The Disney Skyliner connects EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios with four resorts. This guide shows the fastest routes, the one station where you always transfer, and smart workarounds when the line pauses. We also link to official pages so you can confirm hours and policies before you go.
Key Takeaways
- Caribbean Beach is the hub. All lines meet here. Most guests transfer at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort to reach EPCOT or Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Confirm the network overview on Disney’s official Skyliner page.
Official info: Disney Skyliner - International Gateway is the EPCOT station. It is the back entrance to World Showcase and a short walk to the EPCOT resorts. See “International Gateway” on Disney’s EPCOT resources.
Official info: EPCOT overview · Map notes show the walking path from International Gateway to the EPCOT Resorts and Hollywood Studios. EPCOT map PDF - Hours vary by park schedule. Skyliner typically operates around park opening and closing windows, and may have special timing on EPCOT Extended Evening Hours nights. Always check the day‑of note on Disney’s site.
Official info: Experience Disney Skyliner… hours note - Accessible loading exists. There is a stationary loading area for wheelchairs and ECVs. Strollers that meet Walt Disney World size limits can usually roll on without folding.
Official info: planDisney… ECVs on Skyliner · WDW stroller size policy (31 in by 52 in) in the Accessibility Planning Guide PDF. WDW Access PDF
Niko’s Note 🐾 Think of Caribbean Beach as your train junction. If a cast member says transfer, you are almost always changing lines there.
How the Network Connects
Stations served
- Parks EPCOT International Gateway and Disney’s Hollywood Studios
- Resorts Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort (hub), Disney’s Riviera Resort (mid‑line stop on the EPCOT route), Disney’s Pop Century Resort and Disney’s Art of Animation Resort (shared station over Hourglass Lake)
- Official overview and map card: Disney Skyliner page · Skyliner network card
Simple diagram
Art of Animation / Pop Century ──► Caribbean Beach ◄── Hollywood Studios
│
▼
Riviera ◄───► International Gateway (EPCOT)
Arrows show travel direction. You can ride both ways. Transfers happen at Caribbean Beach when moving between the AOA/Pop line and the EPCOT or Hollywood Studios lines.
Fastest Routes… Real World Shortcuts
- Pop Century or Art of Animation to EPCOT Ride to Caribbean Beach, transfer to the EPCOT line, ride through Riviera, and arrive at International Gateway. If you want to visit the EPCOT Resort Area without entering EPCOT, exit at International Gateway and walk the Friendship Boat promenade toward Yacht Club, Beach Club, BoardWalk, Swan, Dolphin. Map shows the path from that gate.
Reference: EPCOT map PDF walking path - Pop Century or Art of Animation to Hollywood Studios Ride to Caribbean Beach, transfer to the Hollywood Studios line.
- Riviera Resort to Hollywood Studios Ride to Caribbean Beach then transfer to the Hollywood Studios line. Coming back from EPCOT you can exit at Riviera if that is your stop without returning to Caribbean Beach.
- Hollywood Studios to EPCOT Ride Hollywood Studios to Caribbean Beach, transfer to the EPCOT line. If Skyliner pauses and you still want to move between the two, the walking path connects them although it is a longer walk. See the EPCOT map note for the path indicator.
Reference: EPCOT map PDF walking path
Tip Lines usually move continuously when operating. Even if the queue looks long at Caribbean Beach, it can clear quickly because cabins load in a steady pulse.
Transfer Tips at Caribbean Beach
- Follow the overhead signs as you enter the station. Left lanes feed EPCOT, right lanes feed Hollywood Studios, and the lake‑side lanes feed AOA/Pop. Cast Members will confirm.
- Stay seated with strollers when allowed. Most standard strollers can roll straight in as long as they meet the WDW size guidelines noted in the Accessibility PDF.
Policy reference: WDW Access Planning Guide - Use the accessible load if anyone in your party needs more time. Ask a Cast Member for the stationary loading area that lets you board without the moving platform.
Reference: planDisney answer on ECVs and Skyliner
When Weather Pauses the Skyliner… Your Plan B
- Lightning and strong winds can pause operation. Disney will often add or increase bus service between affected resorts and parks during extended pauses.
Where to check hours and any day‑of notes: Experience Disney Skyliner - Walking path backup If you are moving between International Gateway and Hollywood Studios, there is a walking path that parallels the waterway. Look for signs on the EPCOT map.
Reference: EPCOT map PDF walking path
Niko’s Note 🐾 During summer storms, grab a snack and relax. Lines usually resume once lightning clears the radius.
Comfort and Accessibility Notes
- Ventilation Cabins use reflective glass and cross‑breeze window vents rather than air conditioning. They feel best while moving.
Background primer: fan overviews discuss the passive ventilation design. See WDW Prep’s Skyliner guide for a plain language explanation. WDW Prep School - Strollers and mobility devices Follow the stroller size guideline (31 in by 52 in) and speak with the Cast Member for wheelchair and ECV boarding at the accessible load.
Official references: WDW Access PDF · planDisney ECV answer
Keep Planning
- Pillar: Getting Around Disney World… Monorail, Skyliner, Buses, Boats
- Compare: Monorail vs Skyliner… Which Is Faster Today
- Buses: Buses at Disney World… Avoid Long Waits
FAQ
Can I ride the Skyliner without a park ticket Yes. You can ride between resorts and to International Gateway without entering EPCOT. To pass the tap points into the park you need valid admission.
Does the Skyliner always run before Early Entry Hours vary by date and park. Check the Experience Disney Skyliner page on your morning and look for any day‑of note about operating windows or special hours on EPCOT Extended Evening Hours nights. Disney Skyliner hours note
Is there a direct line from Pop Century to EPCOT without changing No. You transfer at Caribbean Beach to reach EPCOT. Official network overview is on the Skyliner page. Disney Skyliner
Sources
- Official Disney Skyliner network and overview: Skyliner page
- Experience Disney Skyliner hours note including EPCOT Extended Evening Hours handling: Skyliner hours note
- EPCOT International Gateway and walking path indicator on the park map PDF: EPCOT map
- Stroller size policy (31 in by 52 in) and general access info in the Accessibility Planning Guide: WDW Access PDF
- ECV and wheelchair loading confirmation from planDisney: ECVs on Skyliner
- Passive ventilation background in a plain language primer: WDW Prep School… Skyliner guide
