Disney College of Knowledge. Need Disney insights or planning tips? I’m your guy!