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2 weeks UK Visitors Need To Avoid Booking A Disney Skyliner Hotel in 2026 and 2027

By Helen
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Stitch breaking out of a gondola on the Disney Skyliner

If you’re dreaming of a Florida getaway to escape the British weather in January 2027, you may want to avoid booking a Disney skyliner hotel during one particular week in January. The Disney Skyliner gondola system, will be completely closed for routine maintenance from 24-30th January, 2027.

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That means of gliding above Walt Disney World on one of those colourful cable cars on your way to a day in Hollywood Studios or EPCOT is top of your bucket list you need to rethink your dates or your hotel choice.

Sklyiner closure dates in 2026 & 2027

There has been no skyliner closure this year in 2025. However, for one week in January 2026 and January 2027 the Disney Skyliner will close for routine maintenance.

Year

Skyliner Closure Dates

2026

25th January - 31st January

2027

24th January - 30th January

Thankfully, Disney have provided plenty of notice for guests the last couple of years. There’s currently 16 months between now and January 2027. That means UK visitors know far enough in advance to make an informed choice when booking their holiday.

January is often considered a quiet month to visit, making this appealing to Brits looking for a quieter break away from the Winter blues. UK visitors who like to book package holidays well in advance can plan their trips around the closures to avoid disappointment. Bookings are already open for the first half of 2027.

What are the Disney Skyiner Hotels?

The Disney Skyliner hotels are hotels that offer free Skyliner transport into Hollywood Studios and EPCOT. There is a network of four hotels on the Disney Skyliner system:

  1. Disney’s Pop Century Resort

  2. Disney’s Art of Animation Resort

  3. Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort

  4. Disney’s Riviera Resort

Any guests who book to stay at these hotels during the closures won’t have gondola access. Instead, Disney will provide bus transport to and from the parks.

Why UK Visitors shouldn’t book a skyliner hotel during the closures

For many UK visitors the man appeal of these hotels is the Disney Skyliner. The fast and scenic form of transport offers a novelty that buses can’t beat. So, without the access the more premium price of these hotels may be harder for UK visitors to justify.

And here’s the catch: Disney do not usually discount these hotels during refurbishment. That means you’ll pay the same price for a reduced service. In that case there are other hotel option across the Disney World resort that may offer a better experience and better value for money.

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Better Hotel alternatives for UK Visitors

If late January is the only time you can visit Disney World from the UK, you’ll probably find yourself getting better value at other Disney Resorts. Here are our top picks:

Value Resort Alternatives

Disney’s All Star Resorts are a great Value resort option. Located together on one site, they only have bus transportation to all the parks. This will be the same at Disney’s Pop Century and Disney’s Art Of Animation during the Skyliner maintenance. You will likely pay a good couple of hundred pounds less to stay at one of these three Value Resorts in comparison to Pop Century or Art of Animation during that week in January, but you will have exactly the same amenities and perks.

If your only reason for staying at one of those Value Resort is the Skyliner, you’re probably best off saving yourself the cash and opting to stay an All Star Resorts. All Star Movies is one of our favourite Value Resorts as it offers 90’s Disney nostalgia and a quieter experience than Music or Sports.

Moderate Resort Alternative

There are plenty of moderate hotels offering various benefits to guests, and would be better value for money during the weeks of the Skyliner closures in 2026 and 2027. Disney Coronado Springs Resort comes in a ta similar price point to Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, and during the Skyliner maintenance would be our top alternative.

Deluxe Resort Alternatives

If you were planning on staying at Disney’s Riviera Resort you would probably be looking for modern comforts, with a Mediterranean twist and a few breakfasts in Topolinos Terrace. Disney’s Boardwalk Inn, Yacht Club or Beach Club Resorts would provide the same standard of accommodation and offer better value. Within walking distance of EPCOT and offering boat transport to Hollywood Studios.

Comparison: Skyliner Resorts Vs Alternatives At A Glance

Here’s a quick look at the real value you’re getting during the closure:

Resort Type

Resorts Closed

Alternative Options

Why Pick The Alternative?

Value

  • Disney’s Pop Century

  • Disney’s Art of Animation

  • Disney’s All Star Movies Resort

  • Disney’s All Star Music Resort

  • Disney’s All Star Sports Resort

Lower prices

Same level of early entry perks

Same complementary resort transport options

Moderate

Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort

  • Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort

  • Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside

Often quieter

Similar prices

Similar amenities

Deluxe

Disney’s Riviera Resort

  • Yacht Club

  • Beach Club

  • Boardwalk Inn

Buses and boat transportation

Walk to EPCOT

Same perks

If you’re planning a Disney World trip from the UK in 2027 don’t book the skyliner hotels during the 24-30th January, Instead choose a better-value alternative and save yourself the hassle of staying somewhere with work going on and reduced transport options.

Make sure your Disney hotel choice works with your plans, and not against them; it’s an expensive trip and you deserve the best experience.

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