As Walt Disney World Resort celebrates 55 years since it first opened its doors on October 1, 1971, construction continues on one of its most iconic original structures: the Contemporary Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort.
A Multi-Year Project in Motion
This refurbishment traces back to September 2024, though work didn't reach the Contemporary Tower's exterior until this past summer. That's when scaffolding, scrim, and other construction materials first appeared along the Magic Kingdom-facing side of the building. Despite the project's extensive scope, Walt Disney World Resort intends for the facade to look largely the same once complete, as the work centers on restoring existing walls, windows, and balconies rather than redesigning the structure entirely.
Construction expanded to the Bay Lake-facing side of the tower just last month.
The Latest Phase of Construction
According to a WDWNT report from October 1, scaffolding has now spread into two additional architectural bays, pushing further toward the center of the building. While scaffolding on the left side of the structure remains unchanged, beige scrim fabric has since been added to cover several balconies in that section.
Green plastic barriers continue to block guest access near the active construction zone near the Convention Center, and hundreds of scaffolding pieces still sitting on the ground point to a refurbishment that remains far from finished on the Bay Lake side.
A Delayed Completion Date
This project's timeline has already shifted once. Originally slated for a July 2026 completion, Walt Disney World Resort now expects construction at Disney's Contemporary Resort to continue through “late 2027.” The resort's official website currently cautions guests:
“Through late 2027, refurbishment work will occur in phases throughout select areas of Disney's Contemporary Resort—including Bay Lake Tower and the Main Tower atrium. Additionally, Main Tower exterior maintenance may impact views from various locations throughout the Resort hotel and, at times, require alternate paths of travel. Guests may see or hear construction during daytime hours.”
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