If it’s been a while since you last visited Orlando, you’re probably wondering, What the heck is the Disney World Skyliner?
Lucky for you, you’ve come to the best guide!
The Disney Skyliner is the latest addition to Walt Disney World’s wide array of transportation options across their property. It has officially joined the famous monorail, boats and busses.
At first glance, it probably looks terrifying, but don’t worry.
I am here to ease your worries, inform and share why the on-site Resort Hotels with the Disney Skyliner stations are so coveted these days compared to other resorts.
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What is the Disney World Skyliner?
The Walt Disney Disney Skyliner is a fully elevated gondola lift system that takes guests to various resorts and parks at Walt Disney World.
But to understand the conceptualization of Disney Skyliner, we have to first understand that it is not first of its kind at any Disney park.
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What makes the Skyliner at Disney World so special?
As of right now, Disney Skyliner is the only gondola system in the country with double loading and a second double loading aerial system.
So, basically, when the train pulls into each terminal, most cabins just unload right after slowing down. Then, they head back and pick up guests on the opposite side of the terminal.
However, Disney Skyliner can switch some cabins to a different loading and unloading system to help out disabled passengers and anyone who needs a bit more time to get on.
They’ll also pause the cabins at a platform for a bit before taking them back to the main paths.
Where does the Disney World Skyliner go?
The Walt Disney World Skyliner has three main routes:
- Art of Animation & Pop Century Line
- Disney’s Hollywood Studios Line
- EPCOT Line
Disney World Skyliner Map
Skyliner Route at Disney World
The main hub is located at Caribbean Beach Resort which is one of the 5 stops. There are also other Disney skyliner stops that include:
- Riviera Resort
- EPCOT
- Disney’s Hollywood Studios
- Art of Animation Resort
- Pop Century Resort
Hipster Power Tip: There is watercraft transfer at Caribbean Beach and EPCOT. Meaning you’ll have to get off of your Skyliner to enter the line for a transfer to the path leading to Hollywood Studios or the path leading to EPCOT.
Art of Animation/Pop Century Resort Skyliner Route at Disney World
The Art of Animation and Pop Century Resort line is the shortest of the routes.
Caribbean Beach Resort Skyliner Route at Disney World
From Caribbean Beach Resort, you’ll cruise along the majestic natural scenery before you head past the north building of Art of Animation.
The Disney Skyliner travels across the hourglass lake landing at the platform in the middle of the lake. One way is an estimated 4 minute ride.
Hollywood Studios Skyliner Route at Disney World
The Hollywood Studios line is the second shortest route, with a one-way journey lasting 5 minutes.
Heading out from Caribbean Beach Resort to Hollywood Studios, you’ll cruise through some trees before passing the tollbooth for your next destination which will be Hollywood Studios.
You’ll then head across the parking lot and end up at the station by the bus stop. The station’s right at the park’s entrance too!
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EPCOT Skyliner Route at Disney World
The longest of the three routes is the EPCOT line, with a one-way journey lasting 11 minutes.
When you leave Caribbean Beach, you’ll cruise past the Aruba and Jamaica areas of the resort before stopping at Disney’s Riviera Resort.
Then, you’ll roll along Buena Vista Drive, getting to The Boardwalk tennis court parking lot and making your second stop.
After that, you’ll ride behind France Pavilion in World Showcase at EPCOT, which gives you an incredible view of the new addition to the park.
You’ll eventually get to International Gateway, where you can sneak into EPCOT from the back at World Showcase.
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History of the Walt Disney World Skyliner
Disneyland had Skyway, which connected Fantasyland and Tomorrowland.
Magic Kingdom used to have its own Skyway ride that shut down in 1999, and they tore down the Fantasyland and Tomorrowland stations in the early 2000s to clear space for new stuff, especially New Fantasyland.
Tokyo Disneyland kicked off with one back in 1983. Nowadays, the Skyway is totally gone from all these parks.
But hey, the Fantasyland and Tomorrowland stations at Tokyo Disneyland got a makeover for some fresh park fun and a new park attraction.
But just like a lot of stuff at Disney Parks, an idea usually doesn’t disappear for good.
The past has a way of sneaking into future projects or reappearing in a new form.
So, Disney Skyliner came from the concept of Skyway, but it ended up covering the whole resort instead of just one park.
Planning for the Disney Skyliner Begins
Plans began as early as February 2017, with Reedy Creek filing the designs blueprints to the South Florida Water Management District.
At the D23 Expo that same year, Disney’s ex-CEO Bob Chapek spilled the beans that it was on the way.
He mentioned it would link up four of the resort’s hotels to Disney’s Hollywood Studios and EPCOT, offering riders some awesome views.
