Page 10 - AAA Every Day – AAA Hudson Valley – July/August 2020

TRAVELER’S GUIDE
REACH FOR THE SKYBy Emily Gnacik
Okay, let’s talk about it: the Disney Skyliner. Across Walt Disney World Resort, there are so many methods of transportation to get guests around to the
parks and resorts; the possibilities are endless. There
are the boats, buses, Minnie Vans and perhaps the most famous of the crew, the Monorail. While all of these experiences are still available and very magical in their own right, the new kid in town has officially arrived, and it’s quite the big deal.
What is the Skyliner? If you haven’t heard of this new people mover in the sky, you’re in for some excitement. The Skyliner is an aerial gondola that transports
resort guests between several sites on property. It is a continuously moving system with themed stations at each of its stops (in true Disney fashion).
Where is the Skyliner based and where does it stop?
From the center hub at Caribbean Beach Resort, guests can get to multiple places. Park stations include Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Epcot. Accessible resorts on the line include Pop Century, Art of Animation and the brand- new, luxury European-themed Disney’s Riviera Resort.
How often does it run? Operating hours for the Skyliner vary and are subject to change, especially depending on the weather. That being said, from the time it takes off in the morning until final drop-offs at night, the Skyliner is continually running. Of course, there is a separate queue for those who need handicap access.
How many people can fit in each gondola? Each separate unit can fit up to 10 people, 6 in those units with an ECV scooter or wheelchair. Strollers are allowed on the Skyliner, but all mobility aids and strollers do have a size restriction to fit within a 30” x 48” space.
How long is the ride and how high up is it? The Skyliner runs at about 11 mph. Stops are between 3 and 10 minutes apart on each line, so you won’t be on it for very long at any given time, barring any sudden stops. The highest point up is about 60 feet in the air. If you’re afraid of heights, this might not be the best decision for you. If you don’t mind heights, the views throughout your ride
are incredible. And don’t worry, the gondolas have partial open windows that create cross-ventilation, so you’ll be able to get fresh air if you need it.
Is there a long wait for the Skyliner? As with all wait times at Walt Disney World Resort, this is something we cannot answer definitively. Changes in the queue will depend on when you go, how close it is to a bus departure, how many people are trying to use it at the same time, etc.
Know before you ride: There is a map available for download on disneyworld.disney.go.com, as well as access to mapping on the My Disney Experience app. While they can’t tell you far in advance, when you get to your vacation, cast members should be able to help guide you on Skyliner hours of operation for that week.
10 I JULY/AUGUST 2020
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