2026 Disney Skyliner Guide: Route Map, Travel Times & Pro Tips

If you’re looking to add a little "pixie dust" to your travel day, the Disney Skyliner is easily my favorite way to get around. There’s something so peaceful about gliding high above the treetops while everyone else is stuck on a bus!

I’ve put this guide together to help you master the ropes (and the cables) so you can spend less time navigating and more time enjoying the parks.

Making the Most of the Sky

I know how overwhelming the resort layout can feel, so I’ve mapped out the entire system to help you visualize your commute. Here is how I use the Skyliner to stay ahead of the crowds:

• Rope-Drop Like a Pro: I’ll show you exactly which lines open earliest so you can be the first in line at Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure or Slinky Dog Dash.

• Seamless Resort Hopping: Want to grab dinner at Riviera Resort or a cocktail at Caribbean Beach? I’ve broken down the transfer points so you can zip between resorts without a second thought.

• Stress-Free Transfers: Don't worry about getting turned around at the main hub; I’ll walk you through the Caribbean Beach station layout so you always board the right gondola.

Your Strategy Starts Here

Whether you’re trying to shave 20 minutes off your morning commute or you just want to soak in those sweeping aerial views of the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, having a plan is key.

Take a look at the route map below—it’s the same tool I use to keep my park days moving fast and feeling light.

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Here’s another Skyliner map if you just want a more simplified version. Scroll down a little further to see travel times between each station.

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Disney Skyliner conveniently transports guests between Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Epcot to four resort hotels:

1. Disney’s Art of Animation Resort

2. Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort (hub)

3. Disney’s Pop Century Resort

4. Disney’s Riviera Resort

Technically, Disney’s Beach Club Resort isn’t a “Skyliner resort,” but the Epcot station is only steps away. The thing is, you don’t need to take the Skyliner to Epcot, because the station and entrance are the same.

The only benefit would be taking Skyliner to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, but Beach Club has a boat that will likely be faster. There’s also a walking path that is very scenic that takes about 10-15 minutes. It’s a great option, assuming it’s not too hot out.

I’m not suggesting that you avoid Skyliner, but that there are faster options. But Skyliner is probably more fun. Just keep in mind that you’ll need to transfer at Caribbean Beach.

The hub for Skyliner is located at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort. All routes lead to Caribbean Beach. At the hub, you can transfer to other Skyliner routes.

See which Caribbean Beach rooms are a 2-minute walk from the Skyliner Hub in my Best Rooms article.

What are Disney Skyliner's hours of operation?

Disney Skyliner hours vary. On a typical day, gondolas begin flying approximately 1 hour prior to park opening and up to two hours after park closing. Disney does not post Skyliner hours on its website. Instead, there are signs at each Skyliner station that display operating hours. You can also ask at your hotel for the daily Skyliner hours of operation.

I created an entire video on how to navigate around Walt Disney World, and, of course, I have a segment on the Skyliner. This is a helpful resource if you want to visualize how to get from Point A to Point B. But I share some useful tips.

See more Disney World transportation tips in this YouTube video:

What are the Disney Skyliner times along each route?

• Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort to Disney’s Hollywood Studios: 5 minutes

• Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort to Epcot: 15 minutes

• Disney’s Pop Century / Disney’s Art of Animation to Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort: 5 min

• Disney’s Riviera Resort to Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort: 5 minutes

• Disney’s Riviera Resort to Epcot: 10 minutes

• Epcot to Disney’s Hollywood Studios: 20 minutes

I have an early morning dining reservation. Can I use Disney Skyliner to get there?

This is a tricky one. Disney doesn’t post Skyliner hours online and there are no set hours of operation. Ask at your hotel to be sure. You might have to plan on driving or taking Uber or Lyft.

Are there long lines to board Skyliner?

During the morning and evening rush lines can be as long as 15 to 20 minutes at the Caribbean Beach station. Transportation at Walt Disney World whether you’re waiting for a bus, monorail, boat or gondola, will usually be about 20 minutes when the parks are opening and closing.

The real advantage to Skyliner, however, is that during off-peak times, there’s no wait at all.

Can I use Skyliner for rope drop?

Rope drop is an unofficial term that means “arriving at the parks slightly before they open.” This allows you to get a head start on crowds, and I do highly recommend it.

Often, Skyliner will start running 30-60 minutes before park opening. Ask at your hotel what time it will start running.

Don’t forget to allow time to board the Skyliner during rush hour; wait times can be 15-20 minutes during this period. Yes, another reason to get an early start on your day at Walt Disney World!

Disney Skyliner station

Can I Ride Skyliner if I’m not staying at one of the hotels?

Yes! It’s perfectly ok to board Skyliner at one of the theme park stations to go for a ride. The best time to do this would be late afternoon to early evening. One of the more scenic routes is between Epcot and Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort.

I’m afraid of heights, can I take a bus instead of Skyliner?

Sure, buses still run between the Skyliner hotels and the theme parks, however, they are on reduced schedules and may arrive only once per hour.

Inside a Disney Skyliner gondola

Can I take a stroller in the gondola? Do strollers need to be folded on Skyliner

Most strollers will fit without the need to fold them up, even the double-wide strollers fit in the Skyliner gondolas.

Can I take a wheelchair or scooter on Skyliner?

Yes. Skyliner operators will slow the speed of the gondola allowing you to roll in. You also have the option of boarding a stationary gondola. Stationary gondolas are located on a separate spur in the station. When you’re ready to go, the gondola will rejoin the main line. The gondola will be discreetly marked so the operators at the other station will know to direct it off the main line onto the spur.

Are Skyliner cabins air conditioned?

No, but they have large vents at the top. While the gondolas are moving, there’s a steady breeze that passes through the cabin. Even on the hottest day in Florida, the breeze moving through the gondola is sufficient to keep you cool.

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