Skyliner Gondola Update – February 2019
Our Walt Disney World construction updates for February 2019 continue with photo progress reports the Skyliner, including video of the first testing of real gondolas! We also have current photos of all Skyliner stations: Art of Animation/Pop Century, Hollywood Studios, Epcot, Caribbean Beach, and Riviera Resort. Before any of that, we’ll begin with a semi-brief rant…
As is by now plainly clear, the Disney Skyliner gondolas are a bottomless well of controversy. The latest outrage percolated when news came out of SeaWorld San Diego that passengers had to be rescued from the Bayside Skyride after being stuck for hours. Naturally, this provided “evidence” to the anti-Skyliner crowd that the forthcoming Walt Disney World transportation system is unsafe, ill-advised, and should be cancelled.
Contending that you shouldn’t use a state-of-the-art Doppelmayr gondola due to the breakdown of a circa 1967 bucket system is the equivalent of saying you shouldn’t drive a Tesla Model X because Ford Pintos are known to explode. The criticism of the Skyliner is just becoming farcical at this point. If you’re apprehensive (or worse) about the Skyliner, I’d strongly encourage you to read up on Doppelmayr gondolas being used elsewhere. As I’ve said numerous times, this system is a known quantity.
Now, I realize that I’ve been a fairly breathless defender of the Skyliner. Nevertheless, I can appreciate that the gondolas just aren’t for everyone. People have fears of heights, enclosed spaces, or other legit qualms. I totally get and respect that. Personal anxiety isn’t remotely the same as claiming, “this idiotic system is doomed to fail; I can’t believe these fools wasted so much money when they could’ve expanded the monorail!”
To some extent, my commentary in these posts is possibly an over-correction because I’ve seen so many zealously bad and premature opinions about the Skyliner. I’ll be the first to admit I’m really excited about the Skyliner (of all Walt Disney World’s current projects, this is #2 for me in terms of my hype level), and that enthusiasm probably colors my perspective a bit.
I’ll also concede that the way the Skyliner is being implemented is far from ideal; I have plenty of quibbles with it. I also don’t expect everyone else to be nearly as excited for a mode of transportation as me. I just can’t comprehend those actively rooting for it to fail, and assuming they’ve thought of all these potential ways it will fail that Disney never considered. It’d be the equivalent of Walt Disney World announcing they were adding double-decker buses to the fleet, and fans theorizing that they’d tip over on stormy days.
Anyway, we’ve got plenty of actual ground to cover here, so I’ll step off my soapbox…
We’ll start at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, as that seems to be SKYLINER CENTRAL, where all the excitement is happening.
This was actually our fourth stop of the day, after Coronado Springs, Caribbean Beach/Riviera Resort, and Art of Animation/Pop Century.
I mention this not to “disclose” that we’re going out of order here, as I don’t think anyone really cares.
Rather, because I was pretty disappointed that prior to this, the only gondolas we’d seen on the lines were in the road over Caribbean Beach’s entrance. I was super stoked and ended up going out of my way to take a ton of photos at that intersection, only to arrive at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and see an endless line of them parked.
I was super excited by this, and spent way too long taking photos of a bunch of stationary gondolas.
My overly-long fixation ended up being a good thing, as loitering around this area for ~20 minutes gave us a chance to see this:
We were both beyond stoked to see the gondolas in motion, and had a general sense of it’s really happening!
My favorite thing about riding Slinky Dog Dash right now is looking to the right and seeing Galaxy’s Edge taking its final exterior form, which gives me that same feeling. The difference here is that these were gliding by right over head, giving a greater sense of immediacy to that it’s really happening sensation.
Again, I’m cognizant of the fact that a transportation project isn’t even mildly exciting to a lot of you. So, this enthusiasm might seem…misplaced?
However, I’m not exactly enamored with Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, the Guardians of the Galaxy coaster, or a handful of other projects about which others are hyped. Different strokes for different folks, I suppose.
In terms of visible progress on the Disney’s Hollywood Studios Skyliner station, there really isn’t any.
The finishing touches still need to be put on the Pan Pacific Auditorium (I’m assuming) style columns, but the rest looks pretty much good to go.
