Disney Skyliner

The Disney Skyliner is an aerial gondola ride at Walt Disney World® Resort. More than six miles of cable connect the stations. It links EPCOT® and Disney’s Hollywood Studios® to select resort hotels. These include:

• Disney’s Riviera Resort
• Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
• Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
• Disney’s Pop Century Resort

Start your day with amazing views of iconic Disney landmarks from the sky. End your evening with a peaceful ride under the stars and glowing park lights. Riding the Skyliner adds a touch of magic to your day.

Disney Skyliner map

Three main routes stretch across the resort. They all connect at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort station. Each route is easy to follow, with clear signs to help guide your way. If you need extra help, Disney Cast Members are always nearby and happy to assist you.

Looking at the Disney Skyliner route, it is easy to see how the stations connect.

The Disney Skyliner stops at five stations. From each, you can reach the parks and Disney Skyliner resorts with speed.

• Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
• Disney’s Art of Animation Resort and Disney’s Pop Century Resort on Hourglass Lake
• Disney’s Riviera Resort
• EPCOT International Gateway (World Showcase)
• Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort station is the main hub. From there, you can ride straight to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. You can also travel to EPCOT, making a quick stop at Disney’s Riviera Resort.

The final route links to two resort hotels on Hourglass Lake. The first is Disney’s Pop Century Resort. The second is Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, known for its themed family suites.

For Disney Resort hotel guests, the Skyliner is the only free way to reach the two theme parks.

If you’re worried about heights, your travel advisor can help. They can suggest a different resort hotel for a more comfortable trip. They can also help you choose other methods of travel around the resort.

This setup makes it a breeze to get around the Walt Disney World Resort.

Travel time

This transportation option is a quick way to get around Walt Disney World. Ride times can change depending on crowds, weather, and park hours. The busiest times are often before parks open and at night after they close. Midday rides tend to have the shortest waits.

Here’s how long a ride takes from each Disney Resort with Skyliner access:

These times are estimates. They may change because of weather or special events. Transfers at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort may add a few extra minutes if it’s busy.

Delays can happen, so if you don’t want to feel rushed, it’s smart to set aside an hour for travel.

Certain times of day can make your experience even better. If you like smaller crowds, take a ride during quieter times. Mid-afternoon is a great choice. Evening rides give you stunning views of Disney’s parks and resorts all aglow. This adds a little extra magic to end your day.

Price

The Disney Skyliner price is hard to beat. Taking a ride is free for everyone at Walt Disney World Resort! You can hop on whether you’re staying here, visiting for the day, or just enjoying the views.

Here’s what to keep in mind:

• Open to everyone. You don’t need to stay at a Disney Resort hotel to ride.
• No ticket or reservation needed. A theme park ticket is not necessary. You also don’t need a reservation to ride. Hop on whenever you are ready during hours of operation.
• Unlimited rides. You can ride as often as you like. This gives you the freedom to explore the resort on a whim and go wherever the day takes you.

The Skyliner makes it easy to enjoy more of the Walt Disney World Resort. Take advantage of this free perk to get more out of your stay.

Dining and activities

Explore places to eat and things to do at the resort with ease. You’ll have plenty of choices along the Walt Disney World Skyliner route.

Dining highlights

• Topolino’s Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera at Disney’s Riviera Resort. This restaurant is a must for food lovers and families alike. The views of the Disney skyline from the rooftop alone are worth the visit. Start your day with a lively character breakfast. Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Daisy join you for your meal. At dinner, enjoy sophisticated Mediterranean dishes.
• Beaches & Cream Soda Shop at Disney’s Beach Club Resort. This charming soda shop is a short walk from the EPCOT station. Stop by for comfort food and desserts. The famous Kitchen Sink sundae is large enough to share.
• Dining at Disney’s Boardwalk Entertainment District. Near the EPCOT station, there are great places to eat by Disney’s BoardWalk Inn. With a little walk, you can enjoy a sit-down meal at Trattoria al Forno. Or grab a quick sandwich at BoardWalk Deli or dessert at BoardWalk Ice Cream.

Coffee

• Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company kiosk at the main Skyliner hub. Stop by the kiosk at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort station for a coffee, tea, or pastry. This is a great place to grab a quick pick-me-up before or after your ride.

