No matter how much we try, we can’t stop thinking about an abandoned Disneyland attraction.
Disneyland Park has a long and rich history, and, with that, plenty of now-defunct attractions. From Rocket Rods to the PeopleMover to 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, there are PLENTY of Disneyland rides we long to ride one last time. However, one long-forgotten ride keeps us up, even to this day.
Opening in 2019, the Disney Skyliner at Disney World has quickly become a staple of the theme park resort. However, before the Skyliner could run, a tiny inspiration at Disneyland had to walk.
Between 1956 and 1994, Disneyland had its own mini-Skyliner –the Disneyland Skyway. This sky gondola attraction provided magnificent views of the park as it took guests on an unforgettable experience aboard a Skyway Bucket.
Utilizing a gondola cable lift system that was used among European ski resorts, the Skyway offered two distinct routes into Fantasyland and Tomorrowland. Notably, the ride took passengers THROUGH the famous Matterhorn Bobsleds.
Unique and perfectly Disney, this attraction became quintessential Disney, and was replicated as an opening day attraction for Magic Kingdom and Tokyo Disneyland.
Disneyland closed the Skyway with little notice in November 1994. Disney stated the closure was due to a lack of rider demand. There had been some major safety incidents as well.
Additionally, the attraction was beginning to show wear and tear, especially regarding the support tower inside the Matterhorn, and the budget couldn’t justifiably be allocated to repairs when rides like the new Indiana Jones Adventure could use the cash.
The remnants of the Skyway are gone, and all that’s left is a filled-in Matterhorn.
The gondola system has seemingly been made way safer and more efficient since it was perfected at Disney World in recent years, and it makes us wonder: Could a version of the Skyway ever return?
Right now, the Skyway would be a luxury and not a necessity the way it is in Disney World. Disneyland has its monorail system, and everything is pretty much within walking distance, unlike Disney World. With that said, that fact could change.
DisneylandForward, the Disneyland Resort’s multi-billion dollar extension, was approved last year, bringing new lands, shopping, dining, and lodging to untouched areas of the resort — effectively making that whole “everything’s within walking distance” a lot more complicated.
DisneylandForward includes possible plans to adjust existing transportation, but there is a reality where some sort of gondola system could be built. Will we ever see the return of Skyway again? Very unlikely. Could we see its spiritual successor? Fingers crossed!
Do you remember the Skyway? Let us know and continue to follow us right here at AllEars for all the latest from the Disney Parks!
The History and Myths of Disney’s Skyway — and How it Led to the Skyliner
Which defunct Disney attraction would you bring back? Let us know in the comments!
I was born and raised about 15 miles from Disneyland so we went quite often when I was young (early 70’s) when you still bought the ticket books and when the park was still uncrowded and reasonable to enter. As a teen I danced at Videopolis and Tomorrowland Terrace. My favorite rides were Adventure Through Inner Space (who could forget the red glowing atom that we dare not shrink down any further to investigate for fear that we may never stop shrinking? Or that menacing ?️ eyeball glaring down at us in the microscope? ?) I loved that ride! Also the People Mover (sponsored by Goodyear, the tire ? company)Remember when the speed tunnels were changed from the racecars and such to the TRON theme? I miss the Skyway as well. It was great to get to the other side of the park (would save you the walk) plus it gave you a great birds eye view. I miss Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. Why in the earth did they get rid of that one, I have no idea? Heard they got rid of Tom Sawyers Island too. That was always fun as a child. IMO, Disneyland jumped the shark when they started collaborating with Michael Jackson and that ridiculous Captain EO attraction. I went on it once and it was underwhelming. I couldn’t even tell you what it was even after it was over it was so stupid. Now the whole Disney Inc. conglomerate has just become such a woke, corrupt and greedy monstrosity, I will never give them another dime of mine. Walt’s vision has been totally corrupted. I will cherish my memories of the past and remember Disneyland for the magical place it was when I was a kid.
The flying saucers ride was short lived, but was a great ride. They tried again with Luigis flying tires but it didn’t feel the same.
I enjoyed riding the skyway as a child, especially as it passed through the Matterhorn mountain. The other attractions I miss from my childhood include Adventures through Inner Space, America Sings, and the People Movers.
PeopleMover in California in the near future!
#SavePeopleMover