Walking between Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Epcot, this turn is visible from the pathway.
This has been done for months, and I’m not really sure why I’m still taking photos of it. To confirm that it hasn’t become…undone?
From there, we head to Epcot’s International Gateway.
It’s hard to ascertain any progress on this Skyliner station, but that’s mostly because it’s the only one that doesn’t afford any over or around the wall vantages.
Over at the resorts, we’ll start with Caribbean Beach for a look at its “major” Skyliner station. This will be the largest of the bunch, and handle the most traffic.
Some progress has actually been made on this station, which shutters and some trim work added since we last visited.
The cupola mirroring other architecture around Caribbean Beach is now taking more of a finished form.
This should end up fitting into Caribbean Beach’s existing style pretty nicely.
Across the way at Disney’s Riviera Resort, here’s what the progress looks like.
That beach on the left side of the frame is part of Caribbean Beach, so it’s more like a shared station that’ll be a short walk from both the Riviera and the Aruba section of Caribbean Beach.
We’ll finish up with Art of Animation and Pop Century, where there’s no visible progress since our visit last month.
As we commented then, progress on this station is incredibly far along, to the point that if you told me it was opening next month, I’d find that totally plausible.
Obviously, it’s not opening next month, but the point is that the station is nearly done…or perhaps completely done?
Work does continue on the structure across from the Skyliner station, which I’m 99% sure is a restroom. Or a DVC kiosk. Or a stand for selling wall-colored spirit jerseys. It’s literally gotta be one of the three.
Before you “worry” that this visit to Art of Animation was a total waste of my time (because I’m sure my time is your utmost concern), I was able to wander through Art of Animation and get some new photos of the resort–it had been a while since I got some nice blue sky day photos of this resort. It’s not for everyone, but I still enjoy Art of Animation for what it is, especially outside in the Cars section.
I also got photos of (what I believe is) a bunch of new Art of Animation merchandise. So stay tuned for that in the upcoming “sequel” to our New Walt Disney World Resort Merchandise post.
That’s it for this update on the Walt Disney World Skyliner gondola transportation network. Given that the system is already doing full speed testing with the final gondola cabins, what we’ve been saying about the Skyliner being ready to go well before Fall 2019 sure seems accurate. Perhaps we’ll see a lengthy soft opening well before the official debut…or perhaps Walt Disney World will deem that unnecessary without Riviera and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge open, and elect to wait on those.
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YOUR THOUGHTS
What are your thoughts on the Skyliner? Does the video of the gondolas in motion have you more excited to see and/or ride the finished Skyliner? Or have you already sworn off the Skyliner after the SeaWorld incident, or for some other reason? Thoughts on construction progress? Any questions we can help you answer? Hearing your feedback–even when you disagree with us–is both interesting to us and helpful to other readers, so please share your thoughts below in the comments!
Hi Tom,
Great analogy comparing the Sea World Skyride to the Pinto.
Having worked in the theme park industry for almost 30 years I have experience with both the old Von Roll skyrides and the new Doppelmayr systems and you are exactly correct. At first glance they look the same but the equipment and operation for the Dopplemayr system is much more advanced. It also has higher tolerances for environmental conditions (within reason of course).
I’m not saying the ride could never get stuck. It’s a machine so anything is possible but the chances are extremely low. Low enough that I will personally have no qualms riding it.
Ps. I speak strictly for myself and am not judging anyone else and understand if this isn’t your cup of tea.
I am sure I missed it, but… the gondolas may be used to travel from Epcot and Hollywood… to Caribbean, Riviera and Art of Animation… and that’s it. So, if I am not staying at one of those three resorts, there is no need for me to consider using the gondolas… right?
Jon,
It’ll serve Pop as well. Plus, you could use it to go between HS and EPCoT, but would transfer at CBR so boat is probably a better option.
While I LOVE these posts, I was wondering why you don’t post the dates they are published. I think it would help newbies and people coming back to see how recent and valid the info in the post is. 🙂
I agree.
Tom, the youtube video was impressive, and it showed a lot of the details of loading/unloading.
