Hi, Audrey! Since Walt Disney World Resort opened in 1971, there have been magical modes of transportation (especially the Monorail). With the advent of the
Disney Skyliner system, the Imagineers hope to bring the most innovative method of all to the Parks this yEAR!
Just last week, Guests were treated to the
"unwrapping" of 55 gondolas, that were undergoing test runs for their fall debut. The outside of the cabins feature beloved Disney characters, including some from my favorite attractions. I'll be willing to wait just so I can ride with those Hitchhiking Ghosts from the Haunted Mansion! Although some of the details are yet to be announced, here's what we do know. The Disney Skyliner will hold up to ten passengers, and there will be twin wooden benches. They will also be able to hold passengers in wheelchairs and strollers. I haven't hEARd officially, but there seems to enough room for strollers to roll on without having to fold them up- everyone knows it's a bad idea to wake a sleeping baby! The Skyliner cars will be able to reach speeds of 11mph and will slow down to about 1mph when arriving at the station. I figure it will be similar to attractions like
Spaceship Earth where it doesn't actually stop, but Cast Members can slow the vehicles down to give Guests more time to board if needed.
The estimated Skyliner travel times are as follows:
*
Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort to
Disney's Pop Century Resort or
Disney's Art of Animation Resort: less than 6 minutes
* Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort to
Disney's Riviera Resort: about 5 minutes
* Disney's Caribbean Beach to Disney's Hollywood Studios: about 6 minutes
* Disney's Riviera Resort to International Gateway at
Epcot: about 9 minutes
* Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort to International Gateway at Epcot: about 15 minutes
Audrey, I'm glad you're excited to travel in style during your trip this December! Stay tuned to the Disney Parks Blog for more details.
Eean