All About the Disney World Skyliner – Go Informed Podcast Episode 048

February 23, 2020
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Episode 48: Disney World’s Skyliner

Today’s episode is all about the Disney Skyliner, which is a great new addition to the transportation system at Disney World. Listen to the audio, and read below, for all the details and tips.

These are the show notes for Go Informed Podcast episode 48. Click the Play button to listen to the episode for lots more detail about this topic.

A Great Addition to the Disney Transport System

Disney’s Skyliner is a high-speed gondola system like you see at many ski resorts. Each gondola can hold about 10 guests, and the system runs continuously, allowing guests to avoid the waits and traffic that are inherent with bus transportation.

The Disney World Skyliner is like a ski resort gondola.

I had great luck with the Skyliner. Even though the first few days of my trip overlapped with end-of-Thanksgiving crowds, I never had a wait longer than 10 minutes to board the Skyliner. My gondola usually had about 5-6 riders, and on a few occasions I got the whole thing to myself.

No Ticket Needed to Ride the Skyliner

Just like the rest of the mass transportation at Disney World, the Skyliner is free! You don’t need to show a ticket or room key – anyone can ride.

Where Does the Skyliner Go at Disney World?

The Skyliner connects Epcot and Hollywood Studios with the Pop Century, Art of Animation, Caribbean Beach, and Riviera resorts. The Epcot station is at the International Gateway end of the park, which is just a short walk from the Yacht Club, Beach Club, and Boardwalk resorts.

The Skyliner system is made up of three separate legs, with a hub at the Caribbean Beach resort. The legs are:

Pop Century/Art of Animation to Caribbean Beach
Hollywood Studios to Caribbean Beach
Epcot International Gateway to Caribbean Beach

So a guest staying at Pop Century wishing to go to Epcot would take the Skyliner to Caribbean Beach, then get off and board the next Skyliner to Epcot. Even with changing gondolas in the middle, the whole trip should only take about 20 minutes. The same bus ride might also only be 20 minutes, but because the Skyliner runs continuously there’s no worry of missing it & having to wait for the next one. The views are better than the bus, and you always get a seat on the Skyliner, unlike a crowded bus.

Disney World’s Skyliner Epcot Station is at the International Gateway

Also note that the Skyliner runs to the International Gateway entrance to Epcot. This is on the World Showcase side of the park. Disney buses drop off at the main entrance, near Spaceship Earth and the monorail station. So for guests who want to go directly to World Showcase, the Skyliner’s a great option.

Be Prepared in Case the Skyliner Stops

It’s worth a warning that the Skyliner can stop from time to time. I didn’t experience any breakdowns during my trip but it does happen.

There is no air conditioning, just small windows that open, and the gondolas can swing in the wind. So if it’s a really hot day or you are prone to motion sickness you might decide not to risk the chance that the ride will stop between stations.

Disney World Skyliner Operating Hours

Operating hours for the Skyliner are similar to those for the Disney buses. Guests can view the updated hours on the My Disney Experience app or on signs at the Skyliner stations.