Are you planning a trip to Disney World and wondering how to navigate the newest transportation system? Look no further! The Disney Skyliner is a gondola/cable car system that offers guests a unique and scenic way to travel between Disney World resorts and theme parks. In this blog post, I’ll cover everything you need to know, including the Disney Skyliner map, routes, and operating hours.
What is the Disney Skyliner?
The Disney Skyliner is a gondola transportation system that connects select Disney World resorts and theme parks. It offers guests a unique and scenic way to travel, giving them a bird’s-eye view of the Disney World property. The Skyliner opened in 2019 and has since become a popular mode of transportation for guests.
The Disney Skyliner offers guests unique views as it soars over waterways and woods while transporting them to theme parks and resort hotels. It’s known as the “most magical flight on Earth” and connects EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and four resorts: Disney’s Art of Animation, Disney’s Pop Century, Disney’s Caribbean Beach, and Disney’s Riviera.
More on Disney World Transportation
- The Disney World Monorail Map and Routes
- Disney World Transportation Tips
- Hollywood Studios and Epcot Friendship Boats
- Walking from Epcot to Hollywood Studios
- The Disney World Monorail Hotels
Skyliner Overview
- The Disney Skyliner is a gondola transportation system that connects select Disney World resorts and theme parks
- There is no additional cost to ride the Skyliner
- Climate-controlled for comfort
- Each car features a Disney character or theme
- The Skyliner has several stations including Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Caribbean Beach Resort, Riviera Resort, Art of Animation/Pop Century Resort and a Turning Station
- Operating hours vary depending on the time of year
- Wait times can vary depending on the time of day and season
- Journey lengths vary between 3 to 15 minutes depending on where you are going.
- The Skyliner is not scary, but may cause mild discomfort for those with a fear of heights
- The system may be temporarily closed during severe weather
- The Skyliner is busiest during peak times, such as holidays and weekends
The Skyliner Gondola Cars
The Skyliner gondola cars are designed to resemble vintage aerial trams and can hold up to 10 guests per car. The cars are also climate-controlled, making them comfortable to ride in all weather conditions.
There are 2 types of Disney Skyliner gondola cabins:
- Ones with solid colors.
- The other with the Disney character wraps on them.
Nearly half of the 300 cabins are decorated with Disney scenes featuring beloved characters, movies, attractions, and more, giving the illusion of Disney pals accompanying guests. The gondolas stand out overhead with 8 vibrant colors and sleek curved lines.
Do You Have to Pay to Ride the Disney Skyliner?
No, there is no additional cost to ride the Disney Skyliner. It is included with your Disney World admission.
The Disney Skyliner Stations
The Disney Skyliner has several stations that connect different Disney World resorts and theme parks. Here are the stations you can expect to find:
The Epcot Station
The Disney Skyliner station at EPCOT’s International Gateway is designed to resemble the nearby European Pavilions, with metal and glass canopies, hand-painted murals, and steel structures reminiscent of 18th century Art Nouveau. Guests using the Disney Skyliner will be greeted with a unique aerial view of World Showcase upon arrival at EPCOT.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios Station
The Disney’s Hollywood Studios station matches the design style of the park’s main entrance and bus stations. Those traveling from Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort will experience a unique aerial view of iconic attractions like The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror.
The Skyliner station is located just before the Disney Bus stops as you leave Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort Station
The main hub for Disney Skyliner activity is the Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort station. It’s inspired by Caribbean open-air markets and features the resort’s architectural style and colors. Passengers can transfer gondola routes here or take a moment to admire the resort’s waterfront setting.
Disney’s Riviera Resort Station
A major advantage of staying at Disney’s Riviera Resort, Disney’s newest DVC resort, is its location on the Disney Skyliner route between Epcot and Hollywood Studios. This station is just a short walk away from the resort.
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort / Disney’s Pop Century Resort Station
Disney’s Pop Century and Art of Animation Resorts share a Disney Skyliner station that fits in with the whimsical atmosphere of both resorts. Passengers will have a panoramic view of the two colorful resorts while gliding over Hourglass Lake after departing the station.
The Turning Station
The cabins slow down at a Disney Skyliner turn-station on Buena Vista Drive, allowing guests to observe the mechanical and aerial elements of the Disney Skyliner. This isn’t an actual station where you get off and rather a structure that allows the cars to slowly turn sharply towards Epcot.
Disney Skyliner Routes and Transfers
Let’s take a more detailed look at the Disney Skyliner routes and where to transfer.
