If you've got a Walt Disney World trip penciled in for late January 2028, here's something to add to your planning checklist: the Disney Skyliner is going down for refurbishment again, and this time it's sticking around a little longer than usual.
This is actually becoming a bit of a tradition. The Skyliner took a break from January 25 through January 31, 2026, and there's already a closure locked in for January 24 through January 30, 2027. Both of those followed the same basic playbook — gondolas pulled offline for about a week in the dead of winter, with buses picking up the slack.
Now we've got the 2028 dates, and Disney's stretching this one out a bit: January 24 through February 2. That's a few extra days compared to what we saw in 2026 and what's coming in 2027.
Same deal as before — if you're staying at a Skyliner resort, you'll be relying on complimentary buses instead of gondolas for the whole closure. That applies to Disney's Art of Animation Resort, Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort, Disney's Pop Century Resort, and Disney's Riviera Resort.
Heading to EPCOT or Hollywood Studios during this window? Give yourself a little extra cushion for bus travel — anyone who visited during the 2026 closure already knows the drill. And it's not just the main stations that get affected. Disney's own website points out that “the Disney Skyliner station at International Gateway at EPCOT is conveniently located just a short stroll away from Disney's BoardWalk entertainment district, Disney's Yacht Club Resort, Disney's Beach Club Resort, and Disney's BoardWalk Inn” — so if you're passing through that area, expect the ripple effect too.
Why Does This Keep Happening in January?
The Skyliner links EPCOT and Hollywood Studios with stops at those four resorts, and honestly, it's one of the most popular ways to dodge bus lines when it's actually running. But with multiple Januarys in a row now on the books for closures, it really does seem like Disney has picked this time of year as its go-to maintenance window. Wouldn't be shocked if 2029 gets one too.
If late January 2028 is when you're visiting, just plan on buses being your normal mode of transportation. It's not a huge deal — just something worth building into your schedule ahead of time.
What are your thoughts on the Skyliner closures at Disney World? Let us know in the comments down below!
