The Disney Skyliner Just Shut Down for a Week—And If You’re Staying at These 4 Resorts, Your Commute Just Got Much Longer

If you woke up at Disney World this morning planning to hop on the Skyliner to EPCOT or Hollywood Studios, we’ve got bad news.

The Disney Skyliner closed today—January 25, 2026—and won’t reopen until February 1. That’s a full week without gondola service, and if you’re staying at one of the four Skyliner resorts, your park transportation just became significantly less convenient.

According to WDW Magic, this annual refurbishment closure affects all routes connecting EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and the four Skyliner resort hotels. Disney is providing complimentary bus service as an alternative, but anyone who’s used both systems knows they’re not exactly equivalent.

Which Resorts Are Affected?

The Skyliner closure impacts guests staying at:

• Disney’s Riviera Resort
• Caribbean Beach Resort
• Art of Animation Resort
• Pop Century Resort

If you’re at any of these resorts between now and January 31, you’ll need to rely on bus transportation to reach EPCOT and Hollywood Studios. The buses run on standard resort transportation schedules, so you’ll still get where you need to go—it just won’t be as fast or convenient as the Skyliner.

Why This Matters

Here’s the thing about the Skyliner: when it’s running, it’s one of the best transportation options at Disney World. It’s faster than buses, more reliable than the monorail (which has had its own share of closures), and you get spectacular aerial views of the resort area while you travel.

The Skyliner also eliminates one of the biggest frustrations of Disney transportation—waiting. Buses can take 20+ minutes to arrive, and if one is full, you’re waiting for the next one. The Skyliner has continuous loading with gondolas arriving every few seconds, so wait times are minimal.

Switching to buses for a week means losing all of those advantages. You’re back to checking bus arrival times, potentially waiting in long queues (especially during peak morning and evening hours), and dealing with slower point-to-point travel times.

For guests who specifically chose a Skyliner resort because of the transportation convenience, this closure can feel like a significant downgrade—even if it’s only temporary.

What to Expect During the Closure

If you’re at Disney World this week, here’s what you need to know:

Bus service is complimentary. Disney isn’t charging extra or requiring you to arrange your own transportation. The buses will be running throughout the closure period.

Bus stops are clearly marked. Use the same bus stops typically designated for Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom service.

Plan for extra travel time. Buses take longer than the Skyliner, especially if you just miss one. Add at least 15-20 minutes to your usual travel time to avoid missing dining reservations or Lightning Lane return windows.

EPCOT and Hollywood Studios are both affected. You can’t use the Skyliner to get to either park, and you also can’t use it to travel between the two parks. If you’re park-hopping between EPCOT and Hollywood Studios, you’ll need to take a bus or use a rideshare service.

This Happens Every Year

The good news—if you can call it that—is that this closure isn’t a surprise. Disney has closed the Skyliner every January since 2022 for routine inspections and maintenance. It’s part of the regular upkeep schedule to keep the system running safely and efficiently throughout the year.

The closures are typically short (this year’s is seven days) and always happen during a lower-traffic period. January is one of the slower months at Disney World, so fewer guests are impacted than if this happened during spring break, summer, or the holidays.

Still, if you happen to be visiting this week and you chose a Skyliner resort specifically for the transportation, the timing probably doesn’t feel particularly convenient.

What About Future Closures?

If you’re planning a trip for early 2027, take note: the Skyliner is already scheduled for another refurbishment closure from January 24-30, 2027. Disney tends to stick to a consistent maintenance schedule, so expect similar week-long closures every January going forward.

If Skyliner access is a priority for your trip, avoid booking the last week of January at any of the four Skyliner resorts. Or at minimum, factor in the bus transportation when planning your daily park schedule.

The Bottom Line

The Disney Skyliner closure is inconvenient, but it’s also necessary. Regular maintenance keeps the system running smoothly and safely for the millions of guests who use it each year.

If you’re at Disney World this week, adjust your expectations, leave a little extra time for transportation, and remember that the buses will get you where you need to go—even if the journey isn’t quite as scenic as a gondola ride over the Caribbean Beach Resort lagoon.

And if you’re planning a future trip, now you know: avoid late January if the Skyliner is a must-have for your vacation.