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How safe is Disney Skyliner?

While the Skyliner is generally a very reliable system, there are a few times it will be closed. First, weather may impact operations of the gondola system. High winds and rain will temporarily suspend travel. And, of course, there have been a few “crashes” of gondola cars at the stations.



The Disney Skyliner is considered extremely safe and remains one of the most reliable transportation systems at Walt Disney World in 2026. Since its opening in 2019, it has carried millions of guests with very few incidents. The system is designed by Doppelmayr, a world leader in cable car technology, and features "passive ventilation" rather than air conditioning, which keeps the cabins surprisingly cool even in the Florida heat. While there have been a handful of "stalls" and one minor "fender bender" in its early years, the system is equipped with multiple backup motors and a dedicated rescue protocol. In 2026, the Skyliner undergoes a mandatory annual refurbishment (usually in late January) to inspect every cable, wheel, and cabin. The most common "safety" issue is actually weather-related; the system will temporarily close if there are high winds or lightning within a certain radius. Statistically, you are far safer in a Skyliner cabin than in a standard car or bus on the busy Orlando highways.

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Disney Skyliner at Walt Disney World will be closing for a brief annual refurbishment in early 2024. The gondola transportation system will be closed January 16 through January 21 2024.

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Is a Skyliner Resort Worth it? The easy answer is: YES! Skyliner resorts provide you with easy access to two of Disney parks, not to mention all of the other resorts on the Skyliner route and the resorts in the EPCOT area for you to explore and enjoy an extension of dining options beyond your own resort.

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If you're prone to motion sickness, we do NOT recommend riding the Skyliner. Many of the gondolas have a themed wrap that partially obstructs your view out of the gondola. That, combined with the swaying motion, is known to cause motion sickness for many riders.

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While ordinary rain won't shut the Skyliner down, the gondola system will generally stop temporarily when there is lightning in the area and/or if there are strong winds.

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Even when there are posted open hours for Skyliner, operations may temporarily cease for weather issues, notably high winds or severe lightning. If the Skyliner is not operating, you can use alternate transportation such as WDW's free bus system.

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The estimated capacity of the whole system is 4,500 guests per hour. The Disney Skyliner fleet has 300 cabins, more than half of which will be on the Epcot/Riviera Resort line.

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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. If you are planning to board the monorail from EPCOT, then you would need to pass through EPCOT and exit the front entrance.

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Disney Skyliner has undergone routine maintenance at the end of January for the last two years. In 2022, it was down for maintenance from January 23rd through January 28th. In 2023, it was closed from January 22nd through January 29th.

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Suitcases, bags, coolers or backpacks, with or without wheels, larger than 24 long x 15 wide x 18 high (61 cm x 38 cm x 46 cm) are not allowed in any theme park. Loose or dry ice is not permitted in these containers.

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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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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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In the event that the Disney Skyliner is closed at any point during your trip, the Walt Disney World Bus Service will be running to ensure you get to EPCOT and Disney's Hollywood Studios. These buses can also accommodate passengers in wheelchairs. Disney is all about accessibility!

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How early does the Skyliner open? The operating hours for the gondolas tends to vary depending on what time the parks are opening and closing, but you can typically find them starting from around 7:30 am to 8:30 a.m. and going until 10 or 11 p.m.

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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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