Disney Vacation Club has officially confirmed the refurbishment timeline for Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas!
- Guest rooms at Kidani Village will be refurbished from October 2025 through May 2026.
- Jambo House will undergo its hard goods refurbishment from May 2026 through January 2027.
While Members and Guests may see or hear construction during these dates, all resort amenities will remain open and available throughout the project.
If your are a Disney Vacation Club Member at Animal Kingdom, there’s one question you’ve been asking over the past year – When are we getting our Animal Kingdom Refurbishment?! Well I’m hear to report music to your ears – construction is officially set to begin on the long-awaited hard goods refurbishment, beginning with Kidani Village!
Refurbishment Kick-Off
According to a newly filed Notice of Commencement by general contractor Barton Malow, work on Kidani Village is imminent. This filing signals that all systems are go for construction to begin shortly, with a listed expiration date of May 28, 2026—perfectly aligning with the previously announced project timeline.
This work marks the first phase of the full hard goods refurbishment for Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas, with Jambo House slated to follow in 2026.
What Is a “Hard Goods” Refurbishment?
If you’re wondering what a hard goods refurbishment entails, it’s more than just new linens or a fresh coat of paint. This type of refurbishment includes comprehensive updates to the interiors of guest rooms and public spaces. That means furniture, flooring, lighting fixtures, and sometimes even layout elements may be upgraded or replaced to better meet modern standards and guest expectations.
At Kidani Village, Members and guests can expect:
- New Murphy-style pull-down beds, where space allows—already a favorite across many refreshed DVC resorts
- A brighter, more contemporary interior design, moving away from the darker tones the resort is known for
- Lobby and Community Hall updates to match the refreshed look and feel of the rooms
This refresh is part of a broader initiative to modernize Disney Vacation Club accommodations while still maintaining the rich thematic elements that Members love.
What Is the Official Animal Kingdom Refurbishment Timeline?
Disney has now confirmed the official timeline for the refurbishment of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas. Here’s what Members and Guests can expect:
“From October 2025 through May 2026, Guest rooms at Kidani Village at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge will undergo refurbishment, followed by refurbishment work at Jambo House from May 2026 through January 2027. During these times, Guests may see or hear construction work in the area. All amenities will remain available throughout the refurbishment.”
This aligns with earlier announcements and provides clear guidance for Members planning future stays. While the work is extensive, Disney is committed to minimizing disruption and ensuring that all resort amenities—including pools, dining, and transportation—remain fully operational throughout the project.
What About Jambo House?
As announced during the December 2024 Condo Association meeting, the refurbishment will be completed in two phases. Kidani Village is up first, and once that work concludes, Jambo House will undergo its own round of enhancements beginning in 2026.
Disney’s careful planning ensures that construction will minimize guest disruption and maintain the high-quality experience Members expect while updates are underway.
A Long-Awaited Update
Amy and I recently revisited Animal Kingdom Villas, and while the theming is as gorgeous and immersive as ever, it’s clear that the rooms are due for a refresh. We’re especially excited about the move toward brighter interiors—something that could help balance the resort’s earthy design with a more modern and welcoming aesthetic.
This refurbishment is an exciting step forward for one of Disney Vacation Club’s most uniquely themed resorts. As always, we’ll continue to monitor the progress of this project closely and keep our community updated every step of the way.
What do you hope to see included in the refurbishment? Let us know in the comments, and stay tuned to DVCFan.com and the DVC Fan Facebook Group for the latest updates!
Nancy Lilian
August 1, 2025Hello We love the Murphy beds at the Villas in CA, we are planning a trip to WDW in the next year (our second) could you tell me which DVC resorts have the Murphy beds now ? Thank you Nancy , Martinez CA
DVCmama
August 1, 2025Saratoga Springs, Grand Floridian, Contemporary, Poly, Beach Club, Boardwalk, Boulder Ridge and Copper Creek, Riviera, Cabins – pretty much everything except AKL and OKW!
Patti a A Smercani
August 1, 2025AKL is our first home resort, the other is Riviera. Love the murphy beds in Riviera, so can not wait to have murphy beds at AKL too. A brighter room will be nice also. I know the theme is dim, however to dim would love to actually see 🙂
Sue
August 1, 2025I will be very disappointed if they ruin the work Joe Rohde did to make this an immersive resort, including color palette of rooms – we love the darker woods. When I hear “brightening”, I really worry it will be one of the generic, uninspired updates that is making too many of the rooms look similar.
Joe from Jersey
August 1, 2025I absolutely agree. The theme is the major reason we own at AKV, and DVC in general. If I wanted to stay at a Hilton, I could do so for far less money. I’m fine with brightening things up a bit, but if it is at the cost of all of the character, that will be a big loss.
Michael Mick
August 1, 2025Agree %100. Please do not make this another Generic Hotel. No more beige bland Marriot or Vegas style room. Fingers crossed they won’t ruin the resort.
DVCmama
August 1, 2025While I agree it would be a huge shame to lose the unique beauty Rhode created, the rooms are in desperate need to help! We’ve had rooms with vents falling off the wall, cabinets off hinges, stained up couches, and the woodwork has taken a beating – beyond that what was intended to be the worn look. I am crossing my fingers for a great clean up that is somehow able to maintain the vibe of the current resort!
marymoo3
August 1, 2025Just checking out today and looking forward to the refurb. I paid attention to the colors and patterns used in the costumes and decor at Animal Kingdom park as a possible clue to what might be coming. I think bolder, brighter colors and patterns are on the way.
Ann Lowe
August 1, 2025So excited that these are finally getting a much needed refresh, but really hope the theming is still there! This is my favorite resort because you literally feel 1000 miles away from the chaos.
Peter
August 1, 2025They need colors that refer to the wonderful textile traditions of the many countries of Africa. Actually, colorful textiles themselves would be great, but Disney has really cut back on any inessential cloth, so I won’t expect it. They also need to eliminate any furniture in that plasticky, fake rough hewn finish in the chocolate milk color. Yes, brighten it up, but don’t make it generic, Disney. Please! And yes, Murphy beds!