Hi there Jon! Welcome to the Disney Parks Moms Panel. We're always happy to talk Disney and help with vacation planning. You've come to the right place!
I'm glad to hear you are planning on checking out the
Disney Skyliner during your upcoming stay. I recently had the opportunity to experience this unique transportation system, and I absolutely loved it. The views! The efficiency! It was simply spectacular, and I look forward to the next time I am able to ride.
Jon,
complimentary self-parking is generally available while enjoying select dining and entertainment experiences at Disney Resort Hotels. Due to the popularity and allure of the Disney Skyliner, I have been told by multiple Cast Members that self-parking is usually limited to guests of these specific resorts, and guests holding Advanced Dining Reservations at one of the resort restaurants. In short, I wouldn't count on being able to park my car at any of the Disney Skyliner Resorts without a dining reservation. But, Hakuna Matata, Jon. I have some ideas to get you and your party airborne!
The Disney Skyliner directly connects the International Gateway entrance to Epcot with
Disney's Riviera Resort. This all-new resort hotel is a destination itself worth exploring. I recommend starting your day with Breakfast à la Art with Mickey and Friends at
Topolino's Terrace - Flavors of the Riviera, followed by a relaxing ride aboard the Disney Skyliner. If you plan to spend the entire day at Epcot following breakfast, you will not be permitted to leave your car parked at Disney's Riviera Resort all day; self-parking is usually limited to three hours. If a full day at Epcot is in your plan, then I recommend either using the resort's valet parking service, catching a ride with
Disney's Minnie Van™ Service Connected by Lyft, or using a taxi or ride share service.
Similarly, if Epcot is where you are looking to spend your evening, you could reserve an early dinner at
Sebastian's Bistro at
Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort. This new, island-inspired restaurant features fresh meals infused with Latin and Caribbean flavors in a light, airy setting. Again, you will only be allowed to leave your vehicle parked here for about three hours, but that should be enough time to dine, ride the Disney Skyliner to Epcot, pop in for a very brief visit, and return.
Finally, one last option for utilizing the Disney Skyliner without dining, using a ride share service, or driving your personal vehicle, is to take Disney Bus Transportation from Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside to Disney's Hollywood Studios, board the Disney Skyliner there, and ride all the way to the International Gateway at Epcot. This way, you could really maximize your time in the sky and experience almost the entire Disney Skyliner route. While it is certainly not be the most efficient way to travel to Epcot from your resort, it would be fun!
I hope this gives you some ideas on how to travel through Walt Disney World up where the air is clear. Happy soaring, Jon!
Betsy