Walt Disney World will shut the Skyliner gondola system for routine upkeep in 2027. This publish covers refurbishment dates and particulars, why we wouldn’t guide an impacted lodge, really helpful resort alternate options–plus why it’s nice to see Disney “repair” the dearth of discover offered previously.
We wish to begin with kudos to Walt Disney World for offering ample advance discover of this routine refurbishment. The 2026 Skyliner closure was introduced again in mid-April of this 12 months. Now, the 2027 closure is being scheduled a full sixteen (16) months upfront. That is the way it needs to be performed.
Notably, this stands in sharp distinction to final 12 months’s closure, which was introduced on October 25, 2023–lower than 3 months upfront and lengthy after most company had booked lodge reservations. That last-minute closure brought on frustration amongst Walt Disney World trip planners, a lot of whom premium pricing to remain at Skyliner resorts…to make use of the Skyliner. Clearly!
It’s nice to see the corporate announce this Skyliner refurbishment comparatively early, lengthy earlier than 2027 Walt Disney World trip packages are even obtainable for reserving. Kudos to Disney on listening to visitor suggestions and shifting this announcement ahead.
The final closure by no means ought to’ve been introduced as late as October within the first place. Nonetheless, we have been extremely crucial of that tardy discover, so it’s solely applicable to supply reward after they take heed to visitor suggestions and repair points.
This routine downtime of the “Most Magical Flight on Earth” impacts the entire Skyliner routes and resorts in January 2027.
These gondolas service two Walt Disney World theme parks (Hollywood Studios and EPCOT) plus 4 resorts (Artwork of Animation & Pop Century, Caribbean Seashore, plus Riviera Resort & Caribbean Seashore once more) by way of 5 stations.
The Skyliner will get preventative upkeep nearly yearly at about the identical time nearly yearly, the length of which and strategy (all strains without delay or in phases) has various from 12 months to 12 months. The excellent news is that the 2027 closure is as soon as once more comparatively transient–it’s one of many shortest closures that Disney and Doppelmayr have performed for the reason that Skyliner gondolas opened.
Right here’s the announcement from Walt Disney World:
Now and again, sure upkeep is required to maintain our facilities and choices up to date. As a part of these efforts, from January 24, 2027, by means of January 30, 2027, Disney Skyliner might be closed for refurbishment. Complimentary bus service might be obtainable.
Throughout the Skyliner refurbishment, Walt Disney World will provide bus service between the impacted resorts and the parks. Hopefully, this implies elevated frequency, as our previous expertise utilizing and testing bus routes between the Skyliner resorts and parks left rather a lot to be desired.
Wanting ahead to early 2028, an identical Skyliner closure throughout roughly the identical date vary is feasible–maybe possible. However as this 12 months demonstrates, there’s no assure of that. It’s additionally potential that Disney and Doppelmayr will be capable to do preventative upkeep after hours.
Since previous precedent suggests that is annual preventative upkeep for the Skyliner, listed here are historic dates for the gondolas refurbishment:
- Winter 2027: Skyliner system-wide closure January 24-30, 2027
- Winter 2026: Skyliner system-wide closure January 25-31, 2026
- Winter 2025: No closure
- Winter 2024: Routes in phases from January 16-26.
- Winter 2023: Skyliner system-wide closure January 22-29.
- Winter 2022: Skyliner system-wide closure January 23-28.
- Winter 2021: Skyliner particular person routes closed for single-day downtime between January 24 and 28.
- Winter 2020: No Skyliner closure–it was only some months outdated!
Based on the DTB Archives, the 2021-2023 closures have been all introduced between early Could and mid-August. However our view is that 2026-2027 have established precedent, which is to announce dates earlier than the annual product launch. So not essentially ~10-16 months, however greater than 3-6 months!
Our robust advice can be to not keep in a Skyliner resort through the late January refurbishment in 2026 or 2027. The explanation for that is fairly easy: the entire Skyliner resorts have a big pricing premium because of the gondola service.
That week tends to be a slower time at Walt Disney World for crowds, so we’re not suggesting that you just keep away from touring that week (on the contrary, the dates in query come shut to creating our checklist of the Greatest Weeks to Go to Walt Disney World in 2026 & 2027). Simply that you just keep away from staying in Skyliner resorts throughout these dates.
One other factor to notice is that though crowds are typically low to reasonable in late January, lodge occupancy is excessive. In truth, this has turn out to be one of the fashionable occasions of the 12 months for on-site resorts, which is mirrored in availability. Clearly, you’ve gotten loads of time to get your geese in a row for 2027 (clearly, since bookings aren’t even open), however we’d suggest reserving Winter 2026 ASAP. Ideally, earlier than the subsequent spherical of particular provides is launched.
When you may suppose it’s unimaginable to quantify what every amenity really contributes to the rack charges at every resort, this isn’t merely conjecture on our half. Except for Riviera, the entire different resorts pre-date the Skyliner, so it’s totally potential to trace their pricing each earlier than and after the Skyliner.
Each single lodge has gone up in worth since 2019. That is true each by way of rack charges and in terms of efficient pricing after reductions. The 2 greatest ‘offenders’ in all of Walt Disney World by way of share value will increase are Pop Century and Caribbean Seashore. That is significantly pronounced at Caribbean Seashore, which went from being one in every of Walt Disney World’s extra aggressively discounted resorts to being one of the fashionable.
One widespread query we get every time the subject of the Skyliner refurbishment comes up is whether or not Walt Disney World will provide extra aggressive reductions throughout these dates at impacted resorts. Up to now, the reply has been a powerful NO! That is the most cost effective rack price timeframe and highest occupancy season, and people two components colliding imply that these resorts are more likely to promote out with out deeper reductions as a consequence of Skyliner downtime.
The value distinction between Caribbean Seashore and Coronado Springs or Port Orleans Riverside is typically over $100 per night time. Not often through the winter price season, nevertheless it does occur (it’ll most likely be extra like a $30-40/night time distinction after reductions).