Art of Animation/Pop Century Station:
- The station can be the start or end of your journey, depending on where you are coming from or going to.
- If you arrive here, you must disembark and can get back on again to continue your journey.
- If you’re headed to Hollywood Studios, you won’t need to transfer at the Caribbean Beach station.
- If you’re going to Epcot or Riviera Resort, you’ll need to transfer at the Caribbean Beach station.
Caribbean Beach Station:
- The central hub of the Disney World Skyliner system.
- Regardless of your final destination, you’ll be taken directly to your destination without having to transfer if you board here.
Hollywood Studios Station:
- If you’re going to Art of Animation/Pop Century, Riviera Resort, or Epcot, you’ll need to transfer at the Caribbean Beach station.
- If you’re staying at Hollywood Studios, you can stay at the Caribbean Beach station.
Riviera Resort Station:
- If you’re going to Epcot, there are no transfers required.
- If you’re going to Hollywood Studios, Caribbean Beach, or Art of Animation, you’ll need to transfer at the Caribbean Beach station.
Epcot Station:
- Disembark here if you’re arriving.
- If you’re going to Caribbean Beach, Hollywood Studios, or Art of Animation, stay on the gondola at the Riviera Resort station and transfer at the Caribbean Beach station.
Transferring at Caribbean Beach:
- If you transfer at Caribbean Beach, you’ll need to get in line again to continue your journey.
- The lines are set up in the station, so pick where you want to go and get in that line.
- The wait time may be longer during peak park times but shouldn’t take more than 5-10 minutes.
Getting Off at Riviera Resort Station:
- Guests can get off here if they’re staying at the resort or certain rooms at the Caribbean Beach Resort.
- The station is closer to some rooms at the Caribbean Beach Resort, especially in the “Aruba” section.
- The station is not a transfer station, so guests will not switch gondolas here.
- Guests must let the cast members know if they want to get off at this station.
Disney Skyliner Map
Skyliner Operating Hours
The Disney Skyliner operates daily, with specific hours varying depending on the time of year. Be sure to check the schedule before your trip to plan your transportation accordingly.
Normal operating hours are usually: 7.30am to 11.30pm
Wait Times for the Disney Skyliner
Wait times for the Disney Skyliner can vary depending on the time of day and season. The system is designed to handle large crowds, but during peak times, you may experience longer wait times.
The Skyliner gets very busy at the end of the day after evening fireworks shows and at park closing times. The Caribbean beach Resort station can also get very busy first thing in the morning before the parks open as can the International Gateway Station at Epcot.
Journey Lengths on the Disney Skyliner
The journey lengths on the Disney Skyliner vary depending on the route you are taking. The longest route is from Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort to Epcot, which takes approximately 15 minutes with the shortest being about 3 minutes.
Approximate Travel Times
- Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort to Disney’s Hollywood Studios: 3-5 minutes
- Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort to Disney’s Pop Century Resort or Disney’s Art of Animation Resort: 6 minutes
- Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort to Disney’s Riviera Resort: about 2-3 minutes
- Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort to Epcot: approximately 15 minutes
- Disney’s Riviera Resort to Epcot: approximately 12 minutes
Is the Disney Skyliner Scary?
The Disney Skyliner is not scary, but some guests may experience mild discomfort if they have a fear of heights. The gondolas are designed to be secure and stable, and the ride is smooth and gentle.
What Happens to the Disney Skyliner During Bad Weather?
The Disney Skyliner can operate in most weather conditions, but in the event of severe weather, the system may be temporarily closed for safety. This can happen during storms and periods of strong winds.
Disney Skyliner Busiest Times
The Disney Skyliner is busiest during peak times, such as holidays and weekends.As I also mentioned earlier it can get very busy before Epcot and Hollywood studios open in the morning and at the end of the day as guests leave the parks. It is recommended to plan your trip accordingly and to expect longer wait times during these times.
A Very Different Form of Disney Transportation
The Disney Skyliner is a one-of-a-kind transportation system that offers guests a different way to experience Disney World. Unlike traditional forms of transportation such as buses and monorails, the Skyliner provides a scenic and elevated view of the property. It’s a great way to see the different resorts and theme parks and to get a different perspective of Disney World.
In conclusion, the Disney Skyliner is a must-try for anyone visiting Disney World. Not only is it a convenient mode of transportation, but it also offers a unique and memorable experience. Be sure to check the schedule and plan ahead for wait times, especially during peak times, for a seamless and enjoyable experience. Happy travels and we hope you enjoy your Disney Skyliner journey!
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