The Disney Skyliner has become a favorite way to move between resorts and parks, so any downtime is worth planning around. Walt Disney World has now shared the dates for the gondola system’s 2028 refurbishment, giving guests plenty of lead time to adjust their travel plans. Here is what is happening, when, and how it affects your trip.
When the Skyliner Will Close
The Disney Skyliner will close for routine refurbishment from January 24 through January 30, 2027 from and January 24 through February 2, 2028. That gives crews just over a week to complete maintenance across the system before service resumes. If you have a trip booked during that window, factor the closure into how you plan to reach the parks each day.
Bus Service Steps In
During the closure, complimentary bus transportation will replace gondola service at every connected resort. That means you will still have a reliable way to reach EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, though travel times may run a little longer than a quick gondola hop. It helps to build in extra minutes for early morning arrivals or dining reservations.
Which Resorts Are Affected
The refurbishment touches the full Skyliner network, so guests at each of these properties should plan for buses instead of gondolas:
- Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
- Disney’s Beach Club Resort
- Disney’s Beach Club Villas
- Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
- Disney’s BoardWalk Inn
- Disney’s BoardWalk Villas
- Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
- Disney’s Pop Century Resort
- Disney’s Riviera Resort
If you are staying at any of these resorts and heading to EPCOT or Hollywood Studios, the bus will be your main option during the closure.
A Closer Look at the Skyliner
The Skyliner opened in 2019 and quickly became part of daily life for guests staying at the connected resorts. The line stretches nearly 3 miles and links Disney’s Hollywood Studios and EPCOT, with stops at resorts along the way. The gondolas travel at a top speed of 12 miles per hour, supported by 50 towers and 5 guest-loading stations.
The scale of the system explains why regular maintenance matters. More than 300 gondolas run on the line, and over 150 of them carry theming tied to more than 20 films and attractions. Since its debut, the Skyliner has logged well over 1,000,000 miles of travel. Keeping that kind of operation in good shape calls for scheduled attention.
Part of a Yearly Rhythm
This closure fits a pattern that has become predictable. Winter refurbishments now happen on a roughly annual basis, each lasting about a week to ten days. Looking at the recent schedule shows how consistent the timing has been:
- 2026: January 25 through 31
- 2027: January 24 through 30
- 2028: January 24 through February 2
Disney has again given guests well over a year of notice, which makes it easier to plan trips around the downtime. Late January has clearly settled in as the season for this work.
Final Thoughts
The 2028 Skyliner refurbishment is a routine maintenance window rather than a major disruption, and bus service will keep you moving throughout. If your trip lands between January 24 and February 2, 2028, plan for a bit of extra travel time and you will be set. With more than a year of advance notice, there is room to book around it or simply prepare for the temporary switch to buses.
Written by
Rachel Van Norman
Contributing Writer
Rachel fell deeply in love with all things Disney as a little girl. Now as a wife and a mother herself, she shares this Disney obsession with her son and everyone around her. From her love of princesses to eating all the Disney food, Rachel spends her time radiating Disney magic and keeping everyone up to date on Disney news.
