A Complete Guide to the Disney Skyliner: Resorts, Routes, and Tips
The Disney Skyliner is one of the most unique and efficient ways to get around Walt Disney World. Since its debut in the fall of 2019, it has quickly become a fan-favorite, offering a relaxing, scenic ride between select resorts and parks. Whether you’re staying at a Skyliner resort or just looking for a fun way to explore, here’s everything you need to know about Disney’s gondola system!
Where Does the Disney Skyliner Go?
The Disney Skyliner connects guests to two major theme parks:
EPCOT (International Gateway entrance)
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
It also serves these resorts:
Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort (the main hub of the Skyliner system)
Disney’s Riviera Resort
Disney’s Pop Century Resort
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
Disney’s BoardWalk Inn, Yacht Club, and Beach Club (via EPCOT’s Skyliner station)
How the Disney Skyliner Works
Unlike other Disney transportation options like the buses, boats, or monorails, the Skyliner operates on a continuously moving gondola system. Each gondola seats up to 10 guests (or six guests in a wheelchair-accessible gondola) with wooden bench-style seating. The gondolas don’t stop; they slow down as they enter the stations, similar to the Haunted Mansion ride. For guests using wheelchairs, scooters, or needing extra time to board, there’s a separate loading area where gondolas pause, allowing for a stress-free boarding process.
The Disney Skyliner hub is located at Caribbean Beach Resort, where you’ll find two main routes:
• One line to Hollywood Studios
• One line to EPCOT (with a stop at Riviera Resort)
If you’re staying at Pop Century or Art of Animation, you’ll first take a short Skyliner ride to Caribbean Beach. Once there, you’ll transfer to either the Hollywood Studios line or the EPCOT line, depending on your destination.
For guests at Caribbean Beach Resort, the Riviera Resort station can be a convenient option. If your room is near the Aruba building, it’s often quicker to walk to Riviera and board there for a direct ride to EPCOT. However, if you’re heading to Hollywood Studios from Riviera, you’ll need to transfer at Caribbean Beach.
There will be signs and cast members to help you at the hub to make sure you are heading in the right direction!
Skyliner Travel Times
One of the best parts about the Skyliner is how quickly it moves compared to buses. Here’s how long each route takes:
Caribbean Beach to Hollywood Studios – 5 minutes
Caribbean Beach to Pop Century & Art of Animation – 5 minutes
Caribbean Beach to Riviera Resort – 3 minutes
Caribbean Beach to EPCOT (International Gateway) – 12 minutes
Even if the lines look long, they move fast since the system is constantly in motion. The only time you may experience a longer wait is first thing in the morning or right after park closing.
Boarding the Skyliner: Strollers, Seating & Accessibility
One of the best things about the Skyliner is how accessible it is! Here’s what to know:
Strollers: You don’t have to fold them up! If your stroller is within Disney’s size limits, you can roll right on, making this the most parent-friendly transportation option at Disney.
Accessibility: The Skyliner has designated gondolas for guests with wheelchairs, ECVs, or other mobility needs. These gondolas load separately from the main line so guests can board at their own pace without feeling rushed.
Seating: Each gondola seats up to 10 people. If you’re traveling with a large party, you may need to split up, but smaller groups often get a cabin to themselves.
What If the Skyliner Closes?
The Skyliner will temporarily shut down for inclement weather or high winds. It alo usually closes for maintenance in January each year. If it’s closed for any reason, buses will be available to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios.
Skyliner Hours
Operating hours vary by season and park hours, but generally:
Opens one hour before Early Theme Park Entry
Closes 90 minutes after EPCOT or Hollywood Studios close
If EPCOT has Extended Evening Hours, only the Riviera-to-EPCOT line remains open, closing one hour after park close
A Few Skyliner Tips:
🎟 No park ticket needed! Anyone can ride the Skyliner, making it a fun way to explore resorts or enjoy unique aerial views of Disney.
⚠️ Heads up! EPCOT’s skyliner station is located at the back of the park. If you’re dropped off at EPCOT’s main entrance, you cannot access the Skyliner without a park ticket—you’d have to walk through the park to reach International Gateway.
🌍 Stunning views:
EPCOT’s International Gateway station overlooks World Showcase, including the France pavilion & Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure.
Hollywood Studios station gives you a great view of the Tower of Terror as you arrive.
Pop Century & Art of Animation station sits on Hourglass Lake, offering peaceful resort views.
🤢 Motion sickness? The gondolas sway slightly when stopped mid-air, and takeoff/landing can feel a bit wobbly.
⚖️ Balance your ride! Sitting all on one side makes the gondola feel rockier—spread out for a smoother trip.
🎆 Nighttime rides = extra magic! You might even catch a glimpse of EPCOT’s fireworks from the air.
Also! The Caribbean Beach Skyliner hub bathroom is NICE. Always good to know!
Final Thoughts
The Disney Skyliner is more than just a transportation system—it’s an experience. Whether you're using it to hop between parks or just want to take a scenic ride, it’s an easy, efficient, and fun way to get around Disney World. If you haven’t tried it yet, put it on your must-do list!