Do you have any video examples of how wheelchairs would be loaded? My son is in a wheelchair, and I’m curious to how that will work.
Thanks!
After reading some of the comments about the A/C, I’m now convinced that all of WDW should be enclosed in some sort of giant HVAC-enabled dome. Because if sitting in a shaded, thermally reflective, and ventilated car is going to cause major issues, think about how long people have to be exposed to the heat in other areas of the park. Waiting in lines for buses, lines, and security screening! Dining al fresco! Watching parades! Walking from attraction to attraction! It’s a nightmare, I’m surprised Disney hasn’t been sued into submission after the catastrophe of letting Florida heat and sun pervade the guest experience for decades.
All valid points, but if we really want to get to the core of the apple, we just really ought to ban Florida.
Joking aside (and at least partially unrelated), I get a chuckle out of reading old (1800s) publications and musings about Florida, almost all of which treat it as an uninhabitable swampland with no redeeming value.
Well those old-timers got one thing wrong — it’s technically habitable! 😉
not wanting to get into a debate, but speaking for myself, i wouldn’t take things to that extreme. but i think a lot of people who would like to use the gondola system have some valid concerns regarding not having a/c. i mentioned in an earlier comment, my mother is easily susceptible to higher heat quicker than most people (electrolyte issue) and while she takes the necessary steps when she can, it would be a shame to have to avoid using this new mode of transportation if it’s reported back after it begins running that the vent system does not sufficiently cool them. we won’t know until they start running and people report back (another reason i hope they begin running in the summer). i don’t know that anyone is calling for a dome over florida, but when these could have had a/c and they won’t make people a bit hesitant, especially if they have special circumstances, and i think it’s a fair point.
The idea I’m getting at is that the gondola experience will likely be similar to sitting in the shade with a light breeze for 10-15 minutes. This isn’t meant to sound callous, but if you don’t have the ability to sit in the shade for 10-15 minutes on a hot day, perhaps going to WDW in the summer isn’t the right trip for you. For someone with severe heat susceptibility, spending time in the sun-baked, crowded walkways and entry gates of WDW would be much more taxing than sitting in a gondola like this. For those whose comfort relies on the cool blast of A/C you’re rewarded with when getting on one of the buses, the buses will still be available.
As a side note, A/C would be completely unfeasible in this type of system — that’s why gondolas like these don’t have A/C anywhere. It takes a LOT of electricity to power an A/C unit, and electric lines aren’t part of the gondola system. Powering with giant batteries wouldn’t work either, as there’s no mechanism for them to be charged. The statement “these could have had A/C” is a fallacy.
Actually the gondolas do have power lines running to each one individually. And also, they were able to put AC on the gondolas on the Orlando Eye.
The gondolas here have to have power or else the onboard audio in them wouldn’t work:
https://wdwnt.com/2018/09/disney-skyliner-gondolas-will-not-be-air-conditioned-but-will-feature-onboard-audio/
I’m terribly sorry. I was under the impression that WDW was for guests of all abilities and backgrounds. I didn’t realize it was only for those without medical or other kinds of need levels. My mistake. “The isn’t meant to sound callous” but I hope your travel party never includes anyone whom you need to make advance planning needs for so they can also enjoy their vacation like everyone else. But I didn’t realize that the cutoff to be able to enjoy oneself was when you hit a certain medical barrier. Heaven forbid someone try and do their research before the trip to know what a person can and can’t handle.
To clarify my statement above, I shouldn’t have specifically mentioned WDW in terms of places that may not be appropriate for those who struggle with heat — I don’t think any outdoor destination in Central Florida in the summertime (whether Legoland, Universal, Bok Tower, the beach, etc.) would be an enjoyable or appropriate vacation for someone who battles with heat susceptibility issues. I’m honestly not trying to be exclusionary or unsympathetic, it’s just something most reasonable people should agree on. Just like people with severe back issues shouldn’t be riding intense thrill rides, and people with issues getting enough oxygen shouldn’t go into extreme altitudes. Not every experience or vacation is for everyone, and there IS a cutoff for certain experiences in life (including things I myself would like to do, but can no longer do). I’ve been to WDW in August, and Disney can’t make it NOT be uncomfortably hot in every outdoor area.
