Walt Disney World Resort’s newest transportation system, the Disney Skyliner, came to a sudden stop last week, stranding families mid-air on a hot Central Florida day.
A Disney Park guest recently took to TikTok to share her family’s experience getting trapped inside a Disney Skyliner gondola for nearly an hour. The incident left them suspended in the air without air conditioning as they waited for the system to restart. Two of the three family members eventually laid down on the hard benches, overcome by the heat while they waited for help.
The Disney Skyliner, which debuted in 2019, connects several Disney Resort hotels with EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Though it offers a scenic alternative to the Monorail and buses, it’s not without its risks. The colorful, high-flying gondolas can leave guests feeling helpless during extended stops, especially in the Central Florida heat. The cabins are ventilated, but not air-conditioned.
The Disney Park guest, TikTok user @ftjbyjessie, posted two videos during and after the breakdown. The footage includes one clip where two family members are shown lying down on the benches, seemingly exhausted.
@ftjbyjessie Stuck on the Skyliner #disney #ftjbyjessie #traveladvisor
In the second video, the TikToker said the experience was “not too bad.”
@ftjbyjessie Replying to @Savvy how long were we stuck on the Skyliner? #skyliner #disney #ftj #ftjbyjessie #fyp #foryoupage #fypシ
She explained, “Disney took care of us. They had cold bottles of water at the bottom…They also had us get the emergency pack out while we were on there and announced, ‘Hey, there’s emergency water and anything you may need will be in there.’”
Each Disney Skyliner gondola is stocked with an emergency kit, which includes bottled water, First Aid supplies, and other necessities in case of delays.
“I know that if we get on the Skyliner, you might get stuck, you might have to sit there,” she said. “But just one more adventure that we learned something from.”
Walt Disney World Resort has not commented on this specific breakdown, which is not uncommon. The Disney Skyliner can temporarily shut down for weather-related reasons or technical issues, but it’s regularly maintained and inspected for guest safety. If you find yourself stuck in a Skyliner gondola, remain calm and follow all instructions from Disney cast members.
Do you feel safe on the Disney Skyliner? Share your opinion with Disney Fanatic in the comments!
Please note that the story outlined in this article is based on a personal Disney Parks guest experience. No two guest experiences are alike, and this article does not necessarily align with Disney Fanatic’s personal views on Disney Park operations.