This didn’t was once the case–one of many causes we began reserving CBR was that it was usually the most cost effective Average, with Coronado Springs being priciest as a result of it was the “conference resort.” Now, I’ve been in a position to rating Gran Destino Tower every now and then for about the identical quantity as Caribbean Seashore–or the outer buildings for a lot much less.
There are parallels between Caribbean Seashore and Coronado Springs–each added fancy towers and upscale facilities–so the distinction maker appears to be the Skyliner. The outer buildings at Coronado Springs haven’t gone up an excessive amount of in worth and provide nice bang for buck. Not solely that, however they’re continuously deeply discounted and slower to guide up.
Level being, if you happen to’re visiting Walt Disney World through the Skyliner closure, we suggest staying elsewhere. Be aware that this advice solely applies to Disney’s Riviera Resort, Caribbean Seashore, Pop Century, and Artwork of Animation.
Disney’s Yacht & Seashore Membership Resorts, BoardWalk Inn, Swan & Dolphin, and Swan Reserve are technically serviced by the Skyliner at EPCOT’s Worldwide Gateway. So you might take that to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and we all know many company who do.
We’d by no means suggest doing that. Strolling to Worldwide Gateway after which transferring at Caribbean Seashore after which taking the Skyliner to Disney’s Hollywood Studios is often slower than taking a ship or strolling. Belief us, we’ve performed a head-to-head “race.” Our most well-liked type of transportation is our toes, which tends to be probably the most direct, dependable, and constant–albeit additionally probably the most tiring. Your mileage might fluctuate.
The apparent different is the lodge we’ve already been discussing all through this publish: Coronado Springs.
The largest draw back of Coronado Springs is the all-bus transportation, and one of many few causes we hesitate to suggest that Average Resort to these reliant upon Disney transportation to get round. That drawback clearly nonetheless exists, however throughout that timeframe it’ll exist at Caribbean Seashore, too.
In most different regards, Coronado Springs surpasses Caribbean Seashore at this level. The place it actually issues for many company trying on the Average Resort tier–pricing–Coronado often wins handily thanks to higher low cost availability. With the cash saved staying at Coronado Springs, you possibly can simply afford a few Ubers or Lyfts per day (or perhaps a Minnie Van!) to get pleasure from actually environment friendly point-to-point transportation.
With regards to different Worth Resorts, the plain alternate options are the All Stars. Usually, my go-to is All Star Sports activities. Coronado Springs and All Star Sports activities are the resorts the place I keep greater than wherever else, largely as a consequence of reductions. I’ve been singing the praises of All Star Sports activities for some time, most notably in My Favourite Lodge for Low-cost Disney World Weekend Getaways, which covers its strengths. Suffice to say, All Star Sports activities punches above its weight and is a surprisingly well-managed resort.
I hesitate a bit to suggest All Star Sports activities as enthusiastically as a result of late January may have some group bookings for ESPN Vast World of Sports activities youth occasions. At present, nothing is on the calendar for 2026 or 2027, nevertheless it’s too early for the latter to have something scheduled. Normally, the large cheer and dance competitions are a bit later, so that you’re most likely “secure” with these dates in both 12 months.
The purpose is that All Star Music is much less more likely to host these teams than All Star Sports activities, so staying at Music is an effective hedge towards youth occasions. An alternative choice is upgrading to one of many Average Resorts. Discounted charges at one of many Port Orleans Resorts or Coronado Springs are sometimes very enticing, particularly within the winter months.
You could possibly all the time begin out by reserving All Star Music and switching to Sports activities later if there’s no ESPN WWoS occasion. When Sports activities isn’t internet hosting youth groups, it’s often among the many final resorts at Walt Disney World to refill (a part of the explanation why I guide it so usually on the last-minute).
Finally, we nonetheless completely love the gondolas and would select one of many Skyliner resorts over their counterparts nearly any time of 12 months. Besides when it’s down for refurbishment or extra more likely to be impacted by storm season. Even the latter doesn’t make it a non-starter (the monorail additionally isn’t 100% dependable!), it simply makes consciousness of the climate extra necessary.
For individuals who go to Walt Disney World repeatedly all through or throughout completely different months of the 12 months, our perfect occasions to remain at Skyliner resorts are November by means of Could. Clearly, minus this week-long stretch in late January. As a matter of non-public desire, we’d most likely additionally take away the vacation season. Not as a result of there’s any concern with the Skyliner then–on the contrary, that crisp breeze feels even nicer–however as a result of not one of the Skyliner resorts get decked out for Christmas all that impressively.
Planning a Walt Disney World journey? Study resorts on our Walt Disney World Accommodations Evaluations web page. For the place to eat, learn our Walt Disney World Restaurant Evaluations. To save cash on tickets or decide which kind to purchase, learn our Ideas for Saving Cash on Walt Disney World Tickets publish. Our What to Pack for Disney Journeys publish takes a singular take a look at intelligent objects to take. For what to do and when to do it, our Walt Disney World Trip Guides will assist. For complete recommendation, one of the best place to start out is our Walt Disney World Journey Planning Information for every little thing you’ll want to know!
YOUR THOUGHTS
Would you pay premium pricing to remain at Caribbean Seashore, Pop Century, Artwork of Animation, or Riviera Resort whereas the Skyliner is closed for refurbishment from January 24, 2027 by means of January 30, 2027? Are you a fan of the gondolas, or do you like a unique ‘kind’ of resort? What has been the great, unhealthy, or ugly for you? Any points with Skyliner downtime throughout storm season? What about buses as alternate options from these resorts? Do you agree or disagree with our evaluation? Different ideas or considerations? Any questions we will help you reply? Listening to your suggestions–even once you disagree with us–is each attention-grabbing to us and useful to different readers, so please share your ideas beneath within the feedback!
