Temporary Closure of the Disney Skyliner for Maintenance in January 2026



Disney Skyliner

The Disney Skyliner has become a key transit option for guests moving between resorts and parks at Walt Disney World. Its convenience, picturesque views, and consistent operation make it a preferred choice for many visitors. However, like any transportation system, periodic maintenance is required to ensure safety and efficiency.

Skyliner Maintenance Schedule

Closure Begins

January 25th, 2026

Closure Ends

January 31st, 2026

From January 25th through 31st, 2026, the Disney Skyliner will undergo scheduled maintenance, temporarily affecting service. For guests planning trips during this period, understanding the closure’s implications and available alternatives is essential. Below, we outline the details and provide helpful information to ensure a smooth visit.

Specifics of the Skyliner Closure

Gondola leaving skyliner station at Disney World

The 2026 maintenance period will take place over the last week of January, from January 25th through January 31st. During this time, all lines of the Skyliner transportation system will be non-operational. This temporary closure impacts guests staying at resorts directly connected to the Skyliner and those utilizing it to access EPCOT or Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Resorts and Parks Affected

The resorts connected to the Skyliner that will be impacted include the following:

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

Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts who may utilize the Skyliner for park access will also need to be aware of the service disruption. This closure affects travel to both EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, often favored destinations along the Skyliner route.

Transportation Alternatives During the Maintenance Period

Disney's large bus system is accessible to guests with mobility issues.

To mitigate the impact of the closure, Disney will provide bus transportation from all affected resorts to both EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. These buses will run on a regular schedule, ensuring guests have a reliable means of reaching the parks and other key locations.

If you are staying at an impacted resort during the maintenance period, it’s recommended to factor in extra travel time for buses, as demand may increase due to the Skyliner service being unavailable.

Precedents for Skyliner Maintenance

Routine maintenance on the Skyliner has been a standard practice since the system’s introduction. Similar closures have occurred in January of previous years, including 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024. Typically lasting about a week, these scheduled downtimes ensure that the Skyliner continues to operate safely and efficiently for guests throughout the remainder of the year.

It is important to note that while planned schedules are shared in advance, maintenance timelines can vary. Some sections of the Skyliner may reopen sooner or later than anticipated depending on the nature of the work being performed.

Conclusion

The Disney Skyliner closure from January 25th – 31st, 2026, is part of essential maintenance designed to maintain the transportation system’s reliability and guest experience. While the temporary pause in Skyliner operations may require adjustments to travel routines, the availability of bus transportation provides a dependable alternative.

For more updates on the latest developments at Walt Disney World, stay tuned to the DVC Shop blog and subscribe to our newsletter to get our latest articles delivered to your inbox.

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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.

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