Announced in 2017, the Disney Skyliner project will be a new elevated gondola transportation system that will connect Disney’s Art of Animation, Pop Century and Caribbean Beach resorts with Disney’s Hollywood Studios and the International Gateway at Epcot. And on September 29, 2019 the Disney Skyliner gondolas will take flight and officially begin transporting guests around Walt Disney World Resort.
In advance of this opening date, Disney has released some final details about this system, including when it will be open, what will happen during inclement weather, and how the addition of this new transportation option will affect other Disney transit options.
The Caribbean Beach Resort station will act as a hub
Image: Disney
The Disney Skyliner station at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort will be a major transportation hub for this new station and guests can use this station as a transfer point when park hopping or going between resorts. Because this station will likely be fairly busy, there will be a Jofferey’s Coffee location here that will serve drinks, pastries and specialty items including the new “Toffee Flight Latte” exclusive to this location
Cabins are fairly large, and trips will not be lengthy
Image: Disney
Though they might not look that big from the ground, the Disney Skyliner cabs are pretty big, with each one able to carry up to 10 guests per cabin. In addition, guests may also travel with strollers, wheelchairs and service animals. Once onboard, guests can expect a travel time time between 5 and 15 minutes between destinations depending on where they are going.
In case of lightning, the Disney Skyliner will shut down
Image: Disney
Thunderstorms in Florida are an almost daily occurrence in the spring and summer months, and while the Disney Skyliner does feature lightning protection, Disney has confirmed that they will be keeping guests out of the sky if lightning is reported within a few miles or if thunderstorms are in the forecast.
Disney Skyliner to be open before, during, and after park hours
Image: Disney
Though it won’t be a 24-hour service, the Disney Skyliner will operate on a rather lengthy schedule, opening stations before, during, and after park hours at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Epcot. Here are the hours for Disney Skyliner’s first few months by station. Note: these hours are subject to change, and are only in effect until late November, when the holiday season begins.
Epcot Station
- September 29 through November 28:
Sunday Monday and Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Thursday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Friday and Saturday: 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Disney’s Hollywood Studios Station
- September 29 through November 2:
Sunday – Monday and Wednesday – Saturday: 5:45 AM – 11:00 AM
Tuesday: 5:45 AM – 12:00 AM
- November 3 – November 21:
Sunday: 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Friday: 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Bus Transportation isn’t going anywhere
Image: Disney
Though the Disney Skyliner will be a great option for getting around Walt Disney World, this isn’t a replacement for other transportation methods, as Disney has officially confirmed that they will still be offering bus transportation between Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and from these parks to all connected resorts. So if you would prefer to take a bus or if the weather is poor, you will still have options for getting around the resort!
