Disney World Just Broke This Unspoken Skyliner Rule

Disney World just did something totally unexpected, and honestly, we’re still surprised.

Every year, we remind you of an unspoken rule: if you’re booking a stay at a Skyliner resort in January, be prepared for some transportation headaches. That’s because the Skyliner, typically shuts down for routine maintenance at the start of the year. But in a surprising twist, Disney broke the pattern in 2025, because this time, the Skyliner never closed for refurbishment.

The Annual Skyliner Shutdown (Or So We Thought)

If you’ve been planning Disney World trips for a while, you probably know that January is the time when Disney tackles a lot of the ride refurbishments and maintenance projects. With the holiday crowds gone, it’s the perfect opportunity for Disney to do some behind-the-scenes work. And for the past few years, that’s included the Skyliner.

Typically, the Skyliner undergoes an annual closure in January for routine maintenance. These refurbishments last roughly about a week, and during that time, guests staying at Skyliner resorts (think Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, Disney’s Riviera Resort, and the value-friendly Art of Animation and Pop Century Resorts) have to rely on buses instead. It’s an inconvenient but necessary trade-off, and it’s why we usually caution people to rethink booking a Skyliner hotel during that time.

But this year? Disney flipped the script. The Skyliner stayed open through January 2025 with no closure in sight.

What Changed This Year?

Disney hasn’t made an official statement on why they skipped the annual Skyliner refurbishment this year, but we have some theories.

One possibility? Maintenance schedules could have shifted behind the scenes, meaning that instead of a full system shutdown, Disney may be working on maintenance in smaller increments while the Skyliner remains operational. This isn’t totally unheard of. After all, Disney quietly performs upkeep on rides and attractions year-round.

Another potential reason? Crowds. January has historically been a slower time at Disney World, but with travel patterns always shifting and special events filling up the calendar, Disney may have decided it wasn’t worth the guest inconvenience to shut down one of its most efficient transportation options.

What This Means for Future Skyliner Closures

So, does this mean the annual Skyliner refurb is gone for good? Not necessarily.

Disney could bring back the January closure next year, or they might continue experimenting with different maintenance schedules. What we do know is that this year proved you can book a Skyliner resort in January without worrying about losing that easy, breezy gondola access.

For guests who have avoided Skyliner resorts in the past because of the dreaded January closure, this could be a game-changer. No more last-minute bus transportation swaps. No more stressing about whether your resort choice will affect your park plans. If this trend continues, it could make Skyliner resorts an even more attractive option during the winter months.

So, will this be the new norm? Only time will tell. But for now, we’ll take the win and keep an eye out for any changes in 2026.

We’re always here to bring you the latest tips and tricks to help you prepare for your upcoming trip, so stay tuned to AllEars!

The Transportation Rule That Could Change Your Entire Disney World Vacation

Will you be taking the Skyliner on your next trip to Disney World? Tell us in the comments!

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