Well hi there Florie Alyson, we're so happy to welcome you to planDisney!
It's so great to see that you're planning ahead for your trip next year, and I'm glad to be able to answer your question; my father has mobility needs which allowed me to speak with Cast Members and experience first-hand the ins and outs of accessible transportation between the
Walt Disney World Resort Hotels and
Theme Parks. Taking the
Disney Skyliner was actually one of the most accessibility-friendly options as they had dedicated boarding areas on the station platforms that allowed an
ECV (Electric Conveyance Vehicle) to maneuver right on in with the assistance of a Cast Member. Since you'd prefer to ride together, the trick is planning on what to do with your vehicles while you're taking flight on the Disney Skyliner as there isn't enough room for two ECV's in each gondola; I had a chat with a friendly Cast Member who provided me with some helpful information:
- The Cast Member let me know that there are currently no officially designated spaces for guests to leave behind mobility devices, ECVs nor strollers on the Disney Skyliner loading platforms. Since you'll be boarding and disembarking at the International Gateway entrance to EPCOT near World Traveler, we have noticed some guests momentarily parking their ECV by the telephones adjacent to the accessible companion restroom but you'll still need to be able to head up the sloping ramp up to the station from here without it.
- If you're planning on a round trip from EPCOT, you'll be able to float over the France Pavilion and Remy's Ratatouille Adventure, soaring over Disney's Boardwalk before making your way over to Disney's Riviera Resort and finally at Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort where you will have to disembark and get in line for gondolas heading in the opposite direction back to EPCOT.
- Be prepared for the possibility of a wait in the queues at either end of your journey. In the middle of the day during less popular periods we've experienced a total round trip of about half an hour. If you time it just right there's a very magical moment before sunset when all of the buildings gleam!
January is a fantastic time of year to head down here for a visit, but the weather can be chilly at times so it's always a good idea to bring along an extra covering or a blanket, and to look for sheltered spots to park your ECVs. The Cast Members that work at each location are usually very considerate and mindful of the safest spots, so I recommend asking one of them wherever you choose to park.
While you're here, be sure to check out the
EPCOT International Festival of the Arts for your chance to see the
Disney on Broadway Concert Series that takes place in the evenings.
Come back to planDisney any time for more advice ahead of your next Disney adventure!
Here's to some high-flying fun as you soar above on your upcoming vacation!
Prince