Credit: DisneyIf you’ve been planning a Walt Disney World vacation for late January 2026, you might want to adjust your morning routine. The Disney Skyliner, that colorful gondola system that’s become such a beloved part of getting around the resort, has temporarily stopped running for its yearly checkup.
While this might sound like a hassle at first, it’s actually a smart move that keeps the system running smoothly for the millions of guests who rely on it throughout the year. Whether you’re staying at one of the connected resorts or just enjoy riding the Skyliner for the views, here’s everything you need to know about this week-long closure and how it affects your Disney vacation plans.
Disney Skyliner Closes for Week-Long Maintenance
The Disney Skyliner at Walt Disney World closed today for its annual maintenance period and will remain unavailable through January 31, 2026. The gondola transportation system connects several key locations across the resort, including EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and four popular resort hotels. During this closure, all Skyliner routes will be out of service as Disney performs routine inspections and necessary upkeep on the system.
This isn’t the first time the Skyliner has taken a brief break. Since 2022, Disney has scheduled these annual maintenance periods during January, typically one of the slower months for park attendance. The timing makes sense when you think about it. Fewer guests means less disruption, and tackling maintenance during the cooler winter months is easier on both the equipment and the crews doing the work.
How to Get Around Without the Skyliner
Guests staying at Disney’s Riviera Resort, Caribbean Beach Resort, Art of Animation Resort, and Pop Century Resort shouldn’t worry about being stranded. Disney has already implemented complimentary bus service to replace the Skyliner during the closure. These buses will run on the standard resort transportation schedules that regular Disney guests are already familiar with.
The bus service covers the same destinations you’d normally reach via Skyliner, primarily EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. While buses might take a bit longer than the direct gondola ride (especially during peak times), they’re reliable and comfortable. Most guests find that adding an extra 10 to 15 minutes to their travel time is a reasonable trade-off during this temporary period.
For those staying at Caribbean Beach Resort, the resort’s sprawling layout means internal bus stops will also be available, just as they are during normal operations. Riviera Resort guests will find buses convenient, though many have mentioned over the years how much they appreciate the Skyliner’s direct connection to EPCOT’s International Gateway entrance.
Planning Your Park Days During the Closure
If your vacation falls during this maintenance window, a few small adjustments to your daily plans can make everything run smoothly. Consider leaving your resort 15 to 20 minutes earlier than you normally would to account for the bus travel time. This is especially important if you have dining reservations or are trying to arrive at rope drop.
The Skyliner has always been popular for its quick connection between EPCOT and Hollywood Studios, a route that park-hoppers particularly love. Without it, you’ll want to use either the bus service or the Friendship boats that travel between the two parks. The boats offer a relaxing journey across Crescent Lake, though they make several stops along the way.
Why Annual Maintenance Matters
Think of the Skyliner maintenance like taking your car in for regular service. You wouldn’t skip oil changes just because your car seems to be running fine, and Disney applies the same logic to its transportation systems. The Skyliner carries thousands of guests every single day when it’s operational, traveling back and forth across the resort in all kinds of Florida weather.
During this downtime, Disney’s maintenance crews inspect the cabins, check the cable systems, examine the towers and stations, and make any necessary repairs or replacements. This preventive approach helps avoid unexpected breakdowns during busier times of the year when guests are counting on reliable transportation between parks and resorts.
When Will the Skyliner Reopen?
The Disney Skyliner is scheduled to resume normal operations on February 1, 2026. That means if you’re visiting in early February or later, you won’t experience any disruption to this transportation option. The system should be back to whisking guests through the air with those fantastic views of the resort.
For guests whose trips overlap with the closure, remember that this is temporary and relatively brief. One week out of the year is a small price to pay for a transportation system that works reliably the other 51 weeks. Plus, taking the bus gives you a different perspective of the resort and maybe some time to catch up on planning your day or just relax before the park excitement begins.
If you’re feeling bummed about missing out on the Skyliner experience during your trip, maybe it’s a good excuse to plan another visit later in the year. After all, there’s always a reason to come back to Disney World.
Got questions about how this affects your specific travel dates or which transportation options work best for your resort? Drop your thoughts in the comments. We’re here to help you figure out the best way to navigate the parks, Skyliner or not.