This post is all about the Disney Skyliner and the upcoming refurbishment.
From time to time, certain maintenance is required to keep Disney’s amenities and offerings updated. As part of these efforts, from January 25, 2026, through January 31, 2026, Disney Skyliner will be closed for refurbishment. Complimentary bus service will be available throughout the closure.
What Is the Disney Skyliner?
The Disney Skyliner is a way to glide across the sky and add an extra dash of pixie dust to your day. This grand, state-of-the-art gondola system conveniently connects Disney’s Hollywood Studios and International Gateway at EPCOT to the following Disney Resort hotels:
- Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
- Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
- Disney’s Pop Century Resort
- Disney’s Riviera Resort
Guests will be able to enjoy a fun way to travel between International Gateway at EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Plus, the Disney Skyliner station at International Gateway at EPCOT is conveniently located just a short stroll away from Disney’s BoardWalk entertainment district, Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, Disney’s Beach Club Resort and Disney’s BoardWalk Inn.
Some of the gondolas are adorned with iconic Disney Characters, figures from Disney attractions and film favorites, which makes getting around even more magical as Guests enjoy breathtaking vistas over and between each of these enchanting locations!
Please Note: Guests travelling on the Disney Skyliner will not be able to access the EPCOT parking lot after EPCOT has closed for the day. If you are attempting to return to your parked car, please use alternate transportation such as a Disney bus.
Hours of Operation
- Disney Skyliner will be available each day one hour before Early Theme Park Entry begins at EPCOT or Disney’s Hollywood Studios
- Disney Skyliner will close each day 90 minutes after EPCOT or Disney’s Hollywood Studios closes
- On nights when EPCOT offers Extended Evening Hours, Disney Skyliner will close one hour after they close*
*During this time, Disney Skyliner will only offer transportation to Disney’s Riviera Resort from EPCOT International Gateway. The route that moves between Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, Disney’s Pop Century Resort and Disney’s Art of Animation Resort will be unavailable.
What Does This Skyliner Refurbishment Mean for You
As stated above, there are four Disney resorts on the Skyliner: Art of Animation, Caribbean Beach, Pop Century, and Riviera. If you have reservations at one of these resorts for that last week of January 2026, this could impact your stay. If you are looking to use Disney’s complimentary transportation, your only option at those resorts is the Disney bus system.
Disney’s buses are our LAST choice when using Disney transportation. Most of the time, we don’t have trouble with bus wait times, bus crowding, or the bus ride duration. However, this is a hit-or-miss situation and you should plan accordingly. Allow extra time to get to the bus stops. Assume that it will take longer than you think to get to your destination.
On our most recent visit to Disney World, we stayed in Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort specifically to take advantage of the Skyliner. We requested a room as close as possible to the Skyliner station situated next to Disney Riviera Resort (and we got it!). It was super convenient and a very short walk.
If you do not have reservations for that week but are considering coming for that week for a stay at one of the four Skyliner resorts, plan accordingly. We are coming again but will be skipping that week for sure. The buses will likely be more crowded that week with the overflow from the Skyliner.
We can help you find the perfect accommodations for your next Disney trip. Give us a holler through our request/info form and let’s get the magic started for your enchanted vacation!
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