Another frustrating breakdown on Walt Disney World’s Disney Skyliner has gone viral—this time, involving a family with young children who were stranded in a gondola high above the ground for over 40 minutes. The family, who shared their experience on the TikTok account @selverzalic, documented the tense moments when they were forced to break open the cabin’s onboard emergency kit to comfort their crying children.
In the now-viral video, viewers can see the family suspended mid-air, with the parents opening SOS Food Lab emergency packets—small calorie-dense rations included in every Skyliner gondola in case of prolonged stoppages. The kids, visibly distressed, eat the emergency food while waiting for the system to resume operation.
“We were stuck 50 feet in the air for over 40 minutes,” the video text reads. “We had to open the emergency kit to calm our kids down.”
Though the system eventually resumed without the need for evacuation, the footage sparked discussion online about the frequency of Skyliner breakdowns and whether the popular gondola system is truly the best choice for families with young children.
@selverzalic Well that was an experience #problem #stuck #disneyworld @Victoria Zalic
A Pattern of Delays?
This is not the first time the Disney Skyliner has left guests suspended in midair for extended periods. Just last month, another family shared a similar story on TikTok (@ftjbyjessie), saying they were stranded for over 50 minutes. That video showed guests lying down on the wooden benches inside the non-air-conditioned cabin, trying to stay calm in the stifling Florida heat.
In that case, Disney Cast Members reportedly communicated via speaker system, instructing guests to use the emergency packs and promising assistance once back on the ground. Bottled water was distributed once guests exited, and while the ordeal was far from ideal, the family described it as “not too bad” in the end.
What’s in the Emergency Kit?
Each Skyliner gondola includes a small emergency supply box designed for exactly this kind of situation. While the sleek, colorful gondolas offer cross-ventilation, they are not equipped with air conditioning, which can make delays particularly uncomfortable in Florida’s heat and humidity.
The emergency kits typically include:
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SOS Food Lab energy bars
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Bottled water (in vacuum-sealed pouches)
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First aid supplies
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Sanitary items
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A glow stick for nighttime visibility
Though rarely accessed, the emergency kits serve as a practical—if unsettling—reminder that delays can and do happen.
What Is the Disney Skyliner?
Launched in 2019, the Disney Skyliner is an aerial gondola transportation system that connects guests to key areas of Walt Disney World Resort. It was designed to provide a fast, scenic alternative to traditional buses or boats. When operating normally, the system is smooth and efficient, offering panoramic views of the resort.
Skyliner Stations and Routes:
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EPCOT Station
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Located at the International Gateway entrance (near the France Pavilion)
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Connects to Riviera Resort and onward
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Disney’s Riviera Resort Station
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A central stop connecting EPCOT to other resorts and Hollywood Studios
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Caribbean Beach Resort Station (Main Transfer Hub)
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Guests can transfer here to reach either Hollywood Studios or EPCOT
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Art of Animation / Pop Century Station
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Shared station across Hourglass Lake
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Connects directly to the main hub at Caribbean Beach
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Disney’s Hollywood Studios Station
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Drop-off point near the front entrance of the park
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The ride between each point typically lasts 5–10 minutes, making it a time-saving and scenic option under ideal conditions.
Should Guests Be Worried?
Disney insists the Skyliner remains a safe and fully operational form of transportation, with routine maintenance and inspections conducted regularly. But the system is vulnerable to two things: mechanical faults and Florida weather. Lightning in the area will shut down the gondolas immediately, sometimes stranding guests mid-route until it is safe to resume movement.
While the system is far from dangerous, the emotional toll of being stuck in a cabin—especially with young children—can be significant, as highlighted in the Selverzalic family’s video. And as more of these breakdowns are documented on social media, it’s clear that guests are becoming increasingly wary.
The Disney Skyliner is a bold and innovative transportation option that offers breathtaking views and efficient access to EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and several resorts. But for families with young children or those sensitive to heat and claustrophobia, it’s worth weighing the risks. Emergency kits provide some peace of mind, but as this latest incident shows, even the most magical transport can hit a snag in the sky.
Guests are advised to monitor weather conditions and travel times before boarding—and maybe pack a little extra patience just in case.
