Loading Page...

Is the Disney World Skyliner safe?

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 widely considered an exceptionally safe mode of transportation, engineered by Doppelmayr, a world leader in cable car technology. Since its debut in 2019, the system has safely transported millions of guests between resorts and parks. It operates on a continuous loop with "passive ventilation" designed to keep the cabins cool through cross-breezes, and each gondola is equipped with an emergency kit containing water, glow sticks, and cooling packs. While there have been a few highly publicized "stoppages" where guests were stranded for several hours, these incidents are extremely rare relative to the total hours of operation. The system is monitored 24/7 by a sophisticated computer network that can detect even minor irregularities in cable tension or cabin spacing, automatically slowing or stopping the line for safety. From a statistical standpoint, the Skyliner is significantly safer than traveling in a car or even a bus, as it operates in a dedicated, controlled airspace without the risk of traffic accidents. For guests with a fear of heights, the smooth, steady motion and the high safety standards of Disney’s maintenance teams provide a secure, albeit elevated, journey.

People Also Ask

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.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

This probably seems obvious, but the weather can and does affect the Skyliner and how it operates. When it's raining hard or storming, it can close down completely. This is especially true if there is lightning!

MORE DETAILS

We were stuck on the disney skyliner for 40 minutes in a tiny unairconditoned, overly heated box high in the sky with no water!

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

There is no standing on the Disney Skyliner. Guests are required to remain seated at all times. Only 1 scooter, stroller, or other mobility device is allowed in a gondola at a time. Each gondola car is suspended a minimum of 20 feet above the ground at any time with some parts reaching a maximum height of 93 feet.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

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!

MORE DETAILS

Disney Skyliner Gondola Details. Each gondola has wooden bench-style seating that fits a maximum of 10 people (or six guests if you're riding a wheelchair-accessible gondola). There is enough room for strollers to roll on without having to fold them up. Larger strollers may also use the wheelchair queue.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

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.


MORE DETAILS