At that point, no opening date was revealed but by 2018, construction started.
However, many of the stations and towers were done by summer with Disney Parks Blog announcing in July 2019 that Disney Skyliner would open September 29, 2019.
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What to Know Before You Start Your Walt Disney World Vacation
Now that you know what to expect on the Skyliner at Disney World, let’s go through the most commonly asked questions.
How fast does the Disney Skyliner go?
Something you should know is that the Disney Skyliner isn’t terribly fast. The Max Speed is 11.2 miles per hour.
What time does Disney World Skyliner open and close?
This is dependent upon the theme parks, but the Disney Skyliner hours range from opening as early as 6:30 a.m. or 8:30 a.m. and closing as late as 10 p.m or 11 p.m.
What is the cost to ride Disney Skyliner?
You’ll be happy to know that the Disney Skyliner is free of charge! So that’s one less thing you have to worry about paying for at Walt Disney World.
Does the Skyliner go to Disney Springs?
Unfortunately at this time, the Skyliner does not offer services to Disney Springs. Hopefully this will change in the future.
How to ride Disney Skyliner for free?
There are a few ways to ride the Skyliner at Disney World for free. Let’s go through them:
- If you’re staying at a Disney Resort on the path, just find your nearest station.
- Disney Annual Passholders can park at Hollywood Studios and hop on the Skyliner from that station since parking is included with your pass.
- Non-Disney guests can park at Disney Springs and take a ride to one of the resort hotels with a station on the path such as Pop Century Resort.
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Is there air conditioning on Disney Skyliner?
Sadly, there’s no AC since the gondolas just use window vents to let some fresh air in. It might get a little toasty now and then, but it’s not too common.
How many guests can ride on Disney Skyliner?
The Disney Skyliner has over 300 cabins, some themed to various Disney properties that features bench style seating. It can hold 10 people in total with 5 people on each bench.
If boarding with an Electric Conveyance Vehicles (ECV) or wheelchair, you can seat about 5 to 6 people.
Are strollers allowed on Disney Skyliner?
Strollers are allowed but if they are larger than 30 x 48, they will have to be folded down.
What if i need extra time to board the Disney World Skyliner?
Cast Members will direct you to a different loading area that has stationary cabins.
What happens if Disney Skyliner goes down temporarily?
You’ll be happy to know that Disney will send out busses from each station to get you where you need to go!
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Are Food and Drink allowed on the Disney gondolas?
Yes, they are allowed but if riding with others not in your party, I would be mindful and not eat on the Skyliner at Disney.
Is the Disney Skyliner like Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind where I might get motion sickness?
It isn’t likely that you will get sick but if you do, there are motion sickness bags on board.
What if there is an emergency on my Disney Skyliner?
Something you should know is that there are emergency call boxes in all gondolas.
Can anyone ride the Disney Skyliner?
You do not need to be a Walt Disney World Resort Guest to ride!
As mentioned early, you’ll most likely you will have to board at the EPCOT and Hollywood Studios stations which are located outside park entrances.
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3 Beginner Tips for the Disney World Skyline
Before I end this guide, there are a few helpful tips below if you plan to use the Disney Skyliner!
1. Take the EPCOT line as a way to gain easier and faster access to the Boardwalk area.
The Boardwalk is a very short walk from the EPCOT terminal.
2. Get to Your Station Early
If you plan to use Disney Skyliner to rope drop EPCOT or Disney’s Hollywood Studios, plan to get to your station about an hour before.
3. Choose the Perfect Room
As a travel agent, if one of your main points of booking a Disney Skyliner access hotel is the Skyliner itself, you may want to book the following rooms at these resorts to be nearby:
- For Caribbean Beach, the main hub, will be Jamaica, Aruba and Barbados.
- Pop Century and the Art of Animation don’t have internal bus systems like Caribbean Beach does so just be aware you will have a long walk to the lobby. But for both, I would request or book a water view room.
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My Final Thoughts on the Disney World Skyliner
Hopefully all your questions and concerns were answered when it comes to Disney World Skyliner.
Admittedly, I was nervous when I rode it for the first time but once you see the awesome views as you travel across the resort, you may find that it will become your favorite mode of transportation on property.
Be sure to share your Skyliner photos in our Facebook Group!
Until next time, Happy Park Hopping Hipsters!
About the Author
Victoria is a professional solo traveler here to make your solo trips as stress free AND enjoyable as possible for you.
She has over 5 years of Disney and Non-Disney travel experience and was featured by POPSUGAR as one of the Top 50 Black Disney Creators you should follow.
She is a Proud Native to Baltimore, Md but always will call Disney World home.
(Original Article Date: January 23, 2023/Updated by Editor on January 13, 2024)