Walt Disney World will shut the Skyliner gondola system for routine upkeep in 2027. This publish covers refurbishment dates and particulars, why we wouldn’t guide an impacted lodge, really helpful resort alternate options–plus why it’s nice to see Disney “repair” the dearth of discover offered previously.
We wish to begin with kudos to Walt Disney World for offering ample advance discover of this routine refurbishment. The 2026 Skyliner closure was introduced again in mid-April of this 12 months. Now, the 2027 closure is being scheduled a full sixteen (16) months upfront. That is the way it needs to be performed.
Notably, this stands in sharp distinction to final 12 months’s closure, which was introduced on October 25, 2023–lower than 3 months upfront and lengthy after most company had booked lodge reservations. That last-minute closure brought on frustration amongst Walt Disney World trip planners, a lot of whom premium pricing to remain at Skyliner resorts…to make use of the Skyliner. Clearly!
It’s nice to see the corporate announce this Skyliner refurbishment comparatively early, lengthy earlier than 2027 Walt Disney World trip packages are even obtainable for reserving. Kudos to Disney on listening to visitor suggestions and shifting this announcement ahead.
The final closure by no means ought to’ve been introduced as late as October within the first place. Nonetheless, we have been extremely crucial of that tardy discover, so it’s solely applicable to supply reward after they take heed to visitor suggestions and repair points.
This routine downtime of the “Most Magical Flight on Earth” impacts the entire Skyliner routes and resorts in January 2027.
These gondolas service two Walt Disney World theme parks (Hollywood Studios and EPCOT) plus 4 resorts (Artwork of Animation & Pop Century, Caribbean Seashore, plus Riviera Resort & Caribbean Seashore once more) by way of 5 stations.
The Skyliner will get preventative upkeep nearly yearly at about the identical time nearly yearly, the length of which and strategy (all strains without delay or in phases) has various from 12 months to 12 months. The excellent news is that the 2027 closure is as soon as once more comparatively transient–it’s one of many shortest closures that Disney and Doppelmayr have performed for the reason that Skyliner gondolas opened.
Right here’s the announcement from Walt Disney World:
Now and again, sure upkeep is required to maintain our facilities and choices up to date. As a part of these efforts, from January 24, 2027, by means of January 30, 2027, Disney Skyliner might be closed for refurbishment. Complimentary bus service might be obtainable.
Throughout the Skyliner refurbishment, Walt Disney World will provide bus service between the impacted resorts and the parks. Hopefully, this implies elevated frequency, as our previous expertise utilizing and testing bus routes between the Skyliner resorts and parks left rather a lot to be desired.
Wanting ahead to early 2028, an identical Skyliner closure throughout roughly the identical date vary is feasible–maybe possible. However as this 12 months demonstrates, there’s no assure of that. It’s additionally potential that Disney and Doppelmayr will be capable to do preventative upkeep after hours.
Since previous precedent suggests that is annual preventative upkeep for the Skyliner, listed here are historic dates for the gondolas refurbishment:
- Winter 2027: Skyliner system-wide closure January 24-30, 2027
- Winter 2026: Skyliner system-wide closure January 25-31, 2026
- Winter 2025: No closure
- Winter 2024: Routes in phases from January 16-26.
- Winter 2023: Skyliner system-wide closure January 22-29.
- Winter 2022: Skyliner system-wide closure January 23-28.
- Winter 2021: Skyliner particular person routes closed for single-day downtime between January 24 and 28.
- Winter 2020: No Skyliner closure–it was only some months outdated!
Based on the DTB Archives, the 2021-2023 closures have been all introduced between early Could and mid-August. However our view is that 2026-2027 have established precedent, which is to announce dates earlier than the annual product launch. So not essentially ~10-16 months, however greater than 3-6 months!
Our robust advice can be to not keep in a Skyliner resort through the late January refurbishment in 2026 or 2027. The explanation for that is fairly easy: the entire Skyliner resorts have a big pricing premium because of the gondola service.
That week tends to be a slower time at Walt Disney World for crowds, so we’re not suggesting that you just keep away from touring that week (on the contrary, the dates in query come shut to creating our checklist of the Greatest Weeks to Go to Walt Disney World in 2026 & 2027). Simply that you just keep away from staying in Skyliner resorts throughout these dates.
One other factor to notice is that though crowds are typically low to reasonable in late January, lodge occupancy is excessive. In truth, this has turn out to be one of the fashionable occasions of the 12 months for on-site resorts, which is mirrored in availability. Clearly, you’ve gotten loads of time to get your geese in a row for 2027 (clearly, since bookings aren’t even open), however we’d suggest reserving Winter 2026 ASAP. Ideally, earlier than the subsequent spherical of particular provides is launched.
When you may suppose it’s unimaginable to quantify what every amenity really contributes to the rack charges at every resort, this isn’t merely conjecture on our half. Except for Riviera, the entire different resorts pre-date the Skyliner, so it’s totally potential to trace their pricing each earlier than and after the Skyliner.
Each single lodge has gone up in worth since 2019. That is true each by way of rack charges and in terms of efficient pricing after reductions. The 2 greatest ‘offenders’ in all of Walt Disney World by way of share value will increase are Pop Century and Caribbean Seashore. That is significantly pronounced at Caribbean Seashore, which went from being one in every of Walt Disney World’s extra aggressively discounted resorts to being one of the fashionable.
One widespread query we get every time the subject of the Skyliner refurbishment comes up is whether or not Walt Disney World will provide extra aggressive reductions throughout these dates at impacted resorts. Up to now, the reply has been a powerful NO! That is the most cost effective rack price timeframe and highest occupancy season, and people two components colliding imply that these resorts are more likely to promote out with out deeper reductions as a consequence of Skyliner downtime.
The value distinction between Caribbean Seashore and Coronado Springs or Port Orleans Riverside is typically over $100 per night time. Not often through the winter price season, nevertheless it does occur (it’ll most likely be extra like a $30-40/night time distinction after reductions).
