Disney Skyliner: 11 things you need to know before boarding the gondola

The newest ride that also masquerades as a transportation system at Disney World has taken flight. And before you venture on to the Disney Skyliner you should be aware of a number of things.

Initial reviews of the new gondolas are like most reviews when something begins at the resort – mixed. There are some people who favor the idea of gliding over roads, water and people to catch glimpses of the resort you have never seen before. And there are some who believe it is a waste of money and not practical for Florida.

Either way, there are many people now using the transportation system. It’s free and will be a good way to see some of the resorts you might never see. Also, if you don’t have a ticket for a day it will be on your list of one of the free things to do.

After riding it, we have come up with these 10 things you need to know before boarding.

1. Where does the Disney Skyliner go to?

The skyliner is made up of three lines that go to the Art of Animation, Pop Century, Caribbean Beach, Riviera, Epcot and Hollywood Studios. Now, be aware, all lines lead to the Caribbean Beach Resort station. There is no direct Epcot to Hollywood Studios line. If you are staying at Caribbean Beach you will only need to get on one line to get to either to Hollywood Studios or Epcot. If you are staying at Art of Animation/Pop Century you will need to change at Caribbean Beach to get to Hollywood Studios or Epcot. If you are staying at the Riviera, you can take a direct line to Epcot, but will need to change at the Caribbean Beach station get to Hollywood Studios.

2. There is no air conditioning

Yes, it is true. There is no air conditioning in the gondolas. There are air vents on the top, which passengers can open and close and there are vents at the bottom. If the gondola is going into the wind, you will feel a nice breeze in the cabin. If you are going with the wind, you won’t be getting that breeze. The temperatures now in Florida are tolerable. The real test will be next summer when the temperatures make it constantly feel like 100 degrees. Remember, the gondolas will be operating in the rain, so you might want to close those vents if you are in one when raining, otherwise, you will get wet.

3. How Big iS the gondola?

The gondola has two long benches. The capsule is designed to hold 10 people. There is no standing allowed. We have spoken with people who have been on it with 10 people and it should be able to hold 10 adults, five on each side, comfortably.

4. Keep up when in line

Yes, you hear this often at Disney, “Please keep up with the party in front of you,” but in this case, you need to because the line moves a lot faster than you think and while there is time to get 10 people on to the gondola, do you want to be “that guy” that causes a problem. In addition, make sure your entire party is together when entering the line. Again, the line will move faster than you think.

5. Watch your Step

The gondola is always moving, the platform does not. So you might find yourself a little off balance when getting on and getting off the gondola. When entering and exiting try take a step angling forward on and off the capsule instead of just stepping off as if you would on the monorail.

6. The one sudden jolt that might scare you

The rides that we have taken have been very smooth. When the system has stopped for whatever reason it has crawled to a standstill. However, there is one point that might you give you a bit of a fright. When the gondola enters the station it slows down fast and comes to a hard stop and will swing forward ever so slightly toward the gondola in front. It may seem a bit scary, but you are not going to hit anything. For those who have been on Disney rides, it is a similar feeling when you are on Pirates of the Caribbean or it’s a small world just before you get to the areas where you get off. That sudden stop.

7. What do I do with my stroller?

You just wheel your stroller on, the same way you would do as if you are boarding a monorail. But you need to keep moving and not stop when doing this.

8. What if I am in a wheelchair or ECV?

There is a separate area to board for those in wheelchairs and using ECVs. The gondolas are designed to come off the main line to the special loading area where the gondola does not move. You then board and the gondola is placed back on the main line. (If you have ever been on Toy Story Mania in Hollywood Studios, the set up is similar, the vehicle is pulled over to the side for boarding.) Once you get to the next station, the gondola will go off to the side for exiting.

9. How long is a a trip on the Disney Skyliner?

The speed varies. One trip between stations can take anywhere between five and 15 minutes. The longest ride is between Epcot and Caribbean Beach. Take note that the Epcot line has a stop between the theme park and Caribbean Beach – the Riviera. Here the doors will open for those to exit. The doors will then close. After making a slight turn, the doors will then open to allow people at that station to board if there is room.

10. What happens in a storm or an emergency?

Storms and lightning are common in Florida, especially during the summer. Disney has said it will monitor the Skyliner as it does all other attractions and does have lightning detection systems for the Skyliner. When needed due to weather, the Skyliner will close and extra buses will be available for transportation.

Disney has also worked with the Reedy Creek Fire Department on rescue training for all kinds of terrain as needed, whether high in the sky or over the water. There is a public announcement system on the gondolas so you will receive announcements as needed. There is also an emergency button that you can use to speak to someone. In addition, there are supplies stashed in an emergency pouch in each cabin. Do not open the pouch unless instructed.

11. What are the views like?

You are going to love what you see. But you may not be able to take photos all that you see. Those cute character wraps on the gondolas, help reflect the heat from the sun and give the capsule a cool look, but you won’t be able to get a good photo through it. If you are on a gondola that is not wrapped, that is your best chance to take a good photo or video.

• The views while going over Hourglass Lake to and from Art of Animation/Pop Century are fun as well as seeing the oversized bowling pins.
• From Caribbean Beach to Epcot, you get views of the Boardwalk, Spaceship Earth, the Swan and Dolphin and construction of the France pavilion expansion including the Ratatouille ride.
• Heading to Hollywood Studios, you see the Tower of Terror and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. We are told by cast members that sunset is remarkable when riding this line toward Hollywood Studios.