Disney Skyliner

When Walt Disney World unveiled the Disney Skyliner in September 2019, it revolutionized how guests travel between select Disney resorts and theme parks. This innovative gondola system combines practical transportation with a touch of Disney magic, offering breathtaking aerial views while whisking visitors to their destinations. It has become the transportation of choice at the Walt Disney World Resort.

Disney Skyliner Summary

• Guests can use the system without park tickets or resort stays for resort hopping, dining, or sightseeing.
• FREE gondola transportation system at Walt Disney World connecting two theme parks (EPCOT and Hollywood Studios) with four resorts (Caribbean Beach, Riviera Resort, Pop Century, and Art of Animation).
• Opened in September 2019, featuring themed gondolas that hold up to 10 passengers with wraparound views and passive ventilation.
• Caribbean Beach Resort serves as the main hub, where guests can transfer between different lines.
• Operating hours begin one hour before Early Theme Park Entry and end 90 minutes after the last park closes, with modified hours during EPCOT Extended Evening Hours.
• Travel times are efficient: 5-6 minutes to Hollywood Studios, 11-12 minutes to EPCOT from Caribbean Beach Resort.
• System may close during severe weather, lightning, or high winds, with alternative transportation provided when needed.
• No traditional air conditioning in gondolas, though they feature a passive ventilation system.

The History Behind the Disney Skyliner

While the current Skyliner system is relatively new, Disney’s history with aerial transportation dates back to the Magic Kingdom’s Skyway, which operated from 1971 to 1999. That original attraction connected Tomorrowland and Fantasyland, giving guests a bird’s-eye view of the park. When Disney announced the new Skyliner project in 2017, many longtime fans saw it as a spiritual successor to the beloved Skyway, albeit on a much grander scale.

Construction of the Skyliner began in 2017, with the ambitious goal of creating an efficient transportation network that would connect multiple resort hotels and theme parks. The project required careful planning to ensure the system would be both practical and aesthetically pleasing, as the towers and stations would become permanent fixtures of the Walt Disney World skyline.

The Disney Skyliner Network: Where Can You Go?

The Disney Skyliner system consists of three interconnected lines that converge at Caribbean Beach Resort, which serves as the main hub. The Disney Skyliner serves many Disney resorts, including Disney’s Pop Century, Disney’s Art of Animation, Disney’s Caribbean Beach, Disney’s Riviera Resort, Disney’s Boardwalk Inn, Disney’s Beach Club and Yacht Club Resorts. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the routes:

Epcot Line

• Connects Caribbean Beach Station to Epcot’s International Gateway
• Provides easy access to Epcot’s World Showcase
• Offers stunning views of World Showcase Lagoon and surrounding resorts

Hollywood Studios Line

• Links Caribbean Beach Resort to Disney’s Hollywood Studios
• Features views of the Tower of Terror and Galaxy’s Edge

Art of Animation/Pop Century Line

• Connects Caribbean Beach Resort to Disney’s Art of Animation and Pop Century Resorts
• Travels over Hourglass Lake, offering unique views of both resorts

Riviera Resort Station

• Located on the Epcot line
• Serves Disney’s Riviera Resort
• Provides convenient access to the resort’s rooftop restaurants

Disney Skyliner Travel Times

Between Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort (the main hub) and:

• Disney’s Hollywood Studios: 5-6 minutes
• EPCOT International Gateway: 11-12 minutes
• Disney’s Pop Century and Art of Animation Resorts: 3-4 minutes
• Disney’s Riviera Resort: 5 minutes

From Disney’s Riviera Resort to:

• EPCOT International Gateway: 6-7 minutes
• Disney’s Hollywood Studios: 10-12 minutes (via transfer at Caribbean Beach)

If you need to transfer at Caribbean Beach Resort, you should add about 3-5 minutes to account for the time it takes to exit one line and board another.

Keep in mind that these times can vary slightly based on factors like:

• Whether the system needs to slow down for guests using wheelchairs or ECVs
• Current weather conditions
• Time needed for transfers at Caribbean Beach Resort
• Overall crowd levels

For comparison, these travel times are generally faster than taking a bus, especially during peak times or when traveling between EPCOT and Hollywood Studios.

