September 2019 Disney opened its newest transportation system, the “Skyliner”. The Skyliner is a Gondola Lift System similar to others around the world, but with Disney’s magical touch. The system connects 7 of Disney’s resorts with Epcot and Hollywood Studios. The main “hub” or station is located at Disney’s Caribbean Beach resort. Guests at these resorts are able to board the Skliner at their hotel: Art of Animation, Pop Century, Riviera Resort, Beach Club, Yacht Club and Boardwalk Inn and Villas. See this map below for an overview.
The Skyliner is super convenient for guests staying along the route. I have used it for stays at both Caribbean Beach Resort and Riviera Resort, both locations were easy and quick to board and get to the parks. Once running, the gondolas continue to move and guests are loaded swiftly and safety as the line moves through the station. Pre-Covid, guests could be seated with other families to fill the space. However at this time, guests are only placed in a gondola with their travel party, making this form of transportation very Covid friendly. The Gondolas have super fun Disney characters on the facade of each one! While the character gondolas are fantastic, we have found that we prefer to ride in the ones without characters as they are easier to see the beautiful view below!
The Skyliner’s hours can change seasonly so I recommend making a pitstop by the Skyliner the night before you plan to ride it, or visit with a cast member at your resort to make sure you have the most up-to-date hours. We found that during our stay the Skyliner began running about 45 minutes prior to the posted time on the Skyliner hours board.
Last few thoughts on the Skyliner:
• Families with strollers rejoice! You can leave your child in the stroller and wheel it right in!
• When you arrive at the Caribbean Beach main hub, you will have to disembark and get in a new Gondola depending on which park or resort you are heading to.
• I always recommend a quick visit to the restroom prior to boarding, they are located at each of the stations.
• Please keep in mind that when lightening is in the area, the system will be shut down until the storm passes through. Please take this into consideration when visiting during the summer months.
• Overall, I love the Skyliner and it feels like an attraction all on its own. The music, the sounds and the cast members working the Skyliner make it so enjoyable. We love riding it on arrival and departure days to get a little dose of Disney magic when we aren’t in the parks.