Let me return to my previous point — with no A/C, being in a gondola will not feel like a cooling break from the heat. But it also (almost certainly) won’t feel any hotter than the ambient temperature outside. So for anyone who can sit in the shade with a light breeze for 10-15 minutes (e.g., waiting for a bus or watching a parade) without feeling the effects of the heat, being on a gondola will likely feel just like that. If being outside for 10-15 minutes on a muggy day would be problematic (and I understand and sympathize that it might be), the gondola isn’t going to be a comfortable option. However, it will be nearly impossible to avoid 10-15 minute stretches of being outside at WDW in general, so the gondolas aren’t really the core issue (and for those who only visit in the parks in the early morning and evening to avoid the hottest times, the gondolas will also be cooler during those times, correspondingly).
I hope that clarifies. I do want everyone of all abilities to enjoy their time at WDW, I just don’t want anyone to have unreasonable expectations about Disney’s ability to make every single person comfortable at all times of year.
Here’s the problem- your statements are completely dismissive of anyone who might have any sort of need to consider on a vacation. People need to be able to plan ahead and lay out various scenarios for those individuals so they are asking questions about valid concerns, but your attitude seem to scream “those people should just stay home and not be able to enjoy a nice family vacation.” I tried in a VERY diplomatic way initially to explain something that you didn’t seem to understand, but your remarks thereafter show you simply don’t care. And you act as if you know for certain how these will operate when no one knows, so stop acting as if you’re the fountain of knowledge. And I disagree- I believe most “reasonable” people would want to make sure as many people with special needs are accommodated so they aren’t singled out and forced to find alternatives. I suggest you check your attitude.
I’m Not rooting for the Gondolas to fail but I’m saying I will never ride in it. It’s terrifying to even think of being in that little thing so high up in the air. I will believe that you know what you’re talking about re: no AC etc. but I cannot even ride in a car without air blowing on me and I’m afraid of heights. There are many rides I don’t go on already. Maybe there are more people like me, I don’t know but you have fun Tom and tell us all what it’s like.
Being afraid of heights or otherwise scared of these for whatever reason I can completely understand. We all have our fears! 🙂
Honestly my biggest concern is the stress on the International Gateway entrance at Epcot. It was always a nice easy entrance for those staying at the Boardwalk/Beach Club and Yacht Club or guests coming over from Hollywood Studios. Adding 4 much larger resorts to utilize that gate for entry …I’m not sure it can handle all the people. There isn’t much room in that area to expand bag check and ticket scanners. I guess we’ll find out in the fall.
I have this same concern. There are supposedly plans to reconfigure bag check a bit, but I’m not expecting any huge expansion–just a couple more tables.
Fortunately, this should be a slow and steady trickle of guests, rather than a mass arrival a la the boats or monorail.
Thank you for including the video! I am so excited watching those gondolas gliding so smoothly along the track line and the whole setup is gorgeous. Can hardly wait to ride ‘em!,
If staying at the Caribbean Beach in April, which sections will the construction not be noticeable? I’m staying in a preferred room…is Barbados a safe request? I was disappointed to hear how torn up Jamaica and Aruba was last week from a friend.
Barbados should be fine, as should buildings 25 or 26 in Martinique.
I really only have one concern regarding the gondolas and that is the heat. As a Florida resident my car becomes unbearable in the summer if the a/c is turned off for 60 seconds. I just don’t know how these will be comfortable on hot days as they are not air conditioned. I know this company has built these gondolas elswhere but have they built them is such a hot humid climate? I have seen them in Mexico City and that may be the closet comparison but that city is almost at 7,000 feet and is not as hot as Central Florida. All the other examples are in cooler European climates. We shall see.
Here is a similar Doppelmayr system in Singapore. https://www.onefabergroup.com/singapore-cable-car-sky-network/
Singapore averages Orlando’s summer temps year-round with more rainfall to boot. Singapore’s do no have A/C either – I have not ridden to know the comfort level, but people claiming that their will be death’s in Orlando due to the heat are being needlessly dramatic.
