Exterior Overhaul at Wilderness Lodge Set to Wrap Up in Late 2026

Published on 11/11/25 by Craig Smith

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge is undergoing a major exterior refurbishment that’s now scheduled to continue through late 2026, according to updated communications from Walt Disney World Resort. The lodge and its neighboring DVC property, Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, have been under construction since August 2024, and work will extend far longer than initially anticipated.

Construction crews are focusing on the building’s façade, repairs to faux-log detailing, and other exterior elements that fit the rustic-lodge aesthetic. Guests can expect scaffolding, occasional noise during daytime hours and some restricted views throughout the resort’s wooded and waterside setting. Disney officials emphasize that all resort amenities remain operational despite the ongoing work.

Inside the Copper Creek villas, soft-goods room refurbishments-such as new decor, flooring and sofa-bed integrations-were largely completed in fall 2025, leaving the exterior work as the remaining major component of the overhaul. Visitors staying through 2026 may want to request rooms that face away from the primary construction zones, and plan for some minor disruption when walking lodge grounds or using patio spaces.

With the latest timeline extension, Wilderness Lodge joins other on-site resorts undergoing multi-year transformations. While the visual impact of the upgrade is expected to be significant, the resort’s signature ambiance-complete with towering pines, stone fireplaces and a forested lakeside setting-will continue to welcome guests during the refurbishment.

• News Topic: Disney Parks News, Disney World News
• Attraction(s) in this article: Disney’s Wilderness Lodge