Walt Disney World‘s portfolio of nearly 2 dozen official hotels offers overnight guests complimentary transportation to and from the theme parks and other destinations across the Disney property. As with Disney’s rides, these modes of transportation require upkeep, which sometimes necessitates temporary closures. Most of the time, Disney communicates these closures well in advance, so guests can choose a hotel accordingly if transportation was a key part of their decision. However, a newly announced transportation closure came into effect abruptly.
A favorite method of Disney World hotel transportation has begun a refurbishment closure, set to continue for several weeks. We have the dates involved and how the closure may affect your plans. Mickey Visit brings you the latest Disney news and planning resources, including 3 changes to Disney World’s popular theme park lounge and new perks for Disney World passholders.
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Transportation Closure at Disney World Hotel
One of the most relaxing ways to get from point A to point B at Walt Disney World is a ride on the Sassagoula River Cruise. This boat ride is complimentary to Disney resort guests, and connects Disney Springs with several nearby hotels. The Sassagoula River’s narrow waterways, surrounded by a corridor of dense foliage and occasional golf course views, make for a calm, enjoyable commute.
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Boat transportation servicing Disney’s Old Key West Resort closed on October 12, 2026, and will reopen on November 2. Disney made the announcement on the Disney Vacation Club website just days before the closure. This route was previously closed in July. During this time, Disney is providing bus transportation between Old Key West and Disney Springs.
Disney has not posted a closure notice for the boat transportation servicing the other resorts on the Sassagoula route: Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort, Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter, and Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside.
The Sassagoula River Cruise was the subject of mild controversy earlier this year when Disney began limiting the boat rides to Disney resort guests only. Guests can ride if they’re staying at any Disney World resort, not just the resorts on the Sassagoula River. Non-resort guests cannot ride unless they have a dining reservation or experience reservation, a change in protocol from the norm for other transportation modes across Disney property.
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Looking ahead, the Disney Skyliner has a pair of refurbishments scheduled, but Disney has announced these closures well ahead of time. The gondola system will be closed from January 24 to January 27, 2027, and again from January 24 to February 2, 2028. The Skyliner serves EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney’s Pop Century Resort, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, Disney’s Riviera Resort, Disney’s BoardWalk Inn, Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, and Disney’s Beach Club Resort.
Disney World also has an upcoming closure planned for a favorite Magic Kingdom ride.
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