What to Expect When Riding the Disney Skyliner Transportation System
How does the Skyliner work?
The Disney Skyliner transportation system is still new to many Walt Disney World guests. As your trusted travel agents specializing in Disney Destinations, we want to let you know what to expect when riding the Disney Skyliner transportation system on your next Walt Disney World vacation!
The main “hub” is located at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort. This is an excellent Moderate category resort for those looking for a nice pool, fun theme, and delicious dining options at a reasonable price. And now with the added bonus of efficient Skyliner transportation! As you approach the hub, there is a very convenient Joffrey’s Coffee stand so you can fuel up before a day in the parks.
What Disney resorts have Skyliner access?
From the Caribbean Beach Resort hub, one line of the Disney Skyliner takes you to the connecting resorts, Disney’s Art of Animation and Disney’s Pop Century, and back to Caribbean Beach. Both of these are Value category resorts that provide transportation to this hub, so that guests can then transfer to either the EPCOT line or the Hollywood Studios line. It is important to reiterate that you cannot ride the Skyliner directly from Art of Animation or Pop Century to the parks. You will have to transfer at Disney’s Caribbean Beach.
Another line provides transportation to EPCOT and Disney’s newest resort, Riviera, then back to Caribbean Beach hub. Disney’s Riviera Resort is in the Deluxe resort category and has options for Studio to up to 3-Bedroom Villas for when you’re bringing the whole family along! Deluxe category resorts provide more amenities, theme, and dining options — like the new Topolino’s Terrace at Disney’s Riviera Resort. Did you know? Topolino is Italian for Mickey Mouse! This rooftop dining location serves a chef-inspiring dinner and a character breakfast with artistic flair. Let us know if we can get you advance dining reservations as part of our complimentary services when we book your Disney vacation as your Disney Travel Agents!
The third and final line of the Disney Skyliner transportation system is a direct line to Disney’s Hollywood Studios and back to Caribbean Beach hub. This provides a really efficient way to get to and from the park. Regardless of which resort you’re staying at, you can expect to always visit this hub at Caribbean Beach at some point as you’re riding the Skyliner.
How to ride the Disney Skyliner
Now that you know where each line takes you, it is time to know what to expect when you’re ready to ride the Disney Skyliner transportation system. It is a continuously moving system, so you need to pay attention as your time to load approaches. Cast Members are there to assist and direct you. As always, take caution and watch your step, but it is a very smooth and easy transition. Once you’ve boarded, the doors will automatically close behind you. Each car can seat up to 6-8 comfortably (depending on your mix of children and adults) and unlike the motorcoach transportation you do not have to fold up your stroller prior to boarding - yay!
Overall we found the ride to be very smooth and enjoyable. My son (3 years at the time) thought it was awesome - especially at “take off.” We joked it was his favorite attraction of the whole trip! (Later, we discovered it was actually the Barnstormer; but this was great entertainment for a non-park ticket day before dinner at Sebastian’s Bistro!)
It is important to note that you will depart at each station stop, so if you’re looking for “round-trip” transportation back to the hub, you will have to re-board. They do not permit anyone to stay on and continue riding.
Still not sure what to expect when riding the Disney Skyliner transportation system? Or maybe you’d like some guidance on which Walt Disney World Resort hotel would be ideal for your next magical vacation. We can help! Contact us for free vacation planning assistance and expertise.
