Ever since the Disney Skyliner opened, it’s been a pretty universally-loved addition to Disney World. (Unless you fear heights or crashing into another gondola, but that’s another story…) After all, it’s fast, efficient, different, and FUN, unlike some other Disney World transportation — looking at you, Disney buses.
In fact, some Disney fans purposely look for hotels on the Skyliner route so that they have easy access to this popular mode of transportation. Clearly, the Skyliner is a big help for a lot of people, but let’s talk about why it’s not a park-wide system (yet).
The Disney World Skyliner currently connects EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, Disney’s Riviera Resort, Disney’s Pop Century Resort, and Disney’s Art of Animation Resort. It’s pretty easy to hop on and off, and the line to get on typically moves pretty quickly. On the whole, it’s a simple system with a lot of fans!
But what about Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Animal Kingdom? And what about all the other Disney hotels? With the addition of more Skyliner routes, EVERYTHING could change. So why won’t Disney hop on it?
Keep in mind that Disney has never publicly stated exactly why the Skyliner is only being used in one section of Walt Disney World, but based on earnings call data (and our general knowledge of the parks and resorts), we can speculate on Disney’s reasoning.
1. Money.
Back when the Skyliner was introduced, it was a totally different time in the world. The Syliner opened back in 2019. Before the pandemic, before Bob Chapek took over as CEO, and before Disney’s political conflict with the Florida governor. Yeah, we told you it was a different time.
Back when the project was first approved, Disney had the budget to greenlight a MASSIVE undertaking like the Skyliner. Today, we’re not convinced Disney is willing to spend that kind of money on something that won’t drive any additional revenue.
In the parks, Disney has been focusing its attention on things like new restaurants and Genie+, which is the paid version of the old FastPass+ system — things that can make the company some money.
To be fair, Disney is also in the middle of a huge EPCOT expansion project, which is set to bring a new attraction, meet-and-greet location, and more to the park. The point is there’s a lot on Disney’s plate at the moment, and another pricey expansion project is probably not coming anytime soon.
2. Land
Money aside, Disney is also limited by the geographical location of its parks and resorts. We’re no architects, and without a gigantic blueprint in hand, it’s hard to say if there’s even room for the Skyliner to grow.
Plus, don’t forget that Central Florida is full of swampy, wet terrain, which likely makes it a little challenging to build around the swampland.
3. Logistics
Now, say Disney is able to create a budget and find enough solid land to make it happen. Would it work? Picture the Magic Kingdom entrance at park opening. Most days, it’s a madhouse. Now imagine trying to accommodate an influx of people getting on and off the Skyliner, too! Would they even fit?
Not only that, but the Skyliner flies high above most buildings, and depending on the location, those onboard the Skyliner may see some backstage areas not intended for guests. No one wants Disney to ruin the magic, after all!
Plus, there might not be room for more Skyliner Stations at Disney’s hotels! Some resorts just could not fit such a large addition.
Listen, we would LOVE to see the Skyliner expand to more places around Disney World. It’s a great alternative to the bus! But realistically, there are a lot of hurdles Disney would have to conquer to make it happen, and with everything going on at the moment, now doesn’t seem like the best time for this kind of project. Oh, well. We can dream! In the meantime, we’re always on the lookout for the latest Disney news, so stay tuned for more.
The CHANGES Disney Needs To Make to the Skyliner!
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Where would you like to see the Skyliner in Disney World? Let us know in the comments!
It is a little strange this article focuses on whether the skyliner brings money into Disney. What about the money the skyliner saves? Think of all the maintenance for them buses, constantly needing petrol, tyre replacements, and all the staff salaries that drive them who don’t run on tips. Wouldn’t the skyliner save a lot of running costs if it can replace staff and maintenance costs? And is no one bothered about the pure filth those gas guzzling busses are spewing out? EPCOT is always going on about being greener and kinder to the planet. And that solar panel array in a Micky shape won’t exactly power these gas guzzling buses. Walk the talk Disney
Yes, if Disney could cut down the bus fleet that would save a lot of expense every year. For sure, Disney should connect the Animal Kingdom park and resort to the Skyliner. It would solve the biggest problem with Animal Kingdom Lodge…namely, the distance from everything else in Walt Disney World. Then, there should be an extension to Disney Springs. Other expansions to the water parks and resorts could be a lower priority. There is no need to link Magic Kingdom as that park is served by the Monorail. But, the Skyliner could be extended to the Ticket Center hub as the last expansion.
The obvious thing that needs to be done is to somehow connect the Skyliner with the Monorail system.
They need to fix the CBR stop so that those transferring do not need to get on the end of the line and can transfer over to the new line (a lightning lane – type line?)
And maybe the Skyliner can be placed within the security zone.