Activities

• Disney Skyliner Scavenger Hunt. Try the free official scavenger hunt on the Skyliner. Ask for the game at any front desk in Disney Skyliner hotels. It’s a fun way for families to explore each Disney Resort hotel.
• Evenings at Disney’s Boardwalk Entertainment District. Keep the fun going after the parks close, with games and music. At night, this area comes alive with street performers. This entertainment is a great way to extend your day.
• Enjoy the view. The Skyliner has amazing views of the resort. See famous landmarks and attractions from above. There’s no better way to see Spaceship Earth and The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror™. For extra magic, ride at sunset or during fireworks.

Disney hotels with Skyliner access are all a quick walk away. Though the EPCOT station is close, it is a longer walk to get to the EPCOT Resort Area hotels. This includes Disney’s Beach Club Resort, Disney’s BoardWalk Inn, and more.

Disney Skyliner hours

The Skyliner hours of operation vary daily. It opens early and stays open late to match park hours. You can ride early in the morning or late into the night, making travel easy no matter your plans.

Standard operating hours

The Skyliner starts one hour before theme park opening. On Early Theme Park Entry days at EPCOT or Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the time adjusts. It stays open 90 minutes after whichever park closes later.

Lines can get longer close to park opening and closing times. If you are traveling during these peak hours, allow for extra travel time.

Extended Evening Hours at EPCOT

On select nights, EPCOT stays open later for guests at certain resorts. On these nights, the Skyliner keeps running for one hour after closing. Only the route between EPCOT and Disney’s Riviera Resort is open during this time. Routes to other Disney resort hotels are not available.

If you parked at EPCOT, you can’t reach the parking lot by Skyliner after park closing. Use Disney buses or other transportation to get back to your vehicle.

Weather and refurbishment closures

During severe weather, the Skyliner pauses service. Disney provides free buses at these times for guests’ safety.

The Skyliner also closes for planned maintenance. This usually occurs in January. Talk to your travel advisor to confirm these dates before your visit.

Features

The Skyliner is all about comfort, convenience, and fun. Each cabin design ensures a smooth ride for all guests.

Cabins

Here is what you can expect from Disney Skyliner gondola cabins:

• Seating. Each gondola has two wooden benches that seat up to 10 guests. With a wheelchair, ECV, or stroller, up to six guests will fit.
• Comfort. Cabins stay cool with fresh air flowing through the vents. Plus, reflective windows help block heat. This keeps you comfortable without air conditioning. You can bring food and drinks into the cabins.
• Safety. Each cabin has an emergency call button. You’ll also find a kit with water, cooling packs, and glow sticks for added safety. Skyliner gondolas do not have seatbelts but only reach a top speed of 12 mph.
• Fun designs. Some cabins feature classic movies and attractions. This adds a bit of Disney magic to your journey. Watch for Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars characters. A few highlights include:
  • Beauty and the Beast
  • Coco
  • Frozen
  • Guardians of the Galaxy
  • The Haunted Mansion
  • Lilo & Stitch
  • Moana
  • Monsters, Inc.
  • Peter Pan
  • Pirates of the Caribbean
  • The Princess and the Frog
  • Ratatouille
  • Toy Story
  • Winnie the Pooh and friends
  • Zootopia

Strollers

The gondola system is easy for families with strollers. When the doors open, you can walk right on with your stroller. Cabins hold up to six passengers when a stroller is present.

• Single strollers. You can roll single strollers right onto the cabin.
• Double strollers. Guests must fold side-by-side double strollers. You’ll need to do this before boarding. Tandem double strollers usually roll right on.

Accessibility

Everyone can ride the Skyliner transportation system. It’s easy and safe for guests using wheelchairs or other mobility devices.

• Wheelchairs and ECVs. Cabins accommodate mobility devices that fit within a 30" x 48" space. Cabins hold up to six passengers when a wheelchair or ECV is onboard. Each cabin allows only one mobility device. A separate boarding area gives you extra time if needed.
• Service animals. Guests with service animals are welcome to bring them on board.
• Support. Cast Members at each Skyliner station are there to help.

Key takeaways

• The Skyliner is a free and easy way to travel around the Walt Disney World Resort.
• It links four Resort hotels to two parks: EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
• You don’t need tickets or reservations to ride. You can hop on anytime during operating hours.
• Riding the Disney Skyliner during the mid-afternoon has shorter waits.
• Enjoy unique and scenic views during the day. Add some extra magic to your night by riding during sunset or fireworks.