Walt Disney World Resort is known for offering some of the most innovative and unique forms of transportation to its guests. From the iconic monorail system to the serene Friendship boats, Disney ensures that getting from one part of the resort to another is just as magical as the experiences within the parks themselves.
But one of the most recent additions, the Skyliner gondola system, has quickly become a favorite mode of transport for many visitors.
Related: Ten Crucial Rules Every Disney Guest Should Know BEFORE Riding the Monorail
Since its opening in 2019, the Skyliner has offered guests a scenic and efficient way to travel between key locations at Walt Disney World. With stops at the Caribbean Beach Resort, Art of Animation, Pop Century, and the Riviera Resort, as well as at EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, it provides a picturesque view of the resorts and surrounding areas, adding a unique dimension to the Disney experience.
The Skyliner has quickly become one of the most popular ways for guests to travel throughout the resort, providing spectacular views that no other mode of transportation can match.
However, like all of Disney’s attractions and systems, the Skyliner requires periodic maintenance to ensure it remains in top shape for guests. With its constant operation, wear and tear can accumulate, necessitating regular refurbishments.
Related: 10 Disney Skyliner Facts That Make It the Best Way to Travel at Walt Disney World
While the Skyliner has been up and running smoothly throughout most of the year, Disney has now officially announced that the gondola system will be undergoing a scheduled refurbishment early next year.
The Skyliner will be temporarily unavailable for all routes starting on January 26, 2026. However, the closure is expected to be a brief one, with the gondola system scheduled to reopen just a few days later, on February 1, 2026.
Disney assures guests that while the Skyliner is closed for maintenance, other forms of transportation, including buses, will still be available to guests staying at the affected resorts, such as the Caribbean Beach, Pop Century, Art of Animation, and Riviera Resort. The buses will provide direct access to EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, ensuring that visitors can still easily reach these popular destinations during the refurbishment.
While the announcement may come as a disappointment to some guests who rely on the Skyliner, especially during the busy summer and holiday seasons, the temporary closure should not impact their overall experience at the resort.
Disney World visitors are accustomed to maintenance closures and refurbishments across the resort, and the Skyliner’s quick turnaround time for repairs makes it an easy fix.
The Skyliner has become a beloved addition to Disney World’s transportation offerings, and it’s no surprise that many guests have grown fond of it. Whether you’re heading to the parks or simply enjoying the ride, the Skyliner is a must-do for many guests.
Are you a fan of gliding through the skies on the Disney Skyliner during your Walt Disney World visit? Which route is your favorite to take? Share your thoughts in the comments!
