Forget the bus! Experience the magic of Disney World from above in the new Skyliner gondolas.

Note from the editor: This post is updated regularly with the latest news and offers.

With its four theme parks, two water parks, and over 20 hotels, Disney World operates like a logistics hub as much as an entertainment destination. Finding enough buses, taxis, or monorails can be a challenge during your Disney vacation. The new Skyliner adds a delightful twist to the often mundane topic of transportation.

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What exactly is the Disney Skyliner?

Getting around Disney World is a blast with the Disney Skyliner! While there are plenty of surface options like buses, taxis, and boats, the Skyliner takes you sky-high. This network of gondolas links several resorts with EPCOT and Hollywood Studios, rivaling the iconic monorail.

Each gondola features a theme inspired by beloved Disney characters. Wrapped in graphics that also function as sun shades, they keep you cool as you glide above the treetops. Plus, passive air vents enhance your comfort. The Disney Skyliner merges the enchantment of Minnie Vans with the affordability of Disney's bus system.

Is there a cost for the Disney Skyliner?

Absolutely! The Disney Skyliner is free of charge. While Disney promotes it as a perk for resort guests, it’s also accessible for anyone wishing to travel between EPCOT and Hollywood Studios or simply enjoy a bird’s-eye view of Disney World. Think of it as a new adventure that doesn't require theme park tickets!

What are the destinations of the Disney Skyliner?

While we wish it connected to every location, the Skyliner actually covers a substantial area. You'll find stations at Disney's Art of Animation, Disney's Pop Century Resort, Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort, and the newly opened Disney's Riviera Resort.

Caribbean Beach Resort serves as the central hub for the Skyliner. Depending on where you're headed, you will likely switch gondolas at this hub. From Caribbean Beach, it's a straight route to Hollywood Studios, and for EPCOT, you’ll make a quick stop at the Riviera Resort (but you can remain in your gondola).

For instance, a guest staying at Art of Animation would board the Skyliner from the back of the property. They would transfer at Caribbean Beach Resort, disembarking to switch gondolas for a ride to either Hollywood Studios (currently the most popular theme park at Disney World) or EPCOT.

Is the Skyliner accessible for wheelchair users or ECVs?

The Skyliner is likely the most convenient transportation option for Disney World visitors using wheelchairs or ECVs (Electric Conveyance Vehicles, also known as motorized scooters). Disney has clearly taken feedback from other transportation methods to create a system that accommodates those who require extra time to board.

Every boarding station features a designated "lane" for specific gondolas that will wait as long as necessary for you to board. This allows the main line to continue moving efficiently. Inside the gondola, a cast member will assist in securing your wheelchair or ECV for the journey. Upon arrival, there’s a separate lane for disembarking that provides ample time. There’s no need to leave your wheelchair or ECV during the Skyliner ride, and there's always room for those using assistive devices.

When is the best time to use the Skyliner?

All four resorts along the Skyliner route share a common trait: limited access to free alternative transportation besides buses. During peak seasons, it’s not uncommon to wait for up to 15 minutes only to see a bus fill up without accommodating your group. Disney's Pop Century Resort alone boasts over 2,800 hotel rooms. Given that most rooms host more than one guest, buses can fill quickly.

If you're staying at Art of Animation or Pop Century and your room is located away from the front desk (which places you nearer to the Skyliner), opting for the Skyliner is usually the best choice. However, if you’re already in the central hall and the bus line isn’t too long, taking a bus to EPCOT or Hollywood Studios might be quicker.

At Caribbean Beach Resort, you're just one stop away from both EPCOT and Hollywood Studios. As long as the walk to the Skyliner isn’t too far, it’s your most efficient option. Buses often take a longer route around the property to reach the parks. The Skyliner ride from Riviera Resort to EPCOT is straightforward, but the trip to Hollywood Studios may be faster by bus. Riviera Resort is smaller and has its own bus stop for most destinations, helping to mitigate overcrowding.

If you’ve brought a stroller for your little ones during your Disney World trip, the Skyliner could be your best bet. Unlike buses, you typically won’t need to fold strollers when boarding the Skyliner.

There’s one situation where taking the Skyliner is generally not advisable: during thunderstorms or lightning, which often occur daily in the summer and shoulder months. The Skyliner will be closed when there’s lightning, although it may still operate in rain. If the Skyliner shuts down, passengers heading to Caribbean Beach Resort will be offloaded there. You’ll find a very small bus stop outside the station, where you’re likely to get soaked while waiting for a bus to your destination.

Can I select my Skyliner character?

Skyliner gondolas come in various themes, each showcasing one or two characters associated with that theme (such as Haunted Mansion, Mickey & Minnie, etc.). Generally, there are several gondolas featuring the same characters, but Disney has effectively spread them out among the vast number of gondolas. So, if you just spotted your favorite character, it may be a while before you see them again.

That being said, there isn’t an official policy at Disney World regarding which gondola you can board. However, with the line moving quickly, it’s easy to let a group go ahead of you while you wait for a gondola with your favorite character.

In summary,

The Disney Skyliner is a great addition for four hotels that have limited free transportation options. Magic Kingdom tends to be the most popular park, leading to crowded buses. However, the buses to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios can also be quite busy at certain times. Relaxing in a gondola while soaring above the treetops can be a much better alternative to standing in line and then enduring a 10- to 15-minute bus ride.

While the Skyliner does have some drawbacks, especially during weather-related shutdowns, it generally provides a reliable transportation option with plenty of capacity and a refreshing breeze flowing through the gondola—often accompanied by your favorite characters.