This didn’t was once the case–one of many causes we began reserving CBR was that it was usually the most cost effective Average, with Coronado Springs being priciest as a result of it was the “conference resort.” Now, I’ve been in a position to rating Gran Destino Tower every now and then for about the identical quantity as Caribbean Seashore–or the outer buildings for a lot much less.
There are parallels between Caribbean Seashore and Coronado Springs–each added fancy towers and upscale facilities–so the distinction maker appears to be the Skyliner. The outer buildings at Coronado Springs haven’t gone up an excessive amount of in worth and provide nice bang for buck. Not solely that, however they’re continuously deeply discounted and slower to guide up.
Level being, if you happen to’re visiting Walt Disney World through the Skyliner closure, we suggest staying elsewhere. Be aware that this advice solely applies to Disney’s Riviera Resort, Caribbean Seashore, Pop Century, and Artwork of Animation.
Disney’s Yacht & Seashore Membership Resorts, BoardWalk Inn, Swan & Dolphin, and Swan Reserve are technically serviced by the Skyliner at EPCOT’s Worldwide Gateway. So you might take that to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and we all know many company who do.
We’d by no means suggest doing that. Strolling to Worldwide Gateway after which transferring at Caribbean Seashore after which taking the Skyliner to Disney’s Hollywood Studios is often slower than taking a ship or strolling. Belief us, we’ve performed a head-to-head “race.” Our most well-liked type of transportation is our toes, which tends to be probably the most direct, dependable, and constant–albeit additionally probably the most tiring. Your mileage might fluctuate.
The apparent different is the lodge we’ve already been discussing all through this publish: Coronado Springs.
The largest draw back of Coronado Springs is the all-bus transportation, and one of many few causes we hesitate to suggest that Average Resort to these reliant upon Disney transportation to get round. That drawback clearly nonetheless exists, however throughout that timeframe it’ll exist at Caribbean Seashore, too.
In most different regards, Coronado Springs surpasses Caribbean Seashore at this level. The place it actually issues for many company trying on the Average Resort tier–pricing–Coronado often wins handily thanks to higher low cost availability. With the cash saved staying at Coronado Springs, you possibly can simply afford a few Ubers or Lyfts per day (or perhaps a Minnie Van!) to get pleasure from actually environment friendly point-to-point transportation.
With regards to different Worth Resorts, the plain alternate options are the All Stars. Usually, my go-to is All Star Sports activities. Coronado Springs and All Star Sports activities are the resorts the place I keep greater than wherever else, largely as a consequence of reductions. I’ve been singing the praises of All Star Sports activities for some time, most notably in My Favourite Lodge for Low-cost Disney World Weekend Getaways, which covers its strengths. Suffice to say, All Star Sports activities punches above its weight and is a surprisingly well-managed resort.
I hesitate a bit to suggest All Star Sports activities as enthusiastically as a result of late January may have some group bookings for ESPN Vast World of Sports activities youth occasions. At present, nothing is on the calendar for 2026 or 2027, nevertheless it’s too early for the latter to have something scheduled. Normally, the large cheer and dance competitions are a bit later, so that you’re most likely “secure” with these dates in both 12 months.
The purpose is that All Star Music is much less more likely to host these teams than All Star Sports activities, so staying at Music is an effective hedge towards youth occasions. An alternative choice is upgrading to one of many Average Resorts. Discounted charges at one of many Port Orleans Resorts or Coronado Springs are sometimes very enticing, particularly within the winter months.
You could possibly all the time begin out by reserving All Star Music and switching to Sports activities later if there’s no ESPN WWoS occasion. When Sports activities isn’t internet hosting youth groups, it’s often among the many final resorts at Walt Disney World to refill (a part of the explanation why I guide it so usually on the last-minute).
Finally, we nonetheless completely love the gondolas and would select one of many Skyliner resorts over their counterparts nearly any time of 12 months. Besides when it’s down for refurbishment or extra more likely to be impacted by storm season. Even the latter doesn’t make it a non-starter (the monorail additionally isn’t 100% dependable!), it simply makes consciousness of the climate extra necessary.
For individuals who go to Walt Disney World repeatedly all through or throughout completely different months of the 12 months, our perfect occasions to remain at Skyliner resorts are November by means of Could. Clearly, minus this week-long stretch in late January. As a matter of non-public desire, we’d most likely additionally take away the vacation season. Not as a result of there’s any concern with the Skyliner then–on the contrary, that crisp breeze feels even nicer–however as a result of not one of the Skyliner resorts get decked out for Christmas all that impressively.
Planning a Walt Disney World journey? Study resorts on our Walt Disney World Accommodations Evaluations web page. For the place to eat, learn our Walt Disney World Restaurant Evaluations. To save cash on tickets or decide which kind to purchase, learn our Ideas for Saving Cash on Walt Disney World Tickets publish. Our What to Pack for Disney Journeys publish takes a singular take a look at intelligent objects to take. For what to do and when to do it, our Walt Disney World Trip Guides will assist. For complete recommendation, one of the best place to start out is our Walt Disney World Journey Planning Information for every little thing you’ll want to know!
YOUR THOUGHTS
Would you pay premium pricing to remain at Caribbean Seashore, Pop Century, Artwork of Animation, or Riviera Resort whereas the Skyliner is closed for refurbishment from January 24, 2027 by means of January 30, 2027? Are you a fan of the gondolas, or do you like a unique ‘kind’ of resort? What has been the great, unhealthy, or ugly for you? Any points with Skyliner downtime throughout storm season? What about buses as alternate options from these resorts? Do you agree or disagree with our evaluation? Different ideas or considerations? Any questions we will help you reply? Listening to your suggestions–even once you disagree with us–is each attention-grabbing to us and useful to different readers, so please share your ideas beneath within the feedback!
