The Disney Skyliner recently experienced an unexpected shutdown after five years of service. On June 13, several guests found themselves trapped inside the gondolas, suspended 60 feet in the air as temperatures climbed inside the non-air-conditioned cabins.
Walt Disney World Resort’s Disney Skyliner has been an iconic part of the resort’s transportation offerings since it opened in September 2019. The system connects guests to some of the most popular destinations on property, including Disney’s Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, Disney’s Riviera Resort, Disney’s Pop Century Resort, and Disney’s Art of Animation Resort.
On June 13, Megan-Flippin Barbers (@meganflippinbarbers) shared her experience getting trapped on the Disney Skyliner on TikTok.
@meganflippinbarbers Stuck on Disney skyliner #stuck #skyliner #disneyworld #disneyskyliner #disneyworldfail
As the gondola system ground to a halt, Barbers joked, “We could take the bus or the Skyliner… Joke’s on us, we got stuck on the Skyliner. Take the bus, not the Skyliner.”
“It was HOTTT,” she added.
While the exact cause of the Disney Skyliner’s sudden shutdown remains unknown, the system eventually resumed operation. No major rescue operation was required. Once the system was back up and running, guests were transported to their destinations.
The gondola cabins aren’t air-conditioned, but they are equipped with ventilation systems and emergency kits. Each emergency kit contains drinkable water, First Aid supplies, and other necessary equipment in case of unexpected situations.
Even though Barbers did not mention whether guests were compensated for their experience, Disney has a history of offering compensation in similar situations. Past cases have seen families receiving anything from cold water to Lightning Lane passes after enduring extended periods in the hot gondolas.
Although incidents like this may seem concerning, it’s important to note that Disney Skyliner’s safety standards are regularly evaluated to ensure the system operates efficiently. The gondolas are equipped with safety measures, and the system is often shut down during inclement weather to protect guests. Disney cast members are also well-trained in emergency procedures, ensuring that if something goes wrong, there’s a plan in place to assist the guests involved.
Is the Disney Skyliner better than taking the bus, watercraft transportation, or the Monorail to EPCOT or Disney’s Hollywood Studios? Share your thoughts with Disney Fanatic in the comments!
This is Florida, no air conditioning even when they are operational? So 20th century.