Seems some are jumping to the conclusion that if the boats are not running then you aren't going to be able to walk there either.
It's possible, based on the configuration but it's also entirely possible they can leave a walkway area open, during park hours, and then close it off and work when there are no guests needing to reach the park.
We happened to get an Uber ride last week from a CM that works special effects/fireworks HS (DH decided he had the best job ever, paid to play with fireworks). Anyway, we happened to start discussing the structures for the Gondolas and this CM said they would be running cables in the next few weeks. That may be what the boats are closing for. No idea, just tossing that out there.