The Disney Skyliner Experience

The Skyliner’s gondola cabins are masterpieces of design, featuring comfortable wooden benches that can accommodate up to 10 passengers, including space for wheelchairs and ECVs. A cast member will always be on hand to help you load and unload from the vehicles. The innovative passive ventilation system and wrap-around windows provide both comfort and panoramic views throughout the journey. Select cabins feature special theming with beloved Disney characters, adding an extra touch of magic to the experience.

The system operates similarly to a ski lift, with cabins constantly moving through stations at a pace slow enough for easy boarding. For guests requiring additional assistance or those with mobility devices, the system can slow or stop individual cabins as needed.

The Disney Skyliner operating hours align with the theme park schedules. Service begins one hour before Early Theme Park Entry starts at EPCOT or Disney’s Hollywood Studios, ensuring early-rising guests can reach the parks with plenty of time to spare. At the end of the day, the Skyliner continues running for 90 minutes after EPCOT or Disney’s Hollywood Studios closes, accommodating guests who want to linger in the parks.

For nights when EPCOT offers Extended Evening Hours, the Skyliner service is modified. On these special evenings, it operates until one hour after Extended Evening Hours end. However, during this extended late-night period, service is limited to transportation between EPCOT International Gateway and Disney’s Riviera Resort only. The route connecting Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort with Disney’s Pop Century Resort and Disney’s Art of Animation Resort is not available during these extended hours.

Disney Skyliner Map

They Skyliner route is pretty simple for now, and very easy to understand.

Disney Skyliner Benefits and Advantages

1. Efficiency

• Moves up to 4,500 guests per hour in each direction
• Operates continuously during park hours
• Reduces bus transportation needs
• Shorter wait times compared to buses during peak periods

2. Environmental Impact

• Zero direct emissions
• Electrically powered system
• Reduces road congestion
• Minimal footprint compared to traditional transportation methods

3. Guest Experience

• Offers unique aerial views of Walt Disney World
• Air-conditioned stations for comfortable waiting
• Free transportation service
• Adds an extra touch of magic to resort stays

4. Resort Access

• Creates direct connections between multiple resorts
• Easy access to dining options at connected resorts
• Simplified park hopping between Epcot and Hollywood Studios
• Enhanced value for guests staying at connected resorts

Disney Skyliner Disadvantages

Unfortunately, there are some downsides with the Disney Skyliner.

• Weather Disruptions: The system must close during inclement weather such as lightning storms, high winds, or severe weather. This can be particularly challenging during Florida’s frequent afternoon thunderstorms in summer months, leaving guests to seek alternative transportation.
• No Traditional Air Conditioning: While the gondolas have a passive ventilation system, they don’t have traditional AC. During Florida’s hot and humid months, especially when the system temporarily stops, the cabins can become quite warm.
• Motion and Height Concerns: For guests with a fear of heights or motion sickness, the swaying gondolas suspended up to 60 feet in the air can be uncomfortable. The cabins do sway slightly, particularly in windy conditions.
• Claustrophobia: Some guests may feel anxious about being enclosed in the skyliner cabins, especially if the system temporarily stops mid-journey.
• Limited Resort Access: The Skyliner only serves specific resorts and two parks (EPCOT and Hollywood Studios). Guests wanting to visit Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, or Disney Springs need to use other transportation options.
• Sharing Space: During busy times, you may need to share your gondola with other parties, which can be uncomfortable for some guests, especially in the current health climate.
• Transfer Required: If you’re traveling between certain destinations (like from Pop Century to EPCOT), you’ll need to transfer at Caribbean Beach Resort Station, adding time to your journey.
• Line Visibility: The towers and cables are quite visible throughout the resort areas they serve, which some guests feel impacts the visual theming of Walt Disney World.
• Peak Wait Times: During busy park opening and closing times, lines for the Skyliner can become quite long, sometimes resulting in waits of 30 minutes or more.
• Emergency Evacuation Concerns: While rare, if the system experiences a significant breakdown, evacuation procedures can be lengthy and may require guests to be comfortable with height rescue procedures.

