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Inside the Disney Skyliner, Walt Disney World’s new magic carpet ride

Since its opening in late September the Disney Skyliner has quickly become a popular way to travel around that corner of the World. Sure, it did have some bumps coming out of the gate, but the system has since recovered and now not only provides amazing bird’s-eye views of Walt Disney World, but works as the efficient transportation system I envisioned in my 2013 post asking Disney to consider them.

We did send a Disney blog staff writer to attend the initial press event where the Disney Skyliner was dedicated ahead of opening to the public. While there we talked with a Walt Disney Imagineering architect behind the station designs and the Walt Disney World ambassador about what the new transportation network means for guests. We also went for a ride.

Thanks to Molly for attending the event and taking this great video:

It took the Disney Skyliner less than a month to surpass the magical mark of 1 million guests transported across Walt Disney World. There are over 6 miles of cable connected the 5 loading stations. Each cabin seats up to 10 and is accessible for wheelchairs and strollers.

The Disney Skyliner system has 300 gondolas. Almost half are wrapped in Disney characters, fan-favorite movies, and iconic theme park attractions.

Disney Skyliner

Disney Skyliner connects EPCOT to Disney’s Hollywood Studios and four Disney resort hotels: Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Disney’s Pop Century Resort, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, and Disney’s Riviera Resort, a Disney Vacation Club resort set to open Dec. 16, 2019. If you’re visiting Disney’s BoardWalk entertainment district, Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, Disney’s Beach Club Resort and Disney’s BoardWalk Inn you’re also just a short walk away from a station.

Walt Disney World may not have a real Magic Carpet to fly guests around, but the Disney Skyliner experience feels pretty close. Now I need to get to work writing that article about self-driving shuttles.