Last night, thanks to an invite to the Cast Member preview, we were able to take a our first trip on the Disney Skyliner. Announced at the 2017 D23 Expo, this new transportation option takes flight for guests of Walt Disney World starting Sept. 29 and connects Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios to Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Disney’s Pop Century Resort, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort and the new Disney’s Riviera Resort, a Disney Vacation Club resort that will open Dec. 16, 2019
This new transportation offers not only great options for guests staying at those hotels but also a great way to travel from Epcot to Disney’s Hollywood Studios if you have time to spare. The gondolas are designed for up to 10 passengers. The most we rode with was seven and I felt like that was the sweet spot, giving each guest enough space. On a busy day, 10 can fit but it will be tight.
As for the biggest question everyone has had since day one: “is it hot?” – the answer is yes and no. On all of our rides from each of the stations the air flow kept the cabins cool but when it did stop it would get warm. I have been on monorails, buses, and boats all across Walt Disney World property and I would say that I have felt hot on all of those, with the boats being the hottest. But no matter what, these are all designed as quick modes of transportation to get from place to place and the Disney Skyliner is one of the quickest.
From all my trips this evening, I have to say this is a excellent addition to the Walt Disney World property and will become a favorite. I will go into more details once the Disney Skyliner opens to the public but I do have to say that, above all else, for locals the Skyliner will be the go-to place to try and get those great views of the parks and I am sure it will only be a few days till we figure out the perfect timing for some of the greatest fireworks views.
Below are some of the trips I took and will hopefully give you an idea of some stunning views as you take the “most magical flight on Earth.”