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!
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