This Skyliner Rule Might Seem Illegal in Disney World, But It's Not!

Disney’s Skyliner system, known for its efficiency and scenic views, typically operates with a straightforward route connecting EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and several resorts.

Skyliner Station at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

It has become a perk to many guests who will choose to stay at a Disney resort that has access to the Skyliner transportation system. However, guests staying at these resorts do need to plan for this Skyliner rule that could leave them feeling stranded.

On nights when EPCOT hosts Extended Evening Hours, there is something you need to be on the lookout for if you’re staying at a Skyliner resort. Extended Evening Hours give guests staying at a Disney World Deluxe Resort extra time inside the park when it has closed to other guests, and they typically run from 9 PM to 11 PM.

During these times, the Skyliner offers service exclusively between EPCOT and Disney’s Riviera Resort. This means that the main hub at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, as well as the lines to Disney’s Pop Century Resort and Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, are closed. For guests staying at these resorts, this can feel like an unexpected and inconvenient disruption to their plans.

Riviera Skyliner Station

This does make sense that Disney would do this, as the Riviera is the only Deluxe resort on the Skyliner path.

However, if you are visiting one of the EPCOT resorts or the Boardwalk area after EPCOT closes for the night, you’ll need to find an alternate form of transportation home. If you don’t plan, you could get caught off guard. It is also a good thing to remember that resorts do not offer buses to and from other Disney resorts, so taking a rideshare might be your best option.

Disney Skyliner at International Gateway Station at EPCOT

Even if you drove to EPCOT and parked, visited a resort on the Skyliner, you won’t be able to get back to the parking lot through EPCOT during Extended Evening Hours. Once Extended Evening Hours start, only Deluxe Resort guests are allowed to scan into the park, making the parking lot inaccessible from the International Gateway.