Disney Skyliner
- Free transportation. The Skyliner is a free and easy way to travel around the Walt Disney World Resort.
- Four resorts, two parks. It links four Resort hotels to two parks: EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
- No tickets needed. You don’t need tickets or reservations to ride. You can hop on anytime during operating hours.
- Beat the rush. Riding the Disney Skyliner during the mid-afternoon has shorter waits.
- Scenic views. Enjoy unique and scenic views during the day. Add some extra magic to your night by riding during sunset or fireworks.
The Disney Skyliner is an aerial gondola ride at Walt Disney World® Resort. More than six miles of cable connect the stations. It links EPCOT® and Disney’s Hollywood Studios® to four resort hotels.
- Disney’s Riviera Resort
- Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
- Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
- Disney’s Pop Century Resort
The Disney World Skyliner is one of the best ways to start a park day. Enjoy views of iconic Disney landmarks from the sky, and end your evening with a peaceful ride under the stars.
Disney Skyliner map
Three main routes stretch across the resort. They all connect at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort station. Each route is easy to follow, with clear signs to help guide your way. If you need extra help, Disney Cast Members are always nearby and happy to assist you.
Five Disney Skyliner stations serve the route.
- Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
- Disney’s Art of Animation Resort and Disney’s Pop Century Resort on Hourglass Lake
- Disney’s Riviera Resort
- EPCOT International Gateway (World Showcase)
- Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort station is the main hub. From there, you can ride straight to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. You can also travel to EPCOT, making a quick stop at Disney’s Riviera Resort.
The final route links to two resort hotels on Hourglass Lake. The first is Disney’s Pop Century Resort. The second is Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, known for its themed family suites.
For guests at Disney Skyliner resorts, the gondola is the only free way to reach two theme parks. If Skyliner access matters to your family, it can help narrow down where to stay.
If you’re worried about heights, a [Good Story Vacations travel advisor](/advisors) can help. They can suggest a different resort hotel for a more comfortable trip and coordinate alternative transportation throughout your stay.
Travel time
Ride times change depending on crowds, weather, and park hours. The busiest times are often before parks open and at night after they close. Midday rides tend to have the shortest waits.
Here’s how long a ride takes from each Disney Resort with Skyliner access:
| To EPCOT | To Disney’s Hollywood Studios | |
|---|---|---|
| Disney’s Pop Century Resort | 20 mins | 15 mins |
| Disney’s Art of Animation Resort | 20 mins | 15 mins |
| Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort | 12 mins | 5 mins |
| Disney’s Riviera Resort | 10 mins | 5 mins |
These times are estimates. They may change due to weather or special events. Transfers at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort may add a few extra minutes if it’s busy.
If the station is busy or weather delays the system, set aside an extra hour for travel.
Mid-afternoon rides have shorter waits. Evening rides offer views of Disney’s parks and resorts lit up at night.
Price
The Disney Skyliner is free for everyone at Walt Disney World Resort. You can ride whether you’re staying at a resort hotel, visiting for the day, or just exploring.
Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Open to everyone. You don’t need to stay at a Disney Resort hotel to ride.
- No ticket or reservation needed. A theme park ticket is not required. You also don’t need a reservation.
- Unlimited rides. You can ride as often as you like throughout the day.
Dining and activities
The Skyliner connects you to more than just parks. Several dining spots and activities sit within a short walk of the stations.
Dining highlights
- Topolino’s Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera at Disney’s Riviera Resort. The rooftop offers views of the Disney skyline. Start your day with a character breakfast featuring Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Daisy. At dinner, the menu includes Mediterranean dishes.
- Beaches & Cream Soda Shop at Disney’s Beach Club Resort. This charming soda shop is a short walk from the EPCOT station. Stop by for comfort food and desserts. The famous Kitchen Sink sundae is large enough to share.
- Dining at Disney’s Boardwalk Entertainment District. Near the EPCOT station, there are great places to eat by Disney’s BoardWalk Inn. With a little walk, you can enjoy a sit-down meal at Trattoria al Forno. Or grab a quick sandwich at BoardWalk Deli or dessert at BoardWalk Ice Cream.
Coffee
- Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company kiosk at the main Skyliner hub. Stop by the kiosk at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort station for a coffee, tea, or pastry. This is a great place to grab a quick pick-me-up before or after your ride.
Activities
- Disney Skyliner Scavenger Hunt. Try the free official scavenger hunt on the Skyliner. Ask for the game at any front desk in Disney Skyliner hotels. It’s a fun way for families to explore each Disney Resort hotel.
