By Dr. Jenna Liphart Rhoads
Walt Disney World Resort is a massive property and there are so many modes of transportation to get around the parks, the resorts, and other areas on Disney property, such as Disney Springs and Fantasia Gardens and Fairways Miniature Golf. New park goers can feel overwhelmed by all of the choices and have a tough time determining the best way to get where they need to go. The Disney Skyliner is a great option for guests who are hopping between Hollywood Studios and EPCOT, or for guests who are traveling between Disney’s Riviera Resort, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Disney’s Pop Century Resort, and any of the three resorts at EPCOT’s World Showcase gate. If you are a park guest who wants to take advantage of the Disney Skyliner but is feeling overwhelmed, read on because we have experts that have done all the hard work of figuring out the tips and tricks.
What is the Disney Skyliner?
The Disney Skyliner is a gondola lift system that transports passengers between select hotels, restaurants, and the EPCOT and Hollywood Studios parks at Walt Disney World Resort. The gondolas can seat up to 10 guests per cabin and provide a unique vantage point while traveling between stops. The gondolas contain two wooden benches on either side and guests sit facing inward. The gondolas do not have air conditioning, but there are large vents that can be opened and closed to control the temperature and air flow.
Where does the Disney Skyliner go?
There are 3 distinct routes/one that all connect at the central Disney Skyliner terminal at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort. From the central terminal, there is a line that runs to Disney’s Art of Animation and Pop Century Resorts, one that runs to Hollywood Studios, and one that runs to the International Gateway entrance at EPCOT with a short stop at Disney’s Riviera Resort on the way. The EPCOT stop is also a short walk to the EPCOT area resorts and the boardwalk area restaurants.
How long does it take between stops?
- Art of Animation/Pop Century Resorts to Caribbean Beach Resort Terminal: 4 minutes
- Caribbean Beach Resort Terminal to Hollywood Studios: 5 minutes
- Caribbean Beach Resort Terminal to EPCOT: 12 minutes
Who can ride the Disney Skyliner?
Any guest who wishes to enjoy a birds-eye view of the Walt Disney World Resort property and needs to move between any of the stops on the Disney Skyliner route. There are also gondolas specially equipped for guests who use a wheelchair or other mobility device.
Who should not ride the Disney Skyliner?
Anyone with an extreme fear of heights.
When does the Disney Skyliner run?
The transportation system opens 1 hour before the parks open for early entry (check opening times for EPCOT and Hollywood Studios as they can vary) and stop running 60-90 minutes after the parks close. The system does shut down when there is lightning in the area or high winds, but will continue to run in the rain. If it does shut down for weather, buses will run to and from the EPCOT and Hollywood Studios. Additionally, the Disney Skyliner closes during the winter (generally for a week or so in mid to late January) for routine maintenance.
What does the Disney Skyliner cost?
Absolutely nothing! Riding the Disney Skyliner is free for guests.
What are some tips for riding the Disney Skyliner?
- The gondolas are continuously moving (they do slow down for boarding and disembarking), so guests do need to get on and off in a timely manner.
- Most compact strollers can fit in the aisle of the gondolas and do not need to be folded down to get on, which can be a lifesaver for families with small children who are used to taking the Disney buses.
- Remember to keep hands, feet, stroller wheels, and other items inside the marked area of the gondola floor. Otherwise, the doors will not close and the entire system will shut down and cause a delay.
- If guests chose to ride the EPCOT line in the evening, a trip on the Disney Skyliner can be timed right to see the park’s fireworks display and water show.
- Lines can be long at the end of the night when a park is closing, so plan on waiting a bit for a ride back to your resort.
Can food and drink be taken onboard?
Yes, absolutely! However, be courteous and try not to make a mess while riding in your gondola. Pro tip: the Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort station has a Joffery’s Coffee hut that guests can utilize when switching between lines/routes.
This transportation route is a guest favorite and unique way to get around the property. Hopefully, with our tips and tricks it will be your favorite too!
For more on-site tips to make your Disney vacation the most magical it can be, please contact us at Royal Carriage Vacations about planning your magical Disney vacation!
