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Potential Closure: Is Disney Skyliner Going Offline in 2025?

Experience a Disney World vacation with a scenic view of a cable car system gliding over a tree-lined resort area, featuring turquoise-roofed buildings. Marvel at the tranquil river on the left and enjoy the charming pathway below under a partly cloudy sky.
Credit: Disney

The Disney Skyliner has become one of the most beloved transportation options at Walt Disney World Resort, offering a unique way to travel between select resorts and theme parks. These whimsical gondolas, adorned with favorite Disney characters, glide through the sky and provide guests with stunning views and efficient travel. However, like all attractions and transportation systems, the Skyliner occasionally requires maintenance and refurbishment.

Yellow, red, and green skyliner gondolas sail with Disney's Hollywood Studios in the far distance.

Credit: Disney

Although no official dates have been announced for a Skyliner refurbishment in 2025, history gives us a clue about when to expect potential downtime. In recent years, closures have typically occurred in January, often during less crowded periods. For instance, in 2024, the Skyliner was closed from January 16 to January 26, and in 2023, the closure spanned January 22 to January 29.

Similarly, in 2022, it was closed from January 22 to January 28. If Disney follows the same pattern, a brief closure for maintenance in January 2025 seems likely.

Regular maintenance ensures the Skyliner remains a safe, reliable, and enjoyable experience for all guests. These refurbishments often include inspections, system updates, and adjustments to keep everything running smoothly. Disney typically schedules these closures during quieter times to minimize guest inconvenience.

While Disney aims to avoid closures during peak seasons, unforeseen issues or extended refurbishment needs could lead to the Skyliner being unavailable during busier times of the year. Such a scenario could significantly impact transportation, especially for guests staying at resorts that heavily rely on the Skyliner, such as Disney’s Pop Century Resort, Art of Animation Resort, and Disney’s Riviera Resort.

Skyliner heading over Caribbean Beach Resort at Disney World, one of the park's many hotels

Credit: Disney

During peak periods, such as holiday seasons or special events, the Skyliner plays a crucial role in alleviating pressure on other transportation options, like buses and boats. If a closure overlaps with these high-traffic times, Disney may need to increase bus services and implement alternate strategies to accommodate guest demand. However, this could result in longer travel times and more congestion at bus stops.

If you’re planning a trip to Walt Disney World during a time when the Skyliner could be under refurbishment, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with other transportation options. Disney always ensures guests can reach their destinations, whether by bus, boat, or monorail.

A monorail glides along a track in the foreground with the iconic geodesic sphere of epcot's spaceship earth in the background under a clear blue sky.

Credit: Inside the Magic

Still, the added strain on these systems may require some flexibility in your plans. Keep an eye on official Disney announcements about Skyliner maintenance, allow extra time for travel, and consider staying at a resort with multiple transportation options to ensure greater flexibility.

While a Skyliner refurbishment may cause minor disruptions, Disney’s commitment to guest satisfaction means alternative arrangements will be in place. Whether gliding above the parks or navigating via other options, your magical Disney adventure is always within reach!

About Andrew Boardwine

A frequent visitor of Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando Resort, Andrew will likely be found freefalling on Twilight Zone Tower of Terror or enjoying Pirates of the Caribbean. Over at Universal, he'll be taking in the thrills of the Jurassic World Velocicoaster and Revenge of the Mummy.

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