Lengthy Bay Lake Tower Pool Refurbishment: What You Need to Know for 2026

Hey Disney Vacation Club Members! Not long after the year-long villa refurbishment wraps up at Bay Lake Tower, another major project is on the horizon. One of the most popular amenities at Bay Lake Tower is set to close for over three months. Yep, you heard that right—the Bay Lake Tower pool refurbishment is officially happening in 2026. Let’s break down what this means for you and your future Disney trips.

What’s Going Down: Pool Closure Details

Starting January 26, 2026, the entire courtyard pool complex at Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort is closing down. We’re talking about the whole shebang here: the Bay Cove Pool, the whirlpool spa, and even the kids’ water play area. This is a big deal since these areas are usually reserved exclusively for Bay Lake Tower guests, making them a special perk for anyone staying at this DVC gem.

The pool area will be closed until early May 2026, meaning guests will have to make some adjustments during their stays. But don’t worry, you won’t be left high and dry—more on that in a bit.

Why the Pool Refurbishment is Happening

This pool refurbishment is the second major project to hit Bay Lake Tower recently. The guest room refurbishment kicked off earlier this year and is slated to run through September 2025. Once the rooms get their refresh, Disney is shifting focus to the pool complex to ensure that every aspect of Bay Lake Tower meets their high standards.

It’s worth noting that Disney tends to schedule resort pool refurbishments during the winter months. However, what’s surprising this time is that two deluxe resort pools—Bay Lake Tower and Yacht and Beach Club’s Storm-A-Long Bay—are being worked on simultaneously. Disney usually spaces out these projects to minimize disruption for guests. But 2026 seems to be the year of resort upgrades, so plan accordingly!

How Will This Impact Your Stay?

If you’re staying at Bay Lake Tower during the pool refurbishment, you won’t be completely out of luck. Disney’s got your back with alternative swimming options. During the closure, guests will still have access to:

• Contemporary Resort’s Main Pool: This classic pool area offers plenty of space for families to relax and enjoy some swim time.
• Bay Lake Pool: Also located at the Contemporary Resort, this pool is a great alternative if you’re looking for a quieter swim experience.

These backup options ensure you’ll still have a place to cool off and unwind during your stay. While it’s not the same as having the Bay Cove Pool right outside your villa, it’s nice to know there are solid alternatives.

Timing and Potential Disruptions

The pool refurbishment is expected to start just weeks after the villa renovation wraps up in September 2025. With crews having already started on the interior of Bay Lake Tower, the resort will likely see some ongoing disruptions over the next year and a half. Here’s what you can expect:

• Elevator Banks: Occasional closures of one of the two elevator banks are expected as part of the villa refurbishment.
• Skybridge: The skybridge connecting Bay Lake Tower to the A-frame Contemporary might also face intermittent closures.

Keep these potential disruptions in mind when planning your stay. It’s a good idea to keep an eye on Disney’s official channels for the latest updates.

Why Winter?

If you’re wondering why Disney chose to refurbish the Bay Lake Tower pool during these months, it’s because winter is considered the “off-season” for pool use. Even in Florida’s relatively mild climate, guest demand for pool time drops, making it the perfect window for maintenance work.

But tackling two deluxe pool refurbishments at once? That’s definitely out of the ordinary. It could mean Disney is aiming to have all their deluxe resorts in tip-top shape for 2027 and the opening of the Magic Kingdom expansion.

Key Takeaways

• The Bay Lake Tower pool refurbishment starts January 26, 2026, and runs through early May 2026.
• The pool complex closure includes the Bay Cove Pool, whirlpool spa, and kids’ water play area.
• Guests will still have access to the Contemporary Resort’s main pool and Bay Lake Pool during the closure.
• The pool closure follows the completion of Bay Lake Tower’s year-long villa renovation, which ends in September 2025.
• 2026 marks a rare year when Disney is working on two deluxe resort pools at the same time, including Storm-A-Long Bay at Yacht and Beach Club.

Final Thoughts

The Bay Lake Tower pool refurbishment is a significant change for guests planning their Disney vacations in early 2026. While the closure might seem like a hassle, it’s all part of Disney’s commitment to keeping their resorts top-notch. With alternative pools available and the prospect of a fresh, upgraded pool complex later in the year, it’s not all bad news.

If you’re a frequent Disney guest or a DVC member planning a stay during this period, keep these updates in mind and plan accordingly. And as always, be prepared for a bit of pixie dust to come your way—Disney’s been known to offer some magical compensations during refurbishments.

By the time summer 2026 rolls around, Bay Lake Tower will be sporting not just newly refurbished rooms, but a refreshed pool complex ready to welcome guests back to the magic.

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Meet the Author: Nate Bishop

I’m a die-hard Disney fan with 38 years of visits under my belt, having stepped into Disney World 120+ times. Proud to be a Disney Annual Passholder, a Vacation Club member since ’92, a Castaway Club Member, and a runDisney enthusiast. Oh, and I’ve graduated from the Disney College of Knowledge. Need Disney insights or planning tips? I’m your guy!