Why We’re Avoiding These 4 Disney World Hotels in January 2027

By Brian Delpozo Leave a Comment

One of Disney World’s most popular hotel perks is going to be unavailable this coming January, and that’s having us rethink stays at these four hotels.

Pop Century

Since its opening in 2019, the Skyliner gondola system has become one of Disney’s most popular transportation methods, linking EPCOT and Hollywood Studios with the Pop Century Resort, Art of Animation Resort, Caribbean Beach Resort, and the Riviera Resort. However, the service will be closed for a period early next year.

The Skyliner will be closed for its annual maintenance from January 24th through January 30th, 2027.

Skyliner closed

While Disney will be providing complimentary bus service between the four resorts and the theme parks during the closure, guests will not be able to travel as easily from hotel to hotel, eliminating one of the major perks of staying at those respective hotels.

Skyliner at Disney’s Riviera Resort

Guests staying at resorts that are indirectly serviced by the Skyliner — such as the Boardwalk, Yacht Club, and Beach Club resorts, each of which is within walking distance to the EPCOT station — will have access to the already provided transportation methods that already service those hotels, including buses and the boats that link EPCOT and Hollywood Studios with the EPCOT Resort Area.

Other confirmed closures and refurbishments at Disney World hotels in 2027 include:

All-Star Movies Refurb: May 2026 to January 2027.
Animal Kingdom Lodge Jambo House Refurb: May 2026 to January 2027.
Grand Floridian Resort-Wide Refurbishment Including Porte-cochère: Through early 2027.
Port Orleans Room Refurbishment: Through August 2027.
Beach Club Exterior Refurbishment: Through Late 2027.
Contemporary Resort-Wide: Through Late 2027.

Skyliner at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort

The temporary closure of the Walt Disney World Skyliner in January of 2027 means that for just about a week, the Pop Century, Art of Animation, Caribbean Beach, and Riviera resorts will be missing one of their biggest perks. Stay tuned to DFB for more updates on Disney’s operational calendar.

Disney Is Opening New Rides in 2027. Here’s the Full List.

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Would you avoid Skyliner hotels during this closure? Let us know in the comments below.