Gondola cabins can now be seen gliding above the treetops of the Walt Disney World Resort. Just like a magic carpet, Disney Skyliner soars above waterways and wooded areas alike on its way to theme parks and Disney resort hotels while guests are treated to views never before seen.
This “most magical flight on Earth” connects 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 December 16, 2019.
Nearly half of the approximately 300 Disney Skyliner cabins are wrapped in whimsical Disney scenes – with beloved characters, fan-favorite movies, attractions and more – giving the appearance that Disney pals are riding along with guests. The cabins are easy to spot overhead because each gondola will shimmer in one of eight vibrant colors and feature sleek curved lines.
Disney Skyliner guests can discover bird’s-eye views of Disney’s Hollywood Studios, including the Hollywood Tower Hotel. Approaches to Epcot are equally eye-catching, as the countries around World Showcase Lagoon come into view with iconic Spaceship Earth in the distance.
In addition to convenient theme park access, guests staying at Disney resort hotels accessible by Disney Skyliner will have quick-and-easy transportation to a world of other dining and entertainment options. These include all the fun of Disney’s BoardWalk entertainment district, access to Epcot through the International Gateway station, and restaurants and recreation found at the resort hotels serviced by Disney Skyliner.
The Disney Skyliner station located at Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort will serve as the "Transportation & Ticket Center." From the Caribbean Beach Resort Skyliner station, you can take the line to Epcot via Disney’s Riviera Resort, you can take the line to Art of Animation/Pop Century Resort, or you can take the line to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. All lines originate at Caribbean Beach Resort’s station.
The Disney Skyliner cabins are accessible to guests in wheelchairs and ECVs as well. As you can see in the short video below, a Skyliner Cast Member will guide you into the gondola and once you're set, they will place chocks behind the wheels to keep your scooter or wheelchair in place during your flight.
Select gondola cabins will be decked out with graphics based on Disney films, attractions, and characters. For example, when looking at some of the cabins from the ground, it will appear as though characters such as Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Pluto or Chip & Dale are riding along with guests. In addition to character representation, some Disney animated films will be represented as well including Beauty & the Beast, Frozen, Lilo & Stitch, Moana, Peter Pan, The Princess and the Frog, Ralph Breaks the Internet, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, and Zootopia.
Other themed gondola cabins guests can expect to see include:
The gondolas will have stations located at the International Gateway entrance of Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Pop Century, Art of Animation, and Disney's upcoming Riviera Resort with the hub located at Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort.
“The design of the Disney Skyliner station at International Gateway at Epcot will be inspired by the park’s nearby European Pavilions and will be covered with metal and glass canopies, hand-painted murals and ornamental steel structures that harken back to the early 18th century Art Nouveau style. Guests traveling to Epcot via the Disney Skyliner will be welcomed to the park with a rare birds-eye view of World Showcase.”
Guests staying at Disney’s Riviera Resort will also have a new way to travel to Epcot or on to Disney’s Hollywood Studios via Disney Skyliner.
“The Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort station will be the hub of activity for Disney Skyliner. This station is inspired by the open air village marketplaces of the Caribbean and will showcase the nearby resort’s architectural detailing and color schemes. At this station, passengers will be able to transfer gondola routes to reach their destination, or are invited to sit and admire the waterfront resort setting.”
“The design style of the station at Disney’s Hollywood Studios will fit with that of the park’s main entrance and bus stations. Passengers traveling here from the Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort station can expect a new aerial perspective of the park’s iconic attractions, like The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror.”
“Disney’s Pop Century Resort and Disney’s Art of Animation Resort will share a Disney Skyliner station that feels whimsical and contextual with both resorts. Upon departing the gondola station, Skyliner passengers will ascend over Hourglass Lake and enjoy a panoramic view of these two colorful resorts.”
Cabins are going to slow down at the Disney Skyliner turn-station along Buena Vista Drive and guests will be able to see the mechanical and aerial elements that make up the Disney Skyliner.
