How long does it take to get from Riviera to EPCOT on Skyliner?

According to Disney it will take about 9 minutes to go from Epcot to the Riviera Resort. Estimated Disney Skyliner Ride Times are: Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort to Disney's Pop Century Resort or Disney's Art of Animation Resort: less than 6 minutes.



The actual flight time on the Disney Skyliner from Disney's Riviera Resort to the International Gateway at EPCOT is approximately 9 to 10 minutes. However, this does not account for the time spent walking to the station or waiting in line, which can vary depending on the time of day. During the morning "rope drop" rush in 2026, wait times at the Riviera station can reach 15 minutes, whereas mid-afternoon wait times are usually non-existent. The Riviera station is unique because it is the only "mid-point" station on the Epcot line; you do not need to transfer at Caribbean Beach to get to Epcot. For 2026 travelers, it is important to note that the Skyliner typically opens one hour before Early Theme Park Entry and closes 90 minutes after the park shuts down. In the event of high winds or lightning (common in Florida), the Skyliner will close for safety, and Disney will provide "bus bridges" to transport guests, which can take significantly longer (20–30 minutes) than the gondola.

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In general, you can expect the Skyliner to begin running about an hour before EPCOT and Disney's Hollywood Studios open, and to stop running about an hour after those parks close, but there is significant variability in this.

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When you take the Disney Skyliner to EPCOT, you will exit the Disney Skyliner at the EPCOT International Gateway. The EPCOT International Gateway is located in EPCOT'S World Showcase area.

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The Disney Skyliner station at EPCOT is located at the International Gateway entrance, which is located at the back of the theme park in World Showcase. Unfortunately, there's no way to walk between these two stations without walking through EPCOT.

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The journey time for a one-way journey along the full route from Caribbean Beach to Epcot is 11 minutes. A journey between Caribbean Beach and Riviera takes three minutes, and the journey between Riviera and Epcot takes six minutes.

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Often Skyliner will start running 30-60 minutes prior to park opening. Ask at your hotel what time it will start running. Don't forget to allow time to board Skyliner during rush hour, wait times can be 15-20 minutes during this period. Yes, another reason to get an early start on your day at Walt Disney World!

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It is so relaxing and peaceful to travel by an aerial gondola and the views from above are spectacular! You do not need to enter EPCOT when exiting the Disney Skyliner station located near the International Gateway entrance to EPCOT.

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While you won't be able to walk from Disney's Riviera Resort to any of the Walt Disney World Resort theme parks, you will have access to convenient complimentary transportation options during your stay.

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Often Skyliner will start running 30-60 minutes prior to park opening. Ask at your hotel what time it will start running. Don't forget to allow time to board Skyliner during rush hour, wait times can be 15-20 minutes during this period. Yes, another reason to get an early start on your day at Walt Disney World!

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We've found it to be a far more pleasant transportation experience than leaving an hour or two later. Our normal recommendation is to arrive at least 30 minutes before the start of Early Theme Park Entry. That remains the case with Epcot, without regard for which ride you want to do first.

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Anyone can ride the Skyliner; you don't have to be staying at a Disney Resort. Probably the easiest way to catch a ride on the Skyliner (if you aren't staying at a resort with a station or if you are staying offsite) is to board at either Hollywood Studios or Epcot.

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Guests are not required to have theme park reservations or advanced dining reservations if they would like to ride the Disney Skyliner! This means you can simply board an aerial gondola and get a treetop tour if you'd like!

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Are there long lines to board Skyliner? During the morning and evening rush lines can be as long as 15 to 20 minutes at the Caribbean Beach station. Transportation at Walt Disney World whether you're waiting for a bus, monorail, boat or gondola, will usually be about 20 minutes when the parks are opening and closing.

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The themed gondolas are fun to see gliding across the sky and riding in one adds an extra bit of pixie dust to your day. The operating hours for Disney Skyliner vary based on theme park hours, but they typically start running around 8:00 AM and go until 10:00 PM.

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The EPCOT fireworks showtime is usually 9:00pm, every night. Epcot Forever is a temporary show, they run it while they are doing lagoon work so it's short and to the point.

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Everywhere You Can Dine on the Skyliner. Just like with the buses, boats, and monorail, anyone visiting Walt Disney World can use the Disney Skyliner. And, you don't have to be staying at one of the Skyliner resorts to ride it, either.

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From Disney's Riviera Resort to: Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort: 3 minutes. Disney's Hollywood Studios: 8 minutes.

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But you can't walk to any of the theme parks from that resort. There are no sidewalks, and walking in the street is not recommended at all (as many people drive like complete idiots).

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This grand, state-of-the-art gondola system conveniently connects Disney's Hollywood Studios and International Gateway at EPCOT to the following Disney Resort hotels:
  • Disney's Art of Animation Resort.
  • Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort.
  • Disney's Pop Century Resort.
  • Disney's Riviera Resort.


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Disney's Hollywood Studios and EPCOT are two of my favorite parks. I actually like to explore both parks in one day and them being so close together makes this especially easy. I think you'll be happy to know that you can still absolutely walk from Disney's Hollywood Studios over to EPCOT or vice versa if you prefer.

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EPCOT has TRIPLE the attractions of Hollywood Studios that are family-friendly for everyone in the family! And that doesn't even include all of the shows! We've already discussed some of them above in the “adults” section, like American Adventure, Awesome Planet, and Canada Far and Wide.

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