Oh, the Disney World Skyliner. This might be the most magical transportation at Disney since you get to fly over the parks, all while getting to your next location.

If you haven’t been on the Skyliner, there are a few things you might want to know before you board your gondola and start on your magical journey.

It Closes Down for Bad Weather

We know, we know. The last thing we want to do is admit that the Sunshine State can turn into the Storming State, but when that bad weather hits and you want to head back to your resort, don’t head towards the Skyliner. It might be running right now, but if there is lightning, too much wind, or any other weather condition that can affect the safety of guests, the Skyliner will be shut down.

Don’t worry — if you’re on it while the weather hits, you won’t be stuck. Cast Members will escort you to the next station, and you may need to use alternative transportation to reach your destination. If you’re in line to board, you’ll need to exit and find an alternative way home.

You Might Be Sitting Close to Another Group

The Skyliner gondolas are pretty large, significantly larger than they appear on the outside. You could probably fit eight to ten people inside, and when it’s busy, you’ll be among those eight to ten people. Even if you’re a party of four, you might be sitting with another group of four on your ride. If you’re boarding, don’t be surprised if another group follows behind you.

We’ve found that this happens mainly in the morning, when the parks are opening and closing, and when everyone is trying to get home. In the middle of the day, you might be lucky enough to get your own space (p.s. this is a perfect time to take cute pictures!).

There’s No Air Conditioning

Yikes! During those hotter months, you might be asking yourself, “Why did I choose a Skyliner resort?!” These boxes can get toasty, and if you’re already hot from waiting in line, this might not be the relaxing ride you thought it was going to be. There are air vents up top that you can open, and while they help for a bit of air flow, they might not cool you off. We’re not saying every other form of Disney transportation has air conditioning, but you might want to opt for the cool, empty bus over the steamy, hot box in the sky.

They Do Shake, But That’s Normal

If you’re not a fan of heights, this might not be the best transportation option for you. While they are structurally sound, they tend to sway when the wind picks up. They also go pretty high up, more than they may look like in pictures. If you’re questioning whether you can manage this, you might want to choose an alternative option to avoid stressing yourself out on vacation.

In general, they move pretty slowly when you’re moving across, but to get up to that height, they have to speed up. Even though we’ve been on them 100 times, it can still throw us off to feel the speed of the gondola moving forward. When you’re at your stop, it will feel like it’s going to hit the car in front, too! We haven’t seen that happen, but it can certainly feel a bit out of control. Know you and your family’s limits before boarding.

There Are Stationary Gondolas For Those Who Need More Time

If you’re using a mobility device, Cast Members usually direct you towards a special line, but it’s not just for those who use wheelchairs! When you board a traditional gondola, it slows down but does not come to a complete stop. While most people won’t have a hard time hopping in, it might be better for some to use the stationary stop. These gondolas are pulling off the line, so you can truly take all the time you need without worrying about slowing down the line. We love stress-free boarding!

All in all, we love to take the Skyliner to head to our favorite spots at Disney World, and if you haven’t had a chance to ride it, give it a shot! We find that they’re usually one of the fastest and most reliable transportation methods! Make sure you keep following Disney Food Blog for more tips and tricks you need for your next Disney vacation.

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I’VE TRIED EVERY TRANSPORTATION HACK IN DISNEY WORLD AND I’M SHARING 8 OF MY FAVORITES