Traveling on a Gondola from your Disney Resort to the Parks is a great way to get around the Walt Disney World Resort. In this post I am sharing everything you need to know about the Disney Skyliner resorts. From the Disney Skyliner route and map to if the Skyliner rseorts are worth it. This guide is everything you need to know for your Disney trip.
The ease of hopping aboard the Disney Skyliner and being transported to a Disney park is a big perk for guests deciding where to stay during their Disney World vacation.
It is important to know the details about the Disney World Skyliner including what parks and resorts are connected with this unique Disney transportation system.
My quick opinion of the Skyliner resorts are positive. There are 4 of them, more if you count the Epcot resorts, and they are in the value, moderate, and deluxe category- making them a good fit for any Disney budget.
Guests staying at one of the Disney Skyliner resorts will have quick access to Epcot and Hollywood Studios, but they may pay a little more than comparable resorts.
All Disney resorts have pros and cons to weigh when deciding where you will stay and what is best for your family. I think the Disney Skyliner resorts are great options so let’s get into all the details to decide if they are best for your trip.
Planning your full Walt Disney World vacation? Our Walt Disney World Guide covers everything- park guides, Lightning Lane strategy, dining, and resort tips.
The Disney Skyliner Resorts
There are 4 resorts on the Disney Skyliner. They are Disney’s Pop Century Resort, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, and Disney’s Riviera Resort.
There are also Epcot resorts that offer access to the Skyliner at International Gateway. They are not considered Skyliner Resorts but guests can use the Gondola to get to Hollywood Studios if they choose.
Pop Century Resort
Pop Century Resort is a value resort with each section of the resort dedicated a decade in time. You will see larger than life statues of a Mickey Phone (80’s children will remember this), Rubics Cube, Disney characters, and more.
Pop Century offers standard rooms that fit up to four guests. Families of 5 or more may want to consider connecting rooms or a different Skyliner Resort.
Read our full Pop Century Resort Review →
Art of Animation Resort
Art of Animation Resort celebrates the beloved animated classics like Finding Nemo, The Lion King, Cars, and The Little Mermaid. Families with small children will love this resort.
Art of Animation is a value resort and offers family suites that fit up to 6 guests. Be sure to compare prices of the family suites with connecting rooms at Pop Century if you are trying to stay on a budget. They can be pricey.
Read our full Art of Animation Resort Review →
Tip to Know: Art of Animation and Pop Century Resort share a Skyliner station that will take guests to the main hub station located at Caribbean Beach. From there guests will board the Skyliner to Epcot or Hollywood Studios.
Caribbean Beach Resort
Caribbean Beach Resort makes guests feel as if they entered an island oasis the minute they step in the lobby. This is one of the larger resorts at Walt Disney World with 6 different areas of the resort.
It can be a bit of a walk to the resort restaurants, skyliner stations, and your room. Be sure to make a room request if mobility is an issue. Aruba is a great option that is close to the skyliner station.
Caribbean Beach is in the moderate category and offers rooms with a 5th sleeper. This may be a great option for families of 5 with kids 12 and under that want to stay in the same room.
Read our full Caribbean Beach Resort Review → (coming soon)
Riviera Resort
Riviera Resort has a French riviera themed and is one of the smaller Disney resorts. It is a deluxe resort and offers standard rooms as well as deluxe suites.
Rivera Resort is closest to the Epcot gondola station and offers guests fast access to the park. If you are looking for a smaller resort this may be a great choice.
Read our full Riviera Resort Review
Tip to Know: Caribbean Beach Resort and Riviera Resort are on the same property. If you want a straight ride to Hollywood Studios, walk to the Caribbean Beach station. If you want to go to Epcot, walk to the Riviera Resort. It is very easy to walk between these resorts.
Other Resorts with Skyliner Access
There are a few Epcot resorts that are located within walking distance of the International Gateway Epcot Skyliner station. They are:
- Disney’s Boardwalk
- Disney’s Yacht Club
- Disney’s Beach Club
- Disney’s Boardwalk Inn
- Walt Disney World Swan
- Walt Disney World Dolphin
Guests staying at these resorts have boat access to Hollywood Studios, which is faster than the gondolas, as well as walking paths to both parks.
Traveling as a family of 5? Read our Best Disney Resorts for Families of 5 for our complete price comparison across value, moderate, and deluxe resort options.
How the Disney Skyliner Works
Pop Century and Art of Animation share a Skyliner station that will take guests to the main skyliner hub at Caribbean Beach. From there guests will board a gondola to Hollywood Studios or Epcot.
There is not bus transportation to Hollywood Studios or Epcot at these resorts unless the Skyliner is down for maintenance or weather delay.
Routes & Travel Times
The routes for the Disney Skyliner to the parks is dependent on where you are going. The hub of the Disney Skyliner station is at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort. Below is a time estimate to help you plan.
- Pop Century/Art of Animation → Caribbean Beach: 3-5 minutes
- Caribbean Beach → Hollywood Studios: 5-7 minutes
- Caribbean Beach → Epcot: 11-12 minutes
- Riviera → Epcot: shortest ride on the system
Guests Staying at Disney’s Pop Century Resort or Disney’s Art of Animation Resort:
- Going to Hollywood Studios: Take Skyliner to Caribbean Beach. From Caribbean Beach take Skyliner to Hollywood Studios. You will have to transfer gondola’s.