Walt Disney World will shut the Skyliner gondola system for routine upkeep in 2027. This publish covers refurbishment dates and particulars, why we wouldn’t guide an impacted lodge, really helpful resort alternate options–plus why it’s nice to see Disney “repair” the dearth of discover offered previously.
We wish to begin with kudos to Walt Disney World for offering ample advance discover of this routine refurbishment. The 2026 Skyliner closure was introduced again in mid-April of this 12 months. Now, the 2027 closure is being scheduled a full sixteen (16) months upfront. That is the way it needs to be performed.
Notably, this stands in sharp distinction to final 12 months’s closure, which was introduced on October 25, 2023–lower than 3 months upfront and lengthy after most company had booked lodge reservations. That last-minute closure brought on frustration amongst Walt Disney World trip planners, a lot of whom premium pricing to remain at Skyliner resorts…to make use of the Skyliner. Clearly!
It’s nice to see the corporate announce this Skyliner refurbishment comparatively early, lengthy earlier than 2027 Walt Disney World trip packages are even obtainable for reserving. Kudos to Disney on listening to visitor suggestions and shifting this announcement ahead.
The final closure by no means ought to’ve been introduced as late as October within the first place. Nonetheless, we have been extremely crucial of that tardy discover, so it’s solely applicable to supply reward after they take heed to visitor suggestions and repair points.
This routine downtime of the “Most Magical Flight on Earth” impacts the entire Skyliner routes and resorts in January 2027.
These gondolas service two Walt Disney World theme parks (Hollywood Studios and EPCOT) plus 4 resorts (Artwork of Animation & Pop Century, Caribbean Seashore, plus Riviera Resort & Caribbean Seashore once more) by way of 5 stations.
The Skyliner will get preventative upkeep nearly yearly at about the identical time nearly yearly, the length of which and strategy (all strains without delay or in phases) has various from 12 months to 12 months. The excellent news is that the 2027 closure is as soon as once more comparatively transient–it’s one of many shortest closures that Disney and Doppelmayr have performed for the reason that Skyliner gondolas opened.
Right here’s the announcement from Walt Disney World:
Now and again, sure upkeep is required to maintain our facilities and choices up to date. As a part of these efforts, from January 24, 2027, by means of January 30, 2027, Disney Skyliner might be closed for refurbishment. Complimentary bus service might be obtainable.
Throughout the Skyliner refurbishment, Walt Disney World will provide bus service between the impacted resorts and the parks. Hopefully, this implies elevated frequency, as our previous expertise utilizing and testing bus routes between the Skyliner resorts and parks left rather a lot to be desired.
Wanting ahead to early 2028, an identical Skyliner closure throughout roughly the identical date vary is feasible–maybe possible. However as this 12 months demonstrates, there’s no assure of that. It’s additionally potential that Disney and Doppelmayr will be capable to do preventative upkeep after hours.
Since previous precedent suggests that is annual preventative upkeep for the Skyliner, listed here are historic dates for the gondolas refurbishment:
- Winter 2027: Skyliner system-wide closure January 24-30, 2027
- Winter 2026: Skyliner system-wide closure January 25-31, 2026
- Winter 2025: No closure
- Winter 2024: Routes in phases from January 16-26.
- Winter 2023: Skyliner system-wide closure January 22-29.
- Winter 2022: Skyliner system-wide closure January 23-28.
- Winter 2021: Skyliner particular person routes closed for single-day downtime between January 24 and 28.
- Winter 2020: No Skyliner closure–it was only some months outdated!
Based on the DTB Archives, the 2021-2023 closures have been all introduced between early Could and mid-August. However our view is that 2026-2027 have established precedent, which is to announce dates earlier than the annual product launch. So not essentially ~10-16 months, however greater than 3-6 months!
Our robust advice can be to not keep in a Skyliner resort through the late January refurbishment in 2026 or 2027. The explanation for that is fairly easy: the entire Skyliner resorts have a big pricing premium because of the gondola service.
That week tends to be a slower time at Walt Disney World for crowds, so we’re not suggesting that you just keep away from touring that week (on the contrary, the dates in query come shut to creating our checklist of the Greatest Weeks to Go to Walt Disney World in 2026 & 2027). Simply that you just keep away from staying in Skyliner resorts throughout these dates.
One other factor to notice is that though crowds are typically low to reasonable in late January, lodge occupancy is excessive. In truth, this has turn out to be one of the fashionable occasions of the 12 months for on-site resorts, which is mirrored in availability. Clearly, you’ve gotten loads of time to get your geese in a row for 2027 (clearly, since bookings aren’t even open), however we’d suggest reserving Winter 2026 ASAP. Ideally, earlier than the subsequent spherical of particular provides is launched.
When you may suppose it’s unimaginable to quantify what every amenity really contributes to the rack charges at every resort, this isn’t merely conjecture on our half. Except for Riviera, the entire different resorts pre-date the Skyliner, so it’s totally potential to trace their pricing each earlier than and after the Skyliner.
Each single lodge has gone up in worth since 2019. That is true each by way of rack charges and in terms of efficient pricing after reductions. The 2 greatest ‘offenders’ in all of Walt Disney World by way of share value will increase are Pop Century and Caribbean Seashore. That is significantly pronounced at Caribbean Seashore, which went from being one in every of Walt Disney World’s extra aggressively discounted resorts to being one of the fashionable.
One widespread query we get every time the subject of the Skyliner refurbishment comes up is whether or not Walt Disney World will provide extra aggressive reductions throughout these dates at impacted resorts. Up to now, the reply has been a powerful NO! That is the most cost effective rack price timeframe and highest occupancy season, and people two components colliding imply that these resorts are more likely to promote out with out deeper reductions as a consequence of Skyliner downtime.
The value distinction between Caribbean Seashore and Coronado Springs or Port Orleans Riverside is typically over $100 per night time. Not often through the winter price season, nevertheless it does occur (it’ll most likely be extra like a $30-40/night time distinction after reductions).
