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Credit: Kelly C., Inside the MagicOn June 13, several Walt Disney World Resort guests were trapped on the Disney Skyliner after the gondola system abruptly shut down. One Disney Park guest shared her experience waiting for rescue while temperatures inside the non-air-conditioned gondolas climbed.
The Disney Skyliner system opened in September 2019. The newest transportation system at Walt Disney World Resort joins the Monorail, watercraft fleet, and expansive bus system as ways to get around the Disney Resort hotels, Disney Springs, and the Central Florida theme parks.
It serves Disney’s Hollywood Studios and the EPCOT International Gateway with stops at Disney’s Pop Century Resort, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, and Disney’s Riviera Resort.
Earlier this month, TikTok user Megan-Flippin Barbers (@meganflippinbarbers) shared this video after getting stuck 60 feet up in a Disney Skyliner gondola. Even though it was nighttime, Barbers said, “It was HOTTT.”
@meganflippinbarbers Stuck on Disney skyliner #stuck #skyliner #disneyworld #disneyskyliner #disneyworldfail
“We could take the bus or the Skyliner…,” the Disney Park guest quipped. “Joke’s on us, we got stuck on the Skyliner. Take the bus, not the Skyliner.”
What caused the Disney Skyliner shutdown on June 13 is unknown. Although it’s unclear how long it took for the transportation system to restart, a rescue operation wasn’t required. The gondolas eventually started moving again, transporting Walt Disney World Resort guests to their destinations.
Although Disney Skyliner gondolas aren’t air-conditioned, they are ventilated and equipped with emergency kits. Each kit has drinkable water, First Aid supplies, and other equipment to help guests with any issues they may encounter while trapped on board.
Barbers didn’t say whether they were compensated for their experience. After spending extended periods in the hot gondolas, families have previously been compensated with everything from cold water to Lightning Lane passes. After particularly lengthy shutdowns, first responders have waited at the exit station to evaluate guests.
The Disney Skyliner system is regularly evaluated against high safety standards and closes during inclement weather to protect guests. Disney cast members are trained with emergency protocols to help guests during temporary shutdowns. Don’t hesitate to use this convenient transportation to EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios!
Have you stayed at a Disney Skyliner Resort? Share your experience with Inside the Magic in the comments!