Whether this is your first time riding the Skyliner or your hundredth, here is what you need to know about the Disney World Skyliner.
Use this as your personal cheat sheet for using the Disney World Skyliner system.
Before we get into the details, picture gliding in the air above beautiful scenery. The noise level is very low. No one can bump into you, yell next to you, or raise their voice at you. Your feet are resting happily instead of walking the next thousand steps. These are the best parts of the Disney Skyliner.
Where does the Disney Skyliner go?
If you are new, or even fairly new, to the Skyliner system, you may be asking yourself where does the Skyliner go at Disney World. The short answer is that the Skyliner connects
- Hollywood Studios
- EPCOT
- Disney’s Riviera Resort
- Caribbean Beach Club
- Art of Animation Resort
- Pop Century Resort
Can Anyone Ride the Skyliner?
Yes. Anyone can ride the Skyliner for free. The loading and transferring hubs are outside park entrances. This means that you do not have to have a park ticket to any Disney World Park to be able to ride the Skyliner. You also don’t have to be a Disney Resort guest to use the Skyliner Transportation System.
*Important to know about the Skyliner at EPCOT. The Loading Station is at the back of the park here. You will exit the park at International Gateway. If you are trying to get to anything outside the main park gate at the front of the park, you will need a ticket to enter EPCOT to walk to the front of the park. The same rule applies in reverse.
How to Use the Disney Skyliner
When you walk into the Skyliner Station, you will see signs telling you where the Skyliner gondolas are going. For example, if you load at Hollywood Studios, you will see that these gondolas are going to EPCOT, the Riviera Resort, Art of Animation Resort, and Pop Century Resort.
The main Skyliner Hub is at the Caribbean Beach Resort. This station acts as a Transfer Center. Think of it as riding from a smaller local airport to an International Airport to ride the main leg of your flight.
You will have to get out of the Gondola you are in and transfer to the one going to your destination. There will be signs telling you which gondola to take. Additionally, you will see plenty of Cast Members who will help if you get momentarily confused.
The loading process for the Skyliner is much like the Under the Sea Little Mermaid ride. The Gondolas don’t come to a stop. They slow down enough for the rider to get on and off. Think of it like an escalator in the sky.
*A little extra tip, there are restrooms and Joffrey’s Coffee at the Transfer Station.
Using the Disney Skyliner with a Stroller
Unlike Disney buses, single-width strollers don’t have to be broken down to fit on a Skyliner gondola. Double-width strollers will have to be broken down to fit on the gondola.
Using the Skyliner with an ECV or Wheelchair
Disney has provided gondolas that are ECV/ wheelchair accessible. The interior has been adjusted to allow more room inside. Each hub has a separate place for loading and unloading of these gondolas. Even though the other gondolas don’t stop for loading and unloading, the handicap accessible ones do. This is to prevent any risk to the rider’s health during the load/ unload process.
Disney World Skyliner Schedule
- The Skyliner starts running each day 1 hour before Early Entry at EPCOT and Hollywood Studios.
- It will close daily 90 minutes after EPCOT and Hollywood Studios close.
- This time will be adjusted for Extended Evening Hours to 1 hour after the Extended Evening Hour ends
- Since the other park will be closed already, you will only be able to go to the Riviera Resort from International Gateway at the back of EPCOT. All other routes will be unavailable.
- The Skyliner System will close if the weather gets bad (lightning or high wind) for safety purposes.
Disney World Skyliner Closure 2027
Each year, Disney World closes the Skyliner for maintenance. This is done to keep it running smoothly and to keep passengers safe.
The closing dates for 2027 are January 24th through January 27th. During this time, bus services will be available to guests.
Now you have an overview about how to use the Disney World Skyliner Transportation System. If you are planning a vacation to Disney World, use this information to plan your park hopping or getting to and from the parks.
As always, I am happy to help you with your planning needs. When I was planning my own first visit in a long time, I used the Dreams Come True Planner you see below. I decided to make it available for others to use.
Here are some other resources that will help you with your planning-
Should you stay on or off property?
Is the Winnie the Pooh Character Breakfast right for your family?
What will you find inside Magic Kingdom?
Magic Memories!
