Is a Skyliner Resort Right for You? Pros and Cons to Consider

It doesn’t take long to become overwhelmed when planning a Disney World vacation. You have to make dining reservations, figure out how to maximize your time in the parks, and have second thoughts about the resort you chose at least 20 times before your arrival. I get it. These things are all big deals and the last thing you want your family to say on vacation is–why did you choose this resort?

This might even be the scenario that’s playing out in your mind right now if you’re considering staying at a Skyliner resort. Will your kids do okay riding it? Is it too difficult to manage with a stroller? Will your spouse be frustrated when they see the line? What happens if we get stuck in a downpour?

You take a deep breath and on the flip side you think–but it looks so cool! Won’t the kids be excited to ride it? We got a great rate on a resort in our price range–you know there will be no complaints there. Plus, you’ll be able to hop on the Skyliner to see some of the other outstanding resorts in the area. You already have plans to take the gondola system to that character breakfast at Disney’s Riviera that everyone says is so good.

Regardless of which resort you choose, there will always be pros and cons. But if you’re having second thoughts or are trying to make a final decision, it’s always good to consider them. So below, we’ve highlighted all the positives and negatives to help you decide if a Skyliner resort is right for your vacation.

Pros of Staying at a Disney Skyliner Resort

Here are the pros of staying on the Skyliner.

#1 The Skyliner is Convenient (and Fun!)

The Disney Skyliner is so convenient! While there are a few exceptions, for the most part, you’ll be able to hop on and quickly get where you’re going. You won’t believe how simple it is to use and the views can be pretty breathtaking!

#2 You Can Use the Skyliner to Resort Hop for Dining, Shopping, and Exploring

It’s no secret that we love to resort-hop and encourage our readers to explore the resorts during their vacations. The Skyliner provides an excellent means to quickly get to other resorts for dining, shopping, and touring. Who knows? You might take the Skyliner to Art of Animation for a sunset walk through the resort’s incredible Cars section, or to the BoardWalk to see the nightlife! You’ll love the opportunities provided by having such quick access to nearby resorts.

the Skyliner as it travels over Caribbean Beach with a view of the other Skyliner cars in the distance

#3 The Skyliner Resorts Fall Into a Variety of Budgets

We already touched on this in our guide to resorts with direct access to the Skyliner, but it’s worth mentioning again. The Skyliner Resorts are comprised of two values, a moderate, and a deluxe villa resort. Therefore, if you’re looking to stay at a lower price point, you’ll have options with Skyliner access. The other value and moderate resorts only offer bus transportation to the theme parks. We consider Skyliner access an added-value, which leads us to our next positive.

#4 You’re Not Stuck Riding a Disney Bus Everywhere!

Okay, we don’t mind riding the buses except for the times when we’re squished in like a can of sardines. (Nobody enjoys that.) Having access to the Disney Skyliner breaks up the monotony of having to ride a bus everywhere. Even if you have to ride in a gondola with other guests, it’s sitting room only. Everyone gets to sit back and enjoy the ride!

#5 You Might Not Have to Fold Your Stroller

Some consider the Skyliner to be stroller-friendly, and it really depends on what kind of stroller you’re pushing. If you have a single stroller or a double stroller (back-to-back), you can push it right on the Skyliner. However, if you have a side-by-side stroller (shown in the picture below) you will have to break it down before you enter the Skyliner station.

a sign that shows how guests with double wide strollers must fold them prior to entering the Skyliner station

Cons of Staying at a Skyliner Resort

Now, we’ll take a look at a few potential negatives.

#1 The Skyliner is the Only Form of Transportation to Hollywood Studios and Epcot from these Resorts*

Many people have the misconception that they can take a bus to Hollywood Studios or Epcot as an alternative. Over the years, there has been a few times when extra bus transportation was provided from select Skyliner Resorts to the parks. But that is not the norm. If you want to use complimentary transportation provided by Disney, you should expect to take the Skyliner to both Epcot and Hollywood Studios.

While this is not necessarily a negative, it could be an issue if someone in your family has a fear of heights. We don’t see this often, but given how much time we’ve spent on the Skyliner, we have witnessed children who do not enjoy it. This is something you might not know until your first ride.

*Alternate transportation is provided during inclement weather, which brings us to our next potential negative.

#2 The System is Weather Dependent

As you likely already know, the Skyliner does not run during inclement weather. If you were to need to get back to your room during a storm, you’ll have to figure out how to get to the bus stop. While this might not sound like a big deal, it can be confusing at Epcot where the park has two entrances. You’ll want to plan ahead and know your options in the event the Skyliner closes.

a sign that says the Disney Skyliner is currently not operating. Please use the bus stop outside the main entrance at the front of the park.

#3 You Will Likely Encounter Long Lines for the Skyliner at Peak Travel Times

Okay, it’s Disney and lines are inevitable. If you’re traveling at peak times like early in the morning for rope-drop or post-fireworks, you’re going to run into long lines for the Skyliner. These lines tend to move fairly quickly but they can be intimidating. So remember to pack your patience. Unless you’re staying at a resort within walking distance of a park, you’re going to encounter a line for transportation whether it’s for a bus, boat, monorail, or the Skyliner.

Tip: We mention this ALL the time, but on the chance that you’re new to Resorts Gal or visiting Disney World, this tip is important. You do not have to be in a hurry to leave the parks after they close. We always like to wait at least 30 minutes after the evening fireworks (or other major entertainment) to let the parks clear out. The major shops stay open about until about an hour after closing. So you can browse, walk around, or find a bench and relax.

#4 You Might Have to Transfer (Depending on Where You’re Staying)

Unless you’re staying at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, you’re going to have to exit and transfer to another gondola line to get to your destination. Those staying at Pop Century and Art of Animation will have to transfer at Caribbean Beach to get to and from the theme parks every time they travel. Guests of Disney’s Riviera Resort will have to transfer at Caribbean Beach to get to and from Disney’s Hollywood Studios. However, the Riviera has a direct line to and from Epcot. While this isn’t necessarily a big deal, you’ll want to be aware that some resorts require an extra stop.

A sign that tells where the Skyliner boards to and then lists the transfer destinations.

Is the Disney Skyliner Right for You?

In conclusion, the Skyliner is best-suited for guests who plan to prioritize time at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Epcot. It’s also an excellent option for those who want a little something extra while keeping to a modest budget. However, if you or someone in your family has a fear of heights, it could be a stress-factor. We love to ride the Skyliner, but like most things in life, it’s not for everyone. So if you’re worried about it, you might prefer to stay elsewhere. You can always try it out for fun during your visit if you’re interested.

the gondola line between Hollywood Studios and Caribbean Beach

Final Thoughts

I hope this list of pros and cons helped you determine if a Skyliner resort was right for your next vacation. For more on these specific resorts, you might enjoy the following reviews:

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In the Comments

Were you able to make a decision? Or have you already stayed at a Skyliner Resort? What’s your take? Let us know in the comments below or on our socials.

Is a Skyliner Resort Right for You? Pros and Cons to Consider