I apologize if I have missed this somewhere but is the track a circle or is it separate tracks from each resort to the HS and Epcot? I am trying to picture in my head how it will be laid out. I only have Busch Gardens Williamsburg Skyride to compare to.
The big station at Carribean Beach is the transfer station where you will head to DHS or to Epcot – it’s not a loop.
Here is teh map Tom posted earlier: https://goo.gl/images/ukhRBt
Soo easy to proclaim that no a/c won’t be a problem, small in closed spaces, large windows, and intense Florida sun, we shall see if the tune changes after actually riding in them!
I’m 100% with you, Tom: I’m tremendously excited for the Skyliner.
A major factor in my choice of Pop Century for my December 2019 trip was the Skyliner, which I’m assuming will be open by then. (The other factor was that all the rooms at Pop have been refurbished, unlike ASMo, which would otherwise have been in consideration.)
It’s not clear to me why it won’t actually be running in the summer. What else is there to do? How long does testing take?
I wonder if entry will be restricted not just to magic band holders, but to guests registered at the resorts served by the Skyliner. Otherwise, even park ticket holders may want to give them a try, in the same way that people ride the monorail for fun.
Will the support towers be painted?
Thanks for the update! Tom, do you think Disney cares about the public perception of immense heat? In part, it seems to me that once it opens, people will realize that the lack of AC is a non-issue and people will just quiet down. I guess I assume that Disney thinks the same.
If it’s successful, do you think Disney will expand it? Or will that create too much demand if it’s connected to more resorts/destinations?
“In part, it seems to me that once it opens, people will realize that the lack of AC is a non-issue and people will just quiet down.”
This is my guess, as well.
I am so DOGGONE excited for this! We have a trip planned in November staying at Pop Century and are looking forward to trying it out. I’m fine with the folks freaking out and staying away from it – makes shorter lines for us! 😉
My next WDW trip is going to be in the first week of December this year– I had a little straggle of leftover DVC points, just enough for a short trip to follow your self-guided tour of the Christmas decorations, and cross that off my bucket list. Now I’ll have to be sure to work a ride on the skyway into the agenda, because like you I’m pretty excited about it.
I wish it could have been a monorail extension (and I darn well hope they do get the existing monorails updated before too much longer) but this definitely scores above functional-but-bland buses.
I do *not* want to see the monorails expand until WDW is willing (able) to maintain, upgrade and care for the current two loops properly. I’m optimistic about gondolas due to their successful upkeep elsewhere, and as a mass-transit alternative to busses in the busy core of hotels and resorts in the middle of WDW. I’d suggest looking at themed light rail for connecting some of the deluxe resorts like the Lodges to the non-bus routes.
I like thinking about WDW transportation too; must be the old EPCOT Center spirit in us?
i feel like ever since the horrific accident, the monorails have been an afterthought. reports everywhere of things like frayed carpet, ripped seats, then the bigger incidents like getting stuck or the door coming open while in motion. i agree, i feel like not enough has been given to the monorails.
I am super excited about the Skyliner Gondala’s!! Thanks for the awesome pictures of this project coming to life!! I am not only excited about this project but each and every new project coming to WDW. All the new things just continue to make each trip for me and my family that much more exciting.
It’s going to have to stop every car to unload/load though right, as with the end of your video? so it won’t be a smooth, smooth ride? Because it won’t be like a chair lift a ski resort, or even the Bayside Skyliner at Seaworld Sandiego. The Bayside didn’t allow strollers and had a moving walkway for unloading/loading so it was a smooth process.
The ride itself will be totally smooth.
Gondola cars move slowly thru unload/load area, then reattach to main haul cable, get up to speed and stay at constant speed until reaching next station. As Tom says, totally smooth.
See how it works in this video.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=WFINKFZ76PQ#
Great video! Thank you, it answered most of my questions. I do wonder, however, if some cars are going from resort to another resort before a park will there be an “all cars full” issue like there can be sometimes with the monorail on the resort line?