The newest and most exciting mode of transportation at Walt Disney World since the monorail will start operating in the Fall of 2019. The Disney Skyliner gondola system will transport guests between Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios, as well as four resort hotels in between. The new state-of-the-art gondolas will not only get you to your destination more efficiently, but they'll also offer a unique bird's eye view of the resort.
Much like a ski-lift system you may find at ski resorts or mountainous areas, the Disney Skyliner will utilize enclosed gondola cabins that seat up to eight passengers. The gondolas are suspended on wires above the ground for the duration of the trip. The windows of some of the capsules will include iconic characters and imagery from the parks, so it might look like Mickey and Minnie are riding along with your family through the window. Other cabin styles that have been announced include Belle and the Beast, the hitchhiking ghosts of The Haunted Mansion, Goofy, Pluto and Chip 'n Dale.
With nearly 6 miles of cable connecting 5 different stations, you'll be able to quickly and efficiently travel between two theme parks and four hotels. Stations are currently being constructed at Disney's Hollywood Studios and Epcot, along with Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Disney’s Pop Century Resort and Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort as well as the proposed 15th Disney Vacation Club property, Disney’s Riviera Resort. There will also be a turn-station built along Buena Vista Drive, where you'll be able to see the mechanical components that drive the Skyliner system as you pass through.
Each station is being designed with its park's theme or resort's aesthetic in mind. Epcot's station for example, which will allow guests to enter World Showcase through the International Gateway entrance near the back of the park, is being designed to fit right in with the nearby European Pavilions. It will feature glass and metal canopies, hand-painted murals and ornamental steel reminiscent of early 19th century Art Nouveau style. Guests coming into the Epcot station will have a never-before-seen vista overlooking World Showcase, so you'll want to have your camera at the ready!
With three service lines, it'll be easier than ever for guests staying at one of the connected resorts to hop in a gondola and quickly be whisked away to one of the two theme parks. It also makes it easy to hop on a line for a quick bite to eat at one of the resorts in the middle of your day. Guests can enjoy a meal at the new Sebastian's Bistro now open at Caribbean Beach Resort after spending the first part of the day at Disney's Hollywood Studios, and still make it back before Fantasmic – all without having to grab a bus or call for a Minnie Van.
All of the supports for the new Disney Skyliner system have been constructed, and work is now focused on building the stations. This innovative and fun new mode of travel will be open for all guests to enjoy beginning in the Fall of 2019!
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