Walt Disney World’s Yacht Club Resorts to Undergo Dining Overhauls

Walt Disney World has quietly announced major multi-month closures at Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts – an overhaul touching two of the resort’s most cherished restaurants. Disney’s official resort notice (and reports from WDW News Today) confirm that Yachtsman Steakhouse (a signature fine-dining spot) will close in May 2026 for a substantial refresh, reopening by August 2026, and Crew’s Cup Lounge (a popular bar and lounge) will close February 23, 2026, reopening in May 2026. These back-to-back closures are part of a larger multi-year exterior refurbishment of the Yacht Club, which has involved room renovations and now extends to the resort’s dining venues.

The timing of the closures appears planned so that both venues are not closed simultaneously. As noted by Disney Tourist Blog, Crew’s Cup will shutter first in late February, then reopen as Yachtsman closes shortly afterwards. Both spots are connected by a shared kitchen at the Yacht Club, so staggering the work likely allows the restaurant’s infrastructure to be used continuously. Disney’s bulletin warned guests that, during this period, “guests may see or hear daytime work” in the resort. In other words, construction noise and equipment will be present during normal hours until each refresh is complete.

Yachtsman Steakhouse last had a minor refresh in 2021 (updating its nautical decor and menu). This new refurbishment is likely more extensive. Although Disney has not revealed details or new menus, fans speculate it could involve reimagining the dining rooms. Many guests have praised Crew’s Cup and Yachtsman as nearly perfect in ambiance, so opinions are mixed. The Disney Tourist Blog commentary expresses a bit of worry: “There’s no concept art for the new interiors... no guarantee of that, as they could also use runners from Ale & Compass… although the kitchen might not be upgraded during Yachtsman’s closure.” The blog mused that the closures could allow Walt Disney World to refresh these spaces with new design trends, since interior design has “evolved a lot” since Yachtsman’s last redo.

In practical terms, regular guests at the Yacht and Beach Club Resorts will need alternatives for dining. Disney reminded visitors that nearby restaurants remain available. During Yachtsman’s closure, guests can dine at Cap o’ Cape May Café (the Beach Club’s buffet), Ale & Compass (the Yacht Club’s more casual dining), and smaller venues like Beaches & Cream soda shop. Other options include BoardWalk’s Flying Fish or several restaurants in nearby EPCOT or Hollywood Studios, all accessible via the Skyliner or boat launch. Disney emphasizes that the closures are temporary and aim to improve guest experiences in the long run.

These announcements about Yacht Club dining came via Disney’s internal messaging and were picked up by park blogs. It is unusual for Disney to schedule such lengthy downtime for two popular venues, especially in an era of tight staffing. However, Walt Disney World has been investing heavily in resort maintenance. The Yacht Club overhaul itself – including the pool and porte-cochere – has been underway for many months. The dining closures simply appear to be the latest phase of making this area “refined and redone.” For now, Disney guests planning to stay at the Yacht or Beach Club later in 2026 should adjust expectations: Crew’s Cup Lounge will be unavailable March–May 2026, and Yachtsman Steakhouse will be closed May–Aug 2026.

Until next time, keep believing in magic. — Behind the Wish