Disney Is Putting $30 Million Into Two Resort Projects This Year

Disney World is currently spending a lot of money expanding the parks, including adding brand new lands to three of its four parks, as well as adding an expansion to Magic Kingdom and upgrading rides. There’s a LOT of construction happening in the parks right now.

However, it’s not just the parks that are getting some much-needed TLC right now. Disney World hotels are also getting huge upgrades. We’ve seen it recently with new lobbies, new rooms, and more. But now we know, thanks to The Orlando Business Journal, that Disney World is spending at least $30 million on projects OUTSIDE of the parks, and that includes some massive upgrades at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge.

At least $30.6 million is currently going into projects outside of the parks at Disney World, according to records from the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District. Those documents also showed that at least $24.4 million is being spent on interior renovations at Animal Kingdom Lodge. Earlier this year, guest rooms at Kidani Village at the hotel were refurbished, while refurbishment work is currently happening at Jambo House through January 2027.

According to recent permits, the $24.4 million being spent at Animal Kingdom Lodge is for renovating guest rooms and common areas at Jambo House, including the “removal and replacement of finishes and fixtures.” Animal Kingdom Lodge is one of Disney’s deluxe resorts and is unique in that it is surrounded by four savannas where many animals roam free.

Those documents also showed an additional $6.2 million being invested in building the new Hurly-Burly music lounge at Disney’s BoardWalk. Hurly-Burly will offer family-friendly activities during the day and will switch over to a 21-and-over venue at night with live music, cocktails, and light bites.

While it hasn’t been confirmed, we can guess from the concept art that this lounge will be located in the old Jellyrolls building. This includes “demolition, new walls, floors, ceilings, and finishes, new kitchen and bar equipment, new restroom finishes and limited modifications to the existing windows and doors,” according to a permit filed for the location.

Of course, these records may not include all the costs of projects that are currently happening in Disney World. According to The Orlando Business Journal, a Disney World spokesperson said, “This is part of the significant investments across Walt Disney World that we are making to ensure we continue to be the number one reason people visit Central Florida. These efforts reflect our commitment to creating new reasons to visit now and for years to come.”

We’ll keep an eye out for more Disney World news, so stay tuned to DFB for more.

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What do you think about this construction work? Let us know in the comments!