Walt Disney World announces opening date for Disney Skyliner, new aerial transportation system

The long-awaited aerial transportation system at Walt Disney World Resort is set take flight this fall.

The company announced this week the Disney Skyliner, a state-of-the-art aerial gondola system, will begin carrying visitors high above the resort and theme parks Sept. 29.

“Welcome to the dawn of a new era in Walt Disney World transportation,” a video announcement touts.

Offering a bird's-eye view, the Disney Skyliner will connect Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios to four resort hotels: Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, Disney’s Pop Century Resort, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort and the new Disney’s Riviera Resort.

The newest resort, which is scheduled to open in December 2019, is accepting reservations. It will have a European Riviera theme.

Classic Disney icons such as Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Pluto, Goofy and Chip & Dale will be featured on the gondolas, along with some newer ones.

The "cabins" are wrapped in graphics featuring characters from such films as “Finding Dory,” “Monsters, Inc.” and “Ratatouille.”

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