- Evenings at Disney’s Boardwalk Entertainment District. After the parks close, the area has games, music, and street performers.
- Enjoy the view. The Skyliner has amazing views of the resort. See famous landmarks and attractions from above. There’s no better way to see Spaceship Earth and The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror™. For extra magic, ride at sunset or during fireworks.
Disney hotels with Skyliner access are all a quick walk away. Though the EPCOT station is close, it is a longer walk to get to the EPCOT Resort Area hotels. This includes Disney’s Beach Club Resort, Disney’s BoardWalk Inn, and more.
Disney Skyliner hours
The Skyliner hours of operation vary daily to match park hours. It opens early in the morning and stays open late at night.
Standard operating hours
The Skyliner starts one hour before theme park opening. On Early Theme Park Entry days at EPCOT or Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the time adjusts. It stays open 90 minutes after EPCOT or Disney’s Hollywood Studios closes, whichever is later.
Lines can get longer close to park opening and closing times. If you are traveling during these peak hours, allow for extra travel time.
Extended Evening Hours at EPCOT
On select nights, EPCOT stays open later for guests at certain resorts. On these nights, the Skyliner keeps running for one hour after closing. Only the route between EPCOT and Disney’s Riviera Resort is open during this time. Routes to other Disney resort hotels are not available.
If you parked at EPCOT, you can’t reach the parking lot by Skyliner after park closing. Use Disney buses or other transportation to get back to your vehicle.
Weather and refurbishment closures
During severe weather, the Skyliner pauses service. Disney provides free buses at these times for guests’ safety.
The Skyliner also closes for planned maintenance. This often occurs in January. Talk to your Good Story Vacations travel advisor to confirm these dates before your visit.
Features
Each cabin is designed for comfort and accessibility.
Cabins
Here is what you can expect from Disney Skyliner gondola cabins:
- Seating. Each gondola has two wooden benches that seat up to 10 guests. With a wheelchair, ECV, or stroller, up to six guests will fit.
- Comfort. Cabins stay cool with fresh air flowing through the vents. Plus, reflective windows help block heat. This keeps you comfortable without air conditioning. You can bring food and drinks into the cabins.
- Safety. Each cabin has an emergency call button. You’ll also find a kit with water, cooling packs, and glow sticks for added safety. Skyliner gondolas do not have seatbelts but only reach a top speed of 12 mph.
- Fun designs. Some cabins feature classic movies and attractions. This adds a bit of Disney magic to your journey. Watch for Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars characters. A few highlights include:
- Beauty and the Beast
- Coco
- Frozen
- Guardians of the Galaxy
- The Haunted Mansion
- Lilo & Stitch
- Moana
- Monsters, Inc.
- Peter Pan
- Pirates of the Caribbean
- The Princess and the Frog
- Ratatouille
- Toy Story
- Winnie the Pooh and friends
- Zootopia
Strollers
The gondola system is easy for families with strollers. When the doors open, you can walk right on with your stroller. Cabins hold up to six passengers when a stroller is present.
- Single strollers. You can roll single strollers right onto the cabin.
- Double strollers. Guests must fold side-by-side double strollers. You’ll need to do this before boarding. Tandem double strollers can roll right on.
Accessibility
Everyone can ride the Skyliner transportation system. It’s easy and safe for guests using wheelchairs or other mobility devices.
- Wheelchairs and ECVs. Cabins accommodate mobility devices that fit within a 30" x 48" space. Cabins hold up to six passengers when a wheelchair or ECV is onboard. Each cabin allows only one mobility device. A separate boarding area gives you extra time if needed.
- Service animals. Guests with service animals are welcome to bring them on board.
- Support. Cast Members at each Skyliner station are there to help.
Tips for riding the Skyliner
- Ride during the middle of the day. Lines are shortest between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Most guests ride early in the morning or after parks close, so midday is your best window.
- Use the Skyliner for park hopping. If you have the Park Hopper Option, the Skyliner is the fastest free way to travel between EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The ride from Disney’s Riviera Resort to EPCOT takes about 10 minutes.
- Ride at sunset. The views over Hourglass Lake and the resort skyline are worth the trip on their own. You can see EPCOT fireworks from parts of the route.
- Bring water and snacks. Food and drinks are welcome in the cabins. A cold drink on a hot day makes the ride more comfortable.
For first-time visitors