Disney Skyliner Refurb 2025

[honeymo78]

So what are everyone's contingency plans if the skyline closure impacts their visit? Switch resorts? Alternate transportation? Just accept and take the bus?

I'm contemplating my own options as I wait for some news!

We will just take the bus to HS. Since we prefer to enter Epcot from IG, we will likley take Uber/Lyft to the Swan when heading in and from BC or BW when leaving.

 

[Griffin11]

I just took the bus. From riviera there’s only one bus stop area so it isn’t challenging and that time of the year isn’t super busy. But uts like any form of transportation at Disney you need to plan some time to accommodate it. I don’t know why people get so weird about (not you) the buses when they’re free. Just plan ahead account for travel time. Maybe it’s because I live in Los Angeles and deal with traffic that I’m immune to the travel time.

Ya, I don't mind the bus, but it might change our plans quite a bit. We are trying park hoppers this trip for the first time because I thought it would be an easy trip to HS or Epcot in the evenings after an afternoon break at CBR, but maybe not quite so easy with buses.

I was able to book a discount at CBR so I probably wouldn't switch resorts, but might drop the park hoppers.

 

[CoachBeard]

Ya, I don't mind the bus, but it might change our plans quite a bit. We are trying park hoppers this trip for the first time because I thought it would be an easy trip to HS or Epcot in the evenings after an afternoon break at CBR, but maybe not quite so easy with buses.

I was able to book a discount at CBR so I probably wouldn't switch resorts, but might drop the park hoppers.

It's not as bad as you might think. I travel solo so it may be slightly easier but I tend to have an afternoon break and then end up at Epcot or Springs most evenings. Worst case just take a ride share they can pick you up right in the parking lot of your building. I just mocked up a Lyft from Aruba building 51-53 to Epcot main entrance and it was $8.80. Good luck and have a great trip!

 

[Northern Disney Girl]

I just took the bus. From riviera there’s only one bus stop area so it isn’t challenging and that time of the year isn’t super busy. But uts like any form of transportation at Disney you need to plan some time to accommodate it. I don’t know why people get so weird about (not you) the buses when they’re free. Just plan ahead account for travel time. Maybe it’s because I live in Los Angeles and deal with traffic that I’m immune to the travel time.

I get it, the skyliner is an attraction in itself. I really enjoy my quiet time up in the air just watching the view change.

I will admit there have been ends of the night where a $20 Lyft was a treat and worth it.

I have thought a lot about this & truthfully, I do not at all mind riding the buses.

My 2 biggest reasons for staying at a Skyliner resort (POP) are 1) IG access to Epcot - currently, with TT down, the 2 biggest rides in Epcot are at the back of the park. Direct IG access combined with Early Entry, it's possible to knock those out rather quickly and then move on to the front of the park. 2) Easy access to several other resorts (CBR, RIV, YC/BC/BWI) Having the Skyliner access to these resorts gives one many more options for shopping, dining and resort activities without first having to do the "bus to a park and then transfer to another bus to get to the other resort" thing.

Not sure what I will decide to do if the Skyliner is down at the end of January when I am there - definitely will not be changing resorts. I suppose I will just ride the bus and try the Early Entry Rope Drop experience from the front of the park. I will need to shift my non park day plans as well as typically, I spend a lot of time riding the skyliner to those nearby resorts and just wander and explore.

 

[Galexia]

I was hoping to switch to POFQ should the Skyliner close during my stay, but sadly it has no availability for my dates.
Depending on buses alone from CBR does bother me a little although it won't ruin my holiday!

 

[HyperspaceMountainPilot]

I was hoping to switch to POFQ should the Skyliner close during my stay, but sadly it has no availability for my dates.
Depending on buses alone from CBR does bother me a little although it won't ruin my holiday!

It’s still not been announced yet, right? They are having MM event the weekend it has typically been down for the past few years, which I thought was curious.

 

[Galexia]

It’s still not been announced yet, right? They are having MM event the weekend it has typically been down for the past few years, which I thought was curious.

No dates have been announced yet but should be in the next couple of weeks, fingers crossed!

