A Disney Nightmare: Guests Stranded on Skyliner Amidst Terrifying Hurricane
In an unsettling incident at Walt Disney World Resort, guests found themselves stranded on the Skyliner transportation system as Hurricane Milton approached the Orlando area. Reports surfaced of the Skyliner moving only intermittently, stopping every 20 feet, leaving families anxiously waiting for the system to stabilize and safely transport them to their destination.
The incident comes at a critical time as Hurricane Milton, a category 5 storm, made landfall in Orlando last night, bringing strong winds, heavy rain, and severe weather warnings. With guests stuck high above the ground in Skyliner cabins, the situation felt particularly urgent. As the hurricane grew nearer, pressure was put on Disney to fix the mechanical issue.
Related: Disney World Extends Hurricane Policy—Does This Mean Days of Park Closures Ahead?
What is the Disney Skyliner?
The Disney Skyliner, which debuted in 2019, is an innovative gondola system designed to transport guests quickly and efficiently between several key locations at Walt Disney World Resort. The Skyliner connects Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Disney’s Pop Century Resort, and Disney’s Riviera Resort to EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. It’s become a fan-favorite transportation option, offering scenic views and a convenient alternative to buses and monorails.
However, the gondola system is not immune to weather-related or mechanical disruptions, as it operates high above the ground, making it vulnerable to strong winds and adverse conditions. Typically, the Skyliner shuts down during inclement weather to ensure guest safety. However, during the early hours of Hurricane Milton’s approach, some guests found themselves unexpectedly stuck, leading to a tense situation.
Safety Concerns Amid Hurricane Conditions
One guest reported that the gondolas were moving only in short bursts—approximately 20 feet at a time—before halting again. With guests left suspended mid-air, the delays heightened their anxiety, as many were hoping to return to their resorts and shelter from the worsening storm. The guest expressed concern, saying:
Skyliner Right Now
Transportation
For some reason, the Skyliner is operational and people (including family) are stuck on it. They’re staying at the Caribbean and it was the only transportation back. They’re telling me it moves about 20 feet and stops.
In any situation like this, the safety of Disney’s guests has remained a top priority. Walt Disney World Resort has a comprehensive emergency plan in place for extreme weather events, and the safety of guests and cast members remains their highest concern. In situations like this, the resort works closely with emergency management teams to ensure safe evacuation and transport.
Thankfully, all guests were able to be safely brought back to the loading station before the hurricane took full force. It is important to know that the Disney Skyliner is also capable of handling winds up to 50 mph.