This didn’t was once the case–one of many causes we began reserving CBR was that it was usually the most cost effective Average, with Coronado Springs being priciest as a result of it was the “conference resort.” Now, I’ve been in a position to rating Gran Destino Tower every now and then for about the identical quantity as Caribbean Seashore–or the outer buildings for a lot much less.
There are parallels between Caribbean Seashore and Coronado Springs–each added fancy towers and upscale facilities–so the distinction maker appears to be the Skyliner. The outer buildings at Coronado Springs haven’t gone up an excessive amount of in worth and provide nice bang for buck. Not solely that, however they’re continuously deeply discounted and slower to guide up.
Level being, if you happen to’re visiting Walt Disney World through the Skyliner closure, we suggest staying elsewhere. Be aware that this advice solely applies to Disney’s Riviera Resort, Caribbean Seashore, Pop Century, and Artwork of Animation.
Disney’s Yacht & Seashore Membership Resorts, BoardWalk Inn, Swan & Dolphin, and Swan Reserve are technically serviced by the Skyliner at EPCOT’s Worldwide Gateway. So you might take that to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and we all know many company who do.
We’d by no means suggest doing that. Strolling to Worldwide Gateway after which transferring at Caribbean Seashore after which taking the Skyliner to Disney’s Hollywood Studios is often slower than taking a ship or strolling. Belief us, we’ve performed a head-to-head “race.” Our most well-liked type of transportation is our toes, which tends to be probably the most direct, dependable, and constant–albeit additionally probably the most tiring. Your mileage might fluctuate.
The apparent different is the lodge we’ve already been discussing all through this publish: Coronado Springs.
The largest draw back of Coronado Springs is the all-bus transportation, and one of many few causes we hesitate to suggest that Average Resort to these reliant upon Disney transportation to get round. That drawback clearly nonetheless exists, however throughout that timeframe it’ll exist at Caribbean Seashore, too.
In most different regards, Coronado Springs surpasses Caribbean Seashore at this level. The place it actually issues for many company trying on the Average Resort tier–pricing–Coronado often wins handily thanks to higher low cost availability. With the cash saved staying at Coronado Springs, you possibly can simply afford a few Ubers or Lyfts per day (or perhaps a Minnie Van!) to get pleasure from actually environment friendly point-to-point transportation.
With regards to different Worth Resorts, the plain alternate options are the All Stars. Usually, my go-to is All Star Sports activities. Coronado Springs and All Star Sports activities are the resorts the place I keep greater than wherever else, largely as a consequence of reductions. I’ve been singing the praises of All Star Sports activities for some time, most notably in My Favourite Lodge for Low-cost Disney World Weekend Getaways, which covers its strengths. Suffice to say, All Star Sports activities punches above its weight and is a surprisingly well-managed resort.
I hesitate a bit to suggest All Star Sports activities as enthusiastically as a result of late January may have some group bookings for ESPN Vast World of Sports activities youth occasions. At present, nothing is on the calendar for 2026 or 2027, nevertheless it’s too early for the latter to have something scheduled. Normally, the large cheer and dance competitions are a bit later, so that you’re most likely “secure” with these dates in both 12 months.
The purpose is that All Star Music is much less more likely to host these teams than All Star Sports activities, so staying at Music is an effective hedge towards youth occasions. An alternative choice is upgrading to one of many Average Resorts. Discounted charges at one of many Port Orleans Resorts or Coronado Springs are sometimes very enticing, particularly within the winter months.
You could possibly all the time begin out by reserving All Star Music and switching to Sports activities later if there’s no ESPN WWoS occasion. When Sports activities isn’t internet hosting youth groups, it’s often among the many final resorts at Walt Disney World to refill (a part of the explanation why I guide it so usually on the last-minute).
Finally, we nonetheless completely love the gondolas and would select one of many Skyliner resorts over their counterparts nearly any time of 12 months. Besides when it’s down for refurbishment or extra more likely to be impacted by storm season. Even the latter doesn’t make it a non-starter (the monorail additionally isn’t 100% dependable!), it simply makes consciousness of the climate extra necessary.
For individuals who go to Walt Disney World repeatedly all through or throughout completely different months of the 12 months, our perfect occasions to remain at Skyliner resorts are November by means of Could. Clearly, minus this week-long stretch in late January. As a matter of non-public desire, we’d most likely additionally take away the vacation season. Not as a result of there’s any concern with the Skyliner then–on the contrary, that crisp breeze feels even nicer–however as a result of not one of the Skyliner resorts get decked out for Christmas all that impressively.
Planning a Walt Disney World journey? Study resorts on our Walt Disney World Accommodations Evaluations web page. For the place to eat, learn our Walt Disney World Restaurant Evaluations. To save cash on tickets or decide which kind to purchase, learn our Ideas for Saving Cash on Walt Disney World Tickets publish. Our What to Pack for Disney Journeys publish takes a singular take a look at intelligent objects to take. For what to do and when to do it, our Walt Disney World Trip Guides will assist. For complete recommendation, one of the best place to start out is our Walt Disney World Journey Planning Information for every little thing you’ll want to know!
YOUR THOUGHTS
Would you pay premium pricing to remain at Caribbean Seashore, Pop Century, Artwork of Animation, or Riviera Resort whereas the Skyliner is closed for refurbishment from January 24, 2027 by means of January 30, 2027? Are you a fan of the gondolas, or do you like a unique ‘kind’ of resort? What has been the great, unhealthy, or ugly for you? Any points with Skyliner downtime throughout storm season? What about buses as alternate options from these resorts? Do you agree or disagree with our evaluation? Different ideas or considerations? Any questions we will help you reply? Listening to your suggestions–even once you disagree with us–is each attention-grabbing to us and useful to different readers, so please share your ideas beneath within the feedback!
