Soaring to the Magic: A Look at the Disney World Skyliner Resorts

Walt Disney World has some pretty magical transportation options, but nothing quite compares to the Disney Skyliner!

The Disney Skyliner is an airborne gondola system that glides guests high above the treetops and waterways, offering a relaxing (and honestly kind of thrilling!) way to travel between EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and several Disney Resort hotels.

EPCOT Skyliner Station

If you’re staying at one of the Skyliner Resorts, you’re in for a serious convenience upgrade. No buses, no waiting in car lines—just hop aboard your colorful gondola and float off to the parks in style.

Below, we’ll give you a quick look at each Skyliner Resort, including which station(s) serve the resort and how to get around when you’re headed somewhere the Skyliner doesn’t reach. Plus some Pros and Cons of each resort.

Disney’s BoardWalk Inn

Step back into the charm and whimsy of turn-of-the-century Atlantic City at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn. This Deluxe Resort wraps around Crescent Lake and features a vibrant boardwalk lined with shops, restaurants, and nighttime entertainment. With elegant rooms, a lively pool area, and a prime location, it’s one of the most enchanting spots to stay within walking distance of two theme parks.

The EPCOT International Gateway

Skyliner Station: EPCOT’s International Gateway (a short walk away)

BoardWalk Inn guests can stroll over to the International Gateway entrance of EPCOT, where they’ll find a Skyliner station that connects to Disney’s Riviera Resort, Caribbean Beach, and eventually to Hollywood Studios.

Other Transportation: Boat service is available to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios. Buses are available for Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and Disney Springs.

Pros:

• Walk to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios
• Vibrant nightlife and dining
• Deluxe amenities

Cons:

• Can be noisy near the Boardwalk area
• Higher price point

Disney’s BoardWalk Inn

Disney’s Beach Club Resort

Stormalong Bay, shared with the Yacht Club Resort

If you’re dreaming of New England-style seaside relaxation, Disney’s Beach Club Resort has you covered. This Deluxe Resort boasts a breezy, coastal atmosphere with pale blues and whites, charming nautical touches, and one of the best pools at Walt Disney World—Stormalong Bay, a sand-bottom mini water park shared with its sister resort, the Yacht Club next door.

Skyliner Station: EPCOT’s International Gateway (a short walk away)

France from the EPCOT International Gateway

Just like BoardWalk, Beach Club Resort guests are only a few minutes away from EPCOT’s back entrance—and the Skyliner station! Perfect for catching a ride to Hollywood Studios or exploring the other Skyliner-connected resorts.

Other Transportation: Boat service is available to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios. Buses run to Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, and Disney Springs.

Pros:

• Best pool on property (Stormalong Bay)
• Laid-back beachy theme
• Walk to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios

Cons:

• Less dining/entertainment on-site than BoardWalk
• Often shares buses with Yacht Club

Disney’s Beach Club Resort

Disney’s Yacht Club Resort

Sophisticated yet still full of Disney magic, Disney’s Yacht Club Resort brings a classic New England yacht club feel to Crescent Lake. This Deluxe Resort features dark wood finishes, nautical details, and a slightly more refined atmosphere compared to Beach Club. It also shares the incredible Stormalong Bay pool and offers spacious rooms with lovely views.

Skyliner Station: EPCOT’s International Gateway (a short walk away)

EPCOT International Gateway Skyliner Station

Yacht Club guests enjoy the same close proximity to EPCOT and the Skyliner station at the International Gateway. That means easy access to both EPCOT and Hollywood Studios via the air!

Other Transportation: Boat service is available to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios. Bus transportation is provided to Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, and Disney Springs.

Pros:

• Elegant, quieter vibe
• Shared Stormalong Bay access

Cons:

• Less whimsical theming (may not appeal as much to kids)
• Shares bus service

Disney’s Yacht Club Resort

Disney’s Riviera Resort

Disney’s Riviera Resort

Inspired by the elegance of Europe and the charm of the Mediterranean coast, Disney’s Riviera Resort is a stylish Deluxe Villa Resort and part of the Disney Vacation Club. It blends luxury with artistic touches, offering stunning views, upscale dining, and easy access to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios. Whether you’re a DVC member or booking as a regular guest, this resort delivers a refined yet family-friendly experience.

Skyliner Station: Riviera Resort (on property)

Riviera Skyliner Station

The Riviera has its very own Skyliner station, making it a breeze to reach EPCOT directly. For Hollywood Studios, you’ll transfer at Caribbean Beach just one stop away.

Other Transportation: Buses are available for Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, and Disney Springs.

