State of WDW Parks in 2026-27

[Tha Realest]

I have a few trips planned in Jan 2026 and Jan 2027 and am weighing the costs/benefits of doing an AP vs separate multi-day park passes. One hesitancy I have is the notion that the parks will be, to varying degrees, a perpetual construction zone (virtually all with the exception of EPCOT - my favorite park - will have some lengthy construction going on). I think towards the end of 2027 and into ‘28 we’ll see some nice progress. All that said, what’s going to be down - TSI, MV3D, Dinosaur - were not exactly must do’s each time I was there in those respective parks.

Anyhow, am I alone in being apprehensive in visiting those parks next year given the state of construction?

 

[JIMINYCR]

Some people will stay completely away as long as construction is going on and plan returns only when attractions are fully up. It does give you a break from Dis and absence makes the heart fonder to go back later.... and with more savings to do more once you return.
We've been at WDW a few times when construction has been going on. Dis does a decent job hiding the ugly views from guests and things are shut down for refurb all the time. It hasn't ruined our experiences that much that we regretted going. We know in advance what we will be missing out on and plan accordingly. And there's enough going on at other parks that you still can enjoy full days. There's always the availability to do off Disney trips as well to enjoy the Orlando sites.
Weigh the costs of both AP and day trips to see how much you will be visiting and what's better cost effective for you. AP's worked for us when we knew we could make it back to WDW enough to make it worth the cost.
Only you know how you do WDW and what can give you enough experiences to make it of value.
Yes construction su@@s and it isn't the Dis you want to see but it's still Dis and can be worthwhile.

 

[MickeyLuv'r]

The amount of construction is also giving me pause. I'd agree that in the past it was easy to work around most prior closures, but with this much closed, there is quite a bit less that will be open. What is open is going to get slammed, and now the upcharge for LL's is getting pretty crazy.

Right now, WDW's doing what they can to encourage Uni AP sales.

 

["El Gran Magnifico"]

If they spent a fraction of what they are paying for all the "new construction" on enhancing the guest experience and properly staffing the entire resort with individuals that can create meaningful interactions with guests - then Disney would be on the right track.

Disney always touted themselves on "building memories". The "memories" they have been creating recently are not the ones you'd necessarily want to embrace at this point.

But sure, why not, just build some more stuff that your guests don't necessarily want and that you won't be able to properly maintain. It's been a cracker jack plan for you thus far. Now if you'll excuse me, I need to go and check rates for my next visit to the Galactic Starcruiser.

 

[Chi84]

If they spent a fraction of what they are paying for all the "new construction" on enhancing the guest experience and properly staffing the entire resort with individuals that can create meaningful interactions with guests - then Disney would be on the right track.

Disney always touted themselves on "building memories". The "memories" they have been creating recently are not the ones you'd necessarily want to embrace at this point.

But sure, why not, just build some more stuff that your guests don't necessarily want and that you won't be able to properly maintain. It's been a cracker jack plan for you thus far. Now if you'll excuse me, I need to go and check rates for my next visit to the Galactic Starcruiser.

What kinds of meaningful interactions are you referring to?

 

["El Gran Magnifico"]

What kinds of meaningful interactions are you referring to?

I'll settle for those that seem happy to be there at this point. And I'm not saying all are like that. There are many that do go over and above. But it seems everytime I'm there - there are more and more that don't.

 

[HauntedPirate]

If they spent a fraction of what they are paying for all the "new construction" on enhancing the guest experience and properly staffing the entire resort with individuals that can create meaningful interactions with guests - then Disney would be on the right track.

Disney always touted themselves on "building memories". The "memories" they have been creating recently are not the ones you'd necessarily want to embrace at this point.

But sure, why not, just build some more stuff that your guests don't necessarily want and that you won't be able to properly maintain. It's been a cracker jack plan for you thus far. Now if you'll excuse me, I need to go and check rates for my next visit to the Galactic Starcruiser.

Bob and Josh know what guests want, and it's not non-descript roller coasters themed to India or whatever. Trust them - they have advanced business degrees!

 

[JIMINYCR]

Bob and Josh know what guests want, and it's not non-descript roller coasters themed to India or whatever. Trust them - they have advanced business degrees!

Aaand lots of ( ahem ) successes to back them up.

 

[BeanCounterBob]

We are heading down for a big trip in January of 26. I kind of feel like all the construction is going to work in our favor, and we will get to see some things we may have skipped....or slow down some and not rush. We went a few years ago and it was a rush every day to get on as much as we could. Its not ideal for so much to be down but I am using the time we can go as an advantage.

 

[mergatroid]

I think apart from missing MV3D and R 'N' R missing that the Studios will be the least affected construction wise. Those areas are self enclosed dead ends and they're expanding into the car park for Monsters so apart from the two attractions missing, it shouldn't look a mess sight wise at least for those visiting.