Walt Disney World will shut the Skyliner gondola system for routine upkeep in 2027. This publish covers refurbishment dates and particulars, why we wouldn’t guide an impacted lodge, really helpful resort alternate options–plus why it’s nice to see Disney “repair” the dearth of discover offered previously.
We wish to begin with kudos to Walt Disney World for offering ample advance discover of this routine refurbishment. The 2026 Skyliner closure was introduced again in mid-April of this 12 months. Now, the 2027 closure is being scheduled a full sixteen (16) months upfront. That is the way it needs to be performed.
Notably, this stands in sharp distinction to final 12 months’s closure, which was introduced on October 25, 2023–lower than 3 months upfront and lengthy after most company had booked lodge reservations. That last-minute closure brought on frustration amongst Walt Disney World trip planners, a lot of whom premium pricing to remain at Skyliner resorts…to make use of the Skyliner. Clearly!
It’s nice to see the corporate announce this Skyliner refurbishment comparatively early, lengthy earlier than 2027 Walt Disney World trip packages are even obtainable for reserving. Kudos to Disney on listening to visitor suggestions and shifting this announcement ahead.
The final closure by no means ought to’ve been introduced as late as October within the first place. Nonetheless, we have been extremely crucial of that tardy discover, so it’s solely applicable to supply reward after they take heed to visitor suggestions and repair points.
This routine downtime of the “Most Magical Flight on Earth” impacts the entire Skyliner routes and resorts in January 2027.
These gondolas service two Walt Disney World theme parks (Hollywood Studios and EPCOT) plus 4 resorts (Artwork of Animation & Pop Century, Caribbean Seashore, plus Riviera Resort & Caribbean Seashore once more) by way of 5 stations.
The Skyliner will get preventative upkeep nearly yearly at about the identical time nearly yearly, the length of which and strategy (all strains without delay or in phases) has various from 12 months to 12 months. The excellent news is that the 2027 closure is as soon as once more comparatively transient–it’s one of many shortest closures that Disney and Doppelmayr have performed for the reason that Skyliner gondolas opened.
Right here’s the announcement from Walt Disney World:
Now and again, sure upkeep is required to maintain our facilities and choices up to date. As a part of these efforts, from January 24, 2027, by means of January 30, 2027, Disney Skyliner might be closed for refurbishment. Complimentary bus service might be obtainable.
Throughout the Skyliner refurbishment, Walt Disney World will provide bus service between the impacted resorts and the parks. Hopefully, this implies elevated frequency, as our previous expertise utilizing and testing bus routes between the Skyliner resorts and parks left rather a lot to be desired.
Wanting ahead to early 2028, an identical Skyliner closure throughout roughly the identical date vary is feasible–maybe possible. However as this 12 months demonstrates, there’s no assure of that. It’s additionally potential that Disney and Doppelmayr will be capable to do preventative upkeep after hours.
Since previous precedent suggests that is annual preventative upkeep for the Skyliner, listed here are historic dates for the gondolas refurbishment:
- Winter 2027: Skyliner system-wide closure January 24-30, 2027
- Winter 2026: Skyliner system-wide closure January 25-31, 2026
- Winter 2025: No closure
- Winter 2024: Routes in phases from January 16-26.
- Winter 2023: Skyliner system-wide closure January 22-29.
- Winter 2022: Skyliner system-wide closure January 23-28.
- Winter 2021: Skyliner particular person routes closed for single-day downtime between January 24 and 28.
- Winter 2020: No Skyliner closure–it was only some months outdated!
Based on the DTB Archives, the 2021-2023 closures have been all introduced between early Could and mid-August. However our view is that 2026-2027 have established precedent, which is to announce dates earlier than the annual product launch. So not essentially ~10-16 months, however greater than 3-6 months!
Our robust advice can be to not keep in a Skyliner resort through the late January refurbishment in 2026 or 2027. The explanation for that is fairly easy: the entire Skyliner resorts have a big pricing premium because of the gondola service.
That week tends to be a slower time at Walt Disney World for crowds, so we’re not suggesting that you just keep away from touring that week (on the contrary, the dates in query come shut to creating our checklist of the Greatest Weeks to Go to Walt Disney World in 2026 & 2027). Simply that you just keep away from staying in Skyliner resorts throughout these dates.
One other factor to notice is that though crowds are typically low to reasonable in late January, lodge occupancy is excessive. In truth, this has turn out to be one of the fashionable occasions of the 12 months for on-site resorts, which is mirrored in availability. Clearly, you’ve gotten loads of time to get your geese in a row for 2027 (clearly, since bookings aren’t even open), however we’d suggest reserving Winter 2026 ASAP. Ideally, earlier than the subsequent spherical of particular provides is launched.
When you may suppose it’s unimaginable to quantify what every amenity really contributes to the rack charges at every resort, this isn’t merely conjecture on our half. Except for Riviera, the entire different resorts pre-date the Skyliner, so it’s totally potential to trace their pricing each earlier than and after the Skyliner.
Each single lodge has gone up in worth since 2019. That is true each by way of rack charges and in terms of efficient pricing after reductions. The 2 greatest ‘offenders’ in all of Walt Disney World by way of share value will increase are Pop Century and Caribbean Seashore. That is significantly pronounced at Caribbean Seashore, which went from being one in every of Walt Disney World’s extra aggressively discounted resorts to being one of the fashionable.
One widespread query we get every time the subject of the Skyliner refurbishment comes up is whether or not Walt Disney World will provide extra aggressive reductions throughout these dates at impacted resorts. Up to now, the reply has been a powerful NO! That is the most cost effective rack price timeframe and highest occupancy season, and people two components colliding imply that these resorts are more likely to promote out with out deeper reductions as a consequence of Skyliner downtime.
The value distinction between Caribbean Seashore and Coronado Springs or Port Orleans Riverside is typically over $100 per night time. Not often through the winter price season, nevertheless it does occur (it’ll most likely be extra like a $30-40/night time distinction after reductions).
