Hi Julie, welcome to planDisney!
The
Disney Skyliner has become a very popular mode of transportation for guests. Who wouldn't enjoy traveling by an aerial gondola to get to your destination? The ride is relaxing and the views from above are spectacular!
At this time, no information is available on when/if the Disney Skyliner will undergo refurbishment in January 2024. However, I can tell you from personal experience, that refurbishment took place at the end of January for the last two years during my Walt Disney World vacation when I was staying at
Disney's Pop Century Resort. Specifically, the scheduled refurbishment dates were as follows:
2023: January 22-January 29
2022: January 23-January 28
When the Disney Skyliner is down,
bus transportation to
Disney's Hollywood Studios and
EPCOT will be available. I find the bus transportation to be efficient and convenient. Yes, there are times when you will have to wait for a bus to arrive but I don't think I've ever had to wait more than 15 minutes for a bus. As far as driving to the parks, some do find it more convenient to do so. However, my personal preference is to not drive anywhere when I'm on vacation at Walt Disney World. If you do decide to drive to Disney's Hollywood Studios or EPCOT, you'll be happy to know that the
Disney Parks Blog recently announced that the parking lot trams have returned.
Have a magical vacation, Julie!
Diane