- Going to Epcot: Take Skyliner to Caribbean Beach. From Caribbean Beach take Skyliner to Epcot. You will have to transfer gondola’s.
Guests Staying at Riviera Resort:
- Going to Hollywood Studios: Take Skyliner or Walk to Caribbean Beach Station. From Caribbean Beach take Skyliner to Hollywood Studios.
- Going to Epcot: Take Skyliner from Riviera Station to Epcot.
Guests Staying at Caribbean Beach Resort:
- Going to Hollywood Studios: Take Skyliner from Caribbean Beach Station to Hollywood Studios.
- Going to Epcot: Take Skyliner from Caribbean Beach Station to Epcot or Walk to Riviera Station to board to Epcot. Guests do not have to get off the Skyliner at the Riviera Station to continue on to Epcot.
Hours
The Disney Skyliner runs daily to and from the parks and resorts. They will typically start between 7:30am-8:30am and stop between 10:00pm and 11:00pm. There are signs at the entrance with the hours for the day.
Per Walt Disney World’s website…” Disney Skyliner is available each day one hour before Early Theme Park Entry at Epcot and Hollywood Studios. It will close 90 minutes after Epcot and Hollywood Studios closes. On Extended Evening hours it will close 60 minutes after close.”
Extended evening hours are only available at Deluxe resorts and the Skyliner will not run to the value resorts at this time.
What to Expect on the Gondola
The Gondolas move fairly quickly and efficiently. They have two wooden benches on each side that fit 4 people across comfortably. Be prepared to be seated with another group if you have a small party, the Skyliner fits 10 guests.
Strollers are welcome on the gondolas and it is free to ride. There is not Air Conditioning on the gondolas, but they do have a decent airflow and we have never felt uncomfortable due to heat, even during our summer trips to Disney.
The Disney Skyliner does not provide transportation to Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, and Disney Springs. Guests staying at a Disney Skyliner resort would take the Disney bus to those theme parks.
Always allot for time to board, waiting in line, or any unexpected stops. When heading to the park we usually give ourselves 40-60 minutes before park opening.
If headed to Epcot keep in mind you will not enter Epcot at the front entrance. Guests will enter at the International Gateway entrance between the UK Pavilion and France.
Is the Disney Skyliner Scary
I haven’t found a lot of places that discuss how some people may find the Disney Skyliner gondolas scary. I am not a big fan of heights and it took some getting used to before I felt comfortable on it.
One thing that helped me was riding backwards. I don’t know why this helped with the heights for me but it made a big difference.
The second thing is to prepare yourself for the gondolas to occasionally stop.
The gondolas will stop if they need to take extra time assisting a wheelchair or a guest that needs help off the gondola. This will slow the gondolas and at times they will come to a stop.
Most stops are not longer than 2-4 minutes. Try to relax and enjoy the views but be prepared if you think this will make you uncomfortable.
Refurbishment Dates
From January 24, 2027, through January 30, 2027, Disney Skyliner will be closed for refurbishment. Complimentary bus service will be available.
Is a Disney Skyliner Resort worth it?
If you choose one of the Disney resorts on the Skyliner route it will typically cost more than a comparable resort in the same category.
For example guests staying at Pop Century or Art of Animation will pay more than a stay at another Disney value resort like an All Star Sports.
There are pros and cons to the Skyliner. The biggest pro being it is a quick and easy way to get to the parks. You avoid the longer bus wait times and it is usually efficient.
The cons are some people do not like the heights and the feeling of the aerial gondolas. If you are staying at Pop Century or Art of Animation, the travel time is the longest and you will go over a small lake. The shortest ride on the Skyliner is from Disney’s Riviera Resort to Epcot on the Epcot line.
Still deciding between on-site and off-site? Read our Should You Stay On-Site at Disney World guide for the honest cost breakdown.
My Final Thoughts
Honestly, I have a love/hate relationship with the Skyliner. I am not a big fan of heights and when it stops I definitely don’t like it, but I have learned to get through it because it is such a time saver and overall easier transportation system than the buses.
If you are planning to visit Epcot and Hollywood Studios during your visit you may want to consider staying at a Disney Skyliner resort to save time and make it easier to get to and from the parks.
Only you know your travel party best and you should do what will work best for them. There are many resort options at Walt Disney World from value resorts to the monorail resorts that will enhance your trip to Disney.
Looking for more Disney resort options? Our Walt Disney World Guide covers every resort tier, value, moderate, and deluxe, to help you find the right fit for your family and budget.
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Leah has been traveling with her family of 5 since 2012 and sharing her expertise on planning family vacations and visiting theme parks since 2016. Leah has been featured in Visit Rochester, Undercover Tourist, and Home Publications. She has worked with brands like Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, Hersheypark, Toyota, and various Tourism boards and destinations. Leah creates family travel itineraries based on real trip experiences with her family. Her guides and tips help others plan great family vacations. Learn more about Leah and Five for the Road.