If you like to keep tabs on what’s coming to Walt Disney World, you might have heard something about the new gondola-style transportation headed to the resort! We’ve been regularly checking for updates on the aptly named Disney Skyliner System and keeping an eye on construction progress as we hop around the resort, because — let’s face it — a gondola ride at Disney World sounds toadally awesome! Disney World is known for its wonderful, free transportation options, which already include buses, ferryboats and monorails, that take guests around the parks, hotels and entertainment areas. For many tadpoles, ours included, it doesn’t get any better than the monorail to Magic Kingdom, but Skyliner just might!
When Disney first announced this new gondola system, I imagined a rowboat coasting through Italy — the type Mommy Frog would find quite romantic. Don’t be fooled like me! This is a gondola lift: an enclosed cabin transported through the sky via cables. Much like you see on the slopes of Vail (which we now sell, by the way)!
No dates have been revealed on when the Disney Skyliner System will be up and running, but construction began in late 2017. But don’t you worry, your favorite frogs will let you know when you can expect to hop on! In the meantime, here are more details about the Disney Skyliner transportation system as well as some current construction photos.
Overview of the Disney Skyliner Transportation System
Where the Disney Skyliner Transportation System Will Be Offered
The Disney Skyliner Transportation System will be saving guests transport time connecting from three resorts to two different parks. Lucky for you, we have discounted tickets and rooms at all of these!
Resorts
- Disney’s Pop Century
- Disney’s Caribbean Beach
- Disney’s Art of Animation
Parks
- Epcot
- Disney’s Hollywood Studios
According to the Orlando Sentinel, a fifth proposed station is at Disney Vacation Club property Riviera Resort, when it opens. With Pop Century and Art of Animation being two of our preferred Value Resort Hotels, having an extra transportation option will be a major bonus. We’ll need to have first-hand experience with the Skyliner to give you the most efficient routes. Watch out for that! However, a new way to get to Epcot and Hollywood Studios is sure to shorten the bus line for those looking to save time. If this isn’t a concern for you, we imagine the Skyliner will delight tadpoles with its towering height and views of the horizon.
More Details About the Disney Skyliner Transportation System
Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort will be the center of the new transportation, with a hub designed to reflect the imagery of Caribbean open-air village marketplaces. This will be a major plus for the resort that has already been undergoing renovations. The station will incorporate detailed architectural elements of the resort, especially its vibrant color scheme. Here, guests will transfer gondola routes to reach their end destination, similar to the monorail’s Ticket and Transportation Center.
Disney’s Pop Century and Art of Animation Resorts will also be included in the Disney Skyliner Transportation System travel loop. These two value resort favorites will share a station matching the colorful, whimsical atmosphere they both exemplify. The gondola will travel over the resorts’ shared Hourglass Lake for a panoramic view of their colorful character displays.
Inspired by the park’s nearby European Pavilions will be the International Gateway station at Epcot. This post will fit perfectly into the surrounding World Showcase with ornamental steel structures, glass and metal canopies and hand-painted murals reminiscent of 18th century Art Nouveau style. Traveling to and from this station will offer a never-before-seen aerial view of World Showcase and Disney’s Boardwalk.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios will be the only other park stop for the Disney Skyliner Transportation System. The design is expected to correspond with the park’s entrance in turquoise and red tones. An awesome view of the park, particularly Tower of Terror, is promised when traveling to and from Hollywood Studios!
Along Buena Vista Drive, gondola cabins will slow down at the turn-station so guests can see the aerial and mechanical aspects of the Disney Skyliner Transportation System.
Select Skyliner cabins will feature classic Disney pals such as the “Fab Five.” The design art even previewed a cabin with The Haunted Mansion’s hitchhiking ghosts! We can’t wait to hop on. Disney has revealed that the gondolas will feature onboard audio, which we imagine will be similar to the commentary you hear on the monorails. It has also been confirmed that the gondolas will not be air conditioned.
With this new addition, more improved and fun ways to hop around Disney World will allow guests to save time and create even more magical memories! Ribbit!
With all of the exciting new experiences coming to Disney World — from new lands to new ways to travel — there’s no better time to book your next trip. We’ve got great discounts on your Orlando hotel and theme park tickets!
News source: Orlando Tourist.