Pros:

• Direct Skyliner access to EPCOT
• Elegant design and upscale dining (hello, Topolino’s!)
• Great option for DVC members or families wanting more space

Cons:

• Smaller resort footprint = fewer recreation options
• Not as heavily themed for kids compared to other resorts
• Studio rooms have a unique layout that’s not for everyone

Disney’s Riviera Resort

Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort

Tropical vibes await at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, a Moderate Resort that’s full of island charm. Spread across several themed villages like Jamaica and Aruba, the resort is set around a central lake and features hammocks, pastel colors, and a laid-back atmosphere. It’s a great option for families who want a fun, relaxed setting with a splash of Caribbean flair.

Skyliner Station: Caribbean Beach (Main Hub)

Caribbean Beach Skyliner Station

Caribbean Beach is the central hub of the entire Skyliner system! That means direct lines to EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and two other Skyliner resorts—no transfers needed.

Other Transportation: Buses are available for Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, and Disney Springs.

Pros:

• Main Skyliner hub—no transfers needed
• Some rooms are closer to the Riviera Skyliner Station
• Beautiful island-inspired setting
• Moderate pricing

Cons:

• Busiest Skyliner Station – Many guests transfer lines here
• Large layout = long walks
• Some rooms are far from dining options and the lobby

Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort

Disney’s Art of Animation Resort

This one’s a fan favorite for families—and it’s easy to see why! Disney’s Art of Animation Resort is all about immersive theming, with sections dedicated to The Little Mermaid, Finding Nemo, Cars, and The Lion King. It’s a Value Resort, but the family suites and over-the-top design make it feel extra special, especially for kids.

Skyliner Station: Shared station with Pop Century Resort

Art of Animation from the Skyliner

Art of Animation guests are just a short walk from the shared Skyliner station on Hourglass Lake. From there, it’s an easy glide to Caribbean Beach, with connections to the parks.

Other Transportation: Buses are available for Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, and Disney Springs.

Pros:

• Best-themed rooms for kids
• Family suites available
• Skyliner access for a Value Resort

Cons:

• Standard rooms (Little Mermaid) far from the lobby & Skyliner Station
• Higher price than other Values

Disney’s Art of Animation Resort

Disney’s Pop Century Resort

Disney’s Pop Century Resort

Ready for a blast from the past? Disney’s Pop Century Resort celebrates the fads and fun of the 1950s through the 1990s, with oversized icons, bold colors, and a playful energy that’s perfect for families. As a Value Resort, it’s budget-friendly while still offering all the Disney perks—and easy Skyliner access makes it a real hidden gem.

Skyliner Station: Shared station with Art of Animation Resort

Pop Century and Art of Animation Skyliner Station

Pop Century shares a station with its neighbor across the bridge, Art of Animation. Guests board here for a quick ride to the Caribbean Beach hub, where they can transfer to EPCOT or Hollywood Studios.

Other Transportation: Buses serve Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, and Disney Springs.

Pros:

• Budget-friendly
• Fun, nostalgic theming
• Skyliner access makes it feel like a Value+

Cons:

• Standard rooms only—no suites

Disney’s Pop Century Resort

Fun Disney Skyliner Trivia

Add some magic to your next ride with these fun facts about the Disney Skyliner!

✨ There are over 300 gondolas in the Skyliner fleet—and many are wrapped with your favorite Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars characters!

🌞 The gondolas aren’t air-conditioned, but they’re designed to stay comfortable with cross-ventilation and reflective windows to keep them cool—even in Florida heat.

🚠 The longest ride on the Skyliner is the stretch from Caribbean Beach to EPCOT—a relaxing 11-minute flight.

🎢 The Disney Skyliner can move more than 4,500 guests per hour, making it one of the most efficient (and fun) ways to get around Walt Disney World.

🎨 Each station is themed to match its location! Keep an eye out for architectural details and design touches that reflect each resort or park.

Ready to Fly?

The Disney Skyliner is more than just transportation—it’s part of the fun! Whether you’re staying at a deluxe resort like Yacht Club or chilling at a value resort like Pop Century, having access to the Skyliner makes getting to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios a breeze.

Have you stayed at a Skyliner Resort before? Got a favorite gondola route or station? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear about your high-flying Disney adventures!

• Back to Basics Posts - A great place to start, offering basic topics!
• Disney Veteran & Military Discount Eligibility Guide
• The Military Family’s Walt Disney World Comprehensive Vacation Planning and Preparation Guide 
• Military Disney Tips Disney Packing Checklist 
• Disney Military Tickets – Your Start-to-Finish Guide

• Resorts/Hotel Overview Page
• Dining Overview Page
• Transportation Overview Page
• Technology Overview Page
• Shades of Green, WDW’s Military-Only Resort

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