Guests visiting Walt Disney World will soon be able to soar above the treetops and glide above water as they travel between EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and four Disney resorts over 6 miles of cable when the Disney Skyliner opens for guests on September 29, 2019.
The gondola network will connect Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios to Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Disney’s Pop Century Resort, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort and the new Disney’s Riviera Resort, a Disney Vacation Club resort that will open Dec. 16, 2019.
What it’s like to ride?
A new video gives us a look inside the Disney Skyliner cabin and a tease at some of the wonderful vistas that you’ll be able to see through the cabin’s windows.
How much will it cost?
I think we all expected this, but it has been officially confirmed that a ride on the Disney Skyliner will be complimentary for guests at Walt Disney World. Part of the reasons is Disney hopes guests of its theme parks will venture out the the hotels and entertainment areas like Disney’s Boardwalk to enjoy the dining and entertainment options there. Disney is also expanding the International Gateway entrance to accommodate the increase in guests who will have access to EPCOT’s World Showcase dining and many festivals.
How many will the hold?
Each gondola cabin is built to hold up to 10 guests. They’re capable of holding those traveling with wheelchairs and other assistive devices. If required a cabin can be moved off the main line to allow for more boarding time as well.
Nearly half of the approximately 300 Disney Skyliner cabins will be wrapped in whimsical Disney scenes – with your favorite characters, popular movies, attractions and more – giving the appearance that Disney pals are riding along with guests. The cabins will be easy to spot overhead, because each gondola will shimmer in one of eight vibrant colors and feature sleek curved lines.
Each station along the Disney Skyliner route will feature uniquely Disney designs that reflect their surroundings:
- The Epcot International Gateway station is inspired by the nearby European pavilions in the park. Covered metal and glass canopies, hand-painted murals themed to flight and ornate metal detailing are all in the Art Nouveau style.
- The Disney’s Riviera Resort station incorporates influences from the Mediterranean coast to produce an elegant portal for guests.
- The station at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort connects all three routes and extends the architectural details and bright island colors associated with the Caribbean.
- The Disney’s Hollywood Studios station reflects the Art Decostyle of the park’s main entrance area. Guests arriving on Disney Skyliner will be awestruck as a panoramic view of the park unfolds.
- Disney’s Pop Century Resort and Disney’s Art of Animation Resort share a Disney Skyliner station at Hourglass Lake. Colorful structural forms create a space that feels whimsical and contextual with both resorts. Departing the station, guests will glide above Hourglass Lake and ascend to thrilling views of both resort hotels.
On a personal note, I’m extremely bummed I won’t be able to make the media preview for this (I have other travel plans for that day), but I plan to be there on the 29th to get a ride on its opening day.
Previously: Disney Skyliner nears completion, latest construction update and EPCOT International Gateway Disney Skyliner station nears completion.
Photos courtesy Disney. David Roark, Photographer.