Five Years of the Best Free Ride at Disney World. Yesterday we hopped from Disney’s Hollywood Studios over to Pop Century Resort by way of the Disney Skyliner, of course, we had to stop and take some images of one of the stand-out photo ops around Disney World. What we did not realize was the Skyliner had just turned 5 years old. Our favorite free ride and transportation between resorts and the Parks.
We have spent countless hours riding the Skyliner checking out everything from Epcot to Hollywood Studios, and then doing our Skyliner Run, which is Riviera to Pop Century and Art of Animation, then back to Epcot to check out Boardwalk and Yacht & Beach Club. We have had some great times checking out the murals at Riviera, and the oversized Pop Culture Icon structures at Pop. We have also spent time wishing to get off when the Florida weather acts up, even though we have always been safe and Disney takes every weather precaution into account. Still, that ground feels awfully high up.
Related: How to Stay, Play, and Make the Most of Disney World with Kids
Disney Skyliner just celebrated its 5th anniversary! This free and easy way of traveling around Walt Disney World has quickly become a favorite of mine and so many other guests who visit.
Need tips for how to navigate the system? Don’t worry, I’ve got you. Here are 5 ways you can get the most out of Disney Skyliner during your next Disney Resort hotel stay. I have a feeling it may soon become your favorite, too (if it’s not already).
1. Enjoy a day of free activities at Disney Skyliner station stops as a Disney Resort hotel guest.
Even though it’s not an official attraction, the Skyliner is one of my favorite Disney rides … and you don’t even need a park ticket to try it! Known for its colorful cabins featuring favorite characters and relaxing vibes, this unique gondola system travels to four Resort hotels perfect for nearly every family size and budget.
My recommendation? Spend a day of your vacation traveling between the Resort hotels and check out some of the free activities at each location. You could kick off the day with a relaxing game of bocce ball at Disney’s Riviera Resort, fly over to Disney’s Art of Animation Resort to move and groove at a Lion King-themed family fitness class, and end the night with a movie under the stars on the lawn of Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort. Fun for the whole family!
2. Ride Disney Skyliner during fireworks.
The Disney Skyliner makes park hopping between Disney’s Hollywood Studios and EPCOT fun and easy. If you’re traveling between the parks at night and time your trip just right, you can also catch an incredible bird’s-eye view of some of our nighttime spectaculars.
Trust me on this one. Luminous The Symphony of Us hits different when you’re watching it from the sky.
3. Take ALL the family photos.
#DisneySkylinerHair. Ever heard of it? You will once you take flight, and you’ll want your camera ready to capture the moment when the wind blows through your hair.
In addition to in-flight photos, you can also take family photos at iconic locations across Walt Disney World at every station stop. Here are some of our favorites:
- Have a little one? We recommend taking a pic in front of their favorite, larger-than-life character at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort. What’s better? Traveling aboard Disney Skyliner with small kids is a breeze since you don’t have to fold up your single-sized stroller!
- With the Halloween season in full swing, take Disney Skyliner right to Disney’s Hollywood Studios for a frightfully fun family photo in front of The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror!
- If you’re looking for an elegant backdrop to take your holiday family photos, the view of Crescent Lake from the sands of Disney’s Beach Club Resort is just what you need.
4. Create your own Disney Skyliner food crawl.
The restaurants at Disney Skyliner Resort hotels are top tier. From breakfast with your favorite Disney pals at Topolino’s Terrace, to dinner under the sea at Sebastian’s Bistro, you really can’t go wrong. Start the day on an empty stomach, enjoy a tasty treat at each Disney Skyliner stop and return back to your Resort hotel full of some of the best Disney Eats across Disney World.
5. Chat with our cast!
Need more recommendations? Our Disney Skyliner cast are ready to help. While we don’t talk about Bruno, if he’s your favorite Disney character, they can try to make some magic and help you ride in an Encanto-themed cabin.
The list could go on and on. With so many ways to enjoy Disney Skyliner, you can see why millions of guests have climbed aboard to take flight and travel in style. It’s one of the most popular experiences at Walt Disney World!
Happy 5th anniversary, Disney Skyliner. We can’t wait to celebrate many more years in flight!
