September 29th saw the launch of a whole new way to get around the Disney resort area. Disney Skyliner is a cable car system, with 5 stations linking 4 resort hotels with Epcot and Hollywood Studios. We wanted to take a closer look at what this new method of transportation has to offer, and who it can benefit, and at the same time thought we’d take a fresh look at all transportation options offered to help guests get around this vast area, covering almost 40 square miles!
The Skyliner gondola system connects the Caribbean Beach Resort, Art of Animation Resort, Pop Century Resort and the new Riviera Resort with the International Gateway entrance of Epcot and Hollywood Studios. This fun way to travel offers guests unrivalled views across the parks and is designed to be convenient to hop on and off (no need to fold buggies and mobility scooters) and a lot of fun, almost like a ride in itself! And in addition, many cabins are decorated with beloved characters, movie scenes and attraction pictures, so you’ll feel like some characters are riding alongside you!
The position of the stations means that the gondolas are not only great news for guests of the above hotels, but also anyone wishing to dine at those hotels (Topolino’s Terrace at Riviera Resort promises a Character breakfast and gourmet evening dining with a view from its rooftop position). The location of the Epcot station is right by the Boardwalk, and so great news for guests of the Boardwalk Inn, Yacht and Beach Club and Swan and Dolpin, as well as anyone wishing to dine there too.
We think this new transportation option is going to be a fab way to get a birds eye view of everything Disney World has to offer, whilst easing congestion on the existing transport options, which is always a great idea!
So, what are those other transportation options for getting around resort?
All resort guests are offered free bus transportation to and from the parks. The buses run regularly throughout the day and evening, drop you right outside the entrance to all the parks, removing the need to wait for trams, monorails or boats, and getting you to the park entrance much faster. In our experience the buses are a reliable and easy way to get around the Resort, though they do get busy at peak times, prepare to stand up for some journeys!
Some resorts offer alternative transportation options. The Contemporary Resort, Polynesian Resort and Grand Floridian all have monorail stations to whisk you straight to the heart of the action in the Magic Kingdom and EPCOT. The monorail goes right through the centre of the Contemporary Resort hotel! There’s also a walking path from Contemporary Resort, and one being built from Grand Floridian, both to the Magic Kingdom.
Some hotels also offer a water taxi or ferryboat service to the Magic Kingdom, EPCOT or Hollywood Studios, or to Disney Springs, which is a fun alternative to the usual bus service.
And if you’re looking for a more personal service, perhaps from hotel to hotel, or for any journey across the Resort, Disney now offers Minnie Vans! These fantastic, 6-seater vans can be booked and paid for via app, to take you anywhere you want to go on site.
Finally, Lyft and Uber are in operation throughout the resort, and generally respond fast, offering a cost effective alternative.
If you choose to hire a car, it’s worth noting that hotel overnight parking is now charged at $25 per night. As transportation options within the Resort are so good and varied, it may be worth skipping that car hire, or, if you are combining a Disney World stay with a stay elsewhere in Florida, perhaps timing car hire to begin after, or before, your stay in the Resort. There are plenty of options to collect hire cars in and around Disney World Resort, and All Ears can make recommendations for this for you.
So as you can see, Disney has thought of everything! For advice on the best transportation options for your holiday, give us a call, and we can guide you through the variety of options, to make the best choices for you and your family!
