Skyliner Refurbishment Jan. 25-31, 2026

[mrsap]

Heads up for those booking Skyliner Resorts for January 2026.

Disney Skyliner Refurbishment Scheduled for Late January 2026

The Disney Skyliner at Walt Disney World Resort will close for a short refurbishment in early 2026.

According to Disney, the Skyliner will close for routine maintenance from January 25-31, 2026. During the closure, guests are encouraged to utilize Disney’s complimentary bus service.

 

[Dave006]

Oh no here we go with the posts about why can't they do this work in the summer or any other time of the year. Why does the entire Skyliner need to be down for 7 days? Can't they just shutdown small sections at a time?

Dave

 

[Dug720]

Oh no here we go with the posts about why can't they do this work in the summer or any other time of the year. Why does the entire Skyliner need to be down for 7 days? Can't they just shutdown small sections at a time?

Dave

At least they announced it before the rooms go on sale (well, I guess other than Riviera villas booked on points by owners) so we don't have to deal with the "what resort should I change my reservation to??" and "they should have announced this earlier" whining.

 

[Smugpugmug]

At least they announced it before the rooms go on sale (well, I guess other than Riviera villas booked on points by owners) so we don't have to deal with the "what resort should I change my reservation to??" and "they should have announced this earlier" whining.

I see those questions + additional whining about the Stormalong Bay closure and they announced that like a year in advance. People just love to complain.

 

[TJLogan]

At least they announced it before the rooms go on sale (well, I guess other than Riviera villas booked on points by owners) so we don't have to deal with the "what resort should I change my reservation to??" and "they should have announced this earlier" whining.

The first time we ever visited WDW in January was a few years ago. It was well after we booked our stay at Art of Animation that we were notified about the skyliner being down for refurbishment. I wasn’t happy. I'm not a regular visitor to WDW at all and had never been on the skyliner before, nor did I know about refurbishment schedules. I was scolded by some members of another forum for not being aware in advance -it was like eye roll everyone knows the skyliner is closed in January duh!

 

[Dug720]

The first time we ever visited WDW in January was a few years ago. It was well after we booked our stay at Art of Animation that we were notified about the skyliner being down for refurbishment. I wasn’t happy. I'm not a regular visitor to WDW at all and had never been on the skyliner before, nor did I know about refurbishment schedules. I was scolded by some members of another forum for not being aware in advance -it was like eye roll everyone knows the skyliner is closed in January duh!

My point is this time they announced it before rooms go on sale. In the past they didn't and so yes, people had booked and were then informed.

There should be a statement on the affected resorts once they are on sale. If someone chooses to not read that, then that is on them. If someone uses a travel agent who doesn't inform them of that, they should get a new travel agent.

 

[CoachBeard]

I found this while looking for the thread related to this year where there was no real announcement. This is PERFECT! I leave WDW on the 25th and stay at Riviera from the 18 - 25.

In 2024 I was able to ride the skyliner for a few days of my trip, but the last 2 nights while staying at Riviera, it was closed for maintenance and I couldn't utilize the convenience of it so I am so stoked that I am missing the downtime for my next trip! When I booked my 2024 rooms in 2023 I had no idea about the maintenance. it was fine overall and I wouldn't switch hotels or anything but I do love the skyline, it is like a ride to me more than a form of transport.

 

[buzzrelly]

I just got an email from Disney about this since we have a stay booked at BCV 1/27-2/1/26.

At first I was a little bummed but now I'm thinking this is a blessing for those of us staying at BC/YC and Boardwalk, correct? The International Gateway entrance at Rope Drop will be way less crowded? I'm okay with walking or taking the boat to DHS. I do feel bad for the people staying at RIV/POP/AOA/CBR though.

 

[Dave006]

At first I was a little bummed but now I'm thinking this is a blessing for those of us staying at BC/YC and Boardwalk, correct?

Yes it is very good news for guests staying around Crescent lake that want to enjoy a more leisurely entry and exit at the IG.

Dave

 

[SL6827]

I wonder if Disney might offer more discounts, or higher discounts at CBR that particular week when the Skyliner is down? Perhaps the resort might be less crowded that week? For some people who won't ride the Skyliner, having busses for Epcot and HS is a plus.

 

[dansdad]

I wonder if Disney might offer more discounts, or higher discounts at CBR that particular week when the Skyliner is down?

They have yet to do that and I would be shocked if they did. They never offer discounts during resort renovations, pool closures, etc.

 

[hardcorestitch]

I see those questions + additional whining about the Stormalong Bay closure and they announced that like a year in advance. People just love to complain.

At the end of the day, NOT EVERYONE CAN BE SATISFIED AT ONCE… even I didn’t make ambiguous complaints over Test Track being down when I visited EPCOT last week. Those people definitely need to make their needed adjustments, as there’s always something amazing to enjoy in the resort.

As the owners have stated, WDW will “never be completed”.

 

[purple figment]

I wonder if Disney might offer more discounts, or higher discounts at CBR that particular week when the Skyliner is down?

Probably not since they announced the Skyliner refurb earlier this year and its near the top of the booking page for the resorts that would be impacted so you would know about the closure before booking the resort.

 

[SL6827]

Probably not since they announced the Skyliner refurb earlier this year and its near the top of the booking page for the resorts that would be impacted so you would know about the closure before booking the resort.

Right, but if people book elsewhere because of the closure, they might need to offer better discounts that week. But you never know.

 

[SL6827]

Regardless though, maintence is important and necessary!

 

[dansdad]

Right, but if people book elsewhere because of the closure, they might need to offer better discounts that week. But you never know.

True, they might. But they never have before.

 

[VGCgroupie]

Skyliner refurbs usually end on time?

 

[dansdad]

Skyliner refurbs usually end on time?

Yes.

 

[VGCgroupie]

Yes.

Awesome. Thanks!

 

[Simba's Mom]

I just got an email from Disney about this since we have a stay booked at BCV 1/27-2/1/26.

At first I was a little bummed but now I'm thinking this is a blessing for those of us staying at BC/YC and Boardwalk, correct? The International Gateway entrance at Rope Drop will be way less crowded? I'm okay with walking or taking the boat to DHS. I do feel bad for the people staying at RIV/POP/AOA/CBR though.

I also have a stay booked at BCV 1/27-2/4, yet I haven't gotten an Email from Disney about it. But you bring up a very good point about Rope Drop, especially EEH.

I do have a question. What are the chances of the Skyway reopening a day or two early? In past refurbishments, has it been closed or reopened on the final day listed? I wanted to go to Riviera for breakfast at Primo Platto (keep meaning to try the lemon-blueberry pancakes), and wanted to do it over the weekend. But the refurbishment is listed thru the weekend. Any hope for it reopening early?