Tips for Riding the Disney Skyliner

Timing can greatly enhance your Skyliner experience. Early morning rides offer stunning sunrise views, while evening journeys provide spectacular sunset vistas and potential glimpses of Epcot’s fireworks. Mid-day rides typically feature shorter wait times and clear visibility across the resort.

Weather does play a role in operations, as the system may temporarily close during severe weather, lightning, or high winds. However, Disney always provides alternative transportation options when needed. For photography enthusiasts, the Skyliner offers unique shooting opportunities, particularly during early morning and golden hour periods. Remember to clean your camera lens before boarding and be prepared to shoot quickly as views change throughout the journey.

Is the Disney Skyliner Free?

Yes, the Disney Skyliner is free! It’s part of the complimentary Walt Disney World transportation system, just like the buses, monorail, and friendship boats. You don’t need a park ticket or resort reservation to ride it – anyone can use the Skyliner service during operating hours.

However, it’s worth noting that while you can ride the Skyliner for free, you’ll need to have valid theme park admission if you’re planning to enter either EPCOT or Disney’s Hollywood Studios at those stations. You can still use the Skyliner to travel between resorts for dining or shopping without a park ticket.

The complimentary service is one of the main benefits of the Skyliner system, especially for guests staying at the connected resorts (Caribbean Beach Resort, Riviera Resort, Pop Century, and Art of Animation), as it provides free and efficient transportation to two Disney theme parks.

Impact on Walt Disney World

The Disney Skyliner has transformed the Walt Disney World experience in numerous ways. Properties connected to the system have seen increased popularity among guests, with the convenience of gondola access making resorts like Caribbean Beach, Art of Animation, and Pop Century even more attractive to visitors. Guest satisfaction surveys consistently show high ratings for the Skyliner system, with visitors praising both its efficiency and the unique experience it provides.

While Disney hasn’t announced any expansion plans, the success of the current system suggests potential for growth. Future developments could include extensions to additional resorts, connections to Disney Springs, or new lines to other parks. The system’s proven reliability and popularity make it a likely candidate for continued evolution within Walt Disney World’s transportation network.

Safety remains a top priority for the Skyliner system, with multiple redundancies and regular maintenance procedures in place. While there were some initial challenges during the first week of operation, Disney quickly addressed these issues, and the system has operated reliably since then. The innovative passive ventilation system, combined with reflective windows and constant motion, maintains comfortable temperatures within the cabins despite the absence of traditional air conditioning.

Common Disney Skyliner Questions and Answers

Is the Skyliner Safe?

Yes, the system features multiple safety redundancies and is regularly maintained. While there were some initial challenges during the first week of operation, Disney quickly addressed these issues, and the system has operated reliably since then.

What Happens During Weather Events?

The system is designed to operate in most weather conditions but will close during severe weather, including lightning and high winds. Disney provides alternative transportation options during closures.

Do the Cabins Have Air Conditioning?

While the cabins don’t have traditional air conditioning, they feature an innovative passive ventilation system that keeps air flowing through the cabin. The reflective windows and constant motion help maintain comfortable temperatures.

Why Disney Skyliner?

The Disney Skyliner represents another successful innovation in Disney’s long history of transportation solutions. It combines practical functionality with the magic and wonder that guests expect from Walt Disney World. Whether you’re using it as your primary transportation method or simply want to experience the unique views it offers, the Skyliner has quickly become an integral part of the Walt Disney World experience.

For many guests, the Skyliner isn’t just transportation – it’s become an attraction in its own right, offering a peaceful break from the parks while providing spectacular views of Walt Disney World’s landscape. As Walt Disney World continues to evolve, the Skyliner stands as a testament to Disney’s commitment to innovative guest experiences that combine practicality with magic.

Note: Operating hours, procedures, and availability may vary. Check the My Disney Experience app or with Cast Members for current information during your visit.

Find out more about all Walt Disney World Transportation.