This didn’t was once the case–one of many causes we began reserving CBR was that it was usually the most cost effective Average, with Coronado Springs being priciest as a result of it was the “conference resort.” Now, I’ve been in a position to rating Gran Destino Tower every now and then for about the identical quantity as Caribbean Seashore–or the outer buildings for a lot much less.
There are parallels between Caribbean Seashore and Coronado Springs–each added fancy towers and upscale facilities–so the distinction maker appears to be the Skyliner. The outer buildings at Coronado Springs haven’t gone up an excessive amount of in worth and provide nice bang for buck. Not solely that, however they’re continuously deeply discounted and slower to guide up.
Level being, if you happen to’re visiting Walt Disney World through the Skyliner closure, we suggest staying elsewhere. Be aware that this advice solely applies to Disney’s Riviera Resort, Caribbean Seashore, Pop Century, and Artwork of Animation.
Disney’s Yacht & Seashore Membership Resorts, BoardWalk Inn, Swan & Dolphin, and Swan Reserve are technically serviced by the Skyliner at EPCOT’s Worldwide Gateway. So you might take that to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and we all know many company who do.
We’d by no means suggest doing that. Strolling to Worldwide Gateway after which transferring at Caribbean Seashore after which taking the Skyliner to Disney’s Hollywood Studios is often slower than taking a ship or strolling. Belief us, we’ve performed a head-to-head “race.” Our most well-liked type of transportation is our toes, which tends to be probably the most direct, dependable, and constant–albeit additionally probably the most tiring. Your mileage might fluctuate.
The apparent different is the lodge we’ve already been discussing all through this publish: Coronado Springs.
The largest draw back of Coronado Springs is the all-bus transportation, and one of many few causes we hesitate to suggest that Average Resort to these reliant upon Disney transportation to get round. That drawback clearly nonetheless exists, however throughout that timeframe it’ll exist at Caribbean Seashore, too.
In most different regards, Coronado Springs surpasses Caribbean Seashore at this level. The place it actually issues for many company trying on the Average Resort tier–pricing–Coronado often wins handily thanks to higher low cost availability. With the cash saved staying at Coronado Springs, you possibly can simply afford a few Ubers or Lyfts per day (or perhaps a Minnie Van!) to get pleasure from actually environment friendly point-to-point transportation.
With regards to different Worth Resorts, the plain alternate options are the All Stars. Usually, my go-to is All Star Sports activities. Coronado Springs and All Star Sports activities are the resorts the place I keep greater than wherever else, largely as a consequence of reductions. I’ve been singing the praises of All Star Sports activities for some time, most notably in My Favourite Lodge for Low-cost Disney World Weekend Getaways, which covers its strengths. Suffice to say, All Star Sports activities punches above its weight and is a surprisingly well-managed resort.
I hesitate a bit to suggest All Star Sports activities as enthusiastically as a result of late January may have some group bookings for ESPN Vast World of Sports activities youth occasions. At present, nothing is on the calendar for 2026 or 2027, nevertheless it’s too early for the latter to have something scheduled. Normally, the large cheer and dance competitions are a bit later, so that you’re most likely “secure” with these dates in both 12 months.
The purpose is that All Star Music is much less more likely to host these teams than All Star Sports activities, so staying at Music is an effective hedge towards youth occasions. An alternative choice is upgrading to one of many Average Resorts. Discounted charges at one of many Port Orleans Resorts or Coronado Springs are sometimes very enticing, particularly within the winter months.
You could possibly all the time begin out by reserving All Star Music and switching to Sports activities later if there’s no ESPN WWoS occasion. When Sports activities isn’t internet hosting youth groups, it’s often among the many final resorts at Walt Disney World to refill (a part of the explanation why I guide it so usually on the last-minute).
Finally, we nonetheless completely love the gondolas and would select one of many Skyliner resorts over their counterparts nearly any time of 12 months. Besides when it’s down for refurbishment or extra more likely to be impacted by storm season. Even the latter doesn’t make it a non-starter (the monorail additionally isn’t 100% dependable!), it simply makes consciousness of the climate extra necessary.
For individuals who go to Walt Disney World repeatedly all through or throughout completely different months of the 12 months, our perfect occasions to remain at Skyliner resorts are November by means of Could. Clearly, minus this week-long stretch in late January. As a matter of non-public desire, we’d most likely additionally take away the vacation season. Not as a result of there’s any concern with the Skyliner then–on the contrary, that crisp breeze feels even nicer–however as a result of not one of the Skyliner resorts get decked out for Christmas all that impressively.
Planning a Walt Disney World journey? Study resorts on our Walt Disney World Accommodations Evaluations web page. For the place to eat, learn our Walt Disney World Restaurant Evaluations. To save cash on tickets or decide which kind to purchase, learn our Ideas for Saving Cash on Walt Disney World Tickets publish. Our What to Pack for Disney Journeys publish takes a singular take a look at intelligent objects to take. For what to do and when to do it, our Walt Disney World Trip Guides will assist. For complete recommendation, one of the best place to start out is our Walt Disney World Journey Planning Information for every little thing you’ll want to know!
YOUR THOUGHTS
Would you pay premium pricing to remain at Caribbean Seashore, Pop Century, Artwork of Animation, or Riviera Resort whereas the Skyliner is closed for refurbishment from January 24, 2027 by means of January 30, 2027? Are you a fan of the gondolas, or do you like a unique ‘kind’ of resort? What has been the great, unhealthy, or ugly for you? Any points with Skyliner downtime throughout storm season? What about buses as alternate options from these resorts? Do you agree or disagree with our evaluation? Different ideas or considerations? Any questions we will help you reply? Listening to your suggestions–even once you disagree with us–is each attention-grabbing to us and useful to different readers, so please share your ideas beneath within the feedback!