 

[Lorana]

I just took the bus. From riviera there’s only one bus stop area so it isn’t challenging and that time of the year isn’t super busy. But uts like any form of transportation at Disney you need to plan some time to accommodate it. I don’t know why people get so weird about (not you) the buses when they’re free. Just plan ahead account for travel time. Maybe it’s because I live in Los Angeles and deal with traffic that I’m immune to the travel time.

I get it, the skyliner is an attraction in itself. I really enjoy my quiet time up in the air just watching the view change.

I will admit there have been ends of the night where a $20 Lyft was a treat and worth it.

I don't mind buses (my two favorite resorts are Wilderness Lodge and Animal Kingdom Lodge, for example), but when I stay at Riviera, I'm doing so for the convenience of the Skyliner, as I'm usually staying there to hit EPCOT (and specifically the International Showcase and Festivals) and Hollywood Studios. If I'm going to take buses, I will stay at another resort I love more where I have to take buses anyway.

 

[scrappinginontario]

Refurbishment dates for 2024 were announced Oct 25, 2023. I would anticipate hearing the 2025 dates sometime next week.

 

[nherbert]

Just getting this thread back on page 1. Here’s hoping for some news this week.

 

[CoachBeard]

Refurbishment dates for 2024 were announced Oct 25, 2023. I would anticipate hearing the 2025 dates sometime next week.

That timeline is fair but it stinks for those of us who plan our trip 11 months out or so. But, hey, it needs to get done right?

 

[nherbert]

Well they have announced FoA starts on the 17th Jan, which is a week later than last year. Not sure what that means for skyliner, maybe it is not going to close this year??

 

[Dave006]

Well they have announced FoA starts on the 17th Jan, which is a week later than last year. Not sure what that means for skyliner, maybe it is not going to close this year??

It really means nothing as far as the timing of the Maintenance schedule of the Skyliner. They really have no choice since the Skyliner needs an annual maintenance window. January is still considered the slowest period.

With the changes in the crowds in August maybe they can start a shift to an August maintenance window but it can't happen overnight.

Dave

 

[nherbert]

It really means nothing as far as the timing of the Maintenance schedule of the Skyliner. They really have no choice since the Skyliner needs an annual maintenance window. January is still considered the slowest period.

With the changes in the crowds in August maybe they can start a shift to an August maintenance window but it can't happen overnight.

Dave

Ok, I will continue to selfishly hope it is the week before FoA but after the marathon, when I am on my cruise

 

[Griffin11]

Last year they announced the skyliner refurbishment dates on Oct 25, which was a Wednesday. Today is a Wednesday!

Am I over-analyzing as I wait? Definitely.

It's frustrating that they have announced things like resort pool closures for 2026 but nothing on the skyliner closures in early 2025.

 

[Lorana]

Last year they announced the skyliner refurbishment dates on Oct 25, which was a Wednesday. Today is a Wednesday!

Am I over-analyzing as I wait? Definitely.

It's frustrating that they have announced things like resort pool closures for 2026 but nothing on the skyliner closures in early 2025.

So much this! It’s 3 months away. Surely they know by now. I’d like to stop worrying if this will impact my vacation or not.

 

[Northern Disney Girl]

Tomorrow is the 25th…. Keeping everything crossed for some news

 

[CoachBeard]

Tomorrow is the 25th…. Keeping everything crossed for some news

Well, the day’s not over just yet…

 

[Griffin11]

I am very surprised we haven't heard any news yet. Surely they are going to announce something by the end of the month?

Disney must know they're bound to have some unhappy guests whenever the skyliner is closed, but you're going to have more unhappy people the longer you wait to announce a closure. So I can't see why they would be waiting unless they truly haven't finalized the dates yet.

I have given up on potentially switching resorts based on whether or not the skyliner is closed for my dates, but I would at least like to plan out my dining (which will be mostly along the skyliner route if it's open).

 

[muppets3d]

I'm planning on staying via DVC at RIV Jan 16-21, so I really want to know when the Refurb is and whether I should move hotels. There's no point IMHO at staying at RIV if the Skyliner is not available.

I agree - I was at Riviera during the skyliner refubishment this year and it was a drag. In my opinion, Riviera in January is not the move.