Disney Skyliner: Everything You Need to Know
Inside of the Disney Skyliner
The Disney Skyliner is a gondola system that provide a unique and fun way to travel around Walt Disney World property.
The Skyliner connects several resorts and parks, offering a bird's-eye view of the surrounding area and a chance to see some fun views of attractions, parks and resorts along the way.
The Disney Skyliner officially opened in September 2019, and it quickly became a popular mode of transportation for guests. The gondolas are designed with Disney characters, and have flowing air to keep you comfortable during your ride.
In our experience, the Skyliner is the best way to park hop between Hollywood Studios and Epcot for a meal, or to traveling to the parks from a Skyliner resort.
Key Takeaways
The Disney Skyliner is a gondola system that provides a unique and fun way to travel around Walt Disney World.
The Skyliner officially opened in September 2019 and connects several resorts and parks, including:
Disney's Hollywood Studios
Epcot
Disney’s Riviera Resort
Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
Disney’s Pop Century Resort
The Skyliner is essentially a theme park attraction itself, with amazing views and a fun ride for kids and adults alike.
Skyliner Stations and Map
The Disney Skyliner has six stations that connect four resorts and two theme parks. Each station has its own unique design and theme. Here are the six stations in order of the route:
Map of the Disney Skyliner Updated 2023
Caribbean Beach Station
The Caribbean Beach Station is the main hub of the Disney Skyliner. It is located near the entrance of Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort. From this station, you can transfer to the Epcot Line or the Hollywood Studios Line. You can also take a ride to the Riviera Resort Station.
Unfortunately, when you arrive to the Caribbean Beach station you have to get out of your Skyliner and transfer to another gondola. For example, if you board the Skyliner at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and are going to Epcot, you will get out at Caribbean Beach and walk a short distance in the hub to the Epcot line and board a new gondola.
While inconvenient, the fun and speed of the Skyliner is worth it.
Riviera Resort Station
The Riviera Resort Station is located near Disney's Riviera Resort. This station has a European-inspired design that reflects the theme of the resort. From this station, you can transfer to the Hollywood Studios Line or take a ride to the Caribbean Beach Station.
You are not required to get out at the Riviera Station if you are already in a gondola.
Epcot Station
The Epcot Station is located at the International Gateway entrance of Epcot. This station provides easy access to the World Showcase and the Boardwalk area.
Disney Skyliner Hollywood Studios
Hollywood Studios Station
The Hollywood Studios Station is located near the entrance of Disney's Hollywood Studios. This station has a 1940s Hollywood-inspired design that reflects the theme of the park.
Art of Animation Station
The Art of Animation Station is located near the entrance of Disney's Art of Animation Resort.
Pop Century Station
The Pop Century Station is located near the entrance of Disney's Pop Century Resort. This station has a retro design that reflects the theme of the resort.
Riding Experience
Riding the Disney Skyliner is a fun and unique experience that offers stunning views of Walt Disney World.
Boarding Process
The boarding process for the Skyliner is simple and efficient. Guests can board at any of the five stations located at Disney's Hollywood Studios, Epcot, Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort, Disney's Riviera Resort, and Disney's Art of Animation Resort. The stations are well-marked with clear signage, making it easy to find your way.
Once you arrive at the station, you will be directed to a boarding area. Cast Members are on hand to assist with any questions or concerns you may have. If you are traveling with a single stroller, you can typically wheel it straight onto the gondola. Double strollers must be folded down and carried on.
The gondolas continue to move slowly as you board, so it’s important to watch your step and don’t get distracted.
Wheelchair and ECV users can board the gondola cabins with ease, as they are designed to accommodate these mobility devices.
Hours of Operation
Disney Skyliner opens each day one hour before Early Theme Park Entry begins at EPCOT or Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
The Skyliner closes each day 90 minutes after EPCOT or Disney’s Hollywood Studios closes
On nights when EPCOT or Disney’s Hollywood Studios offers Extended Evening Hours, Disney Skyliner will close one hour after they close*
*During this time, Disney Skyliner only offers transportation to Disney’s Riviera Resort and Disney’s BoardWalk Resort. The route that moves between Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, Disney’s Pop Century Resort and Disney’s Art of Animation Resort is closed.
Inclement Weather
The downside of the Skyliner is that sometimes weather can close it down (this happened to us on a recent trip). Heavy wind, rain or lightning will shut down the Skyliner temporarily, or until the weather issues resolve.
It’s important to consider backup transportation in your planning just in case.
Disney Cast Members provide ample communication during these periods. As we’ve experienced, if transportation delays cause you to miss a Lightning Lane experience or make you late for a dining reservation, Cast Members are often sympathetic and understanding and will accommodate you.
If you miss a Lightning Lane experience completely due to a transportation delay, head to a Guest Services tent within the parks and a Cast Member will likely be able to provide you a new time for the attraction.
Onboard Experience
The onboard experience on the Disney Skyliner is comfortable. The gondola cabins feature wooden bench-style seating with room for up to 10 riders. The cabins are also equipped with reflective panels to help keep them cool in the Florida sun. Cross-ventilation windows provide a refreshing breeze, making for a pleasant ride, even in the heat of the summer.
We’ve had no trouble with 8 people and a double stroller when riding the Skyliner.
The gondolas are also decorated in vibrant colors, adding to the fun atmosphere.
Motion Sickness
If you're prone to motion sickness, try sitting near the center of the gondola where there is less movement. Overall, the ride is smooth and comfortable and most who have motion sickness concerns don’t have any issues or experience motion sickness.
Accessibility
The Disney Skyliner is accessible to all guests, including those with mobility devices. Wheelchair and ECV users can board the gondolas with ease, and there is ample space for these devices inside the cabins. Strollers are also welcome on the Skyliner.
Safety is a top priority on the Disney Skyliner, and Cast Members are on hand to assist with any questions or concerns you may have. In the event of inclement weather, the Skyliner may temporarily close for safety reasons. However, wooden benches are available at each station for guests to sit and wait until the weather clears.
Safety, Rules and Regulations
Safety is always a top priority for Disney World, and the Disney Skyliner is no exception. Before you step into the gondola lift, you can take comfort in the fact that there are several safety measures in place to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Firstly, the gondola lift is regulated by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, which means that it must meet strict safety standards. Additionally, the gondolas themselves are equipped with emergency call buttons that you can use to contact a Cast Member in case of an emergency.
The cables that the gondolas ride on are also regularly inspected and maintained to ensure that they are in good condition. In fact, the cables are so strong that they can support the weight of several fully loaded gondolas at once!
If you have any concerns about safety, you can always ask a Cast Member for assistance. They are trained to handle any situation that may arise and are always happy to help.
Design and Features
The Disney Skyliner is a unique transportation system that combines practicality and fun. The gondola cars are brightly colored and adorned with favorite Disney characters such as Mickey, Minnie, and Goofy. This adds a touch of magic to your travel experience and makes it more enjoyable for both kids and adults.
The Skyliner cars are designed to provide a comfortable ride with spacious interiors and twin, inward-facing, wooden benches. They can accommodate up to 10 guests at a time, making it an ideal mode of transportation for families and groups. The windows of the gondola cars are also large enough to provide a panoramic view of the surrounding areas.
One of the most impressive features of the Disney Skyliner is its eco-friendliness. The gondola system is powered by electricity, which makes it a greener alternative to other transportation modes.
Popular Destinations
The Disney Skyliner does NOT provide transportation to any of the following popular Walt Disney World destinations
Magic Kingdom
Animal Kingdom
Disney Springs
The Transportation and Ticket Center
Alternatives to Skyliner
If you prefer not to use the Disney Skyliner, there are several other transportation options available at Walt Disney World. Keep in mind, bus transportation is not provided between theme parks! Here are some of the most popular alternatives:
Monorail
The Monorail is a classic Disney transportation option that offers a scenic and efficient way to travel between Magic Kingdom and select nearby resorts. A separate Monorail line runs between Epcot and the Transportation and Ticket Center.
The Monorail runs on a loop, so you can easily hop on and off at multiple stops. Keep in mind that the Monorail can be crowded and may experience delays during peak times.
Minnie Vans
If you're looking for a more personalized transportation experience, consider using a Minnie Van. These vehicles are operated by Lyft in partnership with Disney and can take you anywhere on property. They're more expensive than other transportation options, but they offer a comfortable and convenient way to get around. For parents, they also have car seats available!
Disney Buses
Disney Buses are a reliable and free transportation option that can take you to any location on property. They run frequently and are accessible to all guests, including those with disabilities. Keep in mind that buses can get crowded during peak times and may experience delays.
Disney buses do NOT operate between theme parks or between resorts! To travel by bus between theme parks or resorts you will need to transfer buses. For example if you want to travel by bus from Animal Kingdom to Epcot, you will need to take a bus from Animal Kingdom to a resort, and then a bus from the resort to Epcot.
Similarly, if you want to travel by bus from Coronado Springs Resort to Animal Kingdom Lodge (for dining at Boma) you will take a bus from Coronado Springs to Animal Kingdom, and then transfer to a bus to Animal Kingdom Lodge.
Water Taxis
Water taxis are a fun and scenic way to travel between select resorts and parks. They're free and run on a regular schedule, so you can easily plan your transportation needs. Keep in mind that water taxis may experience delays due to weather conditions and they are limited in routes.
Frequently Featured Characters
As you ride the Disney Skyliner, you'll be delighted to see some of your favorite Disney characters adorning the gondolas. Here are some of the most frequently featured characters you can expect to see:
Mickey and Friends
Mickey Mouse and his friends are a staple of the Disney brand, and they're also a common sight on the Skyliner. You might see Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy, and Pluto on your ride. Keep an eye out for their colorful and cheerful designs.
Disney Princesses
If you're a fan of the Disney Princesses, you're in luck. Characters like Cinderella, Belle, Ariel, and Rapunzel are frequently featured on the Skyliner. Their gondolas are decorated with beautiful graphics that capture the magic and romance of their stories.
Pixar Characters
Disney owns Pixar, so it's no surprise that you'll see some of their characters on the Skyliner. Look out for Woody, Buzz Lightyear, and the rest of the Toy Story gang. You might also see characters from other Pixar hits like Coco and Monsters, Inc.
Other Characters
In addition to the above, you might also see characters from some of Disney's other properties. For example, you might see characters from Encanto, Zootopia, Ralph Breaks the Internet, or Guardians of the Galaxy. And if you're a fan of the spooky side of Disney, keep an eye out for the Haunted Mansion gondola.
History and Development
The Disney Skyliner is a gondola lift system that opened on September 29, 2019, at the Walt Disney World Resort in Bay Lake, Florida. The idea for the Skyliner dates back to the early 1960s when Walt Disney himself envisioned a monorail system that would transport guests around the park. The monorail was eventually built, but the idea of an aerial transportation system was not forgotten.
In 2017, plans for the Disney Skyliner were announced at the D23 Expo, a biennial event where Disney fans gather to celebrate all things Disney. The Skyliner was designed to provide a new and unique way for guests to travel between resorts and theme parks. The system consists of 300 gondolas that travel along six miles of cable, connecting four resorts and two theme parks.
The development of the Skyliner was a massive undertaking, requiring extensive planning and construction. The system was designed by the Walt Disney Imagineering team, who worked closely with the Doppelmayr Garaventa Group, a leading manufacturer of cable cars and gondolas. The gondolas were custom-designed for Disney, with each one featuring artwork inspired by classic Disney films.
Construction of the Skyliner began in 2017, with crews working around the clock to install the cable and build the stations. The system was tested extensively before opening to the public, with Disney employees riding the gondolas to ensure that they were safe and reliable.
Overall, the Disney Skyliner represents a significant investment in the Walt Disney World Resort and a commitment to providing guests with new and exciting experiences. Whether you're traveling between resorts or just taking a scenic ride, the Skyliner is a must-see attraction that is sure to delight visitors of all ages.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the routes for the Disney Skyliner?
The Disney Skyliner connects EPCOT and Hollywood Studios with several Walt Disney World resort hotels, including Disney's Riviera Resort, Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort, Disney's Art of Animation Resort, and Disney's Pop Century Resort.
Can you ride the Disney Skyliner for free?
Yes, you can ride the Disney Skyliner for free. It is a complimentary service for guests staying at the connected resorts or visiting the theme parks.
Why did the Disney Skyliner close?
The Disney Skyliner temporarily closed in 2019 due to a malfunction that caused some of the gondolas to stop mid-air. The system was thoroughly inspected and tested before reopening to ensure the safety of guests.
The Disney Skyliner occasionally closes due to weather, including high winds, rain or lightning in the area.
Who can use the Disney Skyliner?
Anyone can use the Disney Skyliner, including guests with strollers and wheelchairs. The gondolas are designed to accommodate these items.
Which resorts are connected by the Disney Skyliner?
The Disney Skyliner connects Disney's Riviera Resort, Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort, Disney's Art of Animation Resort, and Disney's Pop Century Resort with EPCOT and Hollywood Studios.
Is there an expansion planned for the Disney Skyliner?
There has been no official announcement regarding an expansion of the Disney Skyliner system. However, Disney is constantly exploring ways to improve transportation options for guests.
Personally, the Skyliner is one of our family’s favorite things at Walt Disney World and an expansion would be at the top of our priority list! Logistically, because of the distance needed to connect to other resorts and theme